https://jessicalgardner.com/little-merry-sunshine-2007-2018/2022-07-27T23:57:56+00:00weekly0.6https://jessicalgardner.com/little-merry-sunshine-2007-2018-2/2022-07-27T23:51:28+00:00weekly0.6https://jessicalgardner.com/2014/01/12/8-12-months-100-new-experiences/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/47261-img_2185.jpgIMG_2185https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/154ba-img_2739.jpgIMG_2739New Experience #11. Climb Sleeping Bear Dunes. Here, I'm at the top and can see Lake Michigan.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/d575f-img_2292.jpgNew Experience #54. Visit Niagara Falls.New Experience #54. Visit Niagara Falls.2022-07-27T23:41:11+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/about-me/2022-07-27T23:17:13+00:00weekly0.6https://jessicalgardner.com/2022/07/27/hello-world/2022-07-27T22:20:40+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2018/07/18/ceramic-christmas-tree-adult/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/b60b3-00000013a-e1531926069645.jpg00000013aNana saw me as this little girl for most of my life.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/ecb21-nana-christmas-tree.jpgnana-christmas-treeThis Christmas tree told me that I was an adult in Nana's eyes.2018-07-18T15:25:57+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2018/07/01/little-merry-sunshine-11-anniversary/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/ad40e-blogging-photo-e1530488848848.jpgblogging-photoPhoto from Pixabay, licensed under CC0 Creative Commons License.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/54565-happy-anniversary-on-whiteboard-shows-romantic-celebration-or-gr-100260199.jpghappy-anniversary-on-whiteboard-shows-romantic-celebration-or-gr-100260199https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/bc2b6-happy-anniversary-means-greeting-congratulating-and-party-100281179-e1530488379840.jpghappy-anniversary-means-greeting-congratulating-and-party-100281179Photo courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net2018-07-01T23:52:07+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2018/06/25/united-states-stealing-children/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/892b4-time-magazine-migrant-children-e1529985418731.jpgTime Magazine coverTime Magazine cover, July 2, 2018.2018-06-26T03:56:17+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2018/06/14/mister-rogers/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/3a048-mr-rogers-1.jpgmr-rogers-1https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/b32b3-mr-rogers-2.jpgmr-rogers-2https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/1a680-mr.-rogers.jpgmr-rogers2018-06-14T19:33:16+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2018/04/22/blogging-is-sexy/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/a7ed0-notebook-and-pen-with-flower-on-white-wooden-table-100466552.jpgnotebook-and-pen-with-flower-on-white-wooden-table-100466552Photo courtesy of BugTiger at FreeDigitalPhoto.net2018-04-23T02:09:45+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2018/03/31/orbit-skate-center/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/d467b-orbit-skatesjpg.jpgorbit-skatesjpgI had these skates on for maybe five minutes last night.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/8bdea-orbit-sign-e1522535006586.jpgorbit-signOrbit Skate Center in Palatine opened 46 years ago.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/c0a79-orbit-rink.jpgorbit-rinkThe rink. Aside from the organ no longer residing in the far corner of the rink, it looked exactly the same as I remembered it.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/3030c-orbit-neck-brace.jpgorbit-neck-braceI am incredibly fortunate to have avoided serious injury last night. This sexy neck brace was more precautionary than anything else. Did my neck hurt, CT the hot EMT asked. Nope. Not until they put me in this neck brace and I couldn't move.2018-03-31T22:24:05+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2018/03/22/middle-aged/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/b8ac4-stilettosjpg.jpgstilettosjpgStilettos sure are beautiful AND they make me taller, but I'd rather be comfortable. Image courtesy of Maggie Smith at <a href="https://www.freedigitalphotos.net">FreeDigitalPhotos.net</a>.2018-03-22T20:30:21+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2017/10/16/the-me-too-posts-about-sexual-harassment-and-assault-upset-me-at-a-visceral-level/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/cefe1-id-100304678.jpgid-100304678Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at FreeDigitalImages.nethttps://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/0be86-sexual-harassment-by-david-castillo-dominici.-e1508186645298.jpgsexual-harassment-by-david-castillo-dominiciStop Sexual Harassment image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at FreeDigitalPhotos.net2017-10-16T21:05:18+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2017/07/04/sammy-gardner/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/28070-img_6101.jpgimg_6101Naps on Mom's thigh are the best.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/501ec-img_6020.jpgimg_6020Sibling love lasts forever.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/fb737-img_5995.jpgimg_5995I'm all tucked in for the night so let's go to sleep.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/0d3c7-img_5945.jpgimg_5945I have more talking to do and you need to listen to me!https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/ff96b-img_5882.jpgimg_5882Mom, you're just jealous because I'm so flexible. Also, rub my belly!https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/5bbde-img_5618.jpgimg_5618Where are we jet setting off to today, Mom?https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/70de9-img_5616.jpgimg_5616I'm the best hider.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/60652-img_5573.jpgimg_5573Mom, you do realize I am trying to sleep? Maybe you should give it a try.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/fad05-img_5229.jpgimg_5229It's a tough job, but someone has to keep Mom on track with her 200 Christmas cards in 2016. Plus, I have to put kitty kisses on this one to Brooke and Kevin.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/538d9-img_4956-e1499226087444.jpgimg_4956No, Mom, I am not fat. It's just the way I'm laying the couch.2017-07-05T03:59:40+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2017/04/25/is-my-headshot-a-gigantic-lie/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/2eca9-img_5940-1-e1493135450172.jpgimg_5940Dad and Me with our World Series Championship Trophy. March 2017.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/1912a-img_5789-e1493134666110.jpgimg_5789A Friday night out in March 2017.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/e0148-img_5466-e1493135300949.jpgimg_5466Sporting my pussyhat. This is my typical makeup level. January 2017.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/27bf1-img_3771-e1493134736657.jpgimg_3771Mom and Me at Crystal Beach Community Church. Little makeup because I'm on vacation. October 2016.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/1d811-img_2687-e1493135220377.jpgimg_2687A work event. I have very light makeup on here because I wear less makeup in the Summer. July 2016.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/8d2d0-img_7183-e1493134862686.jpgimg_7183Headshot hair and makeup, but without perfect lighting and airbrushing. December 2014.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/47cd4-img_6968-e1493135107502.jpgimg_6968A typical work morning and typical work makeup and hair. Winter 2016.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/6058f-img_9350-e1493134995714.jpgIMG_9350Dave and Me in my natural state without makeup just off the beach. My rosacea is on full display. August 2015.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/a5037-audia.net-2014-jessica-gardner_2014-12-06_00098-web.jpgPortrait/HeadshotsProfessional Headshot. December 2014. © Audia.net2017-04-25T16:10:22+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2017/04/13/united-friendly-skies/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/6914d-ual-by-heather-charles-tribune-2013-e1492116391620.jpgual-by-heather-charles-tribune-2013Photo credit: Heather Charles, Chicago Tribune 20132017-04-13T20:57:03+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2017/04/02/cubs-win/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/f4e15-img_5938-e1491171222736.jpgimg_5938Dad standing outside Misner Auditorium in Central School waiting to see the Cubs' World Series Trophy. Misner Auditorium was named for Dr. Misner, who was the superintendent for 30 years and father of my dad's best friend, Craig.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/c026d-img_5940-e1491171090406.jpgimg_5940Finally, Dad and I got our 15 seconds with Tiffany, the Cubs' World Series Championship Trophy. Tiffany is the super secret code name given to the trophy by the Cubs. I have no idea why.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/b899a-img_5917-e1491171012428.jpgimg_5917We stood in line for almost 2 hours and were one of the first 50 people (of 500) to get bracelets that would let us have an audience with the trophy. While in line, we were interviewed by the <i>Glencoe News</i> and you can read the story <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/glencoe/news/ct-gln-cubs-trophy-visit-tl-0330-20170322-story.html">here</a>.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/3058b-img_5914-e1491170978243.jpgimg_5914In March I learned that the World Series Trophy would be visiting Central School in Glencoe. Because Dad attended Central School, I immediately called to <s>invite</s> cajole him into visiting so we could share this once in a lifetime event together. While in Glencoe, we walked a block from the school to the house he grew up in, which was built in 1910 and is now a Glencoe Landmark House.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/fcf49-img_5067-e1491170908641.jpgimg_5067In December I stumbled upon this replica of the World Series Trophy Cubs' store on Michigan Ave. I took this photo because I figured this would be the closest I'd ever get to the actual trophy. Little did I know . . . https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/ffda4-img_4952-e1491170853926.jpgimg_4952For his birthday, I personally delivered my dad's birthday gift to him in Indianapolis. He'd waited his entire life for this (the Cubs were last in the World Series one month before he was born in 1945), so the least I could do was hand deliver it.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/fa5b9-img_4869-e1491170767725.jpgimg_4869At Christmas, Chicago's City Hall even got into the Cubs' spirit.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/80836-img_4697-e1491170723762.jpgimg_4697Me with the Art Institute Lion showing its Cubs' spirit.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/bba31-img_4683-1-e1491170653731.jpgimg_4683Shannon and me with 5 million of our closest friends at the Cubs' World Series Championship Parade!2017-04-02T22:51:06+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2017/04/01/practicing-mindfulness/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/19312-img_5947-e1491077116259.jpgimg_5947A tree wrapped in yarn outside located outside of the food pantry.2017-04-01T20:08:12+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2017/02/26/best-picture-oscar/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/5d7a8-oscar-photo-e1488157556889.jpgoscar-photo2017-02-27T01:18:19+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2017/01/08/kindness-smartphone-detox/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/1f7f5-smartphone-by-emptyglassemptyglass-e1483893081362.jpgsmartphone-by-emptyglassemptyglassImage courtesy of empty glass at FreeDigitalPhotos.nethttps://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/16c2e-smart-phone-detox.jpgsmart-phone-detoxPopSugar's Smartphone Detox2017-01-08T16:32:20+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2017/01/06/100-self-kindness/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/55f12-selfcare-is-not-selfish.jpgselfcare-is-not-selfishhttps://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/8366c-kindness-ripples.jpgkindness-ripples2017-01-06T17:07:30+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2017/01/03/100-acts-of-kindness/2017-01-03T22:39:58+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/kindness/2017-01-03T19:04:19+00:00weekly0.6https://jessicalgardner.com/2017/01/02/kindness-2017-intro/2017-01-02T20:07:32+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2016/12/31/favorite-experiences-2016/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/ae9c6-img_3031-e1483212010582.jpgimg_3031On my last day at Watervale, Dave taught me how to <a href="http://www.chicagonow.com/little-merry-sunshine/2016/08/learning-to-paddle-board/">Stand-up Paddle Board</a>. I can't wait to get back up on the paddle board next summer. <a href="http://www.chicagonow.com/little-merry-sunshine/2016/08/paddle-board-celebrate-success/">Second post about SUP.</a>https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/9587a-img_2729-e1483212058653.jpgimg_2729#5 I saw Dolly Parton in concert at Ravinia. She's a total badass. Sadly, this is as close as I was able to get to Dolly.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/3b0de-img_2417-e1483211927369.jpgimg_2417#4 I spent Nana's 100th birthday in Crystal Beach, Florida. Here I am in Crystal Beach Community Church standing in front of Nana's window. Moments later, I read the eulogy I gave for her from the pulpit to an empty sanctuary.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/f69a9-img_5196-e1483210550945.jpgimg_5196The truth is that I had to take CPA twice in order to graduate. The first time I was unable to complete the program, but this time I graduated with flying colors. Pictured with Sgt. Brett Marquette (who it turns out went to my high school), Commander Mike Lange, and Chief Karl Waldorf.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/34f99-img_5065-e1483210605181.jpgimg_5065Thanks to the generosity of fellow ChicagoNow blogger, Teme, author of <a href="http://www.chicagonow.com/comedians-defying-gravity/">Comedians Defying Gravity</a>, I was able to make the second trip. Teme sent me a 12 pairs of socks, 12 toothbrushes, 12 toothpastes, 12 pairs of foot warmers, and 20 pairs of hand warmers to add to the bags.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/e73b5-img_5055-e1483210641947.jpgimg_5055#9 I participated in the Citizens' Police Academy with the Lake Forest Police Department. One of the great things we did was learn how to shoot a gun. I took this guy down with an AR-15.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/c359d-img_4869-e1483210694199.jpgimg_4869Even the County Building was decked out to celebrate the Cubs!https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/3823a-img_4856-e1483210720165.jpgimg_4856#10 I wound down 2016 with two trips to Chicago to pass out <a href="http://www.chicagonow.com/little-merry-sunshine/2016/11/homeless-helper-bags-2016-edition/">Homeless Helper Bags</a>. https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/e36e8-img_4697-e1483210742705.jpgimg_4697Even the lions of the Art Institute were decked out appropriately. By the way, it was about 70 degrees on November 5th.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/0965f-img_4683-e1483210774428.jpgimg_4683#8 The Cubs won the World Series and broke the 108 year curse. Shannon and I attended their championship celebration in Grant Park with 5 million of our closest friends.2016-12-31T21:13:28+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2016/11/22/politically-active/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/77774-congress.jpgcongressPhoto courtesy of suraches at FreeDigitalPhotos.nethttps://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/34148-congress-100438288.jpgcongress-100438288Photo courtesy of Suraches at FreeDigitalPhotos.net2016-11-22T15:00:52+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2016/11/21/homeless-helper-bags-2016-edition/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/ac365-one-act-of-kindness-wont-change-the-world-but-it-may-change-one-persons-world.-e1483387297677.jpgone-act-of-kindness-wont-change-the-world-but-it-may-change-one-persons-worldhttps://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/a2f20-img_4858-e1479745980997.jpgimg_4858https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/d94ee-img_4857.jpgimg_4857https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/be407-img_4856.jpgimg_4856https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/cf243-img_4865-e1479745598596.jpgimg_4865Homeless man sitting outside Cafe Baci as many business people each lunch just feet from him, yet a world away.2016-11-21T16:49:16+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2016/11/07/top-secret-plan-to-defeat-donald-trump/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/08a68-hillary_clinton_official_secretary_of_state_portrait_crop.jpghillary_clinton_official_secretary_of_state_portrait_cropHillary Clinton Official Secretary of State portrait, from Wikipedia2016-11-07T15:57:34+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2016/08/31/lawyer/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/9fc08-susan-dey-2.jpgSusan Dey 2I'd seen myself as Grace Van Owen from <i>LA Law</i> for as long as I could remember. Image from <a href="http://https://www.myreviewer.com/DVD/158047/LA-Law-Season-5/158100/Review-by-Jitendar-Canth/html/">MyReviewer.com</a>.2016-09-01T03:00:03+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2016/08/25/paddle-board-celebrate-success/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/64784-freedom-by-graur-razvan-ionut.jpgFreedom by graur razvan ionutYou've got to celebrate your success! Image courtesy of graur razvan ionut at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/95f0a-success-photo-by-markuso-e1472142299776.jpgSuccess photo by markusoYou've got to celebrate your success! Image courtesy of markuso at FreeDigitalPhotos.net2016-08-25T16:30:05+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2016/08/24/learning-to-paddle-board/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/f8d03-paddle-board-1-e1472069690366.jpgPaddle Board 1I successfully navigated this turn without getting the fin stuck on the ropes.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/3726a-paddle-board-2.jpgPaddle Board 2https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/5c023-paddle-board-3-e1488433080329.jpgPaddle Board 3I'm about 150 feet from shore, beyond the third buoy.2016-08-24T20:25:11+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2016/01/19/bernies-book-bank/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/e8e69-bbb-exterior-sign-e1453259727220.jpgBBB Exterior Sign2016-01-20T03:23:20+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2016/01/14/cookbook/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/be4d7-slide10-e1452782245628.jpgSlide10Ah . . . Grandma's Cocktail. I'm not saying she drank a lot, but the fact that we all learned how to make this at an early age probably says something.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/cb7ce-slide09-e1452782176927.jpgSlide09Grandpa was such an integral part of the founding of Lamb's Farm that the cookbook would have incomplete without their butter cookie recipe. Plus, I don't know if my younger cousins know this bit of our history.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/23e2a-slide08-e1452782121783.jpgSlide08I love these recipes because they're just funny. The Gardners are obviously not a fancy people.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/5efcb-slide07-e1452782031860.jpgSlide07I remember Grandma making this dish more than any other. We all make it slightly differently, but we all love it.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/001d1-slide06-e1452781962823.jpgSlide06Rolled Ham. I'm kind of grateful I couldn't find this recipe because it did not sound appetizing at all, but I love the story and love that my dad really was working hard to contribute to the cookbook.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/fdff9-slide05-e1452781863929.jpgSlide05This is a perfect example of having a great story, but no recipe. Evie sent me the story of her family vacation to Cape Cod to visit our Great Aunt Evie and Great Uncle Skip. I found a lobster boil recipe to accompany the story and photo.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/d5fdf-slide04-e1452781771190.jpgSlide04Uncle Ray's finished chili. Don't you wish you could dip a spoon into the picture?https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/37a7f-slide03-e1452781672567.jpgSlide03My late Uncle Ray was a fabulous cook. I love this story from his daughter, Evie, about how he shared his chili with his coworkers at the annual Bears-Packers football game.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/84694-slide02-e1452781620374.jpgSlide02Is any cookbook complete without Chex Mix? My favorite part of this recipe is having Grandma's handwritten recipe card.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/961de-slide01-e1452781484597.jpgSlide01This photo was taken at our 1987 family reunion on Sanibel Island. I'm in the back row, fourth from the right in a green dress.2016-01-14T14:45:30+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2016/01/09/powerball-winnings/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/80e99-powerball-e1452384434634.jpgPowerballGood luck with the Powerball drawing tonight, but I've already won.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/6e5d2-img_9118-e1452382925126.jpgIMG_9118My new house. Don't worry. I'll leave the gates. © Jessica L. Gardner2016-01-10T00:08:48+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2016/01/05/holiday-gift-tags/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/629ed-img_0915-e1452019673639.jpgIMG_0915Choose a gift tag that will cover up the writing on the bag, use a glue stick or scotch tape to cover up the writing on the bag, and you've now got a festive DIY gift bag too.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/d3ec1-img_0914.jpgIMG_0914I also recycle high quality shopping bags (not grocery bags). I don't really like providing free advertising for the company, nor does the name on the bag necessarily reflect what's inside. Even if it does, I prefer to create more of a surprise for the gift recipient by making the bag more festive. https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/14255-img_0913-e1452019405683.jpgIMG_0913Completed gift tags. Note the variety of shapes of the tags. Simply write your message on the back of the tag, attach to your package, and you're done.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/c835c-img_0911.jpgIMG_0911Cut off the bottom portion of the card and then cut your new gift tag into a design that highlights the best part of the tag. You can remove extraneous decor on the card that doesn't add anything to your gift tag. I also like to cut my cards in a way that follows the outline of the part I'm focussed on because plain rectangle gift tags are boring.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/c92e0-img_0910-e1452019255173.jpgIMG_0910Confirm that it has no message on the inside of the cover. There is a lovely message on the bottom of the card, but I'm not going to be using that part, so that's okay. Just make sure that the back of the part you want to use is blank.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/b351d-img_0909-e1452019135383.jpgIMG_0909Starting with the first card . . . https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/72ee5-img_0907-e1452019090526.jpgIMG_0907These are the cards for my DIY gift tags.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/0ffa4-img_0906-e1452019044760.jpgIMG_0906All of the 2015 holiday cards I received.2016-01-05T18:57:42+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2015/11/26/the-butterball-turkey-talk-line-the-saving-grace-for-every-thanksgiving-chef/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/7634f-turkey.jpgturkeyPhoto courtesy of nongpimmy at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.2015-11-26T14:00:21+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2015/11/25/full-moon-restaurant-where-everyone-receives-a-free-thanksgiving-dinner/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/8ffca-sspx0361-e1448485989863.jpgSSPX0361The Full Moon is my second favorite restaurant. (c) Jessica L. Gardner2015-11-25T21:17:09+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2015/11/18/hospital-waiting-room-etiquette/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/5dbff-hospital-waiting-room-by-ambro-at-freedigitalphotos.jpgHospital Waiting Room by Ambro at FreeDigitalPhotosHospital waiting rooms are not my favorite place to hang out. Photo courtesy of Ambro at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.2015-11-18T20:11:59+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2015/11/10/story-time-brad-meltzer/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/bd881-storytime-with-brad-11-e1447134296834.jpegStoryTime With Brad 1[1]Two kids watching Story Time with Brad Meltzer. Photo posted on Brad Meltzer's Facebook page by a fan and used with permission of Brad Meltzer.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/1d3de-storytime-with-brad-51-e1447131327923.jpegStoryTime With Brad 5[1]A dad and his son enjoying Story Time with Brad Meltzer. Photo posted on Brad Meltzer's Facebook page by a fan and used with permission of Brad Meltzer.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/aad8a-earhart-140x140-e1447135078141.jpgearhart-140x140Brad Meltzer read his best-seller, <i>I am Amelia Earhart</i> in a live Facebook event. Image courtesy of Brad Meltzer.2015-11-10T06:06:10+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2015/10/05/happy-birthday-dave/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/ef856-dave-mom-e1444068748607.jpgDave MomMom and Son selfie at Sleeping Bear Dunes, September 2013.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/2a8b7-dave-house-e1444068649472.jpgDave HouseDave at home, 2013.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/fa479-dave-palestine.jpgDave PalestineDave running 5 marathons in 5 days and providing humanitarian assistance as part of <a href="http://onthegroundglobal.org/project-palestine/">Run Across Palestine</a>, February 2012. You can read my posts about the run <a href="http://littlemerrysunshine.blogspot.com/2012/02/run-across-palestine-day-1-before-run.html">here</a>, <a href="http://littlemerrysunshine.blogspot.com/2012/02/run-across-palestine-at-starting-line.html">here</a>, <a href="http://littlemerrysunshine.blogspot.com/2012/02/run-across-palestine-day-1-not-so-fast.html">here</a> and <a href="http://littlemerrysunshine.blogspot.com/2012/02/day-3-at-wall.html">here</a>.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/acd0f-dave-belly-dancer-e1444068734231.jpgDave Belly DancerCelebrating Grandpa Gardner's birthday with a belly dancer, Sanibel Island, June 1987. Dave is 12 here.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/5cf23-00000026a-e1444051117887.jpg00000026aDave still hamming it up with his Raggedy Andy doll, Winter 1978. Pictured: Dave, Nana, and me.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/f4935-00000004-e1444069042151.jpg00000004Dave's high school graduation, June 1992. Pictured: Dave, Dad, Nana, Mom, and me.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/79147-00000024b-e1444068790206.jpg00000024bVisiting Nana, Crystal Beach, Florida, July 2002. Pictured: Mom, Nana, Dave, and me.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/bf0d7-dave-linda-jlg-dad-watervale-2005-e1444069130572.jpgDave Linda JLG dad Watervale 2005This is one of my favorite pictures of Dave. Last night at Watervale, 2005. Pictured: Dave, Linda, me, and Dad.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/9c779-dave-sitting-on-the-edge-of-the-bowl-e1444068833543.jpgDave sitting on the edge of the BowlDave sitting on the edge of the Bowl at the top of Baldy, August 2010.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/da3a2-img_9324-e1444070392286.jpgIMG_9324Kite surfing like the bad ass he is at the Watervale Big Beach The sunset was kind of a bust, but the entertainment received 5-stars. August 2015.2015-10-05T18:57:51+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2015/10/04/sue-ellen-ewing/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/3540a-img_0180-e1443980691463.jpgIMG_0180I wanted to ask her to sign my book with the famous line from the eulogy Sue Ellen gave for JR, "I'm a little bit drunk right now," but I chickened out. After being sober for many years, Sue Ellen fell off the wagon the night before JR's funeral in the 2012 reboot of <i>Dallas</i>.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/be75a-img_0187-e1443980611163.jpgIMG_0187Sue Ellen and Linda are nothing alike. Linda says they're friends and have lunch from time-to-time, though.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/b9bfc-img_0045.jpgIMG_0045https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/2d7cb-img_0188-e1443979394215.jpgIMG_0188Can you believe that Linda Gray is in her 70s? © Jessica Gardner.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/a693c-img_0046.jpgIMG_00462015-10-04T18:13:48+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2015/10/02/garage-sale-childhood-memories/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/90960-img_9800-e1443816519391.jpgIMG_9800Slinkies, puzzles, and board games. That's how we entertained ourselves in the 1970s and 1980s before video games.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/e0d14-img_9777-e1443815904669.jpgIMG_9777These were our desks. Mom salvaged them from the dumpsters at our elementary school in 1976 when they got new desks. Mine was the desk on the right. I cried and cried when I decided to place these in the garage sale. Of all the items we were selling, these were the most difficult.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/4ffe7-img_9959-e1443816884459.jpgIMG_9959This bear, handmade from rabbit fur (I assume it was dyed because I haven't seen many blue rabbits), was a Christmas gift from my dad in 1987. He came with adoption papers, a hat, and some additional neckties. They're in his bag.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/17585-img_9798-e1443816130136.jpgIMG_9798I played the flute from 5th grade through my sophomore year of high school, when I quit band to take drivers ed.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/eba26-img_9975-e1443816197199.jpgIMG_9975This maple bed was Dave's. Before that, it was our dad's childhood bed and is part of a two bed set. Both beds were for sale and both need to be refinished.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/8dfec-img_9823-e1443816479126.jpgIMG_9823Starting at age 9, as I was beginning to question whether he was real, Santa brought me one handmade doll per year through age 12, even though I'd stopped believing at age 10.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/e5e00-img_9951-e1443816673923.jpgIMG_9951This guy showed up in my life shortly after the Bears won the Superbowl.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/90ba6-img_9795-e1443815193287.jpgIMG_9795This mahogany four-poster bed was mine from the time I was 11 until I went off to college. My original bed burned up in our <a href="http://littlemerrysunshine.blogspot.com/2008/04/my-house-burned-down-today-26-years-ago.html">1982 house fire</a> and this beauty came from a furniture store in Long Grove.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dab20-img_9778-e1443815832426.jpgIMG_9778I honestly don't know how Rocky made it through two kids, but he did. And he's not much worse for the wear.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/5c44b-img_9803-e1443816506355.jpgIMG_9803Our bikes also burned up in the fire. This Schwinn World Tourist was my mom's bike.2015-10-02T20:21:52+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2015/09/30/bff-mary/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/c6707-img_0027-e1443798919887.jpgIMG_0027Mary and I loved to roller-skate. It was the 1970s, so let's leave my fashion choices alone.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/c1aa3-img_0026-e1443798447728.jpgIMG_00262015-10-01T03:15:49+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2015/09/30/garage-sale-tips/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/c9f93-img_9819.jpgIMG_9819https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/56513-img_9825-e1443626457389.jpgIMG_9825The technology table at my garage sale.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/64187-slide1.jpgSlide1Which sign is easier to read from a distance?2015-09-30T15:36:10+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2015/09/11/september-11/2015-09-11T17:02:20+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2015/08/26/night-terrors/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/f18d0-dadjess.jpgDad&Jesshttps://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/aef18-dadjess1-e1440646683797.jpgDad&JessProbably the last time I slept like a baby. With my dad in 1971.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/9b390-file-aug-26-9-48-27-pm-e1440645046131.pngFile Aug 26, 9 48 27 PMMy sleep from Friday to Saturday, August 14 - 15, 2015.2015-08-27T03:29:16+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/life-list-year-3/2015-08-18T19:28:26+00:00weekly0.6https://jessicalgardner.com/2015/08/14/school-supplies/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/c53b6-naacp-e1439573301611.jpgNAACPThe NAACP is holding a Community TOMORROW, August 15th from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Bowen Park. They'll be giving away 100 backpacks that contain some school supplies (but not everything kids need). The event is open to kids in grades K-12. Rosalind Franklin University will be offering a health fair and free health screenings including sports physicals, cholesterol test (12-hour fast required), blood pressure, a non-fasting glucose test.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/52b32-id-100240448-e1439571502849.jpgID-100240448Photo courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.nethttps://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/75aad-slide1-e1439567890837.jpgSlide1The First Baptist Church in Waukegan will be holding a block party on Saturday, August 22nd from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. where they'll give away backpacks with school supplies (registration and a parent required), free haircuts, food, and much more. This event is open to the public.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/f5878-img_9122-e1439568765703.jpgIMG_91222015-08-14T17:21:42+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2015/08/12/good-leader/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/019e0-leaders1-e1439563406438.jpgleaders12015-08-13T01:24:15+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2015/07/29/adult-temper-tantrums/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/6712c-id-100108725.jpgID-100108725Don't let this woman scream at you. Image courtesy of imagerymajestic at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.2015-07-30T03:36:18+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2015/07/27/streak/2015-07-27T15:21:46+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2015/07/13/huffington-post-mammograms/2015-07-13T14:55:06+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2015/06/28/gay-marriage/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/b996a-rainbow_usa_2015_map-e1435526154128.jpgRainbow_USA_2015_MapOn June 25, 2015, 37 of 50 states had marriage equality. States without marriage equality included: North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Texas, Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, and Michigan. Map from <a href="http://planetmundus.com/dichotomous-america/">PlanetMundus.com</a>https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/4f349-marriage-equality-map-lambda-legal-human-rights-campaign.pngMarriage Equality Map, Lambda Legal, Human Rights CampaignOn June 26, 2015, that all changed. This map shows states in which gay marriage is now legal. Spoiler alert: It's <b>every single state</b>. Photo from Lambda Legal, Human Rights Campaign.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/81647-sammy-and-zoey-e1435525288103.jpgSammy and ZoeyEven Sammy and Zoey believe that marriage is marriage and everyone should be free to love whomever they wish.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/d7870-me-e1435525348869.jpgMeI'm a straight ally and thrilled that ALL of my friends can marry.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/8a8a0-collage-reuter-desario-e1435521331978.jpgCollage Reuter - DeSarioMy straight friends prove love wins every time.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/7792a-college-bryn-lobenhofer-e1435520670664.jpgCollege Bryn-LobenhoferMy friends are straight, but not narrow.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/ea540-collage-drozd-bahry-e1435521797145.jpgCollage Drozd - BahryMarriage . . . it's not just for heterosexuals anymore.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/f42cc-collage-reed-maher-e1435520774840.jpgCollage Reed - MaherMy friends are straight allies.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/2d1f0-white-house-by-gary-cameron-reuters.jpgWhite House by Gary Cameron, ReutersThe White House specially lit to celebrate the decision in <u>Obergefell v. Hodges</u>, No. 14-556, slip op. (U.S. June 26, 2015).https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/d2a5f-collage-sykes-truman-e1435521966956.jpgCollage Sykes - TrumanMy straight friends believe in marriage equality.2015-06-28T21:47:15+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2015/06/24/best/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/33af6-from-stuart-miles-freedigitalphotos.jpgFrom Stuart Miles FreeDigitalPhotosPhoto courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net2015-06-25T03:08:41+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2015/06/21/pay-it-forward-freaked-me-out/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/40800-file-jun-21-1-43-04-pm-e1434913342488.jpegFile Jun 21, 1 43 04 PMA $3.00 pay it forward taught me a lesson about unconditional love. © Jessica L. Gardner2015-06-21T19:36:02+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2015/05/29/marketing-emails/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/0a484-stuart-miles-freedigitialphotos.net_.jpgStuart Miles freedigitialphotos.netPhoto courtesy of Stuart Miles, FreeDigitalPhotos.net2015-05-29T18:24:56+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2015/05/20/david-letterman/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/02f42-img_8575-e1432128893440.jpgIMG_8575David Letterman opening The Late Show in Washington D.C. I took this picture yesterday while watching the VCR recording of the show at my mom's house. © Jessica L. Gardner (as though anyone would want to steal this pic)2015-05-20T13:43:12+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2015/05/19/cheez-its/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/59915-homemade-cheez-its-2-e1432057341313.jpghomemade cheez its 2Pepper jack Cheez-Its. © Jessica L. Gardnerhttps://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/e67e7-homemade-cheez-its-1-e1432057463292.jpghomemade cheez its 1Homemade mild cheddar Cheez-Its. Fully baked. © Jessica L. Gardner2015-05-19T17:40:18+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2015/05/14/seven-things-i-know-about-writing/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/0db19-image-from-praisaeng-at-freedigitalphotos.jpgImage from Praisaeng at freedigitalphotosImage courtesy of Praisaeng at FreeDigitalPhotos.net2015-05-14T15:41:21+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2015/05/08/eobs/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/759a2-image-from-phasinphoto-freedigitalimages.jpgImage from phasinphoto, freedigitalimagesImage courtesy of phasinphoto at FreeDigitalImages.net2015-05-08T14:39:19+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2015/04/16/family-traditions/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/7b014-img_8351-e1429222149799.pngIMG_8351Giff & Peggy Gardner Family Reunion on Sanibel Island in 1987. Back: Ray, Andy, Andrea, Giff, Glenda, Jessica, John, Dave, Peter, & Jeff. Front: Connie, Evie, Kathy, Giff, Peggy, Barb & Anna.2015-04-16T22:22:19+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2015/04/13/survey/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/05746-courtesy-of-stuart-miles-at-freedigitalimagesnet.jpgcourtesy of Stuart Miles at freedigitalimagesnetImage courtesy of Stuart Miles, freedigitalphotos.net.2015-04-13T16:16:08+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2015/04/01/multiple-sclerosi/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/56219-fullsizerender-e1427908162220.jpgFullSizeRenderBeth Prystowsky, Wife, Mom, Writer, Yoga Instructor, MS Advocate, Inspiration. © Jessica L. Gardnerhttps://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/ba873-realpeoplewithms26-e1427907781390.jpegRealPeoplewithMS26#RealPeopleWithMS © Beth Prystowsky2015-04-01T17:02:32+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2015/03/28/mortgage/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/76c05-courtesy-of-posterize-from-freedigitalphotos.net_.jpgcourtesy of posterize from freedigitalphotos.netImage courtesy of posterize from freedigitalphotos.net2015-03-28T16:19:51+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2015/03/26/whats-your-story/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/7b688-story.jpgstoryEveryone has a story. What's yours? Image courtesy of Felixco, Inc. at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.2015-03-26T17:22:22+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2015/03/20/welcome-back-spring/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/c281a-071-e1426873636636.jpg071Flowers from the Chicago Flower & Garden Show, March 2010. © Jessica L. Gardner2015-03-20T22:45:03+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2015/03/19/rape/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/bfffd-young-woman-being-raped.jpgYoung woman being rapedPhoto courtesy of aaadamr at freedigitialphotos.net2015-03-20T01:20:21+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2015/03/11/fred/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/d9b2a-not-fred.jpgNot FredThis is not Fred, but Fred looked like this. Photo courtesy of chrisroll at FreeDigitalImages.net.2015-03-11T20:32:45+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2015/03/11/happy-or-stupid/2015-03-11T14:26:08+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2015/02/13/hate-valentines-day/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/3d2bf-image-courtesy-of-sweetcrisis-freedigitalphotos.net_.jpgImage courtesy of SweetCrisis, freedigitalphotos.netImage courtesy of SweetCrisis at FreeDigitalPhotos.net2015-02-13T19:42:14+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2015/02/11/jackie-robinson-west/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/503cb-chi-jrw11-butler-ct0020937311-20140826.jpgchi-jrw11-butler-ct0020937311-20140826Photo courtesy of Nuccio DiNuzzo, Chicago Tribune.2015-02-11T17:33:33+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2015/01/25/text-spam/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/f99ce-photo-courtesy-of-patrisyu-at-freedigitalphotos.net_-e1422245414175.jpgPhoto courtesy of patrisyu at freedigitalphotos.netPhoto courtesy of patrisyu at freedigitalphotos.net2015-01-26T04:22:46+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2015/01/12/professional-headshot/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/c7c77-img_7183-e1421091392474.jpgIMG_7183This is a selfie I took after my make-up was done. Granted, the lighting isn't great, but the difference between how I looked when I showed up and how I looked 45 minutes later is remarkable. I still look like me, just better. © Jessica L. Gardnerhttps://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/f5d4d-img_7179-e1421091644229.jpgIMG_7179I was told to arrive with a naked face, well foundation only, for my headshot make-up. I look exhausted here. © Jessica L. Gardnerhttps://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/92699-img_6976-e1421091547268.jpgIMG_6976This is a selfie I took shortly after getting progressives in October 2014. I like the picture and it represents me well, but it's obvious it's a selfie and not a professional photo. © Jessica L. Gardnerhttps://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/b97a9-jessicagardner-lfgsm-e1421091580631.jpgJessicaGardner - LFGSMApril 2011 professional headshot. It's not bad, but it's not great. Originally, it had a white background that washed me out.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/e8aa2-audia.net-2014-jessica-gardner_2014-12-06_00098-web1.jpgPortrait/Headshots© Audia.net2015-01-12T19:57:29+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2015/01/11/livingston-gifford-gardner/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/e37e4-00000018-e1421039554632.jpg00000018A few days before Grandpa died. Until the very end, he had a smile on his face. No, we won't discuss my fashion choice here.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/de326-hpim0468-e1421034055396.jpgHPIM0468I don't remember what year I sent this to Grandpa, but after he died, Grandma sent it to me with a note telling me how much he loved it and that it hung on the wall in his room at the nursing home for a long time. (c) Jessica L. Gardner2015-01-12T05:25:40+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2015/01/06/winter-driving-101-or-how-to-drive-in-chicago-without-being-a-jackass/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/0e0c8-winter-traffice-by-nuccio-dinuzzochicago-tribune-e1420572490836.jpgWinter traffice by Nuccio DiNuzzo:Chicago TribuneWinter driving courtesy of Nuccio DiNuzzo/Chicago Tribune.2015-01-06T19:34:17+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/12/17/how-do-you-say-goodbye-to-a-lifelong-dream/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/1a69d-slide1-e1418834494566.jpgSlide1Thing 1 and Thing 2 inside my uterus. Mickey Mouse ears or alien eyes? You decide.2014-12-17T16:41:13+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/12/08/31-days-of-random-acts-of-kindness-week-1-results/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/31177-kindness-ripple-2-e1418064914253.jpgkindness ripple 2Image from Pinteresthttps://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/06a0e-kindness-ripples-e1418064642502.jpgkindness ripplesImage from Pinterest.com2014-12-08T19:14:54+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/11/29/little-merry-sunshine-joins-bloglovin/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/0dc29-keep-calm-and-follow-me-on-bloglovin-3_large.pngkeep-calm-and-follow-me-on-bloglovin-3_largehttps://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/012bc-bloglovin_png_zps523b9839-e1417313229351.pngBloglovin_png_zps523b98392014-11-30T02:07:53+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/11/27/homeless-helper-bags/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/02546-hh-bag-contents.jpgHH bag contentsHomeless Helper Bag contents. © Jessica L. Gardner.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/c7b0b-hh-bag-front.jpgHH bag frontFully packed Homeless Helper Bag. Image © Jessica Gardner.2014-11-28T03:37:25+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/11/27/thanksgiving-west-wing/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/56838-west_wing_s4_dvd.jpgWest_Wing_S4_DVD<i>The West Wing</i>, 4th Season DVD set cover. Image from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_West_Wing_(season_4)">Wikipedia.</a>2014-11-27T16:38:22+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/11/26/random-acts-of-kindness-2014/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/887d0-kindness-picture-e1483483141229.jpgKindness pictureImage from Pinterest with no attribution (If anyone knows the original source, please let me know and I'll cite it).2014-11-27T00:07:35+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/11/26/elf-on-the-shelf-turns-this-hater-into-a-believer/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/756fd-elf-on-the-shelf-ideas4-e1417011219736.pngelf-on-the-shelf-ideas4Is this the lesson you want your Elf to teach your kids? Image via Pinterest.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/b3c97-elfontheshelf-mischief-e1417010993520.jpgelfontheshelf-mischiefI hope the Elf didn't use a Sharpie. Image via Pinterest.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/8f9e8-box-set-e1417010862172.jpgbox setElf on the Shelf box set. Image via <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Elf-Shelf-Christmas-Tradition-light/dp/0976990709">Amazon.</a>2014-11-26T14:23:21+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/11/25/holiday-walk-a-mile-day/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/ab22f-walk-in-my-shoes.jpgWalk in My shoesImage from <a href="http://www.coolestmommy.com/2012/01/tips-on-tuesday-walk-mile-in-someones.html">Coolestmommy's Coolest Thoughts.</a>https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/2a17f-walk-a-mile.jpgwalk a mile2014-11-26T03:57:49+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/11/24/bill-cosby-rape-allegations-legacy/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/d839f-anti-rape-cake-e1416854451302.jpganti-rape-cakeAnti-rape cake from <a href="http://thescope.ca/music/throwingstones/colonel-craze-and-the-hunch-cd-release"><i>The Scope</i></a>.2014-11-24T18:44:36+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/11/18/chicagonow-blogiversary/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/ff7ba-champagne-e1416185517975.jpgchampagnePop the champagne! It's my 1 year blogiversary at ChicagoNow. Image from <a href="http://jimsfear.blogspot.com/2011/09/1-year-anniversary-kind-of.html">Jim's Fear Blog.</a>2014-11-18T14:35:22+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/11/17/meditation-and-mindfulness/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/d3ae0-image-from-stockimages-freedigitalimages.net_.jpgimage from stockimages, freedigitalimages.netDeveloping a meditation and mindfulness practice is free and requires no special clothing or equipment. Image courtesy of stock images, freedigitalphotos.net2014-11-17T19:43:49+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/11/14/this-i-believe/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/f3e97-bull-durham-movie-poster.jpgBull Durham movie poster<i>Bull Durham</i> movie post from <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094812/">IMDB.</a>https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/aeb0f-image-courtesy-of-thepathtraveler-freedigitalphotos.net_.jpgimage courtesy of thepathtraveler, freedigitalphotos.netImage courtesy of thepathtraveler, freedigitalphotos.net2014-11-14T20:10:23+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/11/12/6-things-breast-cancer/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/413ab-ht_breast_cancer_detection_kb_131001_4x3t_384.jpght_breast_cancer_detection_kb_131001_4x3t_384"Employees from the Omni Bedford Springs in Bedford Springs, Pa., participate annually in the local Making Strides for Breast Cancer Walk." Photo from Omni Bedford Springs, on <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/hotels-pink-breast-cancer-awareness/story?id=20435908"> ABC News.</a>2014-11-12T21:52:34+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/11/12/papilloma/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/99ebb-cancer-free-e1415803286465.jpgcancer freePhoto from http://aaronlaughswithcancer.tumblr.com.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/c29d3-bse-via-marin.jpgBSE via marinFeel your boobies. Image via Marin on FreeDigitalPhotos.net.2014-11-12T14:43:20+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/11/10/post-lumpectomy-recovery/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/90728-photo1.jpgphotoIt's not pretty, but it's the Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, and Roasted Veggies I was craving. © Jessica L. Gardnerhttps://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/37255-pink-ribbon.jpgpink ribbonPhoto courtesy of scottchan via FreeDigitalPhotos.net2014-11-11T02:03:13+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/11/10/lumpectomy/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/2a792-photo-e1415653092798.jpgphotoYes. I have a sick sense of humor and taped this handmade sign to my right breast so no one messed up. © Jessica L. Gardner2014-11-10T21:03:46+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/11/06/coping-skills/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/36c79-image-from-david-castillo-dominici-freedigitalphotos.net_.jpgImage from David Castillo Dominici, FreeDigitalPhotos.netImage courtesy of David Castillo Dominici, FreeDigitalPhotos.net2014-11-06T17:03:22+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/11/04/bridezilla/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/d3f9e-bridezilla.pngbridezillahttps://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/c49dd-img_4354-e1415161073272.jpgIMG_4354Look at how adorable I am! Do you want me to get fired? © Jessica Gardner2014-11-05T04:41:21+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/11/02/have-manners-gone-out-of-style/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/95614-manners.jpgmannersPhoto courtesy of Stuart Miles, FreeDigitalPhotos.net2014-11-02T19:46:45+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/10/31/first-mammogram/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/2018d-mammogram.jpgmammogramMammo-Grahams. Photo from <a href="http://simplethrift.wordpress.com/2013/10/15/lesson-873-the-power-of-one-photo/">Lessons learned from the flock</a>.2014-10-31T22:57:31+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/10/06/my-favorite-name-is-sister/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/8e061-img_6337.jpgIMG_6337Sibling Selfie. August 2014. &#169 Jessica L. Gardner2014-10-06T23:11:09+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/10/02/10-signs-middle-age/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/8b9ac-yes-maam2-e1412274392677.pngyes ma'am2<b>#9 "Yes Ma'am."</b> Unless we're in an intimate relationship, I don't ever want ever want to hear, "sweetie" or "honey" or any of those other terms of endearment. Yes, they used to be sort of flattering, but mostly condescending. Those days are long gone. <i>Image from MemeCrunch.com</i>https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/7b107-image-courtesy-of-marin-freedigitalphotos.net_.jpgImage courtesy of marin, FreeDigitalPhotos.net<b>#2 After a long day, my feet hurt.</b> Sensible shoes no longer look ugly to me. They look comfortable and smart. <i>Image courtesy of Marin, FreeDigitalPhotos.net.</i>https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/20d40-image-courtesy-of-master-isolated-images-freedigitalimages.net_-e1412273800453.jpgimage courtesy of Master isolated images, FreeDigitalImages.net<b>#10 Forgetfulness.</b> Oh, dammit. I had it just a second ago. What the hell was it? Sometimes this manifests itself as "where are my glasses?" <i>image courtesy of Master Isolated Images, FreeDigitalImages.net.</i>https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/0c065-image-courtesy-of-david-castillo-dominici-freedigitalphotos.net_.jpgImage courtesy of David Castillo Dominici, FreeDigitalPhotos.net<b>#8 Sunscreen.</b> I never leave the house without my SPF. In fairness, I've done this since my early 20s, but now the SPF is something like 1,000,000 whereas then it was 15. <i>Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici, FreeDigitalPhotos.net.</i>https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/5dad2-1980s-fashion.jpg1980s fashion<b>#7 Everything old is new again.</b>The clothes I wore in high school in the 1980s are cool again. NOTE: These aren't girls from my high school, but they could be. <i>Image from <a href="www.liketotally80s.com">LikeTotally80s.com.</a></i>https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/37135-pbs_logo_20110328235546-e1412214304698.jpgpbs_logo_20110328235546<b>#6 PBS.</b> PBS is cool again and not just because of <i><a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/downtonabbey/">Downton Abbey</a></i>. <i>Image from <a href="http://www.pbs.org">PBS.</a></i>https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/16e29-aarp-logo1-e1412214125479.jpgAARP-logo1<b>#5 AARP.</b> I actually read the AARP mailings I get before I throw them out. You know, just in case. <i>Image from <a href="http://www.aarp.org">AARP.</a></i>https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/e2dff-image-courtesy-of-stuart-miles-freedigitalphotos.net_.jpgImage courtesy of Stuart Miles, FreeDigitalPhotos.net<b>#4 My retirement fund is my #1 concern.</b> Although I'm concerned about how much money I earn in my next job, I'm more interested in the overall income package, including retirement benefits. What's the 401(k) or 403(c) plan? How much will the company contribute and match? <i>Image courtesy of Stuart Miles, FreeDigitalPhotos.net.</i>https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/3428c-eye-glasses-image-courtesy-of-ponsulak-freedigitalphotos.net_.jpgEye Glasses image courtesy of ponsulak, freedigitalphotos.net<b>#1 Bifocals.</b> Although my eyes are healthy, I need bifocals. BIFOCALS. And if I'm going to wear my contacts, I can only wear one so that I can see distance out of one eye and close-up out of the other. <i>Image courtesy of Ponsulak, FreeDigitalPhotos.net.</i>https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/65cd7-img_47411-e1412274109754.jpgIMG_4741<b>#3 Sleep.</b> My night owl ways have caught up with me after a lifetime of living on four to five hours of sleep. These days, I need eight hours. Less than that and I can only focus on how much I want a nap. <i>Image &#169 Jessica Gardner, 2013.</i>2014-10-02T18:33:07+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/10/01/piano-lessons/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/4cb19-00000026a-e1412217915120.jpg00000026aThat's Nana, Dave, and me sitting at the piano I used to play. <i>Image &#169 Jessica L. Gardner.</i>2014-10-02T02:59:30+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/09/08/what-joan-rivers-taught-us-about-death-and-dying/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/6cbf5-chi-ctjoanrivers-e1410208163552.jpgchi-ctjoanriversJoan Rivers in 1990. Chicago Tribune file photo.2014-09-08T20:44:21+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/08/15/watervale-half-way-there/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/44642-img_6074-e1408123138132.jpgIMG_6074Sunset perfection.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/5a764-img_6110-e1408122978164.pngIMG_6110Triple play of success: Sleep, steps, and water. I rock.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/73e8c-100_0208-e1408122399731.jpg100_0208Afterglow.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/bb5dc-100_0197-e1408122424691.jpg100_0197Sunset on the Big Beach looking towards Frankfort.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/ab332-100_0196-e1408122452514.jpg100_0196Sunset on the Big Beach looking towards Baldy.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/bd2ef-100_0193-e1408122486532.jpg100_0193Another perfect ending to a perfect day.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/640bb-img_6104-e1408122534842.jpgIMG_6104We've made it to the Outlet on a sunset-less night. Looking towards Frankfort.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/7079a-img_6103-e1408122571293.jpgIMG_6103There's now a bay in the Outlet.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/72269-img_6095-e1408122606676.jpgIMG_6095More pretty flowers on my walk.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/115b6-img_6091-e1408122758917.jpgIMG_6091Watervale Road.2014-08-15T17:26:31+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/08/11/watervale-bingo-mark-your-cards/2014-08-12T03:16:27+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/08/09/watervale-bingo-days-1-2/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/c31c7-img_6067-e1407640244919.pngIMG_6067Check out that sleep! Yes, if I hadn't taken the nap, I probably would have hit 10,000+ steps again today, but sometimes you have to make sacrifices.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/a791e-img_6066-e1407640131792.pngIMG_6066Who got in all of her steps on Friday? ME!https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/f261e-img_6065-e1407640037694.jpgIMG_6065The Super Moon.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/85ba8-img_6063-e1407639992420.jpgIMG_6063Saturday night's sunset. No, this does not count for Watervale Bingo. Trust me, you'll know the difference.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/8dbc7-img_6060-e1407639928478.jpgIMG_6060Is this Heaven? No. It's Watervale. Notice the new dock and the water volleyball.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/52bde-img_6059-e1407639885686.jpgIMG_6059The Betsie Bay from River Road.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/833e3-img_6053-e1407639793720.jpgIMG_6053The garden at Beedazzled.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/00e0c-img_6052-e1407639690909.jpgIMG_6052It was so exciting to see "That Kind of Girl" by fellow Watervalian, Watervale staff alumna, and Chicagoan, Christy Ogilvie sitting in the window of The Bookstore. #SupportFirstTimeAuthorshttps://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/d99d6-img_6051-e1407639627775.jpgIMG_6051When at A&W . . . https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/d844e-img_6049-e1407639490910.jpgIMG_6049Are you certain you want Burping Rooty as the mascot for your restaurant?2014-08-10T03:22:09+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/08/08/watervale-bingo/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/d7fe7-watervale-sign-e1407536430831.jpgWatervale signI made it! #Watervale2014https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/a6743-slide12-e1407536007288.jpgSlide1Watervale Bingo Card 1https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/24b46-slide11-e1407535852930.jpgSlide1Watervale Bingo Card 2https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/281ec-slide1-e1407812431583.jpgSlide1Watervale Bingo Card2014-08-08T22:27:37+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/08/06/dear-dmv-kiss-my-ass/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/0e3cf-image-courtesy-of-nongpimmy-freedigitalimages.net_.jpgImage courtesy of nongpimmy: freedigitalimages.netImage courtesy of nongpimmy/freedigitalimages.net2014-08-06T23:34:51+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/07/30/washington-dc-home/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/5559f-00000001-e1406775053457.jpg00000001This is one of my favorite pictures ever. One year, 1996 (?), Christopher visited me during Cherry Blossom Festival. We had a wonderful day.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/e98c1-00000022a-e1406775019795.jpg00000022aKelly and I at the inaugural ball. Earlier that day, we attended the inauguration and the inaugural parade.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/13c55-00000015a-e1406774974835.jpg00000015aThe Tidal Basin during the Cherry Blossom Festival.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/a0ab8-00000006a-e1406774931133.jpg00000006aThe Washington Monument during the Cherry Blossom Festival.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/7423f-00000017a-e1406774910402.jpg00000017aSo while we were in the West Wing, President Clinton was on his way on a trip to Michigan. He asked me to run things in his absence. Yes, I know that the Constitution says that the VP is the next in line, but on this day, I ran the world. https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/96d46-00000029-e1406774834302.jpg00000029While in D.C. over Spring Break in 1993, I attended a constituent breakfast with Senators Paul Simon and Carol Moseley Braun. This was one of the highlights of my life.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/48af5-00000024a-e1406774647233.jpg00000024aKelly and I worked the Green Room during one of the 13 (?) inaugural balls for President Clinton. Little did we know that we'd meet a future POTUS, Jimmy Smits (who would later play Matt Santos on The West Wing). I'd like to tell you that his hand is on my ass. That may or may not be true.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/81878-00000021a-e1406774555562.jpg00000021aOn my last day in D.C., Karen (middle) coordinated a West Wing tour for our families. The only place in the West Wing that you're allowed to take pictures is in the Press Room. Pictured: Karen, her mom, and me.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/3f833-00000014a-e1406774519313.jpg00000014aThe Jefferson Memorial during the annual Cherry Blossom Festival.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/2b98c-hpim0356-e1406774441470.jpgHPIM0356I adopted Betsey and Ross in late August 1996. They were born on July 4, 1996 and that's how they got their names.2014-07-31T03:19:06+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/07/30/blogapalooz-hour-top-11-tips-for-success/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/758a2-image-courtesy-of-stuart-milesfreedigitalimages.net_-e1406738532726.jpgImage courtesy of Stuart Miles/freedigitalimages.net2014-07-30T16:44:28+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/07/25/sex-spreadsheets-just-say-no/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/beb0d-woman-sex-spreadsheet-640x798-e1406307564492.jpgwoman-sex-spreadsheet-640x798Sex spreadsheet from a woman detailing hubby's excuses. Image from Guyism.com. Click on photo to be taken to the original.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/d441a-hubby-sex-spreadsheet-e1406307310726.jpgHubby Sex SpreadsheetSex Spreadsheet from husband detailing his wife's excuses. Image from http://imgur.com/YzWn3Hw.2014-07-25T17:07:08+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/07/11/nana-is-gone-not-forgotten/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/a2a77-00000021b-e1405108963380.jpg00000021bNana at Caladesi Island from Thanksgiving Day in the early 1990s, I think. I love this picture because of how genuinely happy she looks.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/8eaca-img_5159-e1405108776995.jpgIMG_5159I wore Nana's 1950s or 1960s vintage hat as my 2014 Easter bonnet and it was a huge hit.2014-07-11T20:34:04+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/07/09/call-me-jessica/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/f85ba-jessica-necklace-e1404935964933.jpgjessica-necklace2014-07-09T20:13:11+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/07/08/kickstarter-potato-salad-campaign/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/ac1e2-photo-e1404869535505.pngPotato salad.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/d226c-bibliochaise_ev-220x170-1.jpgBibliochaise_ev-220x1702014-07-09T02:30:23+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/07/08/children-pets-in-hot-cars-will-make-me-bust-your-car-window/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/c958a-img_5604.jpgIMG_56042014-07-08T12:00:48+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/07/04/happy-birthday-america-and-betsey-and-ross/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/540a8-cats-e1404493702956.jpgcatsBetsey and Ross would turn 18 today.2014-07-04T17:12:44+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/07/02/life-of-triumph-triumph-helped-family-through-grief/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/4e578-img_0513-e1404339821679.jpgIMG_0513The two Andys in the TR2. Pic from my dad.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/d5bc7-img_0510-e1404339874482.jpgIMG_0510Uncle Jeff and Peter in the TR4A. Pic from my dad. Peter is rocking that fake mullet.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/70574-img_0508-e1404339994884.jpgIMG_0508Marco and Paul in the TR2 and Sasha and Peter in the TR4A. Pic from my dad.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/e2b5e-img_0507-e1404340379823.jpgIMG_0507Andrea fully in charge of the TR2 with Betsy riding shotgun. Pic from my dad.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/d1182-img_0506-e1404340419584.jpgIMG_0506Nope. I'm wrong. This should be their Christmas card. Pic from my dad.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/ecdf7-img_0505-e1404340557672.jpgIMG_0505Chuck and Ginny in the TR4A. Pic from my dad.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/5bb29-img_0504-e1404340782165.jpgIMG_0504Cousins chillin' in the TR2. Pic from my dad.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/bd931-img_0502-e1404340906106.jpgIMG_0502I'm so stupid happy getting ready to drive the TR4A. I'm not even paying attention to Andy's tutorial to Andrea of how to release the parking brake. Pic from my dad.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/15f0b-img_0501-e1404341065759.jpgIMG_0501Dave getting ready to drive the TR2. I think Peter is his passenger here. Pic from my dad.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/fa0d2-10395193_10204055133245359_2760936118779811263_n-e1404334178274.jpg10395193_10204055133245359_2760936118779811263_nAndy, Dave, Alan, and me chatting it up in the Triumphs. As you do. Photo taken by Andrea.2014-07-02T23:29:17+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/06/25/love-letter-to-my-tears/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/26059-crying-eyes.jpgcrying-eyeshttps://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/a658f-crying_is_okay_here-e1403750946976.jpgCrying_is_okay_herePhoto from: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Crying_is_okay_here.jpg2014-06-26T03:00:16+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/06/16/qa-raining-cats-and-dogs/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/67a50-raining-cd-e1402931726451.jpgraining CDFrom Facebook.com/RainingCatsDogs.2014-06-16T17:00:26+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/06/13/life-thats-good-theme-song/2014-06-13T18:12:53+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/06/06/lets-talk-about-sex/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/e1883-where-did-i-come-from-05-e1402074636862.jpgwhere-did-i-come-from-05"By this time, the man wants to get as close to the woman as he can because he's feeling very loving to her. And to get really close the best thing he can do is lie on top of her and put his penis inside her, into her vagina."https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/ab028-where-did-i-come-from1.jpgwhere did i come fromhttps://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/cc6cd-where-did-i-come-from-e1402075284609.jpgwhere did i come fromPhoto from Amazon.com. Click on the photo to order the book.2014-06-06T17:59:54+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/06/05/lies-parents-told-me/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/bf15e-h3ed83ea4-e1402029560211.jpegh3ED83EA42014-06-06T04:40:42+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/06/02/mental-health-awareness-month-chicagonow/2014-06-02T16:07:23+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/06/01/does-facebook-condone-child-pornography/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/bcfab-slide11-e1401605272140.jpgSlide1https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/e2a43-facebook-porn.jpgFacebook Pornhttps://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/83cf5-slide1.jpgSlide12014-06-01T07:36:19+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/05/31/mental-health-stamp-out-stigma/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/4948e-photo.jpgphoto2014-06-01T02:40:57+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/05/28/jesse-paulk-shaped-my-life/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/319ec-00000002c-e1401332238415.jpg00000002cMy grandfather Jesse, Nana, Mom, and my Uncle Michael. Shortly before my grandfather's death, September 1961.2014-05-29T03:12:55+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/05/28/end-mental-illness-stigma-save-lives/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/59822-photo-courtesy-of-david-castillo-dominici-freedigitalphotos.net_.jpgImage courtesy of David Castillo Dominici/FreeDigitalPhotos.netImage courtesy of David Castillo Dominici/FreeDigitalPhotos.net2014-05-28T20:25:15+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/05/23/happy-memorial-day-weekend/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/83502-memorial-day-concer-pic-1-e1400859691674.jpgMemorial Day Concer pic 1https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/a420b-img_4977.jpgIMG_4977Take your time. Sammy needs a belly rub.2014-05-23T15:51:49+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/05/22/1-ways-help-your-mental-illness/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/5bc82-photo-courtesy-of-stuart-miles-2freedigitalphotos.net_.jpgPhoto courtesy of Stuart Miles/FreeDigitalPhotos.net2014-05-22T15:02:28+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/05/21/advice-to-new-graduates-a-chicagonow-series/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/aa477-00000002.jpg00000002https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/2b05e-008_8-e1400691149150.jpg008_8Look! It my Nana, my mom, me, and my big ass hair (thank you Aqua Net!) on our way to my high school graduation. No, I don't know why we all look so darn unhappy.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/5fc95-00000019-e1400691743169.jpg00000019This is the only picture I can find of me in my regalia at my college graduation.2014-05-21T17:12:08+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/05/18/mental-health-awareness-month-10-things-i-know-for-sure-about-mental-illness/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/6a9e6-photo-courtesy-of-stuart-milesfreedigitalphotos.net_-e1400461025321.jpgPhoto courtesy of Stuart Miles/FreeDigitalPhotos.net2014-05-19T01:02:35+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/05/17/beware-microsoft-tech-support-scam/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/90e92-image-courtesy-of-stuart-miles-freedigitalphotos.net_-e1400336464685.jpgImage courtesy of Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net2014-05-17T14:21:59+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/05/15/advice-to-new-graduates-create-a-legacy/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/8806e-001_1-e1400205047586.jpgHigh school graduation of my Uncle Michael. My mom, Uncle Michael, and Nana (l-r). June 6, 1969.2014-05-16T02:22:59+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/05/12/advice-to-new-graduates-invest-for-retirement-now/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/6d2d8-photo-courtesy-of-stockimages-freedigitalimages.net_-e1399923202618.jpgPhoto Courtesy of stockimages/FreeDigitalImages.net2014-05-12T19:58:54+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/05/09/letters-to-a-new-mom-a-chicagonow-series/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/1c7a6-image-courtesy-of-stuart-milesfreedigitalphotos.net_-e1399660099366.jpgImage courtesy of Stuart Miles/FreeDigitalPhotos.net2014-05-09T18:33:54+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/05/07/letter-to-a-new-mom-on-mothers-day-healthy-relationships-start-with-you/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/c6aba-id-100131254-e1399511950317.jpgID-100131254Photo from Jomphong/FreeDigitalPhotos.net2014-05-08T01:34:37+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/05/06/how-many-licks-does-it-take-to-get-to-a-tootsie-roll-pop-center/2014-05-06T18:15:36+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/05/05/you-say-its-your-birthday-its-my-birthday-too-in-6-weeks/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/213ed-no_bib_1a.jpgno_bib_1aIt's a chair! It's a library! NO! It's BOTH! Photo from Outdoorzgallery.com. Clickhttps://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/aa850-portillos.jpgportillosWe must preserve Portillo's for future generations. Photo from Portillos.com. Click photo for link.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/90759-rolls-royce.jpgRolls Royce2014 Rolls Royce Phantom Sedan. Image from Cars.com. Click on the photo for the link.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/9fffc-harry.jpgharryPrince Harry. Be still my heart. Photo from Metro.us. Click on the photo for the link.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/8d206-le-grand-reve-24.jpgLe-Grand-Reve-24Image from Chicago.Curbed.com (click picture for link)2014-05-05T16:53:29+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/04/30/watervale-my-slice-of-heaven/2014-05-01T03:05:26+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/04/16/12-tips-for-buying-a-used-car/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/5236b-2014-04-15-13.07.59-e1397691282862.jpg2014-04-15 13.07.59Photo from TheCarConnection.com2014-04-16T23:36:15+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/04/13/life-list-year-2-250-new-experiences/2014-04-14T01:38:51+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/life-list-year-2/2014-04-14T00:48:11+00:00weekly0.6https://jessicalgardner.com/2014/04/11/done-1-year-160-new-experiences/2014-04-11T15:32:25+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/04/10/happy-national-siblings-day/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/e4bb2-20060627132641000-e1397174496220.jpgMy brother Dave. The absolute coolest brother in the world.2014-04-11T00:08:16+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/04/09/we-are-a-drug-addicted-nation-and-its-not-only-100-legal-but-its-encouraged/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/75cf6-10170738_10151974954190877_1522489666_n-2-e1397076670793.jpgPicture credit: Oasis Advanced Wellness Facebook Page2014-04-09T20:54:30+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/04/05/better-safe-than-sorry-or-the-chronicles-of-my-cat-scan/2014-04-05T18:23:31+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/04/03/like-a-good-neighbor-state-farm-and-my-friends-were-there/2014-04-04T02:22:48+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/04/03/12-secrets-to-a-clean-house-with-minimal-effort/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/66fe5-photo-1-e1396549210311.jpgphoto-17. I keep a magnetic notepad on my frig and keep a running grocery list. When I head to the store, I simply tear off the sheet and I'm ready to go.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/c5fb2-dusting1.jpg11. Dusting is my least favorite chore. I strive to have a scheduled dusting day each week, although sometimes it stretches out to bi-weekly. It is typically the day before vacuuming day. Image from zmescience.com.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/f31c0-image-courtesy-of-artur84freedigitalphotos.net_.jpg10. Sadly, I don't have a cute man to do the vacuuming around my house. In order to get this chore done regularly, I schedule one day a week to vacuum my entire condo. I'd rather have a cute guy who does it with a smile on his face. Image courtesy of artur84/FreeDigitalPhotos.net https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/0a7a1-image-courtesy-of-keeratifreedigitalphotos.net_.jpg9. I LOVE storage bins. I use them for many things: storing out of season clothes, extra linens, holiday decorations, office supplies, etc. Each bin is labeled so I know what's in them and I know where things go. Image courtesy of Keerati/FreeDigitalPhotos.nethttps://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/2aae6-image-courtesy-of-winnondfreedigitalphotos.net_.jpg12. I keep a plastic bag in my car for any trash. This enables me to always have a clean car and is a great way to reuse plastic bags from the store. I typically dump out the plastic bags and use them over and over again in my car. Image courtesy of winnond/FreeDigitalPhotos.nethttps://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/adb7e-image-courtest-of-gualberto107freedigitalphotos.net_.jpg2. I clean toilets in my sleep. Just pour in the toilet bowl cleaner, put the lid down to avoid any unfortunate pet accidents involving drinking toilet water, and let it sit over night. In the morning flush the toilet and it's clean. Image courtesy of Gualberto107/FreeDigitalPhotos.nethttps://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/676d4-image-courtesy-of-franky242freedigitalphotos.net_.jpg5. When I come home from work, I always change out of my work clothes and hang up what can be worn again without being laundered (e.g., jackets, scarves, slacks). This lets wrinkles fall out, keeps them (mostly) cat hair free, and lets them air out. Although this isn't my picture, my closet is this super organized. Image courtesy of franky242/FreeDigitalPhotos.nethttps://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/ae7e0-img_4952-e1396549707194.jpgIMG_49528. I sort the mail daily standing over my recycling bin. First, I open all bills or other mail I must deal with and handle it at that moment or place it in my "bills to be paid" folder I handle weekly. Second, I recycle all generic ads, envelopes, etc. without personally identifying information. Third, I separate mail with identifying information and place it in my shred bag. Easy peasy. No daunting piles of mail.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/f8383-heavyduty3binlaundrysorter_xl.jpgHeavyDuty3BinLaundrySorter_xl4. I love this laundry sorter from The Container Store. When I get undressed, dirty clothes go straight into the appropriate section, making laundry much more efficient. I also keep a stain stick with my laundry sorter and apply it, as needed, to any garments I can't launder immediately. Photo: The Container Store (http://www.containerstore.com/shop/laundry/hampersBaskets?productId=10000486).https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/cf8f3-img_49051.jpgIMG_49053. I rinse out my bathroom sink after each use. You'll never find hair or crusty toothpaste here.2014-04-03T18:30:40+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/03/21/chicagoans-react-to-ban-bossy/2014-03-21T20:16:35+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/03/19/459/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/6f39a-dallas_2012_tv_series_title_card.pngDallas_2012_TV_series_title_cardImage via Wikipediahttps://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/38663-dallas-tv-show_-300x300-1.jpgdallas-tv-show_-300x300Image via Wikipedia2014-03-20T03:08:15+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/03/17/thank-you-for-reading-little-merry-sunshine/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/9125d-image-courtesy-of-stuart-milesfreedigitalphotos.net_-e1395092774584.jpgImage courtesy of Stuart Miles:freedigitalphotos.netImage courtesy of Stuart Miles/freedigitalphotos.net2014-03-17T21:50:03+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/03/16/do-you-make-your-bed/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/7cfcd-img_4741.jpgIMG_4741My made bed. It's missing my silver bed spread (it matches the two silver pillow shams), which is at the dry cleaners, but Zoey (lower left corner) wants you to know she helps make the bed daily.2014-03-17T00:57:20+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/03/13/national-day-of-unplugging-oil-pulling-pinterest-and-spaghetti-squash/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/efba8-oil-pulling.jpgoil-pulling2014-03-13T21:09:06+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/03/11/why-i-cant-lean-in-to-ban-bossy/2014-03-11T09:18:46+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/03/07/a-day-in-the-life-of-little-merry-sunshine/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/c37b6-img_4385.jpgIMG_4385St. Jude's Christmas Oranaments featuring my cousin2014-03-07T23:33:32+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/03/07/do-not-hide-your-guns-in-your-socks/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/e8f35-image-courtesy-of-federico-stevaninfreedigitalphotos.net_.jpgImage courtesy of Federico Stevanin/FreeDigitalPhotos.net2014-03-07T20:42:29+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/03/07/could-you-unplug-for-24-hours/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/2af52-image-courtesy-of-salvatore-vuonofreedigitalphotos.net_.jpgImage courtesy of Salvatore Vuono:FreeDigitalPhotos.netImage courtesy of Salvatore Vuono/FreeDigitalPhotos.net2014-03-07T19:29:28+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/03/06/whats-your-theme-song/2014-03-06T18:58:01+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/02/26/fear-didnt-stop-me-in-my-20s-and-wont-stop-me-in-my-40s/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/bccfc-00000029-e1393475251847.jpg00000029Senators Paul Simon and Carol Moseley-Braun having breakfast with me. March 1993.2014-02-27T04:33:08+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/02/24/happy-birthday-sammy-and-zoey/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/d8563-img_0283.jpgIMG_0283How could you not fall in love with these two kitties? This was taken when they were about 6 weeks old. They're 3 years old now, but just as cute. © Jessica L. Gardner.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/2ebd0-img_0280.jpgIMG_02802014-02-24T17:21:48+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/02/22/when-is-an-olympics-gold-medal-not-an-olympics-gold-medal/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/de1a2-id-10076103.jpgID-10076103Image courtesy of Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net2014-02-23T03:19:23+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/02/17/new-experience-185-jump-off-a-cliff/2014-02-17T19:55:02+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/02/16/join-me-in-the-100-happy-days-challenge/2014-02-16T18:52:39+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/02/06/dont-just-taste-the-rainbow-be-the-rainbow/2014-02-06T22:32:18+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/01/29/jake-ryan-was-my-first-serious-boyfriend/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/3eea1-sixteencandles5352-1386714709.jpgsixteencandles5352-1386714709Jake Ryan has a striking resemblance to my first serious boyfriend.2014-01-30T04:00:06+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/01/27/little-merry-sunshines-official-girl-scout-cookie-policy/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/6b3f1-2014_lbb_more_about_our_cookies_chart_s6-e1390883893226.jpg2014 Girl Scout Cookies2014 Girl Scout Cookies. From the Girl Scout website.2014-01-28T04:42:35+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/subscribe/2014-01-27T03:30:38+00:00weekly0.6https://jessicalgardner.com/2014/01/26/invisible-by-hunter-hayes/2014-01-27T02:08:12+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/01/14/top-10-tips-for-creating-your-own-new-experiences-list/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/2d115-top-10.jpgtop 102014-01-15T03:36:10+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/01/13/listen-to-my-interview-on-wgn-radio-720-it-really-happened/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/80c1f-crane-at-wgn.jpgCrane at WGNCrane #693 came with me to WGN.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/62bba-jessica-and-amy-wgn-e1389658635460.jpgJessica and Amy WGNNew Experience #137. I am on WGN Radio.2014-01-14T00:21:52+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/01/12/269/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/d0b78-20090313-radio1.jpg20090313-radio1Find me on WGN Radio 720 tonight.2014-01-13T00:22:23+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/01/09/happiness-is-the-truth-2/2014-01-09T15:05:54+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/01/04/facebook-is-messing-with-blogs-again/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/6fcf7-facebook-dislike-button.jpgfacebook-dislike-buttonAlthough I dislike the changes Facebook is making to Fan Pages, we can get around them and I show you how.2014-01-04T18:17:00+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2014/01/01/2014-theme-celebrate-life/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/1f9c5-1501728_677433155613521_121211273_n.jpg1501728_677433155613521_121211273_n2014-01-02T05:01:37+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2013/12/30/2013-year-in-review-2/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/394fa-wallet-card.jpgwallet-cardOn November 5th, I became an ordained minister with the Universal Life Church.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/45872-cn.jpgCNLittle Merry Sunshine joined ChicagoNow on November 18, 2013.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/24dc0-img_3822.jpgIMG_3822On December 26th, I overcame my fear of needles and had my first acupuncture treatment. Surprisingly, it didn't hurt and was incredibly relaxing. I even fell asleep.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/7fbae-img_3760.jpgIMG_3760I met Liz Murray (of From Homeless to Harvard fame) on December 17th at the CASE V Conference. Hearing her speak and getting to talk one-on-one with her was one of the most moving experiences I've ever had.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/d74a1-img_3631.jpgIMG_3631On December 7th, Sammy and Zoey met Santa Paws. Don't they look thrilled?https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/1abc6-img_3369.jpgIMG_3369Mom and I took a trip to Springfield and visited the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in mid-November. I can't recommend this experience highly enough.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/5c519-photo.jpgphotoI became a Deputy Voter Registrar on November 13th and a week later, my colleague Russ let me register him to vote.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/e1e1c-img_3230.jpgIMG_3230Santa and I caught up at Marshall Field's on State Street after more than 30 years. For the record, he didn't bring me ANY of the things I asked for this Christmas. November 9, 2013.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/a4ed3-img_3312.jpgIMG_3312I overcame my fear of heights by stepping onto the Ledge at the Sky Deck of the Sears Tower. My reward for such courage? ABC 7's Ben Bradley was there doing a story about me. Wait, that may have only happened in my head. But he was there and he was super nice and I still have a super secret huge crush on him.https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/bfdec-img_3066.jpgIMG_3066On October 19th, I became IRL friends with Amy Guth after chatting on Twitter and Facebook for almost a year. My friendship with Amy is one of a number of new IRL friends I made this year.2013-12-31T03:59:31+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2013/12/23/i-cant-save-the-world-but-i-can-make-a-difference/2013-12-24T03:41:29+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2013/12/18/jawbone-up24-knows-me-better-than-i-know-myself/2013-12-19T04:00:04+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2013/12/15/changing-lives-with-mcdonalds-hamburger/2013-12-16T04:58:53+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2013/12/05/spreading-kindness-during-the-holidays-is-spreading/2013-12-05T18:55:16+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2013/12/04/the-lms-31raok-big-giveaway/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/94a47-abraham-lincoln-presidential-museum-tix-e1386183138389.jpgAbraham Lincoln Presidential Museum Tix2013-12-04T18:59:30+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2013/12/03/giving-tuesday-2013/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/e043d-gt-web-banner580-1.jpg-copy-1.jpgGT-Web-Banner580-1.jpg copy 12013-12-03T19:05:10+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2013/12/02/day-2-31-days-of-random-acts-of-kindness/2013-12-02T14:05:30+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2013/12/01/31-days-of-random-acts-of-kindness/2013-12-01T19:11:56+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2013/11/25/what-are-your-favorite-holiday-songs/2013-11-26T01:20:59+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2013/11/24/thanksgiving-week-gratitude-list/2013-11-25T05:21:48+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2013/11/21/what-did-you-say-or-my-life-is-a-series-of-miscommunications/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/ee5ad-1456706_10152387121787306_596484126_n.jpg1456706_10152387121787306_596484126_n2013-11-22T04:04:05+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2013/11/20/chicagonow-blogapalooza-my-weighty-challenge/2013-11-21T03:58:43+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2013/11/19/new-experience-146-register-someone-to-vote/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/0c0fb-photo.jpgRuss registered to voteRuss is registered to vote. Photo copyrighted by Little Merry Sunshine.2013-11-20T03:23:43+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/2013/11/18/welcome-to-little-merry-sunshine-2-0/2013-11-19T04:16:31+00:00monthlyhttps://jessicalgardner.com/100-new-experiences/2013-11-17T16:58:15+00:00weekly0.6https://jessicalgardner.com/little-merry-sunshine-1-0/https://jessicalgardner.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/9664a-lms10.jpgLittle Merry Sunshine 1.02013-11-17T02:14:43+00:00weekly0.6https://jessicalgardner.com/about/2013-11-13T21:14:17+00:00weekly0.6https://jessicalgardner.comdaily1.02022-07-27T23:57:56+00:00