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Go Home Barry Manilow

March 27, 2016January 4, 2019 alittlebitsquirrely

Does anyone else get random texts like this from their parents? I mean not specifically about Barry Manilow, but random texts that you just weren’t expecting? My mom texted me yesterday + maybe it was just me, but I found it hilarious. Come to find out she was tired of seeing Barry Manilow popping up on her Facebook, so with a simple fix we said, “Bye Felicia” and “un-liked” his page. {Side note: is “un-like” even a word? } Even if it’s not a word, I’m going to start using it.

I’m also going to start keeping record of stellar text messages I receive from both my mom + dad.

Travels

Jessica Jet Sets to Cali: Part II

March 27, 2016 alittlebitsquirrely

Now to the fun part! Part of the group arrived to San Fran around noon which allowed us get a jumpstart on being an official tourist. I was beyond stoked to cram as much sightseeing as I could into the day. Once we checked into the hotel, we walked in circles at Union Square + had some lunch at Lefty O’Douls (which was totally delicious). From there we made our way to Last Drop Tavern for a much needed drink (I had one of my favorite adult beverages, a Moscow Mule) and we began to plot out what we were going to do with limited time we had.

We all agreed on the following:

Ride a cable car
Check out the Fisherman’s Wharf
Say hey to the seals
Take a look at Alcatraz

We did it all. And more.

I pretty much want a seal now. Preferably a teacup size seal, I don’t think your average size seal will logistically work in my townhouse. I’m going to add this to my Christmas wish list. After trolling around the Fisherman’s Wharf for a couple hours, we met up with the rest of our party for drinks to celebrate everyone’s arrival. We also had Tommy’s brother join us (he lives in San Francisco) + played tour guide around In-N-Out (major buzzkill I didn’t eat there… that was on my bucket list. I guess I’ll have to go back to San Fran again), Ghiradelli Square (I didn’t get any chocolate either… ANOTHER buzzkill) and finally we landed at his brother’s house for a pit stop.

By this time is was around 8pm. I’d been up for about 17 hours and I was still trucking along. How? I have no idea. I can’t hang like I used to. #imgettingold

All we knew is that we wanted dinner + then go back to the hotel to crash. After we bid farewell to Tommy’s bro we hopped on the cable car towards dinner. If you’re in San Francisco go dine at Hops + Hominy– it was banging. All I know is I inhaled my burger. I’m not going to lie I don’t remember much from dinner (and no it wasn’t the alcohol), it was from being up close to 20 hours.

Day one in San Francisco was a complete success. Up next: my recap of day two in San Francisco + our journey to Napa Valley.

Travels

Jessica Jet Sets to Cali: Part I

March 25, 2016 alittlebitsquirrely

As you can obviously tell, I survived my trip to California. I packed enough airplane “activities” to keep me occupied on the long journey. If someone looked in my carry-on bag they would have thought I was an activity hoarder. What was in my carry-on you might ask? Here’s the run down:

Adult coloring book (I did not color at all)
HGTV magazine (which I did NOT read)
MacBook (I partially worked on my self-assessment for work)
The Good Girl (I read a little bit)
iPad (I honestly don’t know why I brought it)
Work tablet (another piece of technology I should have left behind)

I realize I should have been more sensible when packing my “activity” bag, but I wasn’t sure how high my anxiety level would be and I needed all the distractions I could get. The flight form RDU to CLT wasn’t bad at all… a beautiful 30 minutes-ish traveling. It was the CLT to SFO flight that I was prepping for. I basically followed my friend’s suggestion by not having ANY caffeine prior to flying- what a great tip!

While heading to my connecting flight I totes I got to lay my eyes on the Carolina Panther’s plane. No, Cam Newton was no where to be seen. They were probably still mourning their Super Bow 50 loss (I mean, I’m still bummed about it).

The Panther's plane in CLT — The Panther’s plane in CLT

On the 5+ hour trip to San Francisco I was lucky enough to sit right next to the cabin bathroom. That’s right, I had VIP seats to see who all were repeat offenders using the bathroom!

My view for 5+ hours, the luxurious bathroom.

It wasn’t too bad, I actually had enough room and didn’t feel claustrophobic- otherwise I would have needed a horse tranquilizer.

Now since my first day in California had consisted of being up for almost 24 hours, I figured I’d break up my blog post into a series of posts so I don’t miss any of the important stuff. We crammed A LOT into our first day in San Francisco. My journey to The Golden State was just part of it.

Coming Soon- Jessica Jet Sets to Cali: Part II

Dating Diaries

Earbuds

March 11, 2016January 4, 2019 alittlebitsquirrely

Ok y’all. Here’s my first blog post on my adventures in dating. I’ve changed the guy’s name + location so no one’s feelings get hurt.

Last night’s date was a total hot mess! We met up at local downtown Raleigh establishment at around 8pm. I got there on time + Earbuds* texted to say he was out back finishing up a phone call. Out of total politeness I waited for him to show his face prior to ordering my drink… my parents would be proud that those cotillon classes from middle school were paying off. Maybe I should have referred him to the cotillon classes I went to because he appeared with beverage in hand. In the words of Stephanie Tanner, “HOW RUDE!” I opted to not hold that against him. However there were a few things I couldn’t get past.

He was starting ear gauges. On BOTH ears. Who starts doing that when they’re in their 30s?! Really? I don’t get the appeal of ear gauges. I’m ok with tattoos, but ear gauges? You want to have a GIANT floppy hole in your ear that you could potentially shoot darts through for giggles? No thanks.
He whipped out his e-cigarette like Leonardo DiCaprio did at the SAG Awards. It was like a magic trick, you don’t know how it appeared, it just came out of no where.
He lives with an eight foot boa constrictor. Technically, it’s his roommate’s “pet”, but still. A snake? That’s a 100% hell no. Not to mention, I think he plans to live with said roommate forever.
Conspiracy theories. He had conspiracy theories that he babbled about, but honestly I tuned out. I think I just nodded as if I knew what he was talking about.
Yes, there’s a number five. At the end of the night when it was obvious that there wasn’t a connection he said he was going to close his tab. First of all, we had a waitress. Second of all, you’re not going to at least offer to buy my one $5 glass of prosecco for Wind Down Wednesday? Oh, that’s fine. I’m miss independent, miss self-sufficient… I’ve got this, don’t worry about me.

I should have just said, “Bye Felicia” to him. Unfortunately time machines don’t exist so it’s a moo-point. Oh well… on to the next one.

P.S. I called this post earbuds because I stopped my friend’s house after the date to give her the “scoop” and her boyfriend referred to him as earbuds so it stuck.

P.S.S. Earbuds, if you’re reading this- I didn’t mention your name so let’s not get bent out of shape… it’s just giggles.

Uncategorized

A Little Bit Squirrely

March 9, 2016 alittlebitsquirrely

I decided to make some minor changes to my blog. When I first created Raleigh Social Butterfly several years ago the focus was going to be mainly about my life + adventures in Raleigh. After mulling it over for the past few months I made the decision to change my blog name to reflect more of my personality… and my strange obsession with squirrels. I present my new + improved blog… a little bit squirrely.

I’ll still continue to blog about my life + adventures like concerts, shenanigans, travels, working on making my townhouse a home and more. I even might throw in some commentary on my dating adventures as a 30-something gal with a twist of humor.

Let’s see how this goes…

Travels, Uncategorized

California Love

January 17, 2016 alittlebitsquirrely

Y’all… big news! I’m going to California in February. Specifically, San Francisco (HELLO, FULL HOUSE) + Napa Valley. It’s been on my bucket list to go to California + I’m beyond stoked. So when my friend Darnell sent out an email wanting to celebrate his 35th birthday in Napa Valley, I jumped all over it. I mean, this is the year of me saying, “YES” to things… within reason. And in case you didn’t pick up on it, I’m going to make it my mission to see the house from Full House while in San Fran. It’s going to get me jazzed for when Fuller House comes on. I loved me some Full House growing up. I mean John Stamos was super delicious (minus the mullet) + who wasn’t obsessed with that song, “Forever” that Jesse + the Rippers sang?! I might just play the theme song while we visit the house.

My biggest hurdle is the flight. This girl is not a fan of flying. I first flew by myself a few years ago when I went to Dallas to see my friend Darnell. I’m pretty sure I was strung our + jazz hands the entire time. Thank goodness my friend Whitney + her husband will be on the same flight as me when we head to California. As for on the way back, I’m on my own.

I already know I’m going to have to apologize to the person who will be sitting next to me if I start to spazz out. I’m also going to need to find myself a horse tranquilizer + a strong cocktail. There’s an 80% chance I might reenact this scene from Bridesmaids.

FullSizeRender The good news is that I have about a month to simmer myself down. The bad news is the person next to me is going to tell me to shut the hell up.

Stay tuned to my traveling antics.

My Bucket List of Bands, Uncategorized

Planet Earth is Blue

January 14, 2016 alittlebitsquirrely

Y’all. I’m still in disbelief that David Bowie passed away. I typically don’t get bent out of shape when a celebrity passes. Yes, of course it’s sad when anyone passes away. The last celebrity death that bummed me out was Whitney Houston. I found out about that one on Twitter! She was the first concert I ever went to (and the first concert I ever slept through).

*Side note: My mom took me to see Whitney when I was in first grade and it took her so long to get on stage I passed out. To this day my mom doesn’t know how I could sleep through a concert.

**Another side note: this post isn’t about Whitney… I just got off track.

Back to David Bowie.

I expected to wake up to the hoopla over the Golden Globes on Monday, not the sad news that David Bowie had passed away from cancer. The man just had a birthday AND released his final album ON his birthday. Talk about a major buzzkill. BUT, I have to give him major props for keeping it under wraps from the public + continuing his love of music while he battled the terrible disease. He was someone I would have loved to have seen live in concert. Last year I saw Fleetwood Mac + The Rolling Stones and I know they’re no spring chickens… but I feel lucky to have been in the audience of their shows.

There was so much to admire about David Bowie– he had a beautiful marriage to Iman which was absolutely adorable, he called out MTV in the 80s for the lack of black artists being featured, his insanely outrageous + amazing style that he frequently changed and so much more. Don’t get me started on his hair… the man had a gorgeous head of hair and a set of gorgeous mismatched eyes.

Planet earth is indeed blue without him in it. I just hope he + Queen are somewhere together performing Under Pressure.

I’m wrapping this post up with some of my favorite David Bowie songs (one of which is Under Pressure) so I won’t include that in my list:

I’m going to leave you with this quote from Simon Pegg:

“If you’re sad today, just remember the world is over 4 billion years old and you somehow managed to exist at the same time as David Bowie.”

My Bucket List of Bands, Uncategorized

New Years With My Boos

January 10, 2016 alittlebitsquirrely

Another New Years Eve, another Avett Brothers concert. Now that’s the way to ring in 2016. I’ve lost count on how many times I’ve seen them in concert + each show is more amazing than the last.

After all the food + alcohol that was consumed this holiday, we decided to tailgate in style at the Greensboro Coliseum… with a more healthy spread + some champs. Because what’s New Years Eve without champs?!

Thoughts I had at the show…

Scott Avett can play just about any instrument, including a kazoo. When they opened the show, he was playing the kazoo while jamming on the banjo. Be still my heart. The person who caught the kazoo is one lucky SOB.
I ADORE their ever-changing looks. Last year’s NYE show, Scott Avett was clean cut + Seth Avett was the one with long hair + beard. This year it was Seth who was the clean cut one and Scott had the long beard. Both can do no wrong.
The woman behind us had a constant resting bitch face throughout the entire show. I couldn’t tell if she was constipated or if that was just her normal demeanor.
Joe Kwon had major hat game, bravo!
In other Joe Kwon news, I love watching him jam out while he plays on the cello… that’s passion y’all.
Of course I have to give some love to Bob Crawford… he’s the master of the upright base. And I’m not going to lie, I love his casual slightly hipster style.
- Speaking of style, Scott can totally pull off suspenders.
Father Time aka Valient was fantastic. Not only did he ring in 2016, but the man can sing. He sang Time is On My Side + Don’t Do Me Like That with the Avetts as they did the big balloon drop. Major props!
They performed Divorce Separation Blues, a new song for their upcoming album. And duh, it was amazing! I know some of my friends will appreciate it + can relate to the song.

Their setlist for their show…

In conclusion, I’m a total Avett Brothers bandaid. I will continue to go to their NYE shows as long as they continue to have them.

Uncategorized

Oh Hey, 2016!

January 2, 2016January 4, 2019 alittlebitsquirrely

FullSizeRender

I rang 2016 in style… another New Years Eve show with The Avett Brothers! That recap will come later.

I’m not one to make resolutions, because let’s get real… I don’t keep them. That would be like me saying, “I’ve got a mad craving for chitlins”… not going to happen. Ever. Instead I try to make a list of things I want to do or strive to do, that way I’m not committing to something for a whole year. Here’s what I’ll strive to do in 2016…

Concerts. I saw some stellar shows in 2015… The Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac, Mumford + Sons, The Avett Brothers and Alabama Shakes… just to name a few.
Read more. I started reading more towards the end of 2015 + I forgot how much I missed it. The first book I’m going to crack open for 2016 is Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari. And yes, I’m one of those people who likes holding a physical book. Here’s hoping I also actually read my magazines too. I was notorious for slacking on that in 2015.
Decorating. I’m for real this time. I’m going to hang pictures on my wall… even if I have to find someone taller than me to hang them. Actually, someone is going to have to do it for me. If I hang them it will be obvious a fun-sized person hung them on the wall. I have a rep to maintain.
Saying, “YES.” I want to say yes to more adventures in 2016. For example, I’ve already said yes to going to Napa Valley in February with a group of friends. I’ll just need to find someone to hold my hand on the flight or a horse tranquilizer to subdue my jazz hands.

And that’s it!

Here’s to more giggles, less falling in public + lots of fun in 2016!

Uncategorized

Oh Christmas Tree Hell

December 11, 2015January 4, 2019 alittlebitsquirrely

RIP to my Christmas Tree: 11/29/15- 12/9/15.

Tis the season for all hell to break loose. My Christmas tree + I had a good run… for about 10 days. I’m not going to lie… she was majestic.

I had a nice Wednesday evening tee’d up: I was watching the Scream Queens finale, addressing my Christmas cards + relaxing. Boo Radley was passed out under the tree on my luxurious Nicole Miller faux-fur tree skirt. It happened all so sudden. The tree was standing and then it wasn’t. I totally admit I blamed it all on Boo Radley + even offered him up on Facebook for the taking. I confess: it was a rash accusation + I have already apologized to him. For the record, the tree was already leaning… Boo was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

I desperately tried to get the tree back up. Jessica (5’tall) vs Christmas Tree (6’tall). The tree won. It fell twice. During the first fall, 2 ornaments broke… it’s ok they were your typical basic ornaments.During the second fall there were more casualties.

RIP to the following ornaments:

My beloved Patience Brewster Peace on Earth ornament. There’s peace no more.
A Bloomingdale’s fairy carrying her little brown bag. I got her on one of my annual NYC trips with my mom.
One of my squirrels. I have several squirrel ornaments so this one wasn’t as sentimental as the others, but still it was a casualty.
A silver acorn. This one wasn’t sentimental either. I guess the squirrel + the acorn are together again.

After a good cry session I pulled myself together and stripped the tree of the ornaments + lights and took that sucker outside.

Fast-forward to today. I thought to myself, “Hey, when life hands you lemons, paint that shit gold!” I Googled how to make your own wreath… I was totes going to up cycle my tree. I spent a solid hour clipping the branches off the tree, gathering them in bunches and adhering them to the wire frame.

The result? A Martha Stewart fail. When all else fails, pop open the wine.

If anyone needs 3/4 of a Christmas Tree, let me know… I can hook you up.