Thursday randomness AND an upcoming giveaway you can enter now!

1. My DVR quit working so I missed the finale of Glee and Biggest Loser. (haha..seriously, I'm only acting annoyed. I'm really just thankful to be safe and sound). Hulu will save the day. 

2. My roomie and I...once TERRIFIED of our cellar...made a "survival kit" for the cellar this week. We used to joke like "I'd NEVER get in there..." On Tuesday, she text me and said "I'm headed to the hardware store for lanterns after work." I responded "I'm heading to Target for batteries and water." The cellar was no longer a joke! My roomie and I both packed bags. And Tuesday, we sat glued to the tv, fully dressed, ready to go. 

It's a very weird feeling to look around and think "what should I pack under the assumption that I could never see my belongings again?" I just stood in my room, looking around and thinking "this is all replaceable. I just pray that we all-dogs included-have time to make it to the cellar if the storm hits." I grabbed my passport and a few other affects and was good to go. 

Thank gosh we never had to take cover. When we were given the "all clear," I was so relieved and I continued saying prayers for everyone in the storm's path as it moved past us. 

3. I've read almost every account of the Joplin tornado I can get my hands on. (This one is probably the best article I've read. Read with kleenex.) I stalk online articles, facebook, etc. There are so many people in need. I sometimes feel like one can make a bigger impact by targeting one thing to help with...and my "thing" has been animals. So, thank you to those of you who commented on my blog and/or gave to Joplin Humane Society. And thank you to those of you who have helped in other ways...or have even said prayers. I think the people of Joplin need those just as much as anything else right now. 

4. Trying to get away from the mushy gushy here..  Let's see.. Um.. Had a department dinner at a co-workers house this week. :) Glad bbq weather is back in full effect! We grilled, had some cold beverages and had a great time. :) They even had a bouncy castle thing for the kids. Admittedly, I'm kinda bummed that I'm too big for bouncy castles. I mean...those things are awesome, right? ha! :)

5. I am super excited for a three day weekend! No plans (for once!) and nothing but sun in the forecast. Hell to the yes.

6. My friend, Maria, is up for the Directv's ultimate movie fan contest! What's the grand prize? A TRIP TO THE MTV MOVIE AWARDS and she'd get to hang with the stars!! AGH! If you've visited Maria's blog from my links, you'd know she's an extremely talented video producer. So, it's no surprise her video entry to the contest ROCKS. Entrants had 2 minutes to demonstrate why they're the ultimate fan. Maria went the extra mile and made her video somewhat similar to Social Network with a different angle. So cool!

Here's the dealio: Some of the people have their dogs, neighbors, fourth cousins friends voting every single day so Maria is really crossing fingers and toes that she makes it to the finals where judges will vote on her video. She's already in the semi-finals. If you have a minute, go to this link and click "Vote!" It's that easy! AND you don't have to sign up for anything! It will just ask if you're a directv customer and you say yes/no and you're done! No names, personal info, etc! Easy.as.pie. Please take a moment and go vote for my friend! If she makes it to the MTV awards, she and I have thought about a really.cool.blog.giveaway! TBD!

Also, please comment and let me know if you've voted! I'm doing "a few favorite summer things" blog giveaway next week and I've decided that anyone who votes for Maria's video gets an automatic head start entry for my giveaway! :) (This is code for "Jackie hasn't had time to go pick up all of said giveaway items she wants to pick up yet." haha.... ;) You can vote once every day through Monday and I'll give you an entry for every time you vote. You just have to let me know you did it! Come back Monday for more giveaway details! :)

Okay, hope you're gearing up for a fabulous Memorial Day weekend, friends!

Cheers to a long weekend! :)