Do not scold nor ask “What were you thinking?!” My typical response is to say “no.” But for some reason this time, another thought popped into my head. Every day I pray that I will be aware and willing to share my blessings when/how I can with whoever needs.

The Bible verse describing helping others immediately came to mind. “…the King shall answer and say to them, Truly I say to you, Inasmuch as you have done it to one of the least of these my brothers, you have done it to me.” Matthew 25:40

So I gave the man $5. I filled up my tank with more than $45 and didn’t think twice about it. I am blessed. I drove a few blocks then happened to look over at a shopping center with various stores and fast-food places. The man was strolling through the parking lot with his just-ordered sack of food from one of those places.

You can imagine my reaction. A part of me (the curious and confident part) wanted to turn around and go ask him what he got. Nothing violent or rude. Just to let him know I had seen him. Another part of me thought, “Nope, you shared a trivial amount of your daily blessing with that man. God wanted you to.” Another part of me imagined the many things he could have bought with that $5 and realizes lunch is something I don’t regret buying for someone. I am blessed.

Vienna’s trip to meet the Pavelkas was not a surprise and Jake’s “warning” of her didn’t help the first impression with the family. They judged her (mom and sisters-in-law) and then came back to say how they were wrong and shouldn’t have. That takes a lot to admit on national t.v.

Anyway, I was in shock at his final choice to propose to Vienna and think it’s going to be one of the matches that doesn’t stick forever. Trista and Ryan? They’re running around with kids (at least one that I know of) Even Jason and Molly (from just last season!) were married this past week. *I thought the rainbow at the wedding was: A) not a special video affect added later B) perfect for the ceremony while Jason Castro appropriately serenaded the couple with “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”

In the end, Vienna is still Vienna but she won the boy’s heart. Jake is still hot and I look forward to seeing him on this season’s “Dancing With the Stars”. (premieres Mon,  March 22) Jeff the host has a really cool gig and I wonder if he gets all the anxious lovers mixed up from season to season. Surely he does. And me? Well, I think I may just try out for an upcoming season. Because if I fall in love–well, then, I fall in love! And if I get kicked off (or don’t find love) according to trends, it will open so many doors for career opps. Just saying. Either way, it could be a blissful finale for me, too!

A few nights ago I was driving and surfing radio stations when I ended up settling on “The Delilah Show” which airs on our local B98.5 station. She’s the 40-something who has nothing but positive things to say in her lovey, soothing, mellow dramatic voice. And I left it there. On the station I wouldn’t have even considered listening to just 3 years ago. I left it there and I enjoyed it.

I periodically get out of bed in the morn with some sort of pain. I notice people passing me on the interstate more often. No matter the time of day or which direction I’m driving. *This could be a good thing and the result of my past speeding tickets teaching me a lesson.

I called my Maw to say hello. She was “putting on her face” After a few minutes of small talk, she told me “…Don’t do any burlesque shows.” HA! Thank you, Maw, for the advice. I hadn’t planned on it. I asked her how she’s feeling and she replied “Well, I can tell I’ve had a few birthdays…”

I reminded her that it’s almost time for the annual Jonquil Festival at Old Washington State Park and I have fond memories of being there with her and Paw. I’m anticipating a visit home soon, which will include a few hours at her house. I wonder if she likes prune juice.

Jonquils. We call them Buttercups where I come from.

Hey, I'm cleaning out my desk. Hungry?

A special lunch at Iriana’s Pizza in the Rivermarket was held to say “farewell and good luck” today. We just now reminisced about the first day we ever met: at a restaurant, just a few days before I joined the Sync staff… awkward and funny. Now she’s laughing at the unused office supplies that have been in her desk since 2007. What’s that smell? Ohhh the cleaning wipes to make her desk spic and span. Nearby trashcan is packed with, obviously, unimportant papers and documents.

I don’t know who’ll occupy that desk in the next few weeks, nor do I know what my soon-to-be-ex-coworker will be doing when she says farewell to Little Rock. But I know these two things for sure: 1. She’s added to my itch to do some cleaning of my own, and 2. I hope she finds NY is as cool a place as Little Rock to explore, enjoy and share her talent. Because that’s what she’s going for in the first place.

Oh, and maybe she’ll send me one of these. But I doubt it.

I’ve been busy with work as usual. That tends to be my motto, but I also firmly believe we make time for what we want to make time for. We’ve all got the same amount of time in a week as everybody else. And the past few weeks I can’t help but think of that saying (and song) that says “All work and no play make Jack a dull boy.” Soooo, I’m purposely and accidentally adding spice to my life in ways that I can. If you have suggestions, please send them my way.

I’ve scored a small part in a movie and this is my first official movie role. The movie is “Step Away from the Stone” locally produced and shot in Central Arkansas. Their facebook page is here should you want info and to keep up with the production. I’m honored and excited to be part of the magic. And I dare say, I’ve been bitten by “the bug”. I didn’t want Director Bill to call “scene” when he did last week…

So, I’ve officially informed you. You may see updates from now on. Who knows? I’m so glad March is here. Unlike January, I actually enjoy February, but never get tired of that fresh feeling of changing the calendar to a new month. This month I’m looking forward to the following: Singing the National Anthem at the Diamonds football game, having dinner or at least sofa-talk with my great friend Heather, going home to see my new niece Sophia who I have not seen since the day she was born, buying some land, making progress on a personal website and not wearing a jacket when I leave the house.

Some things I’ve learned recently:

I’ve learned bananas reduce joint pain. I love and regularly eat bananas and don’t really notice joint pain…but also can’t say I have joint pain when I don’t eat them, because they’re part of my weekly diet.

Human fetuses are considered a delicacy in Vietnam. Yes, this came up in a conversation I had with some new friends last week. We just happened to be talking about…odd…things.

Sometimes I agree with that “right place, right time” thing… I went from being a nurse to a brain surgeon in the time it took a movie producer to make a phone call

Signing off now. I’ve got to make a Kroger run before I start my night… at the end of the day.

“The Women Tell All” and it was juicy. I always enjoy seeing the girls (or guys on “The Bachelorette” ) come back and how they’ve changed since shooting the show. It’s not as drastic or noticeable as the changes from, say, “Survivor” but you can catch some different hair, weight, even body language. I give kudos to Jake’s responses when the girls called him out. He was composed and wasn’t hurtful when he could have just made them feel more like a Loser than they already feel.

What fun when Rozlyn was in the hot seat! She’s the one who was caught hooking up with a producer mid-season, leading to his termination and her leaving the show. The girls pounced on her! 21-on-1. She got feisty with Jeff…ahhhhh I love it! My appearance on 103.7 The Buzz last week (every Thursday at noon…tune in!) didn’t go without a little “Bachelor” talk.  Justin was surprised I don’t get offended by the show. He said it’s discriminating. Trash tv. Without taking too much time (on air) I let him know this is my guilty pleasure; but I don’t act the way these people do in my own dating life, so that justifies it in my mind.

Alas, its a wrap…almost. Tonight is the SEASON FINALE and I couldn’t be more excited. We’re down to Vienna (shocker!) and Tenley.  I hope hope hope he chooses Tenley. But there is an unexpected and unusual attraction he has to Vienna. The 2-hour finale begins at 7:00 on my clock and you better believe I’ll be glued to my set. For two hours I’ll enjoy my guilty pleasure, with the occasional glance at Twitter and a few gasps and commentating to nobody but myself…then we’ll hear from the young lovebirds in the special “After The Final Rose” Ahhhhhhh, yes…I already can’t wait til the next season. By the way, anybody know when it starts?

Oh you want to know why I missed my show last week? OK. I’ve got a small part in a movie being produced/filmed in Central Arkansas. And…I had to answer my call time like any actress does.  A few weeks into the shooting and the team is rockin’ and rollin’. Not yet, but soon I can share more details and say “It’s a wrap!” …almost.

This one always gets me: Roadkill. I see the dog bloated tight as Marshmallow Man. I see the raccoon I’m about to pass. The size, its color, its position near the side of the road. I know it’s a dead, gruesome rodent and I’ve seen many in my life. Yet, I can’t NOT look when I drive past.

Marshmallow Man

My family used to be avid “Survivor” fans. One of our favorite episodes every season was when the contestants must eat the scary or disgusting things. Love it.

A few days ago I found myself amongst a group whose random conversation included delicacies from around the world. I learned about the big goose eggs which are left under a black light. One young lady wasn’t familiar with veal. I was informed that aborted human fetuses are a prized gourmet in some parts of Vietnam. *I could go on an entirely different rant with that subject, but I won’t here right now.

What about you? How many people are reading this shaking their head and saying, “I knew somebody else liked gross stuff, too!”

I didn’t play much tennis last year. I was recovering from a broken toe. *I empathize with anybody who has even the smallest body part broken. I realize the healing is slow and soreness is ongoing for months!

Mr. Big Toe is healed and I’m ready to have a sore shoulder from practicing my backstroke. The snow days are over (knock on wood) and I’m ready to bounce balls. We’re in the final days of February and I can’t wait to find Love. Who’s with me? And when are we going?

This is the week of dates when Jeff (the host) offers the couple a key to share the Fantasy Suite with a note reading “should you choose to forgo your individual suites” (same line every season) And 90% of the time the guy lets the girl choose. And then we see them go into the room, closing the door in our face and leaving the night to our imagination Awww, ain’t that so downright gentlemanly of ya?

Setting the scene: we’re in St. Lucia. I wish they’d find some good spots for these kids to shoot their television shows. Poor things.

Gia and Jake’s date was oh so dreamy. They have dinner on the beach and (in the Fantasy Suite) end the night…well the portion of the night WE see…with a bubble bath. *The lady does wear her swimsuit. On that note, I loved the straps with the big gold beads! Where my girls at?

Tenley gets a helicopter ride and picnic in the jungle…and the Fantasy Suite.

Vienna gets a pirate ship (the one from “Pirates of the Caribbean”!) and a picnic on the beach with them rolling around in the waves and sand. She tells him she loves him and he pushes her off the plank. (Well, not in that order but those both did happen!) They end in the Fantasy Suite also, Vienna wearing a little white silky “honeymoon-esque” number and the door slams in our face.

Ali calls! Made the wrong decision?! Yeah, you did, Ali. And in this vital time of the show it was just terrible timing with testosterone …he’s already moved on completely. Door slammed in her face. I’m sure she learned her lesson.

The door slammed in Gia’s face, too, at the rose ceremony. I am surprised Vienna has made it to the FINAL two. Shocked. She seems immature. But I’m not the bachelor.

Next week is the “Women Tell All” episode where all the former cast-offs come back to complain and call him out. I can’t wait.

June 9 – Back to the Future
June 16 – Twilight
June 23 – Kung Fu Panda
June 30 – The Dark Knight
July 7 – Sixteen Candles
July 14 – Over the Hedge
July 21 – Wedding Crashers
July 28 – Grease
August 4 – People’s Choice

You can see their facebook page here.

Heather Allmendinger greets the movie lovers.

Blake Rutherford says it's "Back to the Future" June 9.

I’ve attended and it never ceases to entertain. Couples. Families. Some young. Some old. Well-known and everyday Joes. Popcorn and pizza. Picnics of peanut butter-jelly sandwiches and gourmet Greek fare. Quilts and lawn chairs, puppies and cartwheels. Folks, this is free, fun and fantastic.