Mr. Sunshine Smiles

Well hey there, folks!

Happy Monday! Happy new week! Happy March 7th!

Isn’t it crazy how fast the time is going? Before we know, it’s going to be Easter, Summer, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and then 2023!

Like…wow.

Insane.

Anyhoo, I digress.

I’m currently sitting in my camping chair (since I no longer have a section at the moment), wrapped in a blanket with He’s Just Not That Into You playing in the background.

Sounds about right for Mr. Sunshine on a Sunday night, right?

Well, usually it is The Golden Girls, but since I gave them up for the next 40 days, I’ve started exploring some other options.

Soooo…basically that means pick the romantic comedy movie that resembles your life.

Mmmbyeee.

And as I sit here writing, I’m listening to the song “Undivided” on repeat.

It is a short little ballad, but one that packs quite the punch with its lyrics. It is sung by Country artists Tim McGraw and Tyler Hubbard.

It is a song that I haven’t listened to in quite some time, but with the current events happening in the world, I thought I would take another few listens.

And even though it has been a few months since it has played in my ears, I still get chills each time I listen.

Chills.

And those chills continue now as the song plays for what I think is the 15th time.

The lyrics are ones that continue to be extremely relevant to all that is happening in the world around us.

And after a week where we see more images of war in Ukraine and news about states across the United States discriminating against people who are gay or wanting to have abortions, it is a song that poses the question to each and every one of us:

When are we going to stop hating?

And anyone who knows me knows that I do not like the word hate. In fact, it is something that I wrote as one of my “fun facts” in the “About Mr. Sunshine” section of this very blog page. And, just in the off chance that you never read that section of this blog site, here it is:

“I don’t like the word “hate” and will often try to substitute with the phrase “dislike very much.” If you ever catch me saying the word “hate” in my writing or live conversation, please call me out and make me give you a dollar.”

But in all seriousness…

Are you able to answer the question that Tim and Tyler ask us in the song?

When are we going to start to see from someone else’s eyes?

When are we going to stop the hating?

When are we going to start making a difference and making the world a better place?

Every single day, when I wake up in the morning, I think about how I can work to make a difference in the world around me.

And every single day, when I read or hear about a story of violence, racism, hatred, or whatever type of darkness it might be, I become infuriated, deflated, and worrisome for the future.

But I also become even more passionate about making a difference in the world.

As I continue to live out my 34th year of life on this Earth, I continue to have the extreme conviction that God put me on this planet to make positive change while working to inspire others to do the same.

Could it be that something is brewing for the 2023 year after the rewarding Miles 4 Smiles endeavor that so many of you graciously journeyed with me for in 2021?

I am Mr. Sunshine. Hear me ROAR.

I don’t have the latest and greatest “stuff.”

I don’t live in the biggest house.

I don’t drive the fanciest car.

I don’t have a lot of money in the accounts.

I don’t find joy in spending money on all the “stuff.”

You can say that I’m someone who finds MORE with LESS.

I work hard each day with what I have to make positive change for others in this world that are struggling no matter what their story.

I work hard to try and inspire others to do the same through an energy that many of you have come to know as Mr. Sunshine.

How are you working to make positive change in this world?

How are you working to keep trails of undivided footprints for others to follow?

Are these questions that you have ever taken a few moments of your life to try and answer?

We all have the ability to make positive change in the world to lift others up.

Our world needs our light.

Our world world needs our kindness.

Our world needs our love.

Our world needs us all to make undivided footprints against hate, violence, racism, war, or whatever other type of darkness tries to engulf our lives and diminish the fire of passion that we have inside our souls.

Stop waiting.

Stop wondering “what if.”

Go and do.

Let’s make some undivided footprints together.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Hi, folks!

It is time yet again for another Monday.

And this Monday just so happens to be the very last day of the second month of 2022!

Crazy!

Crazy!

CRAZY!

Time is just flying by way too fast to be honest.

And this week we celebrate Fat Tuesday and Ash Wednesday, which is usually the time of year where I give up something for 40 days.

I’ve done Facebook, Dr. Pepper, and soda in the past, but I want to try something different this year. It needs to be a challenge for me that causes a temptation.

What have you given up in the past? Basically, send me some suggestions.

Kthanks.

That isn’t even the theme of this week’s post, which means I better stop digressing and get on with it in these next paragraphs!

While I don’t often take naps anymore these days, I have to say that the events of this past week were so draining that I just had to lay vertical for a few hours to recharge.

And when I woke up in the bed of my childhood with the blankets cuddling me and the familiarity and comfort of the walls and stuffed animals and trophies on the wall shelves, I started to think about the many children over in Ukraine who are currently being forced out of their homes to find safety from the current attacks of war that are happening.

I thought about the familiarity and comfort I was experiencing and how it has been stripped right out from under so many in the matter of seconds.

I thought about the many people who don’t have the luxury of being cuddled in blankets of warmth to feel comfort from the dark depths of the outside world.

So, as I continue to see the heartbreaking images from Ukraine and the current climate happening over there, I’m immediately reminded of how thankful I am…and how thankful we all should be for the lives and comforts that we have.

Therefore, I felt the need to share this week with you some of the things that I’m extremely thankful for. And I hope that you will also share with both me and those around you some entities that you are thankful for.

1. I’m thankful for extremely loving family that has always been supportive.
2. I’m thankful for amazing friends that make every day wonderful.
3. I’m thankful for careers in both full-time and part-time capacities that help me to stay financially stable .
4. I’m thankful for a roof over my head.
5. I’m thankful for blankets that keep me warm and give me a sense of security. Think of me as an adult Linus.
6. I’m thankful for laughter that keeps me feeling like a child at heart.
7. I’m thankful for food on my table that gives me nourishment and strength.
8. I’m thankful for medicine that helps us be better when we are not feeling 100%.
9. I’m thankful for the people in fields of work that I count on constantly: restaurant workers, medical workers, trash workers, grocery store workers, theater performers, volunteers, teachers, custodians.
10. I’m thankful for a faith community that allows me to be myself and help spread the love of God to all through both music and word.

These are just a few of the things that I’m thankful for in life. Honestly, I could make a list of 100 things—I could write a book actually, but I also want to make sure that I’m not taking up too much of your time with the reading of these words…another thing I’m thankful for. YOU! For constantly coming back week after week to read!

I hope all of you take a few moments today, tomorrow, and all the days after to share with others what you are thankful for because we should not take anything for granted these days.

The images of Ukraine and the destruction that is currently happening isn’t the only entity that got me drained this last week.

The news of the “Don’t Say Gay” bill being passed by an overwhelming 69-47 vote in Florida provided anger and sadness in my heart.

If you need a quick explanation about what the bill is, here is a quick read:

https://news.yahoo.com/florida-don-t-gay-bill-145548923.html

I flashback to my days in high school when I was struggling with my sexuality. I came out to a few friends at first, but the fact that I was able to have that conversation freely was a huge weight off my shoulders. Knowing that children will not have the ability to talk about it makes me scared for the well-being of any individual that is struggling with their identity.

I was lucky enough to have the support of incredible family and friends, but I know not everyone is that lucky. I am a proud gay man and I am a proud gay man that will continue to display my true colors to the world around me.

And even in the year of 2022, there are still stares that happen, ignorant remarks that are shouted, and people who will always choose hate over love just because of the person we choose to have feelings for.

The personal lives of others’, especially their sexuality, should never be something that a government gets involved with and it is absurd and absolutely ridiculous that this is a news story headline that we are reading in 2022.

It is infuriating, to be honest.

But it won’t keep me from being loud and proud and fighting for what I believe in.

As the images from Ukraine continue to be displayed to us throughout the week, I hope all of you will take time to look in the mirror and share with yourself and others some things that you are thankful for.

And just in case you need to know how you can support the people of Ukraine, here is a quick link that will share some easy ways to donate and help.

https://www.npr.org/2022/02/25/1082992947/ukraine-support-help

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Well, everyone.

I say happy Monday and hi to you all once again!

Thank you so much for stopping by this week for yet another blog post of sunshine!

Well, hopefully it brings you some sunshine because the world could certainly use some of it.

Also, speaking of sunshine, it was really lacking on Saturday with the INSANE wind that was happening with Mother Nature’s wrath in the East Coast.

I hope all of you survived that because Mother Nature certainly has been throwing some crazy types of weather into everyone’s neighborhood and it looks like it is going to continue in the coming weeks.

Let’s just say that I’m ready for Spring…and Summer.

I’m ready for the smell of rain, morning dew, tulips, and sunshine.

Anyhoo, enough about the rain and dew.

Let’s get down to business.

I promise that this week’s message will be short and sweet.

Short like the nights when I’m trying to sleep and the alarm goes off 5 seconds after hitting the pillow and sweet like the cherry Tootsie Pop I’m enjoying right now that is taking 89 licks to get to the center.

By the way…how many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop?

I digress.

That is a question for another week.

Back to business.

Yesterday, at church, the reading during the service really spoke to me as something that we all need to embrace more:

“A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”

Read. That. Again.

Specifically, the below line I’ve highlighted:

“The measure you give will be the measure you get back.”

As someone who tries to live out each day of his life embracing the entities of love and kindness, these are words that I find so important.

And ones that I hope all of you will think twice about embracing today, tomorrow, and all the days after.

And in case you need a few suggestions on how to embrace these words, here are five things I plan to execute this week to get the measure back that I give.

1. Send 1 text/or Facebook message a day to someone in my life sharing a positive quote to motivate them while also sharing a reason for why I appreciate them.
2. Help and support a coworker with any assistance they might need to take something off of their plate to relieve some stress.
3. During any walks where I’m out and about in the community, pick up trash and dispose of it properly.
4. Leave a thank you note or two for people in positions of work that are not recognized often enough and continue to show up every single day.
5. Count my change that I’ve been collecting (for I don’t even know how long) and pick a local charity to donate it to.

“The measure you give will be the measure you get back.”

Embrace this phrase, folks.

Our world needs it and the people in the communities around us need it.

And let me know how YOU plan to give the measure to get that measure back.

That’s all I’ve got.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

It’s currently 11:43pm, which means it is the peak time for Mr. Sunshine blog writing. 

Are you ready? 

Let’s take a moment to be honest with ourselves. 

At some point in our lives, we’ve all dreamed of our lives being a romantic comedy.

I mean…who doesn’t want Zac Efron, Ryan Reynolds, or Bradley Cooper to suddenly step in your life and sweep you off your feet with the highest degree of swooning possible?! 

Or more recently Gregg Sulkin…because he is my newest romantic crush.

Count me in. 

Sadly, as much as society pushes for us to believe by sticking it in our faces that life is its own romantic comedy or “like a box of chocolates”…it’s not. 

Well…not for me at least.

And this week we get to experience all the sweetness of little chocolate hearts, scents of fragrant roses, the cuteness of stuffed animals, sappy social media posts, and the luxurious five-star dinners as the world celebrates the Hallmark holiday acclaimed to be the day of love…more commonly known as Valentine’s Day.

Excuse me while I go puke little chocolate hearts. (Shout out to my former college roommate Jolie who used to always use this phrase around this time of year.)

And even more than a decade later, I’m still using that phrase. Thank you, Jolie!

While I’m not one to really enjoy this holiday that much, there are a few loves that I’m very excited to share with you all today in my post.

And that, my friends, is what I’m calling:

The Love 14.

I’m going to share 14 songs that I love, 14 foods that I love, 14 reasons I love being single, 14 things I do to self love myself, and 14 random facts I hope will just help you love Mr. Sunshine.

But first, let’s give you some background.

Time for a little trip down memory lane…

Growing up through the years in elementary school, middle school, and even high school I was the one who was poked fun at for being skinny. The one who was looked at as being different because I acted more feminine and enjoyed hanging out with girls more often than not. I was the one who enjoyed theater and music. I was the one who wanted to watch Wheel of Fortune or classic TV shows like I Love Lucy, Mary Tyler Moore, and The Golden Girls instead of sports or thriller movies that were considered to be “masculine.” 

I went through the days, weeks, and months of the school year learning to ignore the remarks from those that decided to pick on me, but I still have flashbacks every now and then of those moments that bring up extreme feelings of insecurity. 

When I came out of the closet in 11th grade, it was a huge moment for me in life that was greeted with joy and relief and released an energy of excitement and self-discovery inside my soul. To some people, it was a moment that was supported and loved whole-heartedly while for others, it was just another aspect of life that made it an easy target for being made fun of. 

I’ve been through the bullying. I’ve been through the name calling. I’ve been through the stares that people give because of being considered or viewed as “different.” 

These are the moments from my life that have helped me to become intentional about embracing my single status and learning to love myself.

For me, one of the greatest joys with being single is having the power to involve myself in things that make me feel fulfilled and happy on the inside. Whether it is working with customers to help their businesses grow bigger and better, helping fellow colleagues to improve their personal growth, running 50 marathons to raise money for a local nonprofit close to my heart, or working front of house at the theater that I love with my cohort Jamie, my heart seems to constantly be overflowing with love and compassion to fuel my drive to push forward with the greatest of energy.

These days, more than ever, society tells us (or at least influences us) that we must have a partner by our side in order to be happy. It feels like a social stigma that is pushed on us from all different angles as we live out our daily lives. Whether it is that latest story line arc happening on TV’s most popular show, the plot from the hit movie currently playing at the movie theaters, or the damn advertisements for the next great romantic comedy on The Hallmark Channel, it just seems to be around every corner…something that we can’t escape from no matter how hard we try.

Currently, in my life, I I don’t feel it necessary to have someone by my side to make myself feel “whole” or “complete.” I am my own person who gets to have control over my entire life–from setting the wake-up time on the alarm for those early mornings to determining my own bed time every single night. It’s glorious. And what’s even better is that I don’t have anyone around to judge me on those nights when I want to eat raw cookie dough from the container or the ice cream without putting it in the bowl…that’s right…I do that.

And I embrace it 150%.

And here are some other things that I embrace 150% in The Love 14 that I share with you now!

14 Songs I Love

1. Firework” by Katy Perry

2. “This Ones For The Girls” by Martina McBride

3. “That’s The Way It Is” by Celine Dion

4. “The Way I Are” by Bebe Rexha

5. “America’s Sweetheart” by Elle King

6. “Bad Romance” by Lady Gaga

7. A Moment Like This” by Kelly Clarkson

8. “Starships” by Nicki Minaj

9. “Road Less Traveled” by Lauren Alaina

10. “This is Me” by Keala Seattle from The Greatest Showman

11. “You Can’t Get A Man With A Gun” from Annie Get Your Gun

12. “Try Everything” by Shakira

13. “Lullaby” by Sigala and Paloma Faith

14. “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston

14 Foods I Love

1. Meatloaf (my mom makes a special recipe called ‘Penn State meatloaf and it is SO good)

2. Mashed potatoes (preferably the Bob Evans brand)

3. Yoplait peach greek yogurt

4. Weis signature whole chocolate milk (it’s a beverage, but come at me)

5. Welch’s fruit snacks (the blue pouch)

6. Utz sour dough pretzels

7. Turkey Hilly black raspberry ice cream

8. Skillet queso from Chili’s

9. Cracker Barrel sharp cheddar cheese slices

10. Peanut butter

11. Salmon (with some mayo on it)

12. Shepherd’s pie

13. Lay’s regular potato chips (the yellow bag)

14. Cheez it’s

14 Reasons I Love Being Single

1. I can sprawl out on the bed as much as I want.

2. I can cuddle all the blankets I want without the worry of hogging too much.

3. I can do what I want, when I want, on my own terms.

4. I can go #2 without the fear of someone using the bathroom right after me.

5. I can eat whatever I want without anyone watching.

6. I can have the freedom to stay up as late as I want without worry.

7. I can involve myself in things I’m passionate about without the stress of not being able to provide enough time to a significant other.

8. This might be TMI, but I’m sorry, I have to say it. I can pass gas without a care.

9. I can take as much time as you need to find yourself.

10. You can have fun nights with your friends, which make life so fun and great.

11. I don’t have to deal with any type of drama.

12. This might sound silly, but you don’t have to compromise on the million dollar question of “what’s for dinner?”

13. I don’t have to worry about heartbreak.

14. I can have fun and just flirt even if the waiters that I leave my phone number for don’t text me.

14 Things I Do To Self Love Myself And De-Stress

1. I take time to journal every night before bed.

2. I color in the lines…but also out of the lines every once in awhile.

3. I will take time to involved myself in a good dishwashing moment–it is therapeutic.

4. I will take a hot shower.

5. I will watch The Golden Girls for pure laughs because laughter is the best medicine.

6. I will eat ice cream direct from the container.

7. I will listen to Katy Perry’s “Firework” if I need an instant burst of energy.

8. I will put my phone on Do Not Disturb every night to give myself quiet time.

9. I will play the Wheel of Fortune app on my phone, but can get angry when I hit the bankrupt or realize that the money I’m winning is not real.

10. I will play music on the piano whether it means using the one in my living room or traveling over to the church to play the Steinway.

11. I will light a candle, lay on the couch, and close my eyes for 15 minutes.

12. I will love at myself in the mirror and give myself three compliments.

13. I will give myself a big bear hug.

14. I will clean the house.

14 Things I Hope You Will Learn To Love About Mr. Sunshine

1. My love language is words of affirmation.

2. Social media is something that makes me jealous and blurs my judgment on the daily.

3. I still struggle accepting compliments from others

4. My least favorite exercise at the gym is pushing the sled

5. My least favorite aisle to go down in the grocery store is a tie between the cereal aisle and toothpaste aisle because there are too many choices

6. This year, I will be house/concession managing with my good friend, Jamie at EPAC, so please come out to a show or two so we can greet you with a smile and pour you a drink

7. I work out with a personal trainer twice a week. Zach is the best

8. I involve myself in a cause that is close to my heart to share joy with others.

9. I embrace the principles of love and kindness and always look for way to display them.

10. I have a wonderful life coach named Daniel who has been a blessing to me for the past 3 years.

11. I LOVE spending time with my family even it means a simple evening of just food, rummy, and TV.

12. I can’t start my day until I shave my face with classic shaving cream and a razor.

13. I love getting hugs and giving them.

14. I love Disney movies and am currently obsessed with Encanto because WE DON’T TALK ABOUT BRUNO!

Do I have moments where I will mute people’s stories/posts on social media because I don’t always need to see the “lovey dovey” photos?

Yes. I won’t deny it. Work in process.

Are there days where I wish I could come home to that special someone ready to greet me with a hug when I walk in the front door after a really rough day at work? Absolutely.

Are there days where I wish that I could have that special someone on the couch to cuddle with me as I watch The Golden Girls for the 1000th time? I mean, duh.

Do I wish that Shawn Mendes would serenade me to sleep every night?

Is that even a question?

But, then I wonder if these thoughts are the ones that society wants me to create in my mind.

Are these the images that society wants me thinking? Will having someone by my side really make everything happy-go-lucky and perfect?

It’s the million dollar question that I will continue to explore the answer for as I live out life.

The Valentine’s Day holiday has become so commercialized and dare I even say that we have learned to love dubbing it “Singles Awareness Day.”

But for now, it is all about The Love 14 for me.

Please, I urge you to love yourself first because at the end of the day, if you can’t love yourself, you will never be able to love others.

And please don’t forget…love should be happening ALL days of the year, not just one.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

It seems to be that time again to wish you all a happy Monday!

And to watch Disney’s Encanto once again.

Welcome to blog post number 155 since starting this endeavor back in 2018.

Seems like forever ago.

Yesterday seems like forever ago.

Let’s be honest…writing the first sentence of this blog seems forever ago.

But you know what isn’t forever ago?!

Valentine’s Day.

It’s in one week!

My FAVORITE holiday…

…NOT!

But don’t worry…I got several topics from readers like yourselves on what to blog about next Monday and I’m looking forward to it!

Hope you are too!

Okay, enough digressing.

Time to get to this week’s 155th.

Grab your coffee, tea, hot cocoa, or whatever type of beverage you like to have in the vicinity of your lips when you are reading these words.

Entering the third year of the pandemic.

Economy and financial uncertainty.

Stress of pressures from trying to work multiple jobs and make ends meet.

Signs of looming war amongst Countries in our world.

Hatred amongst people.

Gun violence and shootings.

Anxiety about getting new furniture and attempting to sell and get rid of the old stuff.

Disorganization, dust, and cracks in the house.

The list just goes on and on.

There is anxiety everywhere around all the corners.

The world is dark.

And in these dark times, even for Mr. Sunshine, it can be hard to find the light.

But I find it.

And here’s 5 places where I do.

Buckle up.

Disney’s Encanto
-I don’t know what it is about this movie, but I love it and it just makes me beam from ear to ear. There is humor, beautiful music, beautiful imagery and colors, and everything that you would expect from a Disney movie. The message that is presented is so inspiring and something that can give anyone no matter what age that extra burst of joy to get through the day…and also get a few catchy songs stuck in the head too! We don’t talk about Bruno…

Coloring
-This one sounds childish, but don’t knock it until you try it. Honestly, coloring with all types of entities brings about a joy of relaxation and therapeutic peace that nothing else in this world seems to be able to capture for me. Markers, pencils, crayons–you should give it a try! There are so many versions of adult coloring books out there, but I will admit that the large Disney princess Crayola coloring pages are also a guilty pleasure!

Do Not Disturb
-This is an app on my Iphone that I have started to use more regularly in the new year and it is glorious. Setting scheduled time with this app has allowed me to give myself quiet time to find peace, relaxation, and joy in just…quiet. I light a few candles, curl up with a blanket, read a few inspirational quotes or pages from a current book I’m reading, and place the phone far away out of reach.

The Winter Olympics
-There is just something about watching all of the Countries of the world coming together for some friendly competition. It gives me multiple sparks of joy that get me so giddy that I sometimes scream at the TV. While I try to not have favorites, I have to say that figure skating is my favorite event. Hands down. Yes, I’ve tried to pretend landing triple toe double axles in my living room sometimes. Don’t you?

The Golden Girls
-Are you really surprised? I mean, come on. Even though I would always watch this each night to wind down before bed, I have to say that since Betty White’s passing, it has become an even more important part of my daily routine. 30 minutes to an hour every night of some pure laughs certainly does the trick, especially when the events of the world are draining the joy from the tank. And let me tell you–there is nothing as relaxing and joyous as laughter, especially from Dortohy, Rose, Blanche, and Sophia. And if you haven’t done yourself the favor of watching an episode of The Golden Girls, please do yourself a favor and do it. Right now. After reading this. Tonight. Tomorrow. Each day after it. You won’t regret it.

These days, it is even more important for us to find joy and to share that joy with each other.

Our world is dark.

We are drained.

And we need to make sure we are checking in with those in our life that we love to make sure they are ok and good with finding the joy to keep them rejuvenated.

And if they need help with that joy, we must help them find that joy.

It’s up to us to find the light in life’s darkest moments.

Well, folks.

That’s all I have for you with this 155th post.

Until next week when we get to celebrate my FAVORITE holiday of Valentine’s Day together with an ALL NEW blog post!

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Happy Monday, folks!

We have officially made it through the first month of 2022!

And it is officially the last day of January, and this is officially blog post number 154!

Are you ready?

Do you have your Monday morning beverage in your hand ready to sip? Or I guess it could be an afternoon or evening beverage too…I’m all-inclusive and do not exclude or discriminate!

But before I get on with this week’s post, I must say something quickly.

Yesterday, I was completely and totally awestruck and surprised when I walked into the church sanctuary (after our service was and a meeting with Pastor Angie was over), to find my family, my best friends, and the best support system waiting in the pews for my arrival. I had no idea what was happening and was serenaded to the words of “Happy Birthday” which was even more confusing. Regardless, I started to cry when Rebecca Stanion and Sheryl Holland of The Conner M. Holland Foundation proceeded to share some words about the support that Miles 4 Smiles was able to give to several different families in 2021. It was a beautiful moment–something completely unexpected that caught me so off guard. I cried a lot of tears. It was just so special. And proved to me once again that I’m very blessed and lucky to have the best people in my life supporting the antics of Mr. Sunshine because we all know I’m crazy with the ways of how I like to change the world.

So…that means…stay tuned.

Okies.

Let’s get down to business, shall we?

The definition of the word hodge podge is listed as “a confused mixture.”

While I don’t necessarily feel like “confused mixture” fits well with the aim of my blog post this week, I decided to look up the definition of grab bag instead.

The definition of grab bag is described as “a container from which a person chooses a wrapped item at random, without knowing its contents.”

So, I don’t believe that my blog post will be confusing, so I’ve decided to take both of these definitions to come up with a post that is a mixture of fun facts to close out and celebrate this first month of 2022. Because we all need a hodge podge grab bag of fun these days!

1. I have watched Disney’s Encanto three times in the past week and will probably watch one more time this evening after I’m done writing this blog. (It is currently Sunday evening at 8pm).
2. I have taken a total of 3 Covid tests since returning home from Vegas and all of them have been negative.
3. I have had to give my body some rest from personal training several weeks this month because I’ve been battling some type of sickness and just overall have been experiencing drained tiredness from work.
4. I’m currently really enjoying Bud Light Seltzer sodas that I recently just discovered at the bottle shop. My favorite flavor is the orange.
5. Speaking of orange, I’m currently on a kick with drinking those cute, mini soda cans of Sunkist orange. I must always have cans of them in the fridge or it feels like the end of the world.
6. I was so thirsty this past Saturday morning when I woke up that I drank the orange juice direct from the bottle instead of putting it in a glass.
7. I feel like a true adult when I walk around Sunshine Cottage in my bathrobe and pajamas during the evening hours.
8. With being sick, I have found that I blow my nose ALL THE TIME. And with that, I have to say that I’ve enjoyed blowing my nose into a paper towel because there is more room for all of that glorious stuff coming out of the nostrils. Sorry not sorry. Don’t judge me.
9. I used an airplane bathroom for the first time during the flight home from Las Vegas.
10. I’m currently trying to sell some furniture from Sunshine Cottage to make room for new furniture and I still haven’t found any buyers. It is making me anxious, so if you know anyone or want to know what I’m selling, message me. PLEASE. Kthanks.
11. My first chance at house/concession managing at EPAC with my partner-in-crime, Jamie takes place this coming Saturday, February 5th and I’m so excited!
12. I made chocolate pudding the other night and put whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles on top and I felt like a little kid again and loved every single bite.
13. I shop at Weis Markets (usually the one in Lititz before family dinner on Tuesday nights) and I still struggle every week to remember which aisle houses the soup.
14. Speaking of soup, I’m on a corn chowder kick currently.
15. Shoveling snow is just as annoying of a chore to me that dusting is.
16. I have to sleep in shorts because I like to feel cold, so that I can “cuddle grip” the blanket even tighter.
17. For the first time since moving to Lancaster in 2016, I finally started using an industrial, commercial-grade blender that I won at work to make my protein shakes.
18. Speaking of protein, it is something that I still struggle to enjoy the taste of…even when it is mixed in with milk, yogurt, and peanut butter. Any suggestions? Send them my way.
19. I have yawned a total of 25 times in the past 15 minutes. Yes, I am counting.
20. I think David Muir (news anchor for ABC News) is super handsome.
21. The five songs that I currently have playing on repeat in my car rides to anywhere are the following:
    1. Katy Perry’s “Firework”
    2. Martina McBride’s “This Ones For The Girls”
    3. “Surface Pressure” from Encanto
    4. “This Is Me” from The Greatest Showman
    5. Elle King’s “America’s Sweetheart”
22. Before the end of this year, I would really like to get a tattoo, which was originally a 2020 goal before COVID happened.
23. As a single man, I don’t have a whole lot of money saved and work very hard for the money I earn to make monthly payments on my life bills. That means, I’m very content with what I have and do not like spending money on lavish things.
24. I don’t know what it is, but I enjoy Sprite soda so much more from a fountain than I do a can or bottle. Call me crazy, but I tell you–there is a clear difference!
25. I’m currently using Kleenex Charmin toilet paper at my house and I don’t like it. Any suggestions? I’m all ears. I certainly don’t feel as happy as the singing bears in the commercials that’s for sure.
26. During the Winter season, I keep the heat at Sunshine Cottage at 63 degrees. But don’t worry, I have plenty of blankets to keep you warm for your visit!
27. I literally can’t do anything until I shave my face every morning. I’m so routine oriented that I just can’t get on with my day until I put that shaving cream on the whiskers to shave them off!
28. James O’Halloran is my favorite male model on The Price Is Right. I also LOVE that they have male models.
29. I’m OBSESSED with the Supermarket Sweep reboot with Leslie Jones and my favorite part is how she says “Supermarket Sweeeeeeeppppppp.” Literally. Watch It. And you’ll find out quickly what I’m talking about.
30. The people in my life are the ones that keep me going with my Mr. Sunshine personality that I wear with pride and try to execute each day I wake up and live.

Well, folks! That is all the hodge podge grab bag of fun facts I have for you this week!

I sincerely hope that you will come back next week and the week after for even more positive energy and sunshine because Lord knows we need it!

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Happy Monday, folks!

Welcome to post #153 and week number four of 2022.

We are almost through January already.

SAY WHAT?!

No, seriously though.

Like, how are we already through a full month already?

I literally can’t handle it.

And in my typical Sunday evening fashion, I am cuddled in the couch in my blanket, The Golden Girls playing in the background, and candle burning to bring the scent of Christmas once again into the living room of Sunshine Cottage.

I’m also getting incredibly sidetracked by watching videos on YouTube, so I really need to focus because it is almost 10pm and my eyes are getting heavy.

FOCUS. JP.

FOCUS.

Okay, it’s time to grab your favorite warm morning beverage and cuddle up for some quick words!

Last week, during my travels to Vegas, there was plenty of downtime for thinking while on the plane rides.

And as someone who is super anxious about flying, I tried to occupy my mind with as many different entities to keep my mind off the fact that I was 32,000 feet in the skies.

And in the middle of those anxious feelings about anxiety, I started to think about one, singular word.

TRUST.

What a deep, heavy word.

It is one that I will admit I’m not always the best with, but during these flights to Vegas, I realized a few things about trust.

I realized that I had to put my trust in the pilot, flight attendants, and the entire flight crew to master their craft and get all the passengers on all the flights to their destinations safely.

I realized that I had to trust that the flight crew would be properly prepared in case of an emergency if something were to arise during the travel.

It’s funny because if you think about it, people who fly on the daily have to put their trust in random strangers that they have never before met in their lives to help arrive safely to wherever it is that they are going.

That is like the highest level of trust.

It’s like an extra glorified trust fall because pilots and flight crew are usually people you are meeting for the first time.

And putting my trust in these individuals helped ease the anxiety of the flights I was experiencing.

What we could all accomplish in life if we just had a bit more trust in each other.

Trust was something I thought of so much while in Vegas and it was amazing when I thought about how many moments throughout the few days where I had to use trust.

-Trusting that the workers in the restaurants we were eating food at were preparing food properly for us to eat.

-Trusting that all workers and employees of the hotel were keeping everything safe and sanitary at all times for an enjoyable experience.

-Trusting the Uber drivers we utilized were getting us to our destinations safely in the city.

-Trusting that Devin would be able to make sure we got home safely to the hotel after a late night in the city.

I feel like I’ve never been the best at trust. I’m not sure if I can pinpoint where exactly that comes from, but I can tell you that some of it stems from experiences I had with boys either lying to me about not being gay (when I would later find out they are), or just not being honest over the years.

I’m someone who likes to have control, so it can take time for me to loosen up and just let go and…trust.

If I can put my trust in complete strangers to fly me all across the United States to the West Coast, then I should be able to put my trust in anything.

Trust the process.

Trust that God knows the plan for my life is meant to be.

Trust the friends in my life are there for a reason.

Trust that love will always overcome hate.

Now, if you noticed, the blog title this week was called “The Power Combo of K and T.” Well, if you haven’t figured out yet, the ‘T’ was for trust.

So, what is the ‘K’ for?

Well, keep reading!

Last Monday, the world celebrated the life of Betty White in what would’ve been her 100th birthday. I continue to be overwhelmed with emotion about her not being with us anymore on this Earth, but I can’t help but smile when I see all the beautiful tributes that continue to be posted in regards to the life of grace, compassion, and kindness that she executed with her 99 years of life.

And that is the ‘K’ for this week.

Kindness.

If there is anything that you can do in the world when you wake up in the morning, please choose kindness.

I continue to be saddened by the constant news stories that I see where people have chosen hate over kindness.

I continue to be saddened by the divides that continue to grow and expand between people.

I continue to be saddened by the fact that people in this world just continue to be rude and arrogant in their remarks with each other.

So, I will continue to fight for the fact that we need to practice kindness more than ever.

I will promise to work on my trust for the 2022 year if you promise to work on spreading kindness in your daily life.

Trust and kindness.

Kindness and trust.

They are two words that we need to continue embracing on the daily.

Now more than ever.

Please.

I’m begging you.

They are two words that I will continue to embrace as I embark on my 2022 journey.

Challenge yourself to trust.

Challenge yourself to spread some kindness.

Challenge yourself to change the world with the power combo of ‘K’ and ‘T’ as you embark on your own personal 2022 journey.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Well, hello folks!

A very happy Monday to all of you!

I hope you (depending on where in the world you might be reading this) survived the blast of Mother Nature’s chill that she decided to throw in several areas and states across the Country.

I will admit that it was super nice to see 2022’s first snow…

…minus the shoveling.

…minus the super, super, chilly temperatures of like 2 degrees.

Gross.

Where is Summer?

Anyhoo, currently I’m on the couch wrapped in a blanket with a strawberry lemonade candle burning, creating a packing list of items for the carry-on bags that will be hitting up a plane this Friday for VEGAS!

BECAUSE KATY PERRY HERE WE COME!

Literally.

Can’t.

Wait.

I’m sure there will be stories and pictures to accompany the trip, but for now I’ll just take a Xanax for the plane rides.

Or a glass of wine.

Or two.

Or three.

I make my apologies in advance now to Devin for any crazy antics that occur on the plane rides to and from Vegas.

But like…

…I also CAN’T WAIT.

Anyhoo, I digress.

Once again.

Let’s get to this week’s post.

And it is a quick one.

On Saturday night, I hit up El Serrano (WHICH IS JUST SO AMAZING) for some food and drinks with beautiful coworkers of mine.

We had a reservation for 6:30pm and got the opportunity to stand in the lobby for a bit while we waited for our table to be ready.

So, of course that meant people watching.

One of my favorite past times.

Next to watching The Golden Girls of course.

Well, while we waited, we heard the hostess–who was no older than 16–mention that they were understaffed and a bit overwhelmed with trying to get everyone seated while also getting take-out orders handled in a timely fashion.

And while we stood there, we witnessed a man make a few comments to the hostess because he was upset that his take-out order was not ready yet.

He made a few rude remarks, held up his phone to the hostess and said, “So, you took my money and told me my order would be ready at 6:30pm.”

The hostess kept her cool and mentioned that they were understaffed and apologized for the delay. She also mentioned that they were doing their best to finalize all orders and that 25% would be discounted from the total because of the wait.

It just wasn’t good enough for the individual and he continued to push and make rude remarks which also included the statement that he couldn’t understand “why the restaurant could be understaffed when there were 6 kids at the hostess stand.”

The girl, once again, apologized and mentioned that they were not old enough to work in the kitchen, which was one of the entities that was feeling the heat from the understaff issues.

The girl eventually had to step away because she started to cry.

It took me (and my coworkers) a lot to hold our tongues.

But in our world today, one of the things that constantly goes through the mind is the fact that sticking up for either yourself or someone else could possibly lead to violence because you just never know.

Isn’t it sad that one of the first thoughts that went through my head was the fact that the guy who was making the scene could be holding a gun?

I know it sounds crazy, but like I said earlier…you just never know.

Anyhoo, when we left, we made sure to let the hostess girl know that she did a fantastic job handling herself and that the guy was a dick. and that the guy was a dick…pardon my language.

And, this experience I had on Saturday evening led me to these words for you to read today.

Our world is in a very tough spot right now. Workers in all fields are exhausted, working their butts off for hours upon hours and have to experience rude remarks from those who just don’t get it.

Or don’t seem to care.

Businesses are understaffed.

Have a little extra patience.

And please, please, please, remember to BE KIND to the people who decide to show up on the daily to work the tireless and thankless jobs that keep our society running.

That’s all.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

A happy Monday to all of you!

Welcome to the first official Mr. Sunshine blog post of 2022.

I hope all of you were able to enjoy some time with loved ones ringing in the new year while also sending some love and toasting to our beloved golden girl, Betty.

That’s right, folks.

This week’s blog post is a tribute and toast to our beloved Betty who passed away on Friday at the age of 99.

I have to say that my friends know me so well because on Friday, I received multiple text messages complete with crying tears emoji and the words of “are you ok?”

I froze and thought to myself…what is happening.

And then, it came to me.

Something happened to Betty White.

Sure enough, Google confirmed the words I thought was a prank to end the year known as 2021.

“Betty White Dead At 99.”

I’ve always said to myself that when Betty White were to pass away, I was going to need some time off, so how fitting that I do not have to work today.

The stars aligned.

It should come as no surprise that Betty White has (and always will be) one of my biggest Mr. Sunshine role models.

There are so many wonderful adjectives that describe her–we could all make our own lists that would go on and on, but here are just a few that come to my mind:

-Compassionate, kind, warm, classy, funny, golden, forever young, St. Olaf, cheesecake, witty, ally, lover of animals

We could be here for hours…actually YEARS writing words about her.

So, in the spirit of celebrating her life, I wanted to share some of my favorite clips of Betty that I hope will bring you some smiles and warmth when you need it most.

The Best Bloopers Of Betty:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yf3VayvAF_E

My Favorite Interview Of Betty: A Class Act:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXYqG8ri4po

Betty White And Her SNL Opening Monologue:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gv3c4pBZYiI

Betty White Defends The Gay Community:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-dUITmswr8

Betty White And Her Hot In Cleveland Surprise Flash Mob For Her 93rd Birthday:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkUtmSGctrc

Betty White Wins Favorite TV Icon At People’s Choice Awards:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILdD0dsUopg

70th Emmy Awards Honoring Our Beloved Betty:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfsA2Q6Jrec&t=93s

My Favorite Betty Tribute:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnJ85lm0K24&feature=youtu.be

Kindness and Compassion: Betty’s Greatest Entities:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fHPHburCMo&t=514s

2015 Lifetime Achievement Award:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KX22Sr2PXCU&t=485s

So, cheers to you, Betty.

Our first lady of television.

Our very favorite Golden Girl.

Hope you are enjoying a slice of cheesecake in heaven.

Thank you for being a friend…

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Well, happy Monday greetings once again everybody!

Welcome to this week’s post…number 150 to be exact!

WOWSER!

The Christmas carols have been sung, the presents have been unwrapped, the snow has yet to fall, and the cookies and sweets continue to catch our eye to tempt our tummies for that much-needed sugar rush.

Why is it that the holidays always seem to take forever to get here and then seem to be over in the blink of an eye?

It feels like it was just yesterday when I was hanging the stockings by the chimney with care or rocking around the Christmas tree as I helped trim it with my parents.

And now, like every other year, the post holiday depression seems to swoop in to overtake our lives.

Or is that just me?

Grab those scrumptious sugar cookies, cozy up by the fire with your favorite blanket, and let’s get on with this week’s post.

If, by chance, your detail oriented brain was not focusing on the title of this week’s post, you might have missed that it was a quote from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

The full quote, goes like this:

“I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future.”
~Ebenezer Scrooge

One of my FAVORITE holiday traditions is watching A Christmas Carol with my mom and dad either on Christmas night or the evening after Christmas. And not just any version. I’m talking about the George C. Scott version from 1984. If you haven’t seen this version, do yourself a favor and check it out…even if it is after the holiday. I remember the Jacob Marley ghost scene always creeping me out growing up…and not going to lie…even at the age of 34, it still gives me goosebumps and chills.

It suddenly just got chilly in my room. Brrr.

I digress.

I don’t know if it is because of the state of the world we are living in currently or the fact that my brain has matured more as I’ve gotten older, but the above quote is something that has really started to get the wheels turning in my head.

And yes, the wheels are turning currently at 10:37pm as I write these words from atop the bed in my childhood room that I grew up in at my parents’ house.

Another Christmas tradition I’ve always loved. Sleeping over Christmas Eve/Christmas night.

But I digress…again.

I won’t bore you with the full details of the story of Ebenezer Scrooge because surely most of you already know how it goes, but the short story version is that a grumpy old man gets visited by three spirits and has a change of heart about the Christmas holiday.

As I watched the movie for what feels like the millionth time, I kept thinking about the quote that I shared above.

Why does it take a holiday that happens every December 25th for us as humans to open our hearts, love one another, and be kind?

Why are these entities aspects of life that we are not embracing and living out 365 days a year?

The world isn’t getting any easier.

And the dark days are far from over.

But we all need to have the revelation and epiphany like Ebenezer Scrooge did and wake up, open our eyes, and realize the beauty of what is around us and to embrace ALL we meet with unconditional love in our hearts.

While I’m someone who has often created “resolutions” for myself in the past to embrace in the new year, I’m going to take a different approach to 2022.

I’ve been looking for inspiration and thinking intensely about a singular word, phrase, or quote to help shape what I want my 2022 to look like.

And as I was looking for that particular entity, I decided to open up my 2022 planner (my literal favorite thing) to the date of my birth, August 27th. And this is the quote I found waiting for me:

“Any situation that you find yourself in, is an outward reflection of your inner state of beingness.”
~El Morya

BINGO.

If that doesn’t speak Mr. Sunshine, well then I don’t know what does.

Ladies and gentleman, I present you with my quote to live by in 2022. And what’s even better is that there are three words from this particular quote that I can extract to help navigate my 2022 even more.

-Reflection, beingness, outward.

I want to take time to reflect on blessings that I’m grateful for.

I want to work on a healthy state of beingness with my soul, the world, and others in life that I love.

I want to work on the outward part of Mr. Sunshine with a focus on fitness.

2021 has definitely been a crazy year for me–emotionally and physically with my Miles 4 Smiles campaign. I’ve learned a lot about myself which I’m anxious to share with you, but you’ll have to wait another week. By the way—you can still donate at miles-4-smiles.com! Last minute donations are greatly welcome until 12/31!

But for now, I urge you to embrace your inner Ebenezer Scrooge.

Wake up and open your eyes and heart to embrace ALL around you with love and kindness.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!