Meet Jen: My 300th Facebook Like!

I have been trying to grow my reading audience.  I am almost 8 months in to this blog thing and I'm starting to learn that the more people you connect with on social media, the more readers will find you and stick around.  And I love when readers stick around and comment and interact with me.  So last week, I posted on Facebook that the person who was my 300th like on Facebook would be featured in a blog post.  And while it took two days more than the deadline I set, I reached that 300 with your help; you shared my post and the link to my blog and invited your friends to like my page.  Thanks so much!

Once the 300th like came in, I checked to see who it was.  It wasn't my mom or my cousin (they already like my blog, well maybe not my mom because she's not so great with Facebook), it was a complete stranger - how wonderful!  Thanks to my friend Dani who shared my post, a number of Livingston ladies liked me (thanks to the Livingston ladies too!)  One of the Livingston ladies was Jennifer Blackman; my lucky 300th like.  When I contacted her, she had no idea that there was a "prize" associated with her like, but she was game (I liked her already!)  I sent her a list of six questions, hoping she would play along.  And once I read through her answers, I'm so glad she was number 300.  So, without further ado, meet Jen!

1.  Please tell me about yourself!  You can include your full name, age (although you really don't have to), marital status, number of kids, where you live, your job - stuff like that.

My name is Jennifer Blackman and I am a 43(ugh).  I am divorced and live in Livingston with my teenage son.  I am currently unemployed, but I start a new job in February as an account director at CommonHealth.  I am also an event planner for over 20 years and I still do a few parties a year.

2.  What are your passions/hobbies?

I love to travel and have been to over 25 countries so far.  I also enjoy reading, movies and have a shoe addiction.

3.  If you had an extra hour in the day, how would you use it? 

I would probably try to get a manicure; it is the one time I can completely shut down and turn my phone off temporarily.

4.  What is your favorite meal to cook, and if you are not a cook, what is your favorite meal to eat out? 

I'm not a big fan of cooking on a daily basis; my son is a picky eater so there are only so many days I can make chicken cutlets.  Eating out would have to be Chinese (of course...)  I do like to bake; I have a killer brownie recipe that is truly decadent (I like them best frozen).

5.  How do you know Dani?

Dani and I went to high school together, and then reconnected through mutual friends since our kids are in school together.

6.  List 3 random facts about yourself:  I am so glad I asked this question!

1.   I have now been to Disney 41 times and counting.  I'm planning the next trip for late summer or early fall for my Nephew's birthday.  I think everyone should take a trip to Disney for their 3rd birthday!

2. In 1989, I helped set a Guinness Book of World Records as part of the largest group tap dance, Macy's Tap Oz Mania.  It was to celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz, which is my all-time favorite movie.

3.  Technically, I was in a movie with Matt Damon.  My cousin was featured in a documentary in 2011 that he narrated called,  "American Teacher."  The director accidentally used a childhood picture of me instead of my cousin in the final edits.

Pretty interesting lady, don't you think?  I loved learning about Jen and meeting one of my friend's friends - even if it was only virtually.  I had such a fun time watching my numbers rise on Facebook and I loved interviewing Jen, that I may just do it again.

Twitter anyone? (@GGLiving, by the way.)