This was seen on Twitter earlier today, from user @aliciam (and former “People Pulse” feature Alicia):

Overheard at lunch: a guy had to give back a sick day because his boss saw that his Facebook status said he was wasted the night before.”

Just watch out for the blow-hole!”

(Overheard at one of the Central Florida theme parks.)

Sometimes living in Central Florida has its perks, like this gorgeous blue sky I captured earlier today:

You’ve probably seen the ads that claim you can make tons of money just for giving your opinion.

I’m sure most of them are a hoax, but I can speak first-hand about participating in focus groups at Orlando’s AccuData Market Research company.

All you need to do is sign up here, and then if AccuData has a focus group that you qualify to participate in, they’ll call you, do a pre-screening and schedule it.

I’ve participated a couple of times, each time I was paid $75 for about 2 hours … not too shabby.

If you’re on Twitter, follow @FocusGroups for nationwide tweets of paid studies.

A few months back, I blogged about one of my favorite local eateries, 903 Mills Market.

Today, we stopped in for a couple beers and to enjoy the beautiful Central Florida day. We were met by the usual crowd of locals doing the same, but it wasn’t long before we noticed “Tony.”

Hard to say what Tony’s job is at the Market, but today he was saying hello to customers and making sure everyone had a place to sit. Those might sound like small tasks, but if you’ve ever been to 903, you know accommodating the crowds on a busy Sunday afternoon can be challenging.

The point is, tough economic times or not, everyone wants to feel welcome and like their business is wanted … Tony did just that … he made us feel welcome.

So, thanks, Tony. We’ll see ya next time!

After years-and-years of “yes we’re getting it” and “no we’re not,” it looks like the Central Florida commuter rail is finally going to happen. According to Orlando Business Journal, selected residents voted on a name for the rail system, and the outcome is SunRail*.

Slated to begin service in the first part of 2011, the SunRail will connect four Central Florida counties to one another: Orange, Seminole, Volusia, and Osceola.

This is a huge development for Central Florida, and I personally am looking forward to seeing how this will help in our progression into a more metropolitan community.

* SunRail logo developed by Bockstall Design Associates

Don’t get too close — it will poke you in the eye.”

(Location: On the streets of downtown Orlando.)

My butt. That’s my butt. That is weird.”

(Location: A pre-New Year’s Eve party in downtown Orlando.)

Still not really sure what was going on. I just know there were about four people on a couch, and this is the phrase that was shouted out!

I’ve got several friends who are big sushi fans. I’m not so much, but I do love Japanese food; I usually tag along with them when they go out. They have a favorite spot they frequent in Winter Park called Sukara but last night we all decided to try a place I’ve been wanting to go for awhile…called Bikkuri*. I can safely say after going there it’s my new favorite place in Orlando!

Even if you know where Bikkuri is located you might miss it if you blink. It’s nearby “little Vietnam” near downtown Orlando, on Colonial Drive (exact information is posted below). The dining area is actually on the second floor of a shopping center strip, so if you decide to pay them a visit just walk through the front door and head upstairs. After browsing through Bikkuri’s extensive menu you’re bound to find something you like.

Post dinner (they’re open for lunch as well) you might have an interest in going across the hall to their lounge. Ultra-cool and definitely unlike anything else you’ll find in the Central Florida area:

Orlando Metromix reviewed Bikkuri and stated it’s more of a takeout establishment with limited dine-in seating, but it looked to me there’s plenty of seating if you want to eat there. They also included a link that is probably more up-to-date than Bikkurisushi.com but unfortunately the link doesn’t work.

Location:

1915 E Colonial Drive
Orlando, FL 32803
407.894.4494

If you go to Bikkuri anytime in the near future please tell us about your experience! I’d love to hear about it.

* disregard the website; it doesn’t seem to have been updated in quite some time

I got so excited when I learned–via OrlandoSentinel.com–Central Florida is getting a zipline. Not an adventurer? Not familiar with what a zipline is? Let me acquaint you:

Now, I’ll be the first to admit I’m not the most adventurous person, but I’m eager to “do more” in 2009, and I’ve always thought going on a zipline would be a blast. So, I’m willing to try out this new Central Florida attraction hosted by Florida Eco-Safaris. I’m imagining the new one here in Central Florida is much more tame than the one in the video (although I know I’d be screaming the entire time).

Adults can experience the zipline for $85.00; the same cost applies for kids 10 or older who’re at least 70 pounds. I’m sure in an effort to drum up some local business post-opening, Florida residents can get in for $50.00 for the month of January. (Hey, Eco-Safaris, how about letting me and klynn come experience it FREE, and we’ll post our adventures here on our blog?!?!)

For complete information and to find out how you can experience the zipline click here. You can also call 1.888.957.9794.