Postcards From the Edge...

Some New Ones

2008-10-21T11:35:00.002-04:00

Take Out Tuesday

I know, I haven't updated this in a while, but wanted to add a few songs that I'm liking these days!

- Can't get the video but you can look at it here ----> Angel

- Same with this one (It has a preview of Gavin Rossdale's song, but plays afterwards) ---> Broken

- They must've not shut this one down yet!

Will update soon...

Home

2008-09-11T23:58:00.005-04:00

SYTYCD + ABDC

2008-07-03T17:16:00.000-04:00

America's Best Dance Crew is back along with So You Think You Can Dance! I am so happy about this, no re-runs here!

I can't say who my favorite is on SYTYCD is YET, but on ABDC; I LOVE Super Crew and Supreme Soul. They are awesome!

I haven't had time to find any clips from the previous show, but they're on tonight. MTV
has the shows on their site if you've missed them. 10PM! Watch it!

Say

2008-06-28T18:26:00.003-04:00

A good friend of mine once told me that when you have a good connection with someone ~ be it friendship, or something more, it's so easy to say what you want to say. And really, what's the worst that could happen? If you have that connection, they're going to accept you no matter what.

I've realized it's when you hide or don't fully express how you feel or think to that person that it actually makes the situation harder. If everything was just "out there" you could at least acknowledge it and go from there. Wherever that may be!

One Republic is becoming one of my favorite bands (not just because Ryan Tedder is SO lovely to watch) but also the fact that the whole band plays with this awesome emotion.
Heaven knows I can't sing anymore, but as a person who loves to dance, it's easy to transfer that emotion into motion. I have enjoyed using their songs in my dance classes.

I love this song (Say [All I Need]) because it reminds me of times that I wanted to say how I felt, and never did.

Of times where you know it would have gone differently, if you or your friend, brother, sister, mother, father, or significant other just said that ONE thing, or few things that would have made that situation go a different route.

Or to just realize not to wait for the moment to pass you by anymore.

Sophia

2008-06-10T15:32:00.002-04:00

This is my niece Sophie. How could you NOT love this face?!! I have a lot to update, but I had to post this picture of her. My sister says that her and I are a lot alike in the sense....well, we won't get into the negative things...but the positive is that she says we were/are both adorable kids.

I don't know about that looking at my old pictures...but this girl is too much! Sheba calls me when she is out so I can talk to Sophie. It's sometimes the only way she can get things done! (I hear ya on that one Sheb) but I love our little conversations. Sophie totally makes me laugh!

I can't wait to see my family and my little nieces! Of course, they know who their favorite aunt is! :)

Brooklyn at the Beach

2008-05-11T17:27:00.003-04:00

It was barely the start of Friday morning, and already I was frustrated. I took Jalen to school, had a meeting, then had Brooklyn in the car and didn't feel like going home.

You ever had days where things are consuming your mind so much you feel like you're going to go crazy? It wasn't anything bad either, just a million thoughts running through my head at once.
Part of it was frustration of things not going my way. I'm the type of person that, although mostly laid back, I have to have things go...the way I want them to!

SO....I took the turn right before our driveway and drove 2 blocks to the beach. Brooklyn said "We're going to see the ocean, Mommy?" I told her yes; she got so excited.

I love watching the waves and hearing them crash into the sand. It got so calm and it looked so beautiful. I tried taking pictures of B, but she wouldn't let me put her down! It started getting windy after a while so we left but it was so nice to have this scenery so close. I love the beach! And I love my girl!

I took all these with my phone-camera, so they're not so great.

Unloading the In-Box

2008-04-12T12:13:00.007-04:00

Okay, I have been meaning to do some 'family' catching up, but haven't really been in the mood for it. Like my "in-box" is getting bigger and bigger of things to write about them, and I just keep walking right past it.

But I always say I am so happy when my sis. or friends post their pictures because I feel like I got to be apart of whatever was going on. So these following paragraphs are short descriptions of the past few months and all the pictures I threw on slide...that will hopefully be done downloading by the time I'm finished writing this!

My brother got his mission call last week and I was on the speaker-phone while he announced it at my mom's house...with EVERYONE there! It was SUCH an exciting experience!!! So where is he going???!!! Well, you'll just have to CLICK to find out! This link isn't the best, but you can surf on your own for better sites!!

I gotta get on with this blog!!! But I LOVE YOU JAKE!!!! I am so proud of all the accomplishments you've achieved and of all your hard work. You are gonna rock!!

Okay,I just found pictures way back from Halloween. So!...I'm going to start from there. Jalen was the Island Princess, Rosella; but she's our princess for sure! ;)
Brooklyn, our little Evil Knievel finally let us put her SO SO cute Ladybug costume that my sister Sheba sent her. Thanks, Sheb!!

Because the houses are a little apart here, or most of them are between vacation homes, the schools have a huge carnival night and the teachers decorate their rooms for the kids to go trick-or-treating. We did that the Sat. before Halloween, and then we decided to take the girls to the Senior Living Home instead of sticking around the neighborhood. The girls had a lot of fun and the members loved seeing all the kids! It was a lot of fun.

Oh no, wait, before Halloween there were a few outings so I will throw in a few pic's of those as well. We went to Busch Gardens, and some other places. Celebrated Brooklyn's 2nd birthday, and I HAD to get her a Carvel ice-cream cake...that's just tradition in our family when you're little!

Okay, then there was Christmas! We took the girls to see Santa at the Elizabethan Gardens here. It was so beautiful, and the girls had a BLAST with the fake snow! Brooklyn wasn't so sure about Santa, she ran to give him a hug because she saw Jalen do it, then as soon as she was up...she was outta there!! Then you know it's time to go when all you want it ONE GOOD family picture, and it ends up with one kid fussing, and the other asking when they can get down...etc., etc.

We spent Christmas here in the OBX, but had to leave a few days before the holiday to attend John's Grandfather's funeral in PA. He had a Military Honorable Funeral; it was a very beautiful and touching service. He was a very decorated soldier, and they had all of his medals (including a Purple Heart) and awards beautifully framed.
So many people turned out to pay their respects. As I was looking around, I felt so blessed to be apart of this family that truly stuck together and showed their love for each other.

Unfortunately, we had to leave on Christmas Eve to drive home, but it was nice to enjoy the holiday with our girls. The drive home went very well though, so I was grateful for that! The sky was totally gorgeous. I took a few pictures of that too.

I did not go to church for a while after we lost our baby, so when I did return, it was my week to teach R.S. and I wanted to do something nice to thank the ladies for their help. I made Lemon-Vanilla mini-cupcakes and they were sooo good! All of a sudden, after church, I had half the men coming in to steal one. Our bishop walked in while I was teaching to give an announcement, and he eyed me for one. I told him to take two and he was very happy with that!

A couple weeks ago my friend who is like a long-lost little sister, she is a dance major, came into town and we had a little get-together! We get wild and crazy...and totally silly! I love it. And it was very much due! We went dancing for the night and a bunch of us all ended up talking and laughing till 5 in the morning! I was seriously paying for that (since I couldn't sleep in) the next day!!!

I'm leaving so much out, but for those who know me well, KNOW this is a BIG accomplishment! This weekend, was absolutely awesome. From Jake getting his calling, to General Conference to John's baptism...it was one - AWESOME - weekend. I love my family to death! Each year has brought us closer and it's been so amazing. What a ride it has been!

I am so thankful for all who came down to spend this weekend with us! One of my best friends - Casey came and was so wonderful to help with the girls...who absolutely ADORE her! (Cool "Aunt Phoebe"!)I swear she is the only one that could get away with doing the things she does with our girls. I just can't ever get mad! Anyone else, I would kill without a doubt! I love her!

And my other good friends' dad, "Pop" came and it was SO great to have him here. Wish you were there too, Tera!!! And everyone else - especially my family, who couldn't be here, but my mom sent the sweetest letter to John and it totally brought me to tears. I am so grateful for the strong woman that she is. And when I think of strong women I also think of my aunt. She is fabulous in every way, and has been there for me and my family since day one. I am thankful for you all!

With the hope of not sounding ridiculously gushy (did I say that right?, you know what I mean!)....I am so grateful I found the love of my life. I don't know what I would do without John! When I was around 8 or 9, I wrote in my 'diary' what my husband was going to be like, looks and personality-wise. I have to say, I have truly found it all in him. He is so understanding with me and puts me in my place when I need it! I love that my heart still flutters when he comes home. Our road was not the conventional one taken, by any means....but I don't regret a thing!

Trying to take a family picture again!
These girls are crazy! :)

One of my Favorite Things

2008-03-31T18:10:00.005-04:00

I love finding new sites for Dance, and all that. I found this site a while ago and love the style they bring to the industry.

No boring bags, sweats, or shirts here. These are some of my favorites from Sugar and Bruno. I think my girls will use these warmers in the Hip-Hop routine. They're cute! And I had to get these sweats for myself. I love pink. Check out their site!

Finale!

2008-03-28T13:22:00.005-04:00

JabbawockeeZ WON!!!! I was so excited to see them win! My heart literally stopped beating until Mario announced them! I am so excited for them. They truly deserved it!

I loved the finale, it was awesome! They had all the crews back on stage and got paired up to where all the crews were from. (Mid-West, West-Coast, Dirty South, and East Coast!)

I found all their performances which is below, but don't know how long that will last....Viacom has been shutting all the copied videos down. If you can't see it, just go to America's Best Dance Crew on MTV and watch it there!

I really liked the East Coast performance because they chose 'Phenomenon' by LL Cool J and, yes, this lady LOVE Cool James! Really, they were all great!

Status Quo and JabbawockeeZ did a stepping routine that rocked!

Can't wait for season 2 starting this summer!

Tonight!!!!

2008-03-27T15:44:00.002-04:00

Jabbawockeez are number 1!!!! Tonight is the finale of America's Best Dance Crew! Just a reminder to watch it! I hope they win, I have been voting like CRAZY!!!

And yes, I finally got on the bandwagon and read all the Twilight series books from Stephanie Meyer. After MONTHS of being bugged by Sheba, I picked it up to start reading one Sunday. And yes....I was intrigued....then hooked. I read all the books in a matter of days. I read Eclipse in a day.
I love to read, but never thought I would be interested in a vampire!

SoljaBob

2008-03-27T02:58:00.005-04:00

Okay, the only reason why I'm posting this besides the fact it's 3AM, and I'm deliriously tired is that this clip (to me) is totally funny! Then again, it just may be funny at 3 in the morning and in that case...I'll be waiting for your comment Shebs.

For some reason this song has the remnants of Sir Mix A Lot's I like big...booties. You know the song.
If you listen to the words it's just a 'silly but true' song. Thanks to my girls, I know EVERY Spongebob cartoon and love this episode especially. So when I came across this, I LMAO!!! (Thanks Mandy for telling me what that finally meant, I feel old now)

Well, my friend who has a closet ghetto side....and I LOVE it!!!, got me liking this song. He is totally funny too.

For the record!...I can't STAND that Superman song this guy sings.

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Ketchup!!!

2008-03-25T17:25:00.004-04:00

If anyone has seen Pulp Fiction you know my title is the punchline to the joke Uma Therman tells John Travolta. It's about a tomato that lags behind the mother and father too much...

Anyway! This is what I'm doing because my mother has been on me for almost a YEAR to post pictures.
I have been meaning to do the ones from mine and John's party as well and those were taken WELL into the night! I wrote all about this in my older post.
Holy cow, I get tired just thinking about it all! So this is all a medley of everything.

So here you go Mom!!! I have caught up! (sort of)...

Love,
Your EVER procrastinating daughter

America's BEST, Baby!!!!

2008-03-24T23:32:00.005-04:00

This group is sooooo SICK! I love the JabbawockeeZ! If anyone has been following America's Best Dance Crew on MTV, you will totally agree with me.

The live auditions started when I was not feeling well from this past pregnancy, and it was John that turned the TV on for me while I was in bed.
This show (as funny as it may sound) is one of the reasons I started getting out of bed. By week 4 of the show I was just feeling happy for Thursdays. Then I would DVR it, and Jalen would watch it with me. She was fascinated with it all and made me think of the days my sisters and I would see a new video for the first time, or being out on the playground in NewYork watching everyone breakdancing, popping, just learning the new moves. It was awesome.

I got to speak with the executive producer a couple years ago about a project I am working on. And I got to brainstorm with him throughout the past year and to see this come to fruition...oh my gosh, I get even bigger chills!
I love the ending of this clip, I swear I get chills everytime I watch it. This is what made me fall in love with dance and hip hop.
All the groups were awesome, and I know I will be posting more clips even though the finale is this Thursday!!! Watch IT!!! The video below is not that great, so click here and love it!

Silver Lining

2008-03-14T13:37:00.002-04:00

Well, took a break for a while, thanks to all our friends and family who helped cheer us up and help me get back on my feet. A part of me felt I should be more accepting since this is the fourth time, but in all reality...

I must say I am so thankful for my family, my girls, and John. He took care of me and the girls all this time and still so very supportive. John, I tend to forget this was hard on you too, and promise to be a better friend to you. I shut everyone out for the longest time and you were so patient with me, thank you for that. We wanted our little boy so much! I know when it is time we will be even more grateful.

My dear sweet spirit, someday I will hold you in my arms and you will complete our family. I had this poem framed for you and it will hang in your room when you arrive.

My day old child in my arms
with my lips against his ear
I whispered strongly "How I wish,
I wish that you could hear,

"I've a hundred wonderful things to say
(A tiny cough and nod)
Hurry, hurry, hurry and grow
so I can tell you about God."

My day old baby's mouth was still
and my words only tickled his ear,
but a kind of light passed through his eyes,
and I saw this thought appear,

"How I wish I had a voice and words,
I've a hundred things to say,
Before I forget, I'd tell you of God,
I left Him yesterday."

Go Brooke!!!

2008-01-16T15:50:00.000-05:00

Okay, I'm not a die-hard American Idol fan or anything. I watch it when I can catch it...that sort of thing.

But you can totally bet that I'll be watching this season! Brooke White is IN!!!! Her family has been in the same ward my family was in when I lived in AZ and her mom is very close friends with mine!

Kaylene (Brooke's Mom) actually had a party at her house and my mom went to watch Brooke sing for Randy, Paula, and Simon. And she sang beautifully!

We are all rooting for you girl. Good luck! Keep your eyes peeled for her everyone!!

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the ILLEST communication

2008-01-15T15:46:00.000-05:00

I've had about 3 or 4 friends that I can pick up the phone at any time, be it 2 months or 2 years, and totally pick up where we left off. They are awesome!

I knew from the start we would be the greatest of friends because she came into work talking about the Beastie Boys the very first day I met her.

I have some major catching up to do on this blog but I had to post something for one of my all time coolest, funniest, sweetest friends.

Love ya girl! Can't WAIT to see you!

Best First Wedding Dance EVER!

2007-12-04T13:46:00.000-05:00

I would TOTALLY do this if John and I renew our vows! LOVE IT! Thanks for sending this to me Sheba!

Video and Code Provided by WhoIsTheMonkey.com

Better Late than Never! Happy Birthday Sheba!

2007-12-01T15:28:00.000-05:00

(I don't have a lot of pictures to post right now, all the older ones are packed since we are moving, but SOMEDAY! I will put them on another post!)

Happy Birthday Sheba!!!! HOLLA!!!! This post is a little long, but I had to write as many things possible about my sister because I love her to death!

On Sunday, November 25, 2007 my sister turned………

WELL!... it was her birthday!

Our family LOVES birthdays, and we tend to go overboard sometimes. But without those celebrations, it would be a plain ol’ life!

NOT growing up in our house though. With three strong-minded sisters and two little brothers later on…NOTHING was boring!

But great minds think alike, because Sheba did a post for my birthday and I was planning to do the same for her. So I had to go back and re-vamp my stories a little so they weren’t repetitive.

So SHEBA!!!!

This is to you, my AWESOME (yes we’re sisters, REAL sisters ~ yes she’s lighter than me, no she’s not younger than me ~ sure it’s strange that we don’t look ALIKE…yes, from the same mom and dad, go watch the discovery channel, grab a map or something) SISTER!!! My Cute, little – big sister! So cute you could fit her in your pocket, cute! (She hates when I say that!) I have nick-named her Mighty Mouse, because she’s so cute and small, but she packs a MEAN punch!...Literally folks, I have the scar from her nails to prove it! Just kidding….it’s really from her curling iron.

To my BIG sister:

With whom the ORIGINAL ‘Fight Club’ started….NOT on the mean streets of NY.

I have learned to throw that mean punch (which, in 8^th grade got me suspended) and tell people off like “none of their business!” No wonder we started the ‘gobble gobble’ craze!

Even though we went to a private Catholic school… you still knew how to accessorize that uniform like NO OTHER!

The original fashionista, who taught me the right shoes meant everything.

Years ago:

Me – “I just bought my first pair of Steve Madden shoes! Do you know who he is?”

Sheba – “Yes, Ish, I have like, 11 pairs from him, why?”

C-L-I-C-K!

Note to self: Don’t waste time asking trivial questions.

****

Dressed up like Boy George when you were 11 for Halloween and ROCKED it.

And the following year we were Nikki and Appalonia from Prince. (a modest version, of course).

Who taught me how to get my dancing groove on, and let me hang out with your cooler, older friends. Learning how to pop and lock, stomp, and a little break dancing in the playground of St. Mark’s.

Cheering for me in my first swim race in the good ol’ swimming pool where Poppo would constantly tell me he would throw me if I didn’t listen to you.

Helped me dress and choreograph my first solo to P.Y.T. by Michael Jackson, and tore it up with Billy Jean! You had the hat and everything! Remember that oh-so-80’s glittery necklace mom let you wear?

Taught me that MTV was AWESOME and had Prince, Eurythmics, Madonna, U2, Michael Jackson and all the Culture Club records….and YES! Can’t forget Menudo! We LOVED them, don’t deny it!

You took me with you and your friends to the Staten Island Mall on Saturdays and shared your favorite lip gloss and food with me. You even told your friends they had to wait so I could pick out a new outfit for my Barbie.

All our trips to Coney Island (CYCLONE!!!), and Great Adventure. The boardwalks, the icee’s. Summer in the Cat-skills where we all fearlessly did the end of summer talent show!

The jersey shore beach house with the Santangelos’. Ferry rides, fashion school with mom and Sophie in the city. Pizza in Brooklyn….LAUNDRY in Brooklyn!

South Street Seaport.

Windows of the World in the Twin Towers.

Junior’s Cheesecakes where we religiously got the strawberry one.

You and Mandy fighting over ‘the bowl’ at Shaffie’s. Showing me how to spray the Redi-Whip perfectly on my hot chocolate.

Playing that ORGAN!! “Hey, did you hear this beat yet?”

Look at the TV! It’s moving with the songs!!! (At Shaffie's)

The FIRST time we saw THRILLER! We were so scared! We huddled together on the floor next to the couch, screamed so loud…and then asked to watch it again!

(We got the girl’s scream down, and then would re-enact the whole thing!)

A little later down the road; you got me out of my Tomboy stage and dressed me up for one of the mighty 7^th grade Taylor Jr. High dances.

You showed me how to use curlers, apply eyeliner, and how you would kill me if I took your clothes. You took the Young Women’s camping skills literally and had to fashion numerous booby traps so I couldn’t get into your room, and CLOSET!

It wasn’t till you came home from college that we started having more fun, and the phrases: ‘I hate you’, ‘go away’, ‘leave me alone’ etc., etc. were used less between us.

…And yes, we started having more fun. Staying up late and making up hilarious videos, and lip syncing to the songs we couldn’t stand!

Laughing so hard that Mom would come in and yell at us to go to bed.

Helping me get ready for my H.S. dances.

Taking me to school when I was running late. Letting me know I could call you anytime if I didn’t have a ride home from anywhere.

Going shopping together!

Making my Sweet 16 birthday so special aside from the fact I was grounded for a month for sneaking out of the house! (Which is an ENTIRELY different story involving you too)! You got me the V.S. robe I TOTALLY wanted, and all the shower gels and lotions too!

Took me to get my first ‘styled’ haircut. “You hair is so pretty! It’s like a horse’s MANE!!” I wanted to kill her as you busted out laughing behind me.

Got into my first car accident with you…the day AFTER homecoming on our way to the airport. (It wasn’t Sheba’s fault though). Nothing says “Bonding” like a good smash of a car.

You have the BEST sense of humor! Or we’re both just crazy and laugh at the silliest things. “Do you know how to put that CD in?” “Umm, I think I know how to use a radio thank you!....Wait, how do you put this on?”

“Hey, let’s go sit in the back”…meaning the fire escape at Shaffie’s.

“Okay, which key goes in which lock? Did you lock all three? Or do we lock two and leave the other open to mess with robbers if they come?” I swear if anything was going to happen, it would’ve happened while we were trying to figure the freaking locks out!!!

You are one of the most talented and creative people I know. You could take a bag of lemons and make lemonade, lemon pie, lemon meringue, and somehow make a necklace and something to go into a scrapbook with whatever’s left over!

In-n-Out Burger has banned us from coming in after 11, but it was totally worth it! :)

I could hear Sherry now: “Indian Girls Gone Wild!” (Just kidding!) “Skooter Boy!”

Going dancing without you is NEVER the same! “Hey! Chinese fire drill!” Sorry….Debbie Downer said NO!! WOMP- WOOOOOMMMP.

You do SUCH charity work when I come to visit. You get me out of my beach –laid back wear and put me back together with new make-up and clothes. Call it feeling sorry for me, if you will, but I will take it!

Our trips to Nordstrom’s together and sharing a delicious strawberry-vanilla shake!

Sitting down with our little ones in the middle of the mall eating cheese and fruit saying “This is nice.”

Seeing a cute guy walk by and still being able to appreciate that by saying “That is nice!” (Our husbands are very secure) [I’m a married spud, I’m a married spud!”] :)

All our sayings that we only get, and get weird looks by everyone else! ~ Heed! Move now!, Oh shut-up you’re so annoying!...HE, HE!, IIIIII TELLLL YOUUUU!, What DE Hell! (that’s Caribbean), She’s so cooley!, I ‘m feelin’ Irie! (that’s NOT Jamaican!), Well, Good luck with that!”, Who da hey!...WHIP THAT MANE!!

The list goes on and gets sillier so I will spare the rest!

You are the BEST hostess, and I love coming to visit you because it is SERIOUSLY like the best B&B!

You still make MY Birthday special even though I’m so far away!

You don’t follow trends, you MAKE them!

****

…To my sister:

You were there for me when I didn’t have a soul to lean on.

You let me stay with you numerous times when I didn’t want to live at home.

You stuck up for me when I didn’t have a voice. And taught me to not to put up with anybody’s…you know what! (It took a while, but I’ve gotten better!)

You were there when I had to study for chemistry tests, work on dance, break up with boys, and when I left for college.

You have the best recipes, ideas…the best everything!!!. You’re the most loving mother, sister, and daughter I know! You balance so much that, besides mom, you are truly my role model and inspiration to be a better person. Your love for our Heavenly Father, and the faith you have portrayed after all the good and the definite bad we have gone through in our lives is a testimony to me that we were meant to be sisters. You were probably the one TELLING me to be proponent of Heavenly Father’s plan! :)

You have shown me to be myself even if that has meant it wasn’t the same path as others. You have accepted me with my own ideas and views (though some have not come without a fight) and I wouldn’t want it any other way! I love you!

So Happy Belated Birthday to the one and only SHEBA!

...“Everything else is just a knock-off!!!"

Ain't No Party Like an East Coat Party...

2007-11-16T22:45:00.000-05:00

...Cuz an East Coast Party Don't STOP!!

LITERALLY!

Okay, I have been way busy and a little under the weather, but needed to update a few things!

I had an awesome 30th birthday. It was seriously a month long full of celebrations that actually ended with John's surprise 30th birthday party! His birthday is 11/13, (lucky 13!) and the past month has been nonstop!

It started out with my mom coming to visit with her best friend that's known me since I was 3. I was so excited to have them here and we had so much fun! I am way into history, and we went to a bunch of museums and historical sites, ate good food, and laughed a lot! My mom is SO fun! And Ursula is so hilarious. She had us going non-stop!

John was totally wonderful and took care of the girls for four days so I could go to VA with them and finish the "colonial tour" and eat more good food. I must admit I cried my eyes out when it was time to say good-bye. I rarely get to see my mom, and I enjoyed having her all to myself (motherly kitchen inspection and all!) My girls loved having Nana here, and we all LOVED her cooking too! My mom is such a good cook, I hope I could be half as good as her some day!

After she left, John and I celebrated 5 years of being married and 12 years of being together (the dates are within a week of each other). Then came Jalen's Birthday, and the official day of my birthday. John watched the girls again for me so I could go shopping and have time for myself. Lovely!

Later on in the month, I celebrated with some girlfriends with a magical (and absolutely fun) night of dinner and dancing!
In between it all came boxes full of delicious and wonderful surprises from family and friends. The best one came from my mom after she left...it was filled with home-made potpourri for the holidays, poems, cakes, tassies, bread, chocolate...just all of my favorite things!

In between all this, John had to leave twice for a week at a time for business. On top of taking care of the girls, being sick, teaching, and running my business; I had a surprise birthday party to plan!

With the help of some of the girls from work, I pulled it off and the night was SOOOO much fun! I think the best part was pulling off the surprise, and getting to spend the night out with my guy.
It was hilarious trying to get him out of the house though, he almost didn't want to go; then he was fighting with our friends that were in charge of bringing him to the party b/c he didn't want to go to the club without me...awww sweet! But I was getting irritated b/c I wanted him there already! He stalled so much, he ended being 20 minutes late! But "The GOOD Surprise" was not wasted!

We are way into cars, I think that was something that I absolutely loved when we first started dating was the love we had for all kinds of automobiles. We both have vehicles we're restoring, and 'Shae' decorated this chocolate sensation of a cake into the front of his '72 C10. (Yes Tera, Pop's truck!)

~~~~~~~~

Ever since John and I have entered parenthood, there have only been 3 babysitters we have called on so we could go out. They were all in the family of my best friends (shout out to the Jones/Keim gals) and all when Jalen was no more than 6-7 months.

Besides turning 30, John and I hit another milestone and actually found an AWESOME babysitter in our ward! I love this family, and felt SO blessed to finally have a reliable, beautiful and responsible girl to call on if we need to. She was laughing at me the night of the party b/c John left so late and I was running around like crazy trying to get ready to leave!
Thanks Sienna for all your help!

This may sound like no big deal to some, but for me, (and those of you who know me best) this was BIG. I don't leave my girls with A-N-Y-O-N-E!!! We have had our family watch them for us, so we get to go out (don't think I'm kidding) about 4-5 times a year when his parents visit, or we go to AZ...which is rare.
The 'Over-Protected Duo' is taking a break!!

Okay, so after the shock wore off, John had a GREAT time and everyone said they had a blast as well. I had it in the VIP room of a club here in the OBX and they catered the whole thing. The food was great, the band was totally awesome, and the DJ ROCKED the house! And you know the dance floor is my home!
John was called up on stage by the lead singer and the whole club sang happy birthday to him! We had a few friends from VA surprise him and come down, and it was so good to be with old friends (and new ones) for the night.

Everyone that came from out-of-town stayed with us, so it was a full house.
We had a great "after-party" staying up till about 3:30-4 just talking and hanging out, catching up and talking about different parts of the night.

I'm leaving so much out, but this is long enough, and I gotta go to bed! Peace Out "ya'll"!

Our Annual Thanksgiving Dinner was fantastic, and now it's back to the grind! Will have to write about that Oh, and Halloween!...another time! Pictures to come as well!

THINGS TO DO IN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS:

Finish packing to move in Dec.

Shop for dessert menu for Progressive Dinner (homemade: cannoli's, choc. cupcakes, gingerbread snowflakes, pumpkin cake, truffles.)

COOK like Crazy

Finish details for a wedding next month

Christmas shopping

Dr.'s appt.'s (4 of them)

Did I mention pack?

Meetings with 2 Photographers

Wedding show meeting

Association meetings

Jalen's Christmas project

Gift for Teacher

Work on other blogs

Cure for World Hunger

...Piece of Cake!

A Day Late...

2007-11-16T22:33:00.000-05:00

But I didn't forget. HB....

These Small Hours

2007-10-29T02:21:00.000-04:00

Today was such a surprise. After church me and the fam went for a ride and met my Relief Society President at the stables to feed her Arabian horse. She's beautiful!

Jalen had a BLAST sitting on her, and Brooklyn was too busy playing with her dogs. We were walking around the property looking at the other horses, and the breeze was so cool and crisp.

We've had such warm weather lately, and believe me I've loved it. But in the blink of an eye, it was Autumn.

Today reminded me of when I was going to school in Pennsylvania. There, in September~ early October the weather jumps into Fall. Before you know it, the leaves are changing and the shades of pink don't linger in the sky as much. I used to LOVE days like these when I lived there. It wasn't too cold yet, and (when I moved out of my step-mother's house) I spent a lot of time outside running, going ATV riding, or just hanging out with friends. It's the time (for me) to pull out an extra blanket and make hot chocolate. Well...anytime is good for hot chocolate!

Pear Tree & Pink Sky

I took this picture on my cell phone so it's not that great, but I wanted to remember this day. Our girls were running in the fields, laughing, playing with horses...just being little girls.
I caught the last of the pink in the sky today, savored memories made years ago and made a new one that will happily remain in my thoughts as well.

No One

2007-10-23T22:44:00.000-04:00

I am lame b/c I haven't updated October at all. There's been a whirlwind of things going on, but I'm also out of commission right now.

Thanks to my lovely girlfriends for the fabulous weekend. Will be posting those pic.'s soon.
But for now...

"This goes out to that special person in my life that I couldn't live without all these years."

Yes, someday I will forgive you for taking my camera all those times!!! Hope you're dancing in your car when you hear this on the radio. You know you'll always be one of my best friends.
I know you're not a blogger, I barely count as one. SO as soon as you read this, you can tell me to "blog off" and I won't be mad. Love ya!

...And John - my all time # 1, I love you with all my heart! See you soon.

The Permanent One

2007-09-18T01:08:00.000-04:00

Take-Out Tuesday

A few years ago, Sheba's friend Missy made a CD for me and it had a couple of Natasha Bedingfield's songs on it.

I fell in love with her voice and also b/c to me, she had so much feeling that came through in her songs.

I hear certain songs, and like second nature, I'm choreographing a dance in my head.

I finished teaching my classes last night, and played this song while I laid on the floor with my eyes closed. Flashes of memories like a picture book danced through my head.

Music has always been like a best friend to me. It has been there for my ups and downs; getting through the good and the bad. An instant time machine for episodes in your life.
Divorce, re-marriages, sisterhood, moving, parties, heartbreak, happiness, friends, boyfriends, summertime, per chance meetings, disappointments, final goodbyes...the list goes on.

I hear the word 'soul mate' and I think of friends that I have the greatest connection with. Friends and family who are not with me anymore. My sisters who, even though we don't always see eye to eye, I have learned to admire them for their beautiful talents; and that they will be there for me through and through ('not for nothing').

My daughters, who teach me something everyday, and pray that they will know I am there for them today and forever. My husband, who, from our first kiss knew we were instant soul mates; through the good and the bad. He keeps me in check, tells me 'like it is', and loves me through all my stubbornness. He supports me and makes me laugh.

I am grateful for all my soul mates. I am grateful I am here on this earth to appreciate them all.

Clean bill of health this time around.

And-You-Are-IT

2007-09-13T00:21:00.000-04:00

OK, my TOTALLY awesome sister TAGGED me a MONTH ago and I've been stalling. Well, I've been busy, but I know she deliberately tagged me because I was making fun of her on the phone about being tagged.

Note to Self: Older sisters always have the upper hand

...(except when we're in Times Square in front of TRL!!!!) Give the Monk a High Five!!

***************************

Jobs I've had:

The Limited
Photography Studio
Scout for Modeling Agency
Supervisor @Fleet Bank Headquarters
Publicist

Movie I could watch over again:

The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift
Gone With the Wind (yes, I know how long it is)
Clueless
Tommy Boy
Anything with Brad Pitt...[Or Shebs...go see The Kingdom!] ;)
ACCEPTED
Can't write them all!

Places I've lived:

Staten Island & Brooklyn, NY
Mesa, AZ
Clarks Summit, PA
Woodbridge, VA
Newport News/Yorktown, VA

TV Shows:

So You Think You Can Dance
CSI
Anything on HGTV & Food Network
My Big Fat Fabulous Wedding
Dancing With the Stars
All the 'Friends' re-runs
Law & Order
Sex and the City

Places I've been on Holiday:

Trinidad & Tobago
Cape May/Wildwood
St. Thomas/St. John
Ocracoke Island/Pea Island/all of the OBX
Catskills
Ocean City
Miami/Orlando/Ft. Lauderdale
Philly
San Francisco/San Diego
Niagra Falls & Ontario, Canada
SLC/Provo/Bethlehem, Utah
Washington, D.C.
Connecticut
Miami & Orlando, Florida
Island Park/Rexburg
Bethany Beach
Hamptons
The Poconos!!! (ONCE in a lifetime experience)
NYC...Of Course!
Springerville/White Mountains/here & there, AZ

Favorite Dishes:

ANYTHING my Mom makes
Italian
Indian & Caribbean
Spanish
Thai

Websites I visit:

Martha Stewart
The Knot
Inside Weddings
Songmeanings
My two Favorite Photographers : Art Louis Photography & Innate Photographics (Kirsten Lewis)

Places I'd like to be:

Anywhere in the Caribbean with my family!
Italy
New York City ...................... (My sister wrote all three of these; great minds think alike, b/c all these are the ones I was going to write!)
In Bed

Tagging:

Tara R.
Tera T.
'Mr. Busyman'
Jennifer R.
Dave
April S.
Anyone who feels like doing this!

Jumping Off the Cliff...

2007-08-23T16:06:00.000-04:00

So the saying: "If your friends jumped off a cliff, would you do it too?!" came to mind while doing this.
So many friends have done this and I did too many months ago,...but actually having the cajones (sorry if spelled that wrong; have lived out of Arimexico too long I suppose) to post it.
This picture is not the best either, but I took a shot.

The first thought that came to mind was "Wha?! I don't think so!"
But hey...I would never turn down a job to be Beyonce's stand in if she ever needed one!....That's Hot. ;) Love that girl.

I think my personality is too silly to pull off any of these people. After Faith Hill was Gwen Stefani. How they figured that I have NO idea, but I loved her before she was on the map so I'll leave that alone!

If anyone hasn't done this yet, you should! It's fun!

Take-Out Tuesday = Throwback Thursday

2007-08-21T23:44:00.000-04:00

I have had these songs on my mind for the whole day...and they're all 'goodies but oldies'.
I can't help but have a smile on my face whenever I hear these songs. I think anyone who lived the 80's has a story about these songs!

Love it!

This one is a little saddening for me to hear, but nonetheless, a great song...

Dedicated to all the John Hughes movie lovers:

Libra

2007-08-02T11:58:00.000-04:00

I'm not one to keep tabs on my horoscope all the time...sometimes it pops up on my homepage and I thought this was rather interesting and nice. My life is very busy right now and felt a little pessimistic this morning. But I really can turn that frown upside down...especially with good friends coming to visit. It will be a nice break.

You can make real gains as you appear more optimistic
than you truly feel, but your current
progress is about neither fame nor fortune.
It's more about the quality
of your interactions.
Remember, good feelings that come from lasting friendships are,
in themselves, great spiritual blessings that are now
available to you for the asking.

Craving

2007-07-14T04:50:00.000-04:00

It's almost five in the morning and all I'm craving is the new Twix PB. I usually keep a stash of my high-end choc-o-late-aye in a 'secret spot', but just like Pooh's Hunney Pot...I'm all out. So unfortunately I have nothing in my house except for the Special K Chocolatey Delight.

That's good and all...but which would you HONESTLY rather have? I really like this cereal, but after a day (and night) like I've had, I want my Twix Fix. Mmmm...

Twinkle Toes

2007-07-14T03:11:00.000-04:00

This is why I procrastinated so much. 700 pictures to edit. I'm so tired right now, I can't remember what I added in. I might be adding more later so I figured I'd 'Slide' them since I helped my busy sister create hers.

I do know that Recital Day was very hectic, but a lot of fun! This is Jalen's third show now, and she did great! I know, as a parent it is your right to say that, but I really mean it! John and I were so proud of her. It's days like this that I truly love having little girls!

She was Miss India in her ballet; she kept going around the house all month long "I'm Miss India!" She played the part VERY well I must say. ;)

Then her tap, 'Broadway Baby' was awesome! She sang her little heart out center stage.

**sidestory: On the last week of school, they had a play and Jalen was called on stage to help with a story. After she was done, she took a bow and blew a kiss to the audience and waved as she went offstage. Her teacher said she was going to miss Jalen's 'little' personality. **

After all the sweat, extra practices and raw, torn feet, in the end everything came together and I was so proud of the effort my girls gave. At the beginning of the year, all I asked of them was to give me their 100%, and (besides a few teen-age meltdowns) they did.

Congratulations to Alexis who got accepted into the American Ballet Theatre Summer Intensive Program, and Dori for continuing her dance at NC State. Oh, and Tara! Who was chosen to perform with (specific name that I can't remember right now) Russian Ballet, and then onto New York!!

Well...no time to catch my breath. On to prepare for the coming year!

Big Girl Now

2007-07-12T16:42:00.000-04:00

So...June came and went, and I have been wanting to write about all the 'fun', but really, I've been procrastinating because it just takes too long to write about.

I figure if I break it down it might be a little easier. So I'm starting with the most exciting part from June and that is when Ms. Bella (Isabella) "graduated" from Grade K.

We can't believe our little girl is already out of Kindergarten. I still can't believe she's going to be 6 in September!...and I can't believe I have a 6 yr. old. My friends that have like, 12 kids laugh when I say that...but it's true!

She was so funny her last day saying "Mom, now that I'm going to be in first grade, I can use the phone to call my friends without asking you or Daddy." Hmmm....

I was very nervous her first day of school. We were in a new town, and a new school and she knew no one. I should have known not to worry though. She made wonderful little friends...and to my surprise... the boy in the background showing his muscles claimed to be Jalen's boyfriend and 'Power Ranger Protector'.

And most importantly, she had an amazing teacher. She was one of the most easy-going,helping, and nicest Kindergarten teachers there. John and I were so grateful for that!
She made Jalen's first year at her elementary school a fun and memorable one!

Slow Motion Running At Its Best

2007-07-09T18:12:00.000-04:00

They have brought back The Bionic Woman!!! A few new twists, but totally excited to see what the show is like. Interested if they'll bring the infamous Fembot episodes back.

My sisters and I used to watch this all the time!

We would fight about who got to be Jamie Sommers so much, that in our version, she had two other sisters that had bionic powers as well.

(the new bionic woman)

I'm so sad I won't have anyone to make the 'bionic' sound with anymore while running in slow motion.

"Take-Out Tuesday"

2007-06-26T15:49:00.000-04:00

So a fellow New Yorker friend and I had this thing called 'Take-Out-Tuesday' when I lived in Virginia. We had a lot of fun together, and laughed more at each others' cynical, blunt behavior more than anything else. (Although, I think I made her laugh a lot more with just being plain ol' gullible with certain things...I have my mom to thank for that.)

After work we would meet at each others' houses, bring take-out and a stack of CD's. We would randomly pick 3 out of each stack and reminisce on oldies, laugh at the one-hit-wonders, or be totally excited that we got a new CD to listen to.
She was thoughtful to my dedication to music, and when I told her about my favorite Alanis CD being stolen in Port Authority (along with 100 other of my favorites) she surprised me by playing it and giving it to me when I went home.

I did a similar thing in college with my roommate, but without the designated night for take-out...or CD's. (Since almost every night was a take-out night).
For some reason, our girlfriends always migrated to our house so we had random nights just hanging out and listening to music. Nonetheless, I always had fun.

I am always interested in other peoples' taste in music because I feel it tells a lot about them, and also gives me a chance to expand on my own knowledge and thirst for songs and artists.

I love all different kinds of music, and try not to inhibit myself to liking one genre.
So, here's my 'Take-Out-Tuesday' picks:

What Kind of Chocolate Are You?

2007-06-25T15:52:00.000-04:00

A friend of mine sent me this site with these funny quizzes in it, and of course I had to do this one!

You are Milk Chocolate

A total dreamer, you spend most of your time with your head in the clouds.
You often think of the future, and you are always working toward your ideal life.
Also nostalgic, you rarely forget a meaningful moment... even those from long ago.

You Are A Chocolate Ice Cream Girl

Dramatic. Powerful. Flirty.

What Flavor Ice Cream Girl Are You?

How NYC Are You?

2007-06-25T15:12:00.000-04:00

For my peeps from NYC... Brenda, it's still a NY license! :)

You Are 88% NYC

Congratulations, you are truly a New Yorker. You've seen it all, and you're more than a little cynical.

How NYC Are You?

AWWWW! Cute!

2007-05-16T13:15:00.000-04:00

Since I have two little girls, I am all about buying the cute stuff. I LOVE these hair ribbon-clips.
Form totally meet function, with a little 'pretty' on the side!

Last Week I....

2007-05-15T14:01:00.000-04:00

- Took husband to hospital
-Got rear-ended w/kids in car
-Had exterminator over because of TERMITES!
-Chased child ALL over the house b/c she kept taking her diaper off!
-Bought more diapers
-Started Damage Control on wedding that was called off by Guy
-Took husband to hospital....again
-Find out Mom was in hospital
-Clean office desk
-Clean cereal thrown all over kitchen
-Was told friend has cancer
-Other friend is about to have baby after trying for almost 6 years...very happy news!!!
-May have to see the doctor, yet again
-Daughter learned to say 'truck'...but comes out as"F......" (damage control on that as well)
-Clean, clean clean
-Pack, pack, pack
-Find travel case for car seat
-Had a cool Mother's Day...
-Even though I had to teach R.S. lesson that day...totally nervous
-Get ready for next week!

Dating Stories 101

2007-05-11T13:06:00.000-04:00

I was out with my girlfriends a little bit ago when we started talking about Good Dates Gone Bad.
I don't know if it's just that funny or pathetic the amount of stories we had about these 'gentlemen' we dated.

In college, I was dating this guy that was an amazing baseball player. He started his career on the Yankees minor league. I can say I knew him when he was a small town P-L-A-Y-E-R.

We were totally into each other, studying together, talking forever on the phone, etc., etc., when my good friend (at the time) was having a huge birthday party at her house.
It was close to the end of the semester so everyone was kind of anxious for finals to be over, school to be out, and parties to begin.

Well...in the tradition of girl going out with boy, he picked me up and we went to this party together. I was designated driver, so I took his keys when we got there.

We were all talking about plans for the summer, work, if anyone had summer school...all that. The music was the fashionable, and never-miss-a-beat type for a party; all attention to the girl of the night, my best friend. I was so excited for her and happy that she was having a good time.

Then, about 15 minutes later, after a conversation with another girlfriend, I realize Mr. Yankee is nowhere to be found. I walk into the house, past the loud speakers, almost to the kitchen....when I hear a loud BANG from the bathroom. "What was that?!", my other good friend says.
I'm about to say 'I don't know'; when BFF's laughter comes through the door.

I went numb.

My friend and I just look at each other in disbelief. 'Is this REALLY happening?!!'
I walked out the front door into a slew of his friends asking where he was. I was so mad but all that came out was, "I don't know!"
About five minutes later, his friend comes out looking at me shaking his head, apologizing for what a **** Mr. Yankee was. I didn't want to make a big deal in front of everyone. I didn't want to show that I was really pissed, and then hurt. So I said nothing.

I sat there pretending to have a good time for 2 1/2 hours. Then I reached my breaking point. I realized I had his keys, and did the only honorable thing a designated driver would do.
I made sure he wouldn't be driving that night.

I started walking to the street and told my friend to follow me. He didn't even ask me where we were going. I took his keys from my pocket, stuck it in the ignition and drove a half-hour out of the way and parked at a grocery store.

I could have taken the higher road that night....I could have.

Part 2

2007-05-11T12:45:00.000-04:00

My friend didn't say anything about the 'incident' to me on the way back to the party, just tried to make me laugh. And I did....all the way to school that following Monday. Walking to class, I ran into my EX-BFF and she tried to justify her actions. She really had nothing to do with it, she didn't know what she was doing...blah, blah, blah. After the first 10 seconds I just started hearing the voice of Charlie Brown's teacher.

After my 2nd class, I heard that Mr. Ex was still telling people that were together! That's funny, did I look like that big of a push-over?? I walked right past him into the lounge where a friend of mine ("Zeller") re-introduced me to his cousin.

I remembered meeting him the beginning of the year, and he was cute and funny; yet I was NOT interested. He asked me what was wrong, and usually I would be quiet and say nothing, but I just didn't care about protecting people who hurt me anymore. So I told him how my boyfriend and best friend "laughed" in the bathroom the night of her birthday party.

The three of us hung out for the rest of the hour and I left for work at the wonderful headquarters of Fleet Bank. Thinking how guys and girls just totally sucked, I realized I left my candy in the lounge. Not that it was a big deal, but chocolate was my only friend at that moment. I walked back in and Zeller's cousin was walking towards me with my confidant. "Thanks Eddie! I needed that."
"You're welcome, but my name is John."

....It's a good thing I married him.

Oh, It's What You Do To Me...

2007-05-10T12:16:00.000-04:00

A few months ago I was drifting off to sleep around 3AM when I heard a song on the 'tele' that made me open my eyes.

It was a guy singing about missing his girl that was away at school.

He asks her what it's like where she is, comparing her to Times Square, that the distance won't matter soon...two more years and they'll be together.

He sings about understanding how much she misses him and that all she needs to do is close her eyes and he's right there.

*******************************

When I left AZ to move back home to the East Coast, I was really upset at first.

Then, the more I thought about it, the more I really didn't care about leaving. There were only a few people I was really going to miss and besides my 'Mummy' and sister, the top 2 people were my best friend Cilyn....and my 'guy'.

My first year of college in a new town, a full credit load, full work load, and a b**** for a step-mother really made me miss all my familiarities even more. The only thing I would look forward to was getting in the car and driving back to NY on the weekends. I felt like I regained my strength for the coming week on those weekends home. I felt like me again.

We wrote SO many letters to each other, it came out to like, 3 a week, sometimes 5! --(this was before email's kids).
I looked forward to his phone calls, and on (what was then) the 2 train into the city, I would take his letters and read them one by one all over again. Some would make me laugh, some would make me cry. And all of them gave me the bittersweet feeling of knowing that someone loved me and missed me as much as I did him...Then the twisting pains in my heart would kick in and knock the breath out of me.

I would run my fingers over the engraved words imagining him writing them, wishing I was there to talk to him in person rather than seeing his affection on paper.
All I wanted to do was throw my arms around him, and he was thousands of miles away.

We had a lot of songs that we would write about or tape record that reminded us of each other. When I hear those songs on the radio from time to time they take me back a lifetime.

*********************************

Lying in bed, I heard those words this boy was singing and the overwhelming feeling I got was of those times when I read his letters...sitting on my bed, on the train, walking to a store in the middle of New York in that same exact way this girl was walking.
Just walking with this distant look on her face. Thinking..."Two more years and I'll be done. He'll be here, and we'll be together. Just get through living where you are, doing what you're doing, (dealing with a jerk of a dad).... and it will be worth it, and better in the end."

It's so funny that in the moments of being in love, you think nothing will ever compare to, or feel like that again.

I turned off the TV, and started drifting to sleep when I thought about that chapter in my life. That song totally captured the long distant part of our relationship, and the care we had for one another.

I never thought I would find someone that would understand me and love me the way he did. But I did, and so much more.

And all I had to do was throw my arms around him, and fall asleep.

Baby's Comin Out of the Corner!

2007-04-29T22:53:00.000-04:00

I remember when Dirty Dancing first came out, and all the hype that came with it: the title was too daring, should it really be only a PG-13 rating?!, blah, blah, blah.

My older sister was questioned before she could watch it: who are you seeing it with, are you going during the daytime, look away if the dancers are getting a little too close, etc.
All that was parent talk for "NO BOYS!" I'm assuming....which at the end, I think she was still denied permission.

My mother and step-father were among those that rented it when it came out on video, and told me I couldn't come out of my room for the rest of the night...and believe me I tried.

Anyway, all that work just for me to go over to my best friend's house and watch it there during a sleepover.
I remember us sitting on her couch eyes fixed on Patrick Swayze and in such "melt like buttah" (that phrase was actually said a few times that night) mode when he grabbed Baby to dance for the first time.
Two silly schoolgirls we were for the rest of the night as we soaked in the whole flick, and jumping for joy when Johnny came back for Baby before their big dance seen...and the LIFT!

A couple weeks later we went to another friend's sleepover and watched it there while her older brothers were in charge. Such rebels we were...

I am so excited that this movie is coming back to the big screen! For TWO nights only, and my girls and I have tickets for the Tuesday night show! I can't wait!

Some may think I'm crazy, or going a little overboard by seeing a movie that's been on video since I was 11, but c'mon!...It's Dirty Dancing!

So here's to Tiffany and Wendy ~~ Hope you'll be at the theaters one of the nights with some of your friends and mouthing "I carried a watermelon?!", too!

Thirty Second Thoughts

2007-04-25T11:58:00.000-04:00

I just got an email from my oldest friend who I went to school with in Staten Island, NY. She sent me pictures of her little boys and I couldn't believe how:

1.) Adorable and TOTALLY handsome they are, and

2.) How much her first little boy looks SO much like her!

It reminded me of the first day of school at St. Paul's standing in the yard, all of us in line in our blue uniforms. I looked over at her standing with her dad and thought she looked like how I felt.

I really don't know how we became friends; maybe it was from our first grade teacher pairing us to sing all the time, or our love of Hulk Hogan and Junkyard Dog from watching Wrestling Sunday mornings, but it was just natural that we were.

I starting thinking about all the awesome things I got to do (and took for granted) living in my home-state...city.

We lived on the 15th floor of a high-rise apartment building overlooking Hudson River. Our alarm clock was the 7:00 Ferry leaving the St. George Terminal. Looking out my mother's bedroom window I could see the Statue of Liberty, and out on our balcony was the whole view of Manhattan.

I remember the 200th Celebration of 4th of July. The Goodyear Blimp floated right in-between our two buildings. You could almost reach out and touch it! The river was packed with boats and beautiful yachts, and I think the President was out there giving a speech.
We always had the best seat when the fireworks began, and it was so beautiful how their reflection glistened over the water.

One of my favorite memories was when my mom would take me to Snug Harbor to feed the ducks. It was a beautiful place that felt miles away from all the hustle of the New York life.
Maybe I have glamorized it in my mind because of the sentimental value it holds; but I loved it no less.

On the few weekends my sisters and I would see my dad, we had a ritual every Sunday morning that was actually a pretty nice memory...I appreciate them considering they came few in-between with him.
My stepmother would always order a cheesecake from the best place in the world (Junior's) and after breakfast, she would cut a slice for all of us. I grew up on that, Italian Icee's and Gelato's from this awesome Italian Pizzeria across the street. I know I'm biased, but NY has the best Pizza ever.
I miss the Haagen-Dazs in Park Slope, and the record shop next door to it. I bought my first U2 TAPE there!

Upon leaving to go back to my mom's house, we would get these Jamaican Beef Patties from this Caribbean pastry shop and they were SO good! I always tried ordering the spicy one, but my dad would switch it to mild.

I thought about all this and more in a matter of thirty seconds after getting that email from my old friend. It's amazing all the memories that flash through your mind like lightning in a storm.

I'll have to write about other 'thirty second thoughts' when I feel homesick again.

Something to Look Into!!!

2007-04-23T22:56:00.000-04:00


This is upsetting.  Thought I should pass it along.  Check your Drivers license...

Now you can see anyone's Driver's License on the Internet, including your own!

 This is typical of the Federal Government.

Remove yours now!  Even shows your SSN!  I just searched for mine and there
it was...picture and all.
Thanks Homeland Security, where is our right to privacy?

I definitely removed mine; I suggest you all do the same.



Go to the website and check it out.
Just enter your name, City and State to see if yours is on file.  
After your license comes on the screen, click the box marked "Please Remove."
This will remove it from public viewing, but not from law enforcement.
           
    www.license.shorturl.com

Close To Home

2007-04-21T15:26:00.000-04:00

Easter(n) Holiday

2007-04-02T13:13:00.000-04:00

I love Easter. In New York, my mother started a tradition of awesome cinnamon rolls and quiche for breakfast.

We had out-of-the norm Easter Egg Hunts too that are still so memorable.
Our branch in Staten Island used to have a hunt for all the kids the day before and that was a lot of fun.
I remember finding one in a tree one year and scraped my leg getting it out.

I saw this and for some reason reminded me of that (don't ask me why). I think I am going to make it with my girls and hope it comes out just as pretty!

Although I think anything seen on the Martha Stewart website needs to come with a disclaimer.

MySpace

2007-03-14T11:49:00.000-04:00

My family and I have been in our new house for about 2 1/2 months now and ever since we've moved in, we've had a slight problem with a few of the neighborhood kids...about eight of them.

We have a pretty long drive way and it's at an angle which is perfect for catching speed for skateboards, bikes, scooters, heelys' and whatever else they can find with wheels.

We've told them in the nicest way to please not ride on our property and to not play around the cars. My husband has two old trucks that he's restoring and are both in the garage, and those are his prized possessions. You can imagine his "dismay" when he came home to find a huge dent in the hood of one of his babies. I thought he was going snap when he saw another dent in the grill.

The blow might have been a little easier to bear if, when we had spoken to a few of the parents; they would understand and tell their children it's not right to play in other people's property...but basically the answer was that they can't really control their snotty little brats.

I have to admit I was pretty pissed as well. I am very picky about my space and my things. I don't like anyone invading my territory.

I saw a movie last night that for some reason had a bear riding in the rear of an Ice-Cream truck. These two men were driving around with the little Ice-Cream truck jingle on and all these kids were running to the window in hopes of a cool treat.

Instead this huge bear thrusted his head out the window and roared as if to try and grab a treat himself.
All the kids stopped in their tracks and screamed their heads off while running the other direction.

I told John that were were showing our age when WE have turned into the people of the house WE would be riding our bikes on as a kid.

I guess he didn't care because after seeing that segment, all he could say while
laughing was "I would love to do that to all these damn kids."

Cool To Be Kind

2007-02-15T21:27:00.000-05:00

Two more days till the end of Random Acts of Kindness Week.
But it doesn't have to stop there!

'I Have Always Relied On the Kindness of Strangers':

- Opening the door for me when I have my huge stroller

- Picking something up I may have dropped

- Returning change when I have walked away too fast

- Forgotten a bag in the shopping cart

- Pushing my car to the gas station when I broke down (test driving a new car)

- Policeman letting me out of a ticket after a BAD day

- Postal worker keeping his window open for me at the last minute to pick up a package

- Extra carton of mashed potatoes from KFC when wisdom teeth were pulled

- Free 'Chocolate Lover's Fantasy' drink from my favorite shoppe

- Letting me cut in line at the movie theater bathroom when I was pregnant

- Leaving cookies on my doorstep

- Bringing a tiny shoe back to me...that my daughter threw out of her stroller

- Staying with me to fill out a police report in Port Authority when my luggage was stolen at 2AM.
(one of the WORST days ever)

"The best way to cheer yourself up is to cheer somebody else up" - Mark Twain

Bullets and Bracelets

2007-02-13T17:33:00.000-05:00

Word has been out for a little while now that Hollywood is going to make a Wonder Woman movie. No one could be more thrilled than me.

Growing up, I had EVERYTHING Wonder Woman. I loved Lynda Carter. My mother went through A LOT of foil and styrofoam cups because I would make her bullet reflectors out of them.

Then there was the dreaded Sunday mornings. I would INSIST on wearing my Wonder Woman bathing suit to church. I fought and fought thinking in my 3 year old way, how cool it would be to wear my suit.

I would bring my Wonder Woman doll and wear my bracelets made out of foil. I really don't know how my mom didn't kill me, and actually got me to put on my Sunday dress. I DO know there were times that she missed church because of me, and the days we DID make it, she would get me up at 6:30 AM to get me dressed...more like give her time to negotiate with me out of wearing my coveted bathing suit.
We had church at 10.

She finally bought me a newer Wonder Woman shirt that she would be able to cover with a plaid jumper for Church...it would be like my secret identity. That is, until I stood on her chair in her Sunday School class and yelled to everyone that I WAS Wonder Woman. Our 1st Counselor (in that branch) TO THIS DAY still refers to me as Wonder Woman.

(Brooklyn in my first WW shirt...wasn't happy to take that picture)

Anyway, I'm really not trying to get my hopes up on the movie, or try to figure out what plot Hollywood is going to give it. I am, however, interested to see who they will pick as Wonder Woman herself.

I must say I will be very disappointed if they choose someone that doesn't live up to the Lynda Carter Standard. I wonder "Will they know the full Diana Prince/Wonder Woman turn?, How to swing her lasso just right?"

....What I wouldn't give to fly in her invisible airplane.

Get Inspi(red)

2007-02-13T12:49:00.000-05:00

My business tagline is Love...Inspired. I chose that when I first started my lovely job because I feel like love is an inspiring thing, and I want it to bring out the best of people and their relationships.

Music has always inspired me in many aspects of my life, and especially in relationships. Anyone who knows me will tell you that U2 is my favorite band.

When Bono and Bobby Shriver of DATA started (PRODUCT) RED, and joined GAP in selling these shirts, I immersed myself with information about the reasoning behind this campaign.

The color of these shirts are red representing the blood running through us, keeping our bodies alive, the substance that is passed down to our children and bonding us to our families.

I am a good example of having an "extended family". Not just steps, and halves; but friends as well. I have met some extaordinary people in my life, lucky enough to have them as friends, and blessed to feel like they're family.

There are many people that have touched my life, have inspired me to do and be more than I thought I could do.

I also got to thinking of what other things inspires me in my life. What can I do to help inspire others to be the best they can be?

Do you ever ask yourself "Would I have the strength to do that if it weren't for this person, or that?"

This is not to say that I haven't accomplished things and ideas on my own; I definitely have. But I think there's a part in all of us that holds us back a little from whatever because of a fear.

I feel like this is the year to change that.

As human beings we are capable of so much more than we give ourselves credit for. From the everyday parental duties, to hobbies flourishing into possibly something bigger. Realizing your talents and taking them to the next level.

We all can't fly to Africa and help the men, women and children that are dying. But we can help the cause. Help your community, volunteer, have a friend teach you something, develop your true being.

Become Inspi(red).

Food For Thought

2007-02-12T23:20:00.000-05:00

Although I would like to swim in Willy Wonka's Chocolate River of Goodness everyday...actually, I wish I had one running through my house; I know there are other things that need to get done.

Since the Endres family has just moved, I'm stuck thinking about how I want to decorate different rooms. Most of them are done, but my office, and family room are still coming together. I LOVE HGTV and reading decorating magazines. Even when I don't need to decorate, I'm always looking for the new design.

In comes Chocolat. It's a Canadian magazine with glamourous and modern ideas. The name was catchy enough to make my hand leap forward without even thinking about it. I grabbed it in NY, and some of the creations and colors popped out at me.

I must admit it's not my favorite design/idea magazine, but definately one worth buying for a change of scenery at the usual GQ/Cosmo stop.

Haute Chocolate

2007-02-12T22:59:00.000-05:00

I just signed with this designer and have nothing to say but WOW. I love each of her creations! They're whimsical, nostalgic, innovative, modern, smart and just...pretty! It maks me want to have a tea party or brunch every day.

I dare you not to like any of her pieces. The design that sold me was her line of Dark Chocolate Mugs, and really the whole set!

Since I'm talking about chocolate (and all things related) till Valentine's Day, I will let you in on this fantastic website.
(Check under Holiday for her mugs.)

I'm so happy that I have pretty mugs for my Hot Love (chocolate), and my other Hot Love (husband) is happy that I can buy all her stuff at wholesale!

FINALLY!

2007-02-12T22:38:00.000-05:00

I was watching the {beloved} Food Network channel when the most informing and enlightening commercial came on the screen.

...I die for a quick snack about an hour before bedtime. Most of the nights I'll make a cup of Hot Chocolate. It gives me my fix and I'm okay. There are other nights that I'll go for a small bowl of cereal but I grab my healthy kind because I don't want the extra sugar and calories before bed. Yet I still find myself looking for a smidgen of chocolate before I go to sleep.

Then there it was. MY answer! The new Special K Chocolatey Delight Cereal!!! I am going tomorrow to buy my first box in hopes of nothing but satisfaction...and less calories.

Grammy Night

2007-02-12T12:36:00.000-05:00

I was so excited last night to watch the Grammys. This is like the Super Bowl for me. Even when I was a little girl, I LOVED watching this award show.

I think I was the only one in elementary school that taped The Grammys every year, and would watch all the performances over and over again.

I originally got my love of music from my family. My mom and dad were very influenced by music and my sisters and I acquired our own ear and style of what we liked.

My dad has been out of the picture for quite some time, but I thank him...and especially my mom for that love.

When I first heard that The Police were the opening number, I set my DVR a few minutes before 8:00 just to make sure I didn't miss a thing!

The first album of theirs I remember listening to was Synchronicity. My mom put it on the record player the very night she bought it. She had been divorced for three years, and had full control of the stereo. She turned the volume up and had my sisters come into the living room to dance. She was fun!

By the time she flipped the new, shiny black vinyl to the second side, I was on the floor with my ear up to the speaker. I did that with so many records she played....just laid on the floor and took in every note, drum beat, range, back-beat and of all, the feeling within the song.

I was six years old, and deathly intrigued with "Every Breath You Take".

After hearing that album, I looked for the other Police records she had. For a mom, she had some really cool music...for that day in time! Madonna, Prince, Billy Joel, Culture Club, Michael Jackson, Blondie...I'm leaving out a TON and getting off track.

When The Police took the stage last night, I had chills all over! They were amazing! I was sad that they only played one song and the fact that the crowd was singing along in the chorus showed they wanted more. They totally deserved their standing ovation.

I thought the 49th Grammy Awards were overall one of the best to date. I loved all the performances! I was even piqued by The Dixie Chicks' performance "Not Ready to Make Nice".

Shakira, Mayer/Legend/Bailey, Beyonce, RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS!!, and M.J. Blige did great. ALL the performances were awesome! Oh, Smokey singing "Tracks of my Tears" tugged at me a little. I was happy he sang that, he's legendary.

Yes, Justin Timberlake has come a long way since 'N Sync, and he's HOT! And I love his music!! And his performances rocked!!

Okay! There, I said it! (I'm going to catch a lot of flack for this, but it had to be done!)

Love Crazy

2007-02-09T22:32:00.000-05:00

I read this poem when I was a little girl and thought it was so neat.

At the time, I thought it was interesting how

the poet changed the words around...like a

funny game or something.

When I got older

I realized that

this is what love feels like

on a really good day.

I ran up the door and shut the stairs
Said my pajamas and put on my prayers
Turned off my bed and jumped into the light
And all because you kissed me goodnight

Truffle...Sicles

2007-02-09T12:41:00.000-05:00

I love truffles. I love seeing new recipes on how to make them, etc.

One of my favorite kinds would be with ganache in the center of the truffle. This chocolate is so creamy and just melts in your mouth.

A childhood favorite of mine were those Jell-O Pudding Pops. I used to beg my mom to buy those. I never really liked Popsicles...they would melt too fast and then fall of the stick and you're stuck with this sticky red, blue, green...mess running down your arm. If I were to eat any kind of popsicles, it would be the one in the plastic tube. Much easier to enjoy.

Back to the fudge pops. Yes, they were my favorite. Throughout the years, I had a hard time finding these Bill Cosby-endorsed treats, and eventually gave up looking for them.

That is, until I got the ultimate recipe. One that mixed my love of delectable chocolate with a good old wooden stick (or a plastic popsicle mold). It's made of a ganache-type mixture...and frozen for a cold treat!

I figured I would make them for my daughter, whose love for Chocolate is growing by the minute. I have to blame myself for that and will have to save her from my friends calling her "Mini-Me" (Hi Amy).

When I was single, a bunch of girlfriends and I would make lunch and hang out after church on Sundays. Very few friends would help me clean up in my kitchen because they knew how picky I was on how things were done. One friend attempted to help and while she was filling up the ice-cube trays paused and asked "Can I fill these or do you have a certain way of doing this too?" I told her to go ahead, but she knew I had a method to even that.

I am happy to say that two kids have calmed me down a little and when making these fudge-pops, I have let go and poured right out of the bowl! She'd be so proud of me.

Anyway, I've decided to share this recipe, which I hope will inspire others to turn on "Nick-At Night" and watch the Cosby show for old time's sake.

BEST FUDGE POPS EVER
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped fine
12 ounces (1 1/2 cups) heavy cream
8 ounces (1 cup) whole milk
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Special Equipment: Icepop molds

Place chopped chocolate into a medium glass mixing bowl. Set aside.

Combine heavy cream, milk, and cocoa powder in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk constantly until cocoa is dissolved and mixture comes to a simmer. Remove from the heat and pour over the chocolate. Let stand for 2 to 3 minutes and then whisk gently until all chocolate is melted. Whisk in the vanilla extract.

Divide the mixture evenly among the molds and place in the freezer. Freeze for at least 4 hours or until solid. Fudgepops can be held in the freezer for up to 1 week in an airtight container.

Enjoy!

Message In A

2007-02-08T12:40:00.000-05:00

With Valentine's Day soon approaching, I can't help but have ONE thing on my mind!...CHOCOLATE!

For as long as I can remember, I have loved this "Food of the Gods."
And as there may be connoisseurs of wine, I have taken the liberty to do the same for chocolate.

I have tasted a lot of chocolate from many different places, as I'm sure many people have. I can spot a wrapper, box, design from a mile away and (most of the time) know what kind of candy it is.
I love candy bars and gourmet confections to truffles and hot chocolate. It's all delicious.

Valentine's day was always fun. My mother would make these beautiful baskets with a little Victorian Doll, and all these different kinds of chocolate. One of my all time favorites would be these little two-bite chocolates called "Baci". It means 'kisses' in Italian, and we had these at every occasion. It's made of creamy dark chocolate with a rich hazelnut center and it's to die for.

I love LOVE. I love people being in love, I love the whole romantic scene. Maybe that's why I favor these chocolates, maybe they wouldn't taste the same if they didn't have a little secret hidden inside every wrapper.
Throughout the years, I have kept certain favorite sayings in a little box hand-carved with hearts. I can look at one and remember when and why I kept it.

A memorable one is from a box that my husband gave me while we were dating. We got into a 'disagreement' and couldn't see eye to eye.

"KISSING IS GETTING TWO PEOPLE SO CLOSE TOGETHER THAT THEY CAN'T FIND FAULT WITH ONE ANOTHER."

Perfect Make-Out Weather

2007-01-30T12:42:00.000-05:00

WEll!...this title may sound a little juvenile and I have to laugh when I think about it because it was something decided LONG ago between friends what the perfect make-out weather is.

I hope I'm not breaking the code of the "Meeting Place" in divulging this information but thought it was time to write a little something about it.

Today, on my end of the world, was "perfect-make-out weather". I have two, actually, and today was one of them.

You know those days when it's that crisp air ~~ not TOO cold, but cold-enough to wear a jacket or sweater and you could almost see your your breath in the air? That is one of my favorites. It reminds me of times of finding reasons to sit a little closer to that guy and have them put their arm around you to keep you warm.

Reasons for them to let you feel all "puppy-luv-ed" inside when they tell you they're going to start their car (or your car [present day] and turn the seat warmer on) so you're not cold.

When you're outside; they grab your hands and put them in between theirs to keep your fingers warm.

Pulling the strings of your jacket a little tighter before you go down that hill on your board.
Ahh yes...all fun and sweet reasons why I love the cold crisp air.

The other 'perfect make-out weather' would be that soft, windy summer air. Kind of like what monsoon season is in AZ. Cool from the rain, yet still warm.
The stars look like they're floating in the sky, the moon is glowing and the air feels fresh.
It's so magical, carefree and fun.
Perfect for walking on the beach, sitting in the lifeguard chair and watching the waves.

I loved nights like this in New York; you felt like you could walk 16 blocks with someone and not once think about your feet. Jut being in the moment with that person...and the weather.

Every day is a good day to love the person you're with, but everyone should have a 'perfect make-out weather' day.

Hello My Name is Jalen

2007-01-27T12:36:00.000-05:00

My daughter asked me what I was typing about the other day when looking at my blog. She informed me she wanted people to know about her as well. So this is my interview with my out-spoken, loving, and stubborn 5 year old.

Mom: So Jalen, do you like your name?
Jalen: Yes, I love my name, but I like Isabella (her middle name) more. I love my last name too, yeah, I like my whole name, it's different.

M: What's your favorite color?
J: Pink - I have it everywhere, it's the prettiest color ever

M: What's your favorite candy?
J: Strawberry lollipops.
M: That's my favorite flavor too!

M: What's your favorite food?
J: Macaroni and cheese!

M: What's your favorite song?
J: "I Like to move it" From Madagascar and "Hollaback Girl", and that dance song - (Find A New Way To Dance), "Oh, and Broadway Baby - we're tapping to that in dance, remember?"
M: Yes, I remember, we hear it ALL the time!

M: What's your favorite time at school?
J: Recess, and art class...What did you like about high school?
M: This is about you, I'll answer that later.

M: What's your favorite cartoon?
J: Spongebob beacuse he's so funny!

M: What's your favorite movie?
J: Hmmm...The Incredibles, and 12 Dancing Princesses!!!!
M: Okay, don't yell!

M: Okay, what's your favorite toy?
J: Princess Genevive F/12 Dancing Princesses, she's awesome dude.
M: dude, huh?

M: What do you like to do in the summertime?
J: Sleep! Listen to music and dance! Oh, and going to the beach making sandcastles, finding shells, and swim. And you said I could take surfing lessons this year mom, are you going to let me?
M: Ummmm...ask your dad.

M: What's your favorite game to play?
J: On PS2? Ribbit King. That's cool.
M: Oh! I didn't know that.

M: Ice-cream?
J: Chocolate ice-cream w/chocolate sprinkles.
M: Yeah, that's yummy!

M: Where do you like to go on vacation?
J: Anywhere that we have to use an airplane. I like to fly.
M: Really? Even Alaska?
J: Alotta snow huh? ...Yeah, even there.

M: Who do you love more, me or dad? No, just kidding! Who do you wish you could play with right now?
J: My best friend Sadie in VA.

M: What don't you like about school?
J: That I have to get up early. And that Bryce calls me J-J. I don't like that.
My name is J-A-L-E-N

M: SO overall what are your favorite things about living in NC?
J: I like going up and down the road b/c you can see water, and I love my school, and I love going to dance.

M: So you think we're done here?
J: Yes, we wrote a lot of stuff about me, and now people can see it. I will be famous.
M: I don't know about that, but I would say you were fun to interview.
J: well, Thank you. Let's go play Princesses. Turn off the computer now, you've been on there a long time.
M: Ten Minutes!!!
J: Let's get with the Princess thing mom. Please?
M: Since you asked nicely.

Last Time

2007-01-24T12:52:00.000-05:00

I've gotten this email a lot from different friends. Not that I mind filling it out, but these are getting longer! So Karinn, here ya go:

1. FIRST NAME? Simone
2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Yes
3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? Last Weekend
4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? sometimes
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Turkey
6. KIDS? 2, Jalen Isabella; Brooklyn Elle
7. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? I would like to think so
8. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? Yes
9. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Me? Noooooo
10. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes
11. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Already have and would do it again
12. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? I like all the healthy ones, but Cocoa Pebbles #1!
13. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Most of the time
14. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Physically: when I feel like it Emotionally: ditto
15. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Choc. chip cookie dough & mint choco chip
16. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? eyes
17. RED OR PINK? red
18. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? My nose -- broke when I was 4
19. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? Gosh, a lot of people
20. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? The buck stops here
21. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES YOU ARE WEARING? pjs and no shoes
22. THE LAST THING YOU ATE? cold & flu pills
23. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Nothing...wonderful when you have kids
24. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU Be? red
25. FAVORITE SMELL? Orange groves in the summer, NYC, my husband's cologne-- all feel like home
26. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? The studio owner where I teach dance
27. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Totally! So glad I found her again!
28. FAVORITE DRINK? Shirley Temple w/3 cherries, please!
29. FAVORITE SPORT TO WATCH? Football
30. HAIR COLOR? Black w/caramel highlights
31. EYE COLOR? dark brown
32. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? No
33. FAVORITE FOOD? W.I./Indian, Italian...Anything but sushi, love trying new things...except sushi
34. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDING? Both, but Happy Ending a little more
35. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Bride & Prejudice for the 80th time, love it!
36. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Grey
37. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer
38. HUGS OR KISSES? Both
39. FAVORITE DESSERT? ANYTHING chocolate...but I think would take a really good choc. chip cookie over dessert.
40. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Hasn't everyone already done this?
41. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING? The Peacegiver...FINALLY started it Laura!
42. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Really?
43. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST ON TV LAST NIGHT? DanceLife & Sex and the City
44. FAVORITE SOUNDS? Ocean waves, my girls laughing, rain, hustle & bustle of NY sans gunshots.
45. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? beatles
46. THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME? Trinidad & Tobago!!
47. WHEN WERE YOU BORN? October
48. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? NY
49. IF YOU COULD MEET SOMEONE FAMOUS WHO WOULD IT BE? Brad Pitt please
50. WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO HANG OUT WITH RIGHT NOW? My sister
51. WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WITH YOUR FREE TIME? If I was done with everything on my list?...listen to music and chill, or dance.
52. FAVORITE FLOWER? Crazy Rose; Calla lilies
53. FAVORITE HOLIDAY? Christmas
54. MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT? This is my second: I was 10 and we got to church early and sat in the second row...I was bored during sacrament, fell asleep and fell off the pew. My Bishop looked right at me, and the speaker was interrupted.
(My first moment can not be told w/out some sort of bribery)

...And there you have it

Or 10

2007-01-24T02:55:00.000-05:00

Usually this would be my Top Five for the moment, but had too many...

Random Order:

Bloc Party - Two More Years

30 Seconds To Mars - From Yesterday

Nelly Furtado - All Good Things Come to an End

HelloGoodbye - Here In Your Arms

Jay-Z - Lost One (clean)

R.H.C.P. - Snow

Fall Out Boy - "....Arms Race"

Young Love - Find A New Way to Dance

DJ Shadow ft. Mos Def - Six Days

Nas- Hip Hop is Dead (clean)

Merry Christmas Everyone!

2006-12-24T12:25:00.000-05:00

For Those of You FEELING the Christmas Spirit

2006-12-18T15:54:00.000-05:00

When you occasionally have a really bad day, and you just need to take
it out on someone, don't take it out on someone you know, take it out on
someone you don't know.

I was sitting at my desk when I remembered a phone call I'd forgotten to
make. I found the number and dialed it. A man answered, saying "Hello."

I politely said, "This is Chris. Could I please speak with Robyn
Carter?"

Suddenly a manic voice yelled out in my ear "Get the right *^%$#@
number!" and the phone was slammed down on me. I couldn't believe that
anyone could be so rude. When I tracked down Robyn's correct number to
call her, I found that I had accidentally transposed the last two
digits.

After hanging up with her, I decided to call the 'wrong' number again.

When the same guy answered the phone, I yelled "You're a jerk!" and hung
up. I wrote his number down with the word 'jerk' next to it, and put it
in my desk drawer. Every couple of weeks, when I was paying bills or
had a really bad day, I'd call him up and say, "You're a jerk", hang up
before he could respond, and laugh to myself. It always cheered me up.

When Caller ID was introduced, I thought my scheduled 'jerk' calling
would have to stop. So, I called his number and said, "Hi, this is John
Smith from the telephone company. I'm calling to see if you're familiar
with our Caller ID Program?"

He yelled "NO!" and slammed down the phone. I quickly called him back
and said, "That's because you're a jerk" and hung up.

One day I was at the store, getting ready to pull into a parking Spot.
Some guy in a black BMW cut me off and pulled into the spot I had
patiently waited for. I hit the horn and yelled that I'd been waiting
for that spot, but the idiot ignored me. I noticed a "For Sale" sign in
his back window, so I wrote down his number.

A couple of days later, right after calling the first jerk (I had his
number on speed dial,) I thought that I'd better call the BMW jerk, too.
I said, "Is this the man with the black BMW for sale?"
He said, "Yes, it is." I asked, "Can you tell me where I can see it?"
He said, "Yes, I live at 34 Oak Tree Blvd , in Ogden . It's a yellow
rambler, and the car's parked right out in front."
I asked, "What's your name?"
He said, "My name is Don Hansen,"
I asked, "When's a good time to catch you, Don?"
He said, "I'm home every evening after five."
I said, "Listen, Don, can I tell you something?"
He said, "Yes?"
I said, "Don, you're a flippin' jerk"

Then I hung up, and added his number to my speed dial, too. Now, when I
had a problem, I had two jerks to call.

One day, I had had an EXTREMELY frustrating day. I came up with an
idea. This was gonna be good.......

I called Jerk #1.

He said, "Hello."
I said, "You're a jerk" (But I didn't hang up.) He asked, "Are you still
there?"
I said, "Yeah,"
He screamed, "Stop calling me,"
I said, "Make me,"
He asked, "Who are you?"
I said, "My name is Don Hansen."
He said, "Yeah? Where do you live?" I said, "Jerk, I live at 34 Oak Tree
Blvd, in Ogden , with a yellow rambler, and I have a black BMW parked in
front."
He said, "I'm coming over right now, Don. And you had better start
saying your prayers."
I said, "Yeah, like I'm really scared, jerk," and hung up.

Then I called Jerk #2.

He said, "Hello?"
I said, "Hello, jerk,"
He yelled, "If I ever find out who you are..."
I said, "You'll what?"
He exclaimed, "I'll kick your (well, let's not get into what all he was
going to kick),"
I answered, "Well, jerk, here's your chance. I'm coming over right
now."

Then I hung up and immediately called the police, saying that I was on
my way to 34 Oak Tree Blvd , in Ogden , and that I was going to kill the
guy who married my ex-girlfriend.

Then I called Channel 5 News about the gang war going down in Oak Tree
Blvd. in Ogden.

I quickly got into my car and headed over to Ogden . I got there just in
time to watch two Jerks beating the crap out of each other in front of
six cop cars, an overhead news helicopter and surrounded by a news crew.

NOW I feel much better. Anger management really does work.

5,6,7,8

2006-12-16T11:50:00.000-05:00

I think I'm going to teach the girls in my dance classes this on Monday.
And if I ever decide to become a trooper, I'll definitely have to keep this in mind:

2007

2006-12-14T15:53:00.000-05:00

~ Get out of my comfort zone
~ Be more flexible
~ Make it to my brother's graduation
~ Have more patience
~ Be grateful for my calling at church
~ Try at least 5 new things
~ Work on our Food Storage
~ Keep better in touch with family and friends
~ Take more pictures
~ Learn how to take better pictures
~ Explore the OBX
~ Start surfing again & go snowboarding at least twice
~ Take a trip with just John-- let the girls visit grandparents
~ Make it to L.A. over the Summer
~ Boston too
~ Stay on schedule with events I have planned
~ Lose more weight
~ Eat Better
~ Don't be afraid to speak my mind
~ Be nicer
~ Do more service
~ Close up shop on some Baggage
~ Listen to more music
~ Finish Production site
~ Be more spontaneous
~ Get my husband to the beach more
~ Let life happen for my girls (not be so strict with them~ yes, I'm a mean mom)
~ Go to more concerts
~ Try to meet at least one person from my "Always Wanted To" list
~ Make more "me" time and not feel guilty taking it

That's it for now

Goodbye Summer

2006-12-09T09:44:00.000-05:00

Summer is officially over. It was 77 degrees last Friday, and this Friday dropped to 21.
Ran some errands with my girls yesterday and saw my dream home #4. In my life I have seen 3 other homes that I have absolutely loved, all different from the next. I saw this house while it was being built and it's finally done. If anyone's interested it's selling for 7 Million. If anyone's interested in buying it for me please email me.
These are all some random pictures I took. All not that very good. I don't give some of these shots justice, it was much better in person.

...."And You'll Pull Her Nice"

2006-12-07T14:30:00.000-05:00

If anyone's seen the movie Cars, then you'll know who Bessie is. I've talked about the construction on our lane/road (I'm partially glad that we're moving away from that) and what a pain in my side it has been.

Well, this was our Bessie. Bessie was like our own action figure...and on some days while my girls were watching Cars, Bessie created real life... a Surround Sound, if you will-- type of effect. Our action figure however comes not with Lightning McQueen, (we would only be so lucky) but with fowl-mouthed men that have 200 different sayings ALL including the F-word.

We have: Hector, Ortega, and Miguel -- they curse in Spanish AND English. Billy-Bob and Billy-Bob Jr. that curse while using Southern slang...I still don't know which words are worse, and Dante-- he especially likes saying "I quit" after meeting his quota.

You know the part in a movie when a woman is holding her child, then someone says something truly horrific and the woman grabs her kid tighter and runs out? Well, that would be me but standing on the front deck of our own home. No where to escape but to run inside real fast before my daughter's real first word is S**T.

They're done now, and I am truly thankful.

So thanks Bessie for creating a smooth road for our vehicles to ride on, and thanks for taking your accessories with you.

Dude...

2006-12-05T13:45:00.000-05:00

This guy is one of my favorite comedians. I tried really hard not to put him on my blog b/c I wasn't sure if other people would think he's funny. But this is my blog. So to all you dry-humored people, enjoy!
And for those who don't laugh, well, I'll try to write a more mature post some time down the road...

Doubts

2006-12-02T01:34:00.000-05:00

We all have songs that will totally remind us of those certain someones in our lives that didn't quite make it.

For me, a few would be:

- Summer School Guy-who had two Harleys and always sit on my seat to dry it off after it rained while we were out.

-First Love Guy- who became the ultimate comparison for all the other guys I dated

-Perfect Song Guy- who had the same exact music taste as me and would always tell me about other new groups etc. (this may sound like no big deal, but it was to me b/c I love music so much)

- In the Band Guy- who wrote a song for me

-Older Relative of Best Friend Guy- who I had a crush on FOR E-V-E-R...and finally asked me out

-Out of my League Guy- who I thought was absolutely HOT and kissed me out of the blue

-Awesome City Guy- who took me to the rooftop of a skyscraper just to show me shooting stars to make wishes on

-Almost Perfect Guy- who asked me to marry him in the most breathtaking way

And the list goes (slightly) on...all these relationships were wonderful, and I could, at the time, see what life would be like with some of these 'guys'. And every time I hear certain songs, they will without a doubt bring me back to that place in time.

I heard a song a long time ago that pretty much sums up the reasons (no matter how severe or slight) of why they never came into fruition...I trusted my judgment.

{and above all, why I'm with my Made-Just-For-Me Guy.}


You'll take me on a journey
And be there till the end
It won't be an uphill struggle
On you I can depend

You promised me a dream home
With roses round the door
You'll cover me in diamonds
There's nothing I want more
And
You'll be strong
And you'll turn me on
But I've got my doubts and what if I'm right?
You'll be true and be faithful too
But I've got my doubts and what if I'm right?
What if I'm right?

'Cos if the rain starts falling
You'll protect me with your coat
And you'll always tape the football
And let me watch my soap

You'll always be as handsome
And your weight will never gain
And when I give birth to our children
I will feel no pain
And
You'll bring me flowers
[ these lyrics found on www.completealbumlyrics.com ]
And you'll bring the showers
But I've got my doubts and what if I'm right?
You'll say I'm thin and bring the washing in
But I've got my doubts and what if I'm right?
What if I'm right?

You'll always keep the magic
The tender love and care
And when you need to change the light bulb
You won't hand me the chair
And when we're tired of the city
And we find a country home
You'll sell your vinyl records {Now, that's true love...I love that line}
And go get us a loan

You'll be my sympathetic lover
And won't steal the covers
But I've got my doubts and what if I'm right?
You won't forsake me
Your mother won't hate me
But I've got my doubts and what if I'm right?
You'll be strong
And you'll turn me on
But I've got my doubts and what if I'm right?
You'll be true
And be faithful too
But I've got my doubts and what if I'm right?
What if I'm right?

You know you grew up in the 80's/early 90's IF....

2006-11-30T10:16:00.000-05:00

I think we've all gotten this E-Mail before...I thought it was funny, and unfortunately agreed to some of it!

1. You've ever ended a sentence with the word "PSYCHE
2. You watched the Pound Puppies
3. You can sing the rap to the "Fresh Prince of Belair" ...and can do the "Carlton".
4. Girls wore biker shorts under their skirts and felt stylishly sexy
5. You yearned to be a member of the Baby-sitters club and tried to start a club of your own.
6. You owned those lil' Strawberry Shortcake pals scented dolls.
7. You know that "WHOA" comes from Joey on Blossom
8. Two words: Hammer Pants
9. If you ever watched "Fraggle Rock ".
10. You had plastic streamers on your handle bars...and "spokey-dokes" or playing cards on your spokes for that incredible sound effect.
11. You can sing the entire theme song to "Duck Tales" (Woo ooh!)
12. When it was actually worth getting up early on a Saturday to watch cartoons.
13. You wore a ponytail on the side of your head.
14. You saw the original "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles"on the big screen... and still know the turtles names
15. You got super-excited when it was Oregon Trail day in computer class at school.
16. You made your mom buy one of those clips that would hold your shirt in a knot on the side.
17. You played the game "MASH " (Mansion, Apartment, Shack, House)
18. You wore stonewashed Jordache jean jackets and were proud of it.
19. L.A. Gear....need I say more
20. You wanted to change your name to "JEM ". (She's truly outrageous.)
21. You remember reading "Tales of a fourth grade nothing " and all the Ramona books.
22. You know the profound meaning of "WAX ON, WAX OFF"
23. You wanted to be a Goonie.
24. You ever wore fluorescent clothing. (some of us...head-to-toe)
25. You can remember what Michael Jackson looked like before his nose fell off and his cheeks shifted.
26. You have ever pondered why Smurfette was the only female smurf.
27. You took lunch boxes to school... and traded Garbage Pail Kids in the schoolyard.
28. You remember the CRAZE, then the BANNING of slap bracelets.
29. You still get the urge to say "NOT " after every sentence.
30. You remember Hypercolor t-shirts.
31. Barbie and the Rockers was your favorite band.
32. You thought She-ra (Princess of Power!) and He-Man should hook up.
33. You thought your childhood friends would never leave because you exchanged handmade friendship bracelets.
34. You ever owned a pair of Jelly-Shoes. (and like #24, probably in neon colors, too)
35. After you saw Pee-Wee's Big Adventure you kept saying "I know you are, but what am I?" 36. You remember "I've fallen and I can't get up "
37. You remember going to the skating rink before there were inline skates.
38. You never got seriously injured on a Slip and Slide.
39 You have ever played with a Skip-It.
40. You had or attended a birthday party at McDonalds.
41 You've gone through this nodding your head in agreement.
42. You remember Popples.
43. "Don't worry, be happy "
44. You wore like, EIGHT pairs of socks over tights with high top Reeboks.
45. You wore socks scrunched down (and sometimes still do... getting yelled at by "younger hip" members of the family)
46. "Miss MARY MACK MACK MACK, all dressed in BLACK BLACK BL ACK"
47. You remember boom boxes.. and walking around with one on your shoulder like you were all that.
48. You remember watching both "Gremlins " movies.
49. You know what it meant to say "Care Bear Stare!!"
50. You remember watching "Rainbow Bright" and "My Little Pony Tales "
51. You thought Doogie Howser/Samantha Micelli was hot.
52. You remember Alf, the lil furry brown alien from Melmac.
53. You remember New Kids on the Block when they were cool... and don't even flinch when people refer to them as "NKOTB".
54. You knew all the characters names and their life stories on "Saved By the Bell ", the ORIGINAL class.
55. You know all the words to Bon Jovi - SHOT THROUGH THE HEART.
56. You just sang those words to yourself.
57.You remember watching Magic vs. Bird.
58. homemade Levi shorts.. (the shorter the better)
59. You remember when mullets were cool!
60. You had a mullet!
61. You still sing "We are the World "
62. You tight rolled your jeans.
63. You owned a bannana clip
64. You remember "Where's the Beef?
65. You used to (and probably still do) say "What you talkin' about Willis?"
66. You had big hair and you knew how to use it.
67. You're still singing shot through the heart in your head, aren't you!!!

Cooking, Cooking, Cooked

2006-11-25T22:54:00.000-05:00

I am thankful that Thanksgiving is over!

#2. I Am Thankful For My Friends

2006-11-16T10:47:00.000-05:00

DISCLAIMER: This story has a little alcohol involved in it, so if you think you may be offended, DON'T read it

I recently got back in touch with my old friend from 1st grade, Karin, that I went to private school with in Staten Island, NY. I was so excited that we found each other (and the fact that she strangely lives 2 hours aways from me!) that I started going through my old boxes to...you guessed it...find my first Diary. Thanks to the teachings of my mom, I used to write down EVERYTHING! Well, pretty much anyway.

As I was looking for it, I came across a notebook that I used to have in college. A simple piece of paper floated out of it onto the floor, and without a second guess, I knew what it was. It was my name written in this cool artwork that my friend Rich did for me in one of our Psych. classes. He was really good at drawing and one day in class, I asked him to do my name.

He was #88 on our football team and was so sarcastic. He was almost to the point of being mean! But deep down he was really sweet. He gave me a hard time whenever he would see me in the halls. John and I were always together and if I was alone, or walking with my girlfriends; the first thing that would come out of Rich's mouth (along with some of our other friends) were "Where's your boyfriend? Did you two have a fight, or just have surgery at the hip?" Something stupid like that. But the way he said it, was always to make me laugh.

There was a good group of us that had most of our Psychology classes together and we all sat in the same order in every class. We were all pretty close. Rich used to sit behind me and pull at my hair to wake me up if the teacher was coming. Or tell me to sit up if it was his turn to sleep...in order to hide him.

This monster of a guy that was on the football team too, Jimmy was the sweetest, and their friend who had the nick name "Hot Guy" sat across from us. He was a receiver. There would be these parties at Penn State and it was called for a weekend trip if you went.Whether games were held on Friday, or Saturday, you were gone till Sunday night, sometimes Monday morning and get back in time for your first class. Rich, Hot Guy and my other girlfriends would keep telling me that I should have come with them that weekend, and show pictures of all the fun they had. I was never allowed to go because I lived at home with my crazy dad and step-mother, but when I moved out...I was opened to a world that only party gods know of.

Our local parties were just as crazy, and the last party of October (the Daylight Savings Party...one more hour of fun, and to drink) was always held at the "football house". That's where the guys that were from out of state lived. I remember sitting in the living room where Rich and a few of our other friends were going back and forth with the funniest jokes and stories you ever heard. Granted every one was pretty much buzzed or drunk, but it was hilarious nonetheless. John and I were getting ready to leave and I saw Rich walking out. I thought he was going to drive, so I told John I would be right back, and went out the door.

He was standing at the end of the sidewalk and I yelled for him to get back inside. He asked me why I was out there and I told him I didn't want him to drive. He looked at me like I was crazy and said "You should know I wouldn't do anything like that! I'd get thrown off the team if I got caught anyway and you think I want that?" I was shivering like crazy...PA's not the warmest state around, and he yelled at me for not having a coat on. He took his off and put his arm around me and walked back inside. "I was just getting some air, that's all." He looked at me and said "You know, you're the first girl here that I've picked on so much that was still nice to me." I reminded him that I was nice, but I gave attitude right back at him. He started laughing and said Yeah, then said thanks for being a "cool girl". I thought it was weird to hear him say that since he's never serious but chalked it up to the tequila shots, and said thanks. Said goodbye and John and I left.

Unfortunately, after a long weekend (and too much partying at one time, I suppose) I got Pneumonia. It was awful, my voice gone and to even open my eyes was painful. It was a Monday morning, and I desperately tried to reach the phone to call my friend Jamie and tell her I couldn't go to school. I just laid there for what felt like forever till I heard the phone ring. It was Jamie telling me that school was delayed that morning. I could barely talk and told her I couldn't get to my window to see if it had snowed. She said "No Simone, didn't you hear?" I was like "No, what?" She said "Rich, Jay (Hot Guy), Tony, and Mike went down to Penn last night for a party and ended up in the hospital..."
She didn't finish her sentence, she said she didn't want to tell me anymore, to call John or Lynn and have them tell me. I was like "WHAT Jamie!" I don't know how at that point I was yelling but I was and she told me that Rich was killed. A girl who was driving on the other side of the highway was trying to reach for her cat, and swerved onto the other side hitting them head on. Jay called our friend Rebekah and made it down to State College in 1 hour. I don't know how she didn't get pulled over but she made it. Jamie was trying to tell me who was there and what happened to the other guys but I just blanked out.

I woke up with my friend Lynn, and Jamie in my room telling me I had to go to the hospital. I refused to go, but they forced me to. They skipped school and spent the day with me in the ER and waited for with me for my medication. I had to stay at Lynn's house and she and her mom took care of me for the week. I told John not to come by. I knew he had a busy schedule but he came to visit later anyway.

While we were waiting for my doctor, Lynn had her cell phone waiting to hear from Rebekah how the other guys were doing. We were crying one moment and the next trying to joke about the funny things Rich would say if he saw us. Rebekah called and said Jay was in surgery and didn't know much yet. The other guys Tony, and Mike weren't as bad but none of them were in any condition to play ball.

The end of that week was Rich's funeral in Connecticut (I think) and I couldn't go. Lynn's mom told me I had to stay b/c of the condition I was in. I was devastated. All my friends were getting ready to leave, and I was stuck in bed. The past week was so strange, and I can't remember much of it but I remember the day of his funeral, I cried so much. I sent a letter of sorrow to his parents and gave it to Lynn. Everyone had written something to give to the family.

The following week, I was getting better and was able to go to school. I got there early, and walked into my first class to see my friend Andrea sitting in Rich's seat behind mine. Her hand was passing back and forth over his desk, her eyes red. I sat down and looked at her and she said "You know, he finally asked me to Fall Dance last week." In a moment it felt like he was still there and I said "Finally! You know how long he was talking about that?"
Her- "You know how long I've been talking about that?!"
We started laughing, with tears starting to fall. We sat there in silence and she said, "I really have you to thank for getting us together."
me- "Why? Because I called him chicken enough times?"
her- "No, because he used to like you when you first came here. The day you said he was like a brother to you, he started talking to me about you. I didn't like him at first b/c I thought he was a pain in the ass. But we became best friends, and now..."
She started crying and I just hugged her. "And at least I have you as a friend instead of hating you for going out with him." We just started laughing again. I told her I would sit up in class if she felt like laying down, and I did.

There was a school ceremony that Wed. and more sadness. That night when I got home from practice, I got a letter in the mail from Rich's mom. She said the sweetest things, I felt a little more at ease.
The next football game we hosted was pretty hard, I don't even remember our routine, or cheers we did. I don't even remember if we won! I just remember standing there.

It's been 10 years this fall that my friend has been gone. I never understand why things happen the way they do. Two years later, another close friend of mine that was battling depression killed herself on Christmas Day.
I start hating myself thinking if there was something I could have done, they would still be here!!
All these other things I get warnings about, and why not them?!!
Another friend killed when I was in 9th grade, she called a few of us out of the blue that Saturday to tell us she loved us. Like she knew!
The last thing I heard another friend tell me before he died was to "stay good", and "we'll ditch together after spring break for old time's sake". He killed himself during the break.
All these people have their friends and family so why do I feel so responsible?

I've learned hard lessons that life is short. I am grateful for my family, and friends. And why we should treat each other in the best way we can. Say what we mean, do what we say. Figure out our problems and move on.
Friendship means a lot to me, and I appreciate the people who put up with me and all my flaws, short-comings, etc. (Lord knows I have many) but I hope I have shown my appreciation one way or another.
I've said this before, and it sounds mean when I say it but I don't have time for people who are fake. People who say they're friends, and then hurt you. I would trade in all my 'acquaintances' if it meant one more day with those friends I lost.

I'm going to see a girlfriend of mine next week to do some Christmas shopping and we haven't seen each other in a year. I am so excited and going to very much enjoy the day.
I'm going to email my 1st grade friend and tell her the entry I found in my Diary of us going to her house and putting on Whitney Houston's 45 record of "the Greatest Love of All" and singing it over and over again. And tell her I can't wait to get together with her after the holidays.
I'm going to miss my friend this Thanksgiving b/c every year growing up we would save the wish bones out of the Turkey and make a wish together.
I'm going to miss the friends I think about so often and wonder what they're up to b/c I have no idea where they are; but hope they're alive and well and have the best life anyone could have handed them.

I am sad today, but hopefully, in a new light, see this Thanksgiving as a new way of being truly thankful for my friends that are here with me, and have passed through my life.
I love and miss you all.

I Remember

2006-11-15T12:32:00.000-05:00

All the fun things we did
Listening to music till 2 in the morning
Surprising me with City Lights, Waterfalls, Desert Moons
This song's for you...and this one, and this one
Whatever I wanted, you gave
Laughing at the silliest things
Taking ATVs to the edge of mountains
I dared you to take my breath away, and you did
Flying me to you, mailing me your heart
Diamonds sparkling around my neck
Tears in our eyes
Hearts breaking in two
Never meant to be
My favorite ring in your hand
Slipped back on my finger when we said goodbye...along with all the memories
Forgotten when you held her hand
"Is that the way we stand?"
Do you remember me?
I'm such a fool for you...

Happy Birthday

Do You Have To Let It Linger...

2006-11-15T11:25:00.000-05:00

In A Word

If I could tell you in a word
How deeply these feelings flow,
And how with every passing night and day
They only seem to grow.
I'd search the whole world over
'Til eternal darkness fell,
I'd climb the stairway to Heaven
And walk through the fires of hell.
If I could show you in a glance
How much I really care,
I'd look up to the deep blue skies
And on wings I'd take you there.
I'd show you things of such beauty
That no one before you knew,
And I'd show you all of the beautiful things
I see when I look at you.
If I could show you in a word
I'd look to the Heavens above,
And all the angels would wisper to me
"The word you search for is 'LOVE' ".

written a long, long time ago

Okay, A Few More

2006-11-14T12:38:00.000-05:00

Have a Nice Day Everyone....

Interesting...

2006-11-13T11:21:00.000-05:00

Sesame Street...in the Ghetto

2006-11-11T22:38:00.000-05:00

It's a sad, sad day when Kermit can no longer sing his "It's Not Easy Being Green" pain away.

This is What I Feel Like Today...Pictures are Worth a Million

2006-11-10T12:28:00.000-05:00

(Except it has my name)

Greetings from Brooklyn

2006-11-09T16:59:00.000-05:00

I usually just email pictures out to family and friends of our kids, but this was funny.

I was going crazy trying to get everything together for my classes I teach and I hear bang!, bang!, BANG!

My little Brooklyn has a temper beyond all.... She was in the dining room with my shoes banging the box onto the floor! She was getting so mad, then started laughing! I took some pictures because she looked so funny!

I can't leave Jalen out either... here are a few other random ones.
Sheba- hope Kaitlyn gets better! We miss and love you guys. Jalen is drawing a picture for Katey right now, RIGHT next to me!

(I'm so glad I have help picking out the right pictures of them!) ...And YES, that's ERIC w/a mohawk!

Top 5

2006-11-09T03:09:00.000-05:00

Don't know why I'm on a movie kick... but one of my other favorites is High Fidelity for more reasons than I can write.
I saw that movie with one of the funniest guy friends I ever had. We had so much fun together.
We had this thing where we'd talk about our "Top 5" lists of stuff, and funny enough...they had that all over the movie! Just had a Top 5 tonight, so I thought I would write it down before I forgot.
I'm sure I'll be expanding on this post, as I do when I talk to my friends from my college years.

Top 5 WORST (or DUMBEST phrases) I ever heard a GIRL say:

5. You totally make me laugh, but I'm such an easy-laugher!

4. I have blue contacts, so I guess when people ask me what color my eyes are, I tell them blue
when I have them in.

3. I just made out with your friend, but I really wanted you.

2. ....Conversation: [Guy]: I think strippers are hot, I would love to date a stripper.
[Girl who's never stepped foot into a club before]:
I'm a stripper! I'll strip for you right now if you'll go out with me!
(this conversation was NOT held a strip club)

1. [Guy at club]: You're so cool! I'm so glad it doesn't bother you that I have a wife.
[Girl]: No! As long as you're not married, I really don't care!
(This was overheard at a dance club)

Lesson to learn: Clubs are BAD.

"They are just, a bunch, of Pansies...."

2006-11-04T17:16:00.000-05:00

I love this movie, not because I've had to watch it a million times over for the sake of my kids (okay, sometimes myself) and have learned all the words in it.

...And not because the leader of the little "fuzzbuckets" speaks with an Indian accent either. It's just so funny, and has some dry humor in it which I love.

So I was watching it today and it dawned on me that I was behaving like Alex the Lion. I know I've written about living on our beach-surrounded island, and it's absolutely beautiful...blah, blah, blah. By no means should I be taking for granted where I live. It has brought my family closer together, and the lifestyle here matches mine and John's personality very well.

But, there's a part of me that is longing for the Big Lights. The Big City. The Big Apple.

We lived in VA prior to moving here, and I was only an hour flight away from my home-town. Yes, I lived in AZ for 8 years, and I have a lot of memories there, but NY is my first love, my home-town.

Now I'm further away (not that much, but enough to be sad) from the airport, and even further from a Nordstrom's. I would even settle for a TARGET!...which is what I told my long lost friend from 1st grade (hi Karin!) and my sister. I should be grateful for all the little boutiques and shops we have around here, you won't find anything like them anywhere! But what I wouldn't give to see a BCBG, or Bebe, even a Cinnabon?!!! Betsy Johnson, berkly-girl??? No? ...Okay.

Am I over-reacting? YES! I tell myself. I'm living in a place where people come to retire! Where people come to get away from the hustle and bustle!

You can take the girl out of the City, but you can't take the City out of the girl.
I remember the first day we landed in AZ from NY, I was in shock to see all the "flatness". Worse than being an A-cup. This was bad. I was hot, and wanted to cry. "Where are all the buildings?" I think was my second question, after "Is it always this hot?" My sisters and I sat in silence the whole way to our house. I think it was a mix of sadness and shock. And a little dehydration.
It's not that bad...and I'm not 9 anymore. I have embraced everywhere I've lived, but mostly b/c it was on the east coast and I'm an east coast girl at heart.

So why is this so different? Well, it's not Long Island - that's not really an island; THIS is.

You have to take two bridges over the Atlantic to get here, and then 2 more to get to my island. We are in a paradise hell. I say that because I have been mourning my own boutiques...my New York boutiques. My Starbuck's, my favorite wedding magazine!

But that's all changed after today! Like Alex, I have learned to love the fish that really tastes like steak. (If you haven't seen the movie, rent it b/c I'm not explaining this).

I am really loving where I am...and going to love it even more. I will venture out and see the other little shoppes, and gourmet food stores (which I really love going to) and not feel like I'm betraying any other cities one bit! I will stop being a "pansy" and "smile and wave" at all I see.
{I will also secretly love all the cute surfer guys that "smile and wave" at me}.

I will love going to new restaurants that have some of the best chefs around...many who have cooked in restaurants in NY, and many other big cities and made a fine living down here. If they can do it, I can too!

I will love exploring the strangest and UGLIEST bugs I have ever seen and tell my daughter how neat they are. "Well, howdy-do!" ( I sometimes feel like we're in the Amazon, but that's okay!)

I will love that the DMV is in a PHARMACY and not care that it STILL takes 5 hours to get to the front of the line. (where did all these people come from?!)
"Ummm...excuse me. We bozos have the people-of course!"

I will love the beautiful sunsets and the gorgeous stars (not helicopter lights) in the sky. I will love being able to drive my Tahoe onto the beach and have my own little spot where no one will bother me. I will love having a beach bon-fire and making s'mores, or a clam-bake...thing. I will LOVE taking pictures of all the neat places around here, and I will even love going to the local (yet high end) coffee shop to get my "Haute Chocolate"...only some will get that.

I am grateful for the local Wal-Mart (still not a Target), and I am thankful that my husband was the manager of a high-end grocery gourmet store. So when I'm longing for my Baci's, or my Devon's Cream ~ I know where I can find them, and he can tell me when more will be in.

Most of all, I am thankful for my husband, my guy, my all time favorite "blue-eyed boy meets a brown-eyed girl" love. Because if he didn't understand me and my crazy talk of loving it here, and the next minute wishing we had a better internet connection; we would both go crazy. I'm glad he's here with me to ease me out of my island-fever, and talk me down the Wright Brothers Memorial Airplane.
"Does anyone want to hear me whine anymore? No? Good! So shutup!"

Life can be wildly tragic at times, and I've had my share. But whatever happens to you, you have to keep a slightly comic attitude. In the final analysis, you have got not to forget to laugh.
- Katherin Hepburn

One Disney Princess, a Pink Butterfly and Some Innocent Candy

2006-11-02T11:57:00.000-05:00

Even though we have been here since August, we are still trying to adjust to living on our island.

For those who don't know, we were almost going to move when John got an offer in PA, but with a lot of pondering and praying, we have decided to stay.

Well, that means all the things I was refusing to unpack...really need to come out. I was unpakcing and cleaning all day and was rushing to get things ready for that night. John was gone for the week, and barely made it home Saturday night to take the girls Trick or Treating at Jalen's school. Since the houses are so spread out here, they do kind of like a 'trunk or treat' but it's at the school, and they actually turn it into a carnival. Jalen had a lot of fun, and I am so surprised Brooklyn kept her hat on from her costume!

Thanks to my sister who sent me that butterfly outfit (B was supposed to be a bumble bee, but the costume was too big) Brooklyn (who is finally in 6-9 mo. clothing, and almost 15 months) got to dress up!

Anyway, they had a good time, and of course everyone knows that it's the parents' duty to make sure their kids get enough candy....so the parents can eat some too! A pretty good chase ensued between John and I resulting in a few broken pieces of candy, Brooklyn laughing thinking we were playing tag and Jalen yelling that if we don't stop "Neither of us get anything!" (I wonder where she got that attitud from?)

My lovely little blog...check it out!

2006-10-28T00:04:00.000-04:00

Okay, I somewhat 'stole' that title (from the B.E.P.'s), but I'm writing b/c I've had a few friends call and ask why I haven't written about this or that. I truly love and appreciate all who 'stop in', and believe me, I would MUCH rather be reading what someone else wrote instead of writing mine, but I started this blog just to throw last thoughts, or first-hand experiences out there that have been wandering in my head.

It's actually a release, (although I still write in my journal) that when I'm working on the computer, which has felt like it never ends--I can just switch modes for a minute and type.

And since I'm not naming names (B.K.L.)--instead of calling; you all can comment. Kind of like what you do at a restaurant when you're not happy with the service? Because you know...I'm here to serve you! j/k

I actually love the phone calls better than the comments though. It's just getting off the phone that I have trouble with, right? :)

The Birds

2006-10-25T12:46:00.000-04:00

Dear Mr. Construction Man & Gang,

Thank you so much for starting your big riggers, tractors, and whatever that huge machine is out there that slams our 100+ ft. trees to the ground at 6:00 IN THE MORNING.

I am so grateful for this because I have such a hard time getting up to begin with that the explosions I feel literally shaking our house was not good enough.

I am exceptionally happy that my 14 month old daughter wakes up as well...even though she was up the night before because she's teething.

I think I need to make 'dark circles under eyes' a permanent beauty trade of mine.

Oh, and I can't thank you enough for the beautiful birds that are looking for new homes and have decided to fly ALL around our property doing so.

Just when I thought I heard it all, I ALSO get to hear the immensly LOUD and vibrating pecking of a certain woodpecker that thinks the steel part of our chimney can be broken through. It's so fantastic when he does that at night too. (although I AM the stupid one that believed my husband when he told me that birds don't fly at night b/c they're sleeping with the rest of the world....yeah, I know~shut-up).

And also, is Alfred Hitchcock doing a remake of The Birds? Or are my screams of death just for your amusement when a HUGE-ASS bird flies into one our 26 windows from our living room and kitchen? Is that the animal mafia hurling these woodpeckers at me? I promise I'm not responsible! I swear "Over the Hedge" was JUST A MOVIE. Just don't torpedo any Osprey...PLEASE!!

Now where are all your cameras taping my daughter or myself trying to take a walk on our land and being scared off by Bambi and the rest of his gang? I really think they assume we're responsible for ruining their forest considering you all leave to 'hit the waves to surf' at the drop of a hat and we're the only humans around and near their "old stomping grounds".

By the way, who do I send my bill to about the dents on the roof of my car from branches falling out of the trees you're cutting down...or my flat tire from SOMETHING on our lane?

Anway, "We're gonna need you to keep the noise down till about 8AM, MMkay?THAAAANKS!..."

Sincerely,

The Endres Family

P.S. Please tell Billie-Bob that picking his nose and working that monster of a backhoe near my house is NOT an option. Please keep both hands on the controls! And music is fine...as long as it's not from the "Deliverance" soundtrack.

I Write Sins...

2006-10-21T23:49:00.000-04:00

Dear Mr. 1997-

I'm sorry there was an instant attraction the moment we saw each other.
I'm sorry you felt the need to "ignore" me b/c you thought I wouldn't be interested in you.
I'm sorry you felt the need to call me after 'ignoring' me for 5 months.
I'm sorry that was the first of a million and one phone calls that lasted till the sun came up.
I'm sorry we had so much in common.
I'm sorry you kissed me.

I'm sorry that first kiss was like a Hollywood Moment --

Act 1 Scene 1:

Knock at door, wonder who it could be, surprised to see you--you cut me off mid-sentence, pull me to you and...WOW. (End Scene 10 minutes later). {one HELL of a kiss}

I couldn't remember anything after that, but definitely remember the song that was playing.

I'm sorry you made me weak everytime I looked at you.

I'm sorry you were so impressive.
I'm sorry you made me laugh.
I'm sorry we loved talking about music.
I'm sorry I still have every CD you made me.
I'm sorry you looked like Matthew McConoughey --hence your nick-name some girl gave you...and let's face it, he's HOT, therefore so were you.
I'm sorry you named me Gorgeous...I never thought I was.
I'm sorry you told me you loved me.
I'm sorry you felt I was your Soul-Mate.
I'm sorry I anticipated your phone calls.

*now if i wrote you a love note
I'm sorry you said you never wanted to kiss anyone else.

and made you smile at every word i wrote (what would you do)

I'm sorry you felt you needed me.

would that make you want to change your scene
I'm sorry I had so much fun with you.

and wanna be the one on my team
I'm sorry I felt safe in your arms.

see what's the point in waiting any more
I'm sorry you were such a gentleman...made me fall for you even more.

cause girl i've never been more sure - (that baby it's you)
I'm sorry every letter, thought, and wish you wrote me was absolutely amazing to read.

this ring here represents my heart
I'm sorry hearing Island in the Sun has scarred me for life...along with a few others.

and everything you've been waiting for -( just say it: i do)
I'm sorry I looked into your eyes.

I'm sorry I let you hurt me.
I'm sorry you abandoned me when I needed you the most.
I'm sorry I realized you were just another guy.
I'm sorry it took me so long to realize it.
I'm sorry you might read this letter and try to call and explain.
I'm sorry, but it's not 1997 anymore.

*from a song

Friendship

2006-10-18T19:32:00.000-04:00

I have been missing my friends a lot lately, so this is for all of you...I'm sure I'll be adding to this list in the future

My Friendship List

Friendship is knowing you have a friend no matter how many miles apart you are.

It's knowing that you can totally be yourself--funny faces and everything and they don't care.

That you don't have to be or look perfect all the time.

That you can tell them anything and know they won't judge you.

It's knowing when they have a problem and you're there for them no matter.

And if they drop the ball once in a while...it's still okay.

It's telling them they're irritating you one day, but you still love them no matter what...and that's okay.

It's knowing you don't always have to agree, and appreciating their differences.

That our common bonds are strengthened just by listening to a song.

Having the same favorite ice-cream flavor.

Eating that whole container of ice-cream and not caring one bit.

It's taking that call when they're sad or upset and really feeling for them.

Uplifting them in their joys.

Friendship is knowing that some people were only meant to be in your lives for a certain time or certain reason; and having to say goodbye.

If for some reason you've offended them, and they come out and tell you instead of holding it in.

It's making up a dance for no reason other than recording it in your parent's basement.

It's flying 3,000 miles for their wedding and surprising them.

It's missing them when no one is around....

When that perfect one liner was told, and only they would get...

When they're the only one that knows the hell you've been through and will always stand up for you no matter what.

Sending them a CD of their favorite songs.

Leaving for a road trip in the middle of the night to NYC and having the funnest weekend ever!

And just recently...calling you out of the blue and being so thankful that they did.

For all my friends that have been there for me, I truly hope I have returned the favor.

"Isn't It On the Bumper?"

2006-10-16T16:08:00.000-04:00

I took this picture of John's '72 C10 a little while ago, right after his first drag.

It's a little more tasteful than the ones in those magazines...sorry, no exotic girl here!

Some people said they think they saw this bad boy on "Cheech & Chong's Up In Smoke".

I laughed at that one myself, but I love this truck. It was actually one of my best friend's dad's truck and John always wanted to customize it. So when he was selling it, he sold it to John.

Now I'm getting more and more impatient, b/c I told my husband that when he was done rebuilding his, I get mine.

At least I get to drive his for now. Haven't gotten a ticket yet, and it's very easy to have that happen when you feel how powerful and fast it goes!

I'll just play "Lowrider" by Santana and maybe that'll set the pace.

Nothing Important, Really

2006-10-14T12:56:00.000-04:00

I love music, I used to put a different type of CD on every night to fall asleep to when I was younger. Thank goodness for MP3 players, b/c my husband needs silence. He tolerates me though, I appreciate that. Lately I've been listening to a lot of Nelly Furtado's new stuff. I like her new album. And the Elva album from Unwritten Law is always a favorite. That's more of a driving in my car kind of CD though. Seein Red is a good song on a 'fall asleep' playlist.

I've made a few playlists of different kinds of songs to fall asleep to. U2 is a must in all of them. I know this is going to sound cliche, but I love Bono, and their sound is just awesome to me. And I can't forget the Cranberries...I love them too.

When I go running, I used to take my player with me, but when I go on the beach, that is so much more calming to me. When the sun is about to set, and the waves are crashing, there's something that's in tune with your inner self. It mesmerizes you...takes you away. I could stay there for hours and just feel at peace.

Things get so crazy sometimes that the little things...or some as big as the ocean go unnoticed.
I hate hardships, and in my life there have been enough, but like those crashing waves washing up to the sand creating a new beach, they make you and mould you into a new and (hopefully) more understanding, mature person.

I sometimes wonder, if I dig far enough down in the sand, if I will see some beautiful shell that's been hiding there for a while. Sometimes I do. I wonder how it got there, how hard the waves were hitting that day this shell washed up; how long it was waiting to be discovered.

For a long time, I thought I was waiting for someone to find me, to make me happy. We are always evolving and I know that; but it wasn't until I was in college that I did that for myself. I 'found' a good part of 'myself' during those years and saw that I was strong and I can make myself happy. I didn't need anyone to do that for me. They can add to it...but not do it all. My husband adds to it a lot!

I realized that when you do that for yourself with the knowledge that you deserve all that is good in the world, that anything feels so attainable! I know what I'm writing isn't rocket science, but so many people go through this world waiting for something or someone to 'save' them from the hell in their lives. I don't know how long they're willing to wait, but God didn't say "Meet Me halfway" for nothing. And I don't have that much patience.

My Birthday!

2006-10-06T13:13:00.000-04:00

Today is my birthday...the last of my 20's. WOW! 29! I feel old! But I think it's because of all the running around I do with my kids! :)

Well, I am going to have fun today! I love birthdays actually. My mom used to make them special for us growing up, still does actually; and I want to carry that on with my kids.

It should be special anyway...it's the day you came into this world! Not saying that everyone needs to call and tell you Happy Birthday (although I really thank my family & friends who did! ;) )
But it should be special for you! Do something nice, something fun.

I like to make goals for myself to accomplish throughout the year. I really try to work hard at it and see if I can do it all.

Anyway, hope this doesn't sound arrogant but... HAPPY BIRTHDAY to ME!

Addictions

2006-10-01T01:46:00.000-04:00

What is an addiction? Well, they say that in order to start a habit (or break one for that matter) you need to go the said 21 days. If you do (or don't do) something for 21 days, it will stick.

Okay, I understand that, and have actually tried it. And it does work! But then there's these things called relapses. I'm not on a drinking binge or something, so don't get me wrong. I'm just talking about anything. A big addiction of mine is Chocolate. There's no way I would even attempt in stopping that. But do I wish I could let it go? Sometimes, when I get on the scale. My goal is 120. Think I can do it?

That would result if I can create the habit of running every day. Which I love doing. I love feeling the sweat, the burn...feeling out of breath and knowing it was worth it. When I run really hard, it reminds me of Hell Week in Track back in H.S. I hated it, but it felt good!

And what about other addictions? That friend you wish you can stop talking to b/c they make you so mad sometimes and you wonder "What's the point?", but then your realize as much as you hate them, they're your best friend for a reason.

That blog you wish you could stop commenting on that your friend started, but it's just so damn funny, or heartwarming...or funny!

Calling your sister to ask her what the ingredients are for that awesome chocolate cake. I could write it down, and I think I did; but maybe I call her cause I feel the need to talk to someone as crazy as I am.

I'm addicted to taking pictures. I could take a million pictures in a day if my battery on my digital camera could keep up!

Dancing!!!! I could go on...Salsa, ballet, hip-hop...just plain going to a club and feeling the music. Oh! Music! I'm addicted to that too. I have a million and one songs of all kinds of music. I love it all.

Psychology, I never get tired of it! People thought I was crazy to have that as my major in college, but I LOVED it! Don't you have to be a little crazy for that major anyway? I think it's a requirement.

I'm addicted to love. (NOT the Robert Palmer song, but the real thing). I know that's why I'm a Wedding Planner. I love being in love.

And believe it or not, I think Love is a really BIG addiction. When you fall in love with someone, the process of trying to 'fall out' of it takes so long!

Like when you break up with someone for any other reason except you made a HUGE mistake and the guy is CRAZY, stalker, calls 29 times a day psycho (because it's really easy to fall out of love then), you still have some feelings for them!

And more times than not, you're going to find something that reminds you of them, be it a song, or a car they drove or whatever...and then you're back thinking "I wonder what they're doing now..."
I do that still!...to my husband! I will hear a song that we used to listen to when we were dating, and revert back to that time. If he's in the car with me I'll do the stupid wife thing and say "Do you remember this song?!" And just to humor me he'll get all mushy.
(I do love that though)

But even with past loves/experiences, we know we loved them for a reason.
They brought out the best in you, the worst, happy times, fights, trips you took together, first dances, phone calls that lasted till the sun came up, first kisses, poetry, soul-revealing letters, mixed tapes to mixed CD's with songs they that made them think of you, or you two together, proposals, marriage.

We even love the break up. Break ups go down in history! Look at Casablanca. Bogart let his ex, his one true love get away. Gone With the Wind: Rhett left Scarlett at the door...he didn't give a damn anymore.

Which I believe Rhett didn't...at the time. But I think he came back, I'd like to think he did anyway. And in between, you KNOW he thought about Scarlett. She was his kryptonite.

And my new total favorite...The Notebook. What a break up! What an ending as well...
How sad would you be if you met your soulmate and couldn't be with them? For those who haven't seen the movie...I won't say anything else. But totally worth seeing it. Even if you are a guy!

I guess whether it was good or bad...like the old saying goes "It all happened for a reason." We wouldn't be who we are today for those people/experiences and for that I'm grateful.
I don't ever want to forget any of those memories, good or bad.

So here's to addictions...and hopefully the one I will never quit: Love.

Being Pregnant

2006-09-28T22:58:00.000-04:00

I spoke to a friend out in Utah the other day who is pregnant and doesn't even LOOK like she is.
Then another friend f/AZ called me last night to tell me his wife is 4 months pregnant and her hormones are all over the place.

When I was pregnant with my first daughter, I gained over 65 lbs. I was the blimp of all blimps.
In fact, one of my nick-names to this day from my cool husband is Buddha Babe... because I was huge.
I went from 123 to...add 65+ to that, and that's what I was.

My first friend tried to argue that it didn't matter what I weighed because I was so skinny BEFORE I had my girl. Yeah, weak argument. Considering I've had my second daughter and STILL trying to lose the last 7 lbs.!!!

As for friend#2, I know what it feels like to have your body out of whack, and you have no control over it. The only thing I can say is try to have as much patience as you can.
We women really do appreciate it in the end. I won't deny that women deal with 99% of the pregnancy, but I know the men have their times too.

What I want to know is who are all these men that have 'cravings' and 'morning sickness' along with their wives/girlfriends?!!! I've even heard women say that it was 'so sweet'!

Let me tell you something, that's great you want to sympathize and all, but come on!...when you're having "contractions" along w/her; you're really just trying to get out of some sort of housework, right?

Aside from that, today is my 4 year anniversary and was very happy that I got to spend the whole day with my husband. What did we do? We had a romantic 2-mile run together on the beach, and then took care of our kids ALL day! Jealous, huh? :) Yeah, we're hot!

That's the downside of where we live: Absolutely beautiful area...absolutely no one we know around.
Since we've moved here, we've gotten to know a few people, but not good enough to leave our kids with them. That's okay, we'll celebrate later. I actually had a lot of fun today, believe it or not!

Congratulations!

2006-09-27T07:50:00.000-04:00

My longtime friend since the sixth grade is getting married on Friday!!!
He is a great guy and will make an awesome husband. I'm just glad I don't have to sort out his girl problems anymore! (j/k)
I am so happy for him, and wish him the best. Don't stress! Everything will be great!

As a wedding planner, I have one piece of advice: Don't forget the Marriage License!!!
Oh, and take a chance and look around and savor the day, it will go by sooo fast!

Okay, two pieces of advice, but handy ones at that! :)

More Typing To Do

2006-09-22T03:11:00.000-04:00

So some of my friends have been telling me to do a personal blog aside from the one for my company.
Why? It's just more typing I have to do, and isn't life busy as it is?
I know this sounds like I could care less, which is true...no, just kidding.
The truth is, I think these blogs are a great idea. It keeps people (family, friends, etc.) in touch when their lives do seem so hectic.
I think they're for people like me who are up till 4 in the morning working on the computer (b/c it's the only quiet time a mother gets to herself) to take a break and see what everyone is up to without calling them in the middle of the night!

Lately I've been thinking about the winter coming here on the east coast, and I'm always reminded of one of my first winters on moving back here for college. My roommate and I threw this big party and no one had a CLUE it was snowing outside. We were up till about 3:30, when we looked outside to see everything COVERED in two and a half feet of snow.
Everyone went outside and we had the biggest snow fight ever! My gosh it was so fun! All our friends crashed at our house because no one could get out! By morning, it was about 3 1/2 feet deep and the plowers hadn't come through yet! By the time they did, a few of us went to Denny's. Ahhh, Denny's! The stories those wall could tell, huh?