Back To School Blues

I have a severe case of the blues.......

It's the," I had to go back to school and I hate it" blues...

Over break I truly enjoyed the quiet time... I'm coming off of Spring Break that truly didn't feel long enough! was

Now my head is filled with crying, kicking, screaming, he took my pencil, she pushed me, I was suppossed to be the line leader, is it time to play, is it time to play, is it time to play... GRRRR!!

At 10:30 I was wishing I was home on the couch catching up on crappy reality TV, soap operas, and talk shows while still in my pajamas and sweatshirt! I was wishing I could sit on the couch with my laptop - reading all of your wonderful blogs. Not only are Mondays tough enough, but coming back to school after 10 days off, now that's pretty rough!

So now I've started the countdown til the last day of school. Everyday we count backwards - I think I'm more excitied then my students - only 54 days left of school ~ YAY!!! It won't be pretty - but I think I'll survive..

Ok, well gotta go now!! One of my Kindergarteners just peed all over the floor... Enough Said...

Maybe I won't survive 54 more days, LOL!!!

Girls Night - Girls ONLY!!!

As I get older I notice I become more and more busy..

I have a boyfriend to take care of, work to do, papers to grade, meals to cook, dishes in the sink, laundry to wash, bathroom to clean, bed to make (please - someone stop me)

So as I was saying - as we get older we get busy and tend to forget the important things in life - we forget to make time for the important things in life.

I have 3 very special friends, and like me they have a TON going on.

Danielle - married - just had her 1st baby - a beautiful girl named Eliza, sometimes we refer to her as the "peanut." And she is also a fellow kindergarten teacher. And there is Heather - married - she is busy with work, her side buisness, her niece & brand new nephew, and she is busy with anything having to do with a baby! And then there is Erika - engaged - she is busy planning her wedding and working hard in 2 different schools!

We all seem to get stuck in our routines - which is normal (especially since we are such busy people).

Tonight, Heather's husband had a 30th BDay party at a Strip Club and it was a boys ONLY party.. So we decided to have a girls ONLY party @ my house.. (minus Danielle because the "peanut" is sick and in the hospital!! (We really missed you tonight Dan, hope Eliza is feeling better)

We had so much fun talking, laughing, eating, drinking, and reminiscing about college times! Just us girls!!

I know that I am guilty of hanging out with my boyfriend on weekends and not going out of my way to make more "girl" time, which I think is extremely important.. If it was New Year's I'd make a resolution to take time out of my crazy, hectic schedule to hang out with just the girls. I wouldn't let so much time go by before the 4 of us get together for a girls night...

So I dedicate this to my girls!! I love you all very much - I think of each one of you every day and you are always in my heart!!

To EJ, Dan, & Heather:
You're...My Friend,my companion,through good times and bad

my friend, my buddy,through happy and sad,

beside me you stand,beside me you walk,

you're there to listen,you're there to talk,

with happiness, with smiles,with pain and tears,

I know you'll be there,throughout the years!

Thanks for a great night.. We'll do a make-up soon Dan!!!

Looking forward to seeing everyone at our lunch date in April!

My Top 5 TV Boyfriends - In No Particular Order

Dr. Derek Shepherd a.k.a "McDreamy"
(played by Patrick Dempsey)
Gotta love the hot,
brilliant, Neurosurgeon
that spends his days and nights saving lives and making the big bucks. Sure he screwed up by not telling Meredith he was married.. But with all due respect his wife cheated on him! I'd give him a pass - look how sexy he is! Nothing hotter then a sensitive doctor who would do anything for his woman! You check him out on Grey's Anatomy!



Maksim Chmerkovskiy
(played by himself)
Love, love, love the fact that this guy is real! For those of you that don't know Maks, he can be seen on Dancing With The Stars (except this season) but don't fear, he will return. He has signed on for a 5 yr contract and he has only completed 4 so far. What a cutie, not even a cutie, SRY what a HOTTIE) The way he can dance and move - drives me crazy! Nothing better then a man that can move on the dance floor. What I love even more - he lives in NJ just like me! He even owns a dance studio "Dance With Me" in Ridgefield, NJ...




Michael Scofield
(Played by Wentworth Miller)
Michael Scofield is a structural engineer, he is amazingly smart and has a psychiatric history of only wanting to help others. When he finds out that his brother 'Lincoln' is innocent, he gets himself locked up so he can break his brother out, but its not as easy as he thought. Is he a good brother or what! I'm not too into tattoos, but his body looks amazing with all of that art work! His down fall: he got his girlfriend Sara killed - (even though I'm not too conveinced of it)! Check him out in Prison Break on Fox5, it's worth it!



Dr. Alex Karev
(Played by Justin Chambers)
Alex prides himself on his honesty, which often lacks tact and can verge on being crude, brutal, and insensitive. This contributes to his poor bedside manner. However, Alex does have a moral code and is the only doctor who tells the truth to patients who make bad decisions about their health, at the risk of offending patients and getting kicked out of surgical cases. I mean come on - you've gotta love the BAD BOY!!






Danny McCoy
(played by Josh Duhamel)
Danny McCoy is a local boy. He grew up in Vegas. His father owned a construction company in the city. Danny worked for him during his adolescence, forging many useful contacts around the city. After high school Danny enlisted in the Marines. He served with distinction handling black ops missions and sensitive situations. Upon his return to Las Vegas he got his job in surveillance and security at the Montecito. I am so sorry to see this show go!! I'll miss his gorgeous face every week.....

Random Thoughts "Pizza" Recipe Exchange

Veggie Pizza Mini's

These are quick, easy, and taste excellent!!

Ingredients

*2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

*3/4 cup halved grape tomatoes

*3 English muffins, sliced in 1/2

*3 cups diced eggplant

*1/4 Vidalia onion, sliced

*5 small mushrooms, thinly sliced

*1 small zucchini, grated
*Salt , pepper, garlic powder to taste

*1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

*1/2 cup grated mozzarella

*1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

*1/4 cup shredded fresh basil leaves

Preparation

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet and add tomatoes.

Cook until tomatoes are softened. Add salt, to taste.
Spoon cooked tomatoes evenly over Englishmuffin halves. In a skillet, saute eggplant, mushrooms, and onions in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add zucchini and cook until tender. Do not over cook, since they will cook some more in the oven. Add salt and pepper to taste. Spoon sauteed vegetables evenly over the tomatoes. Sprinkle each mini pizza with balsamic vinegar. Top with mozzarella. Sprinkle pizza with

garlic powder and basil.

Bake 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and crust is lightly browned.

Wearing Your Wedding Dress... After The Wedding!!

I'm not married - I'm not even engaged! BUT, I was thinking, when I do to get married I'd be really sad to only be able to wear my wedding dress once. Ya know - I mean you spend all that money on it - shouldn't you get to wear it again?

On Easter my brother and his bride-to-be were up from Maryland! We were talking about wedding details, the reception, and the honeymoon. This sparked a converstaion about wearing your wedding dress again.

Suppossedly the new rage in photography is called "Trash the Dress." I think this is a horrible idea!! Why would anyone want to trash their wedding dress? {Unless the marriage didn't work out :(

They say brides want to do this to add something unconventional to their Wedding Albums!! I don't know about that... If you don't want to save your dress for the daughter you may have, isn't there something better you could do besides "trash the dress?" I mean trashing the dress can't be a good sign of longevity of the marriage.

This shot was taken by a photographer named John Michael Cooper, who coined the phrase Trash the Dress....

(Click on the pic to see more of his work)

It defintely seems fun to trash a dress.. I just wouldn't want to trash my own!!

I think I have a better idea.. (Sorry, I can't take credit for this idea, but it's something that looks like tons of fun, you get to wear your dress again, and you don't have to trash it..)

After I get married I want to have a GIRLS PARTY, (as seen on "FRIENDS") with just my closest friends (because if I invited other people they might think i was crazy, LOL). At this party everyone gets to wear thier weding dress 1 last time.. Why spend all the money and not get to wear your dress again, right...

As I continue to write about this I'm starting to wonder if this idea is too crazy or just too funny.. IDK!! But hey, it looks like lots of fun:

So what would you rather do PARTY

OR TRASH?

To Do List

Here is a list of things I've Always Wanted To Do

*Visit all of the Hawaiian Islands

*Take a cooking class from a Top Chef

*Move to California

*Swim with dolphins

*Be a contestant on Deal or No Deal

*And Wheel of Fortune

*Party in Las Vegas

*Own a Condo in Disney World so I can go whenever I want

*Travel to Tuscany - see all of Italy

*Go shopping on Rodeo Drive

*Ride in a Hot Air Balloon

*See the Eifel Tower in Paris

*Be a guest at Ellen's Show

*And Oprah's

*Meet Jennie Garth

*Take Dancing Lessons

*Drink wine in Napa

*Surprise my boyfriend with a Ferrari

*Be an extra on Greys Anatomy

*Buy a pair of Christian Louboutin Shoes

*Own a Palomino

*Buy a Mercedes

*Take My Mom to Prince Edward Island

*Take an art class

*Own a house on the water

*Write a book

*Own a Bull Dog

*Eat Red Velvet Cupcakes from Sprinkles

*Desgin a purse for COACH

*Win the Lottery so I can accomplish all of these things

What is something you've always wanted to do?

What Not To Wear To Your Prom

I know we are approaching Prom Season soon!! These are pictures of things you SHOULD NOT wear to your Prom!!!

I can't believe people would actually leave the house like this, none the less go to their Prom!!, Umm, that's a BIG NO NO, Don't ya think?

Wordless Wednesday

Sidewalk Artist Julian Beever

Bloggy Friends

My Blogroll is not finished yet!! If I have left you off please, please, pretty please let me know so I can add you to my list!

A [Tipp]ical Thoughts

Auburn Kat...

Babywearing Buzz

Banana Blondie

Bess and Boo-Boos

Classy & Fabulous

CakerWakers

Dandelion Wishes

Gorgeous Footsteps in the Sand

Help I Have a Teenager!

I Could Be Ordinary

Jacks, Yurman, and Bobbi Brown

JCrewaholiccs

La Petite Belle

Late Bloomer's Revelation

Livin' With Me

Mama's Losin' It

Marni's Organized Mess

Mommy Mechanics

My Life

New Mommy Rant

Now Entering Mommyville

On The Upside

Our Little Apartment

Six Feet Under

Stylish Handwriting

Teacher Turned Mommy...

Tied Together With A Smile

The Family News!

The Laughs Will Go On

Random Thoughts

What's On Mommy's Mind

Working Girl

Atlantic City Here I Come

Off to AC for a Birthday Celebration! Be Back on Wednesday!!

Wish Us Luck!

Check Out Harrah's in Atlantic City:

http://www.harrahs.com/casinos/harrahs-atlantic-city/hotel-casino/property-home.shtml

For My Baby Wearing Friend

Six months ago one of my best friends had the most beautiful baby girl in the world!! Isn't she the cutest?

I was up late last night because I couldn't sleep.. (Maybe because today is my 28th Birthday and I'm starting to feel the old age, I can clearly see 30 right around the corner!!) So, anyway, I was browsing around on Consumer Reports and I started to look at all of the Baby Reports. For Strollers, High Chairs, Baby Gates, Mointors, well you get the picture. So I came across the section for Infant Carriers and Slings. And my friend LOVES to Baby Wear, so I thought to post this for her and her little munchkin Eliza!


They say using an infant carrier/sling may take some getting used to, but that they're a great way for keeping your precious bundle of joy close!! Below I have posted a direct link to Consumer Reports : Smart Shopping, Infant Carriers and Slings.. It gives you "Strap on Strategies" Pros & Cons, "Sling Savvy" Pros & Cons, "Getting the Hang of It", "Shopping Secrets", "Important Features", "Recommendations", and a list of Websites of "Whats Available" in alphabetical order! From this direct link you can also access the other reports on Baby Items for more Smart Shopping..


So check it out. Maybe your a new Mom like my friend, maybe you're getting ready to become a Mom.. After seeing Danielle and Eliza using the Sling I would 100% add one to my baby registry when I have a baby!! Looks nice right?


Consumer Reports Link to Article:

http://money.aol.com/consreports/smartshopping/babies_kids/_a/smart-shopping-soft-infant-carriers-and/20080114172209990001

Check out Danielle and Baby Eliza @ New Mommy Rant:

Sometimes I Don't Understand

Sometimes I don't understand why God does the things he does..

The reason I didn't post at all yesterday was because I had such a CRAZY day, I had a bridal shower and a Night Time Christening! I spent more time in the car then I did at the parties, but it was a very fun day!

The reason I say sometimes I don't understand God is because last night while Brian & I were at our friend's new baby's christening we were catching up with friends. While standing at the bar I made a comment on how cute this little boy was. He was on the dance floor dancning up a storm, dressed up in kakhi pants and a tiny navy blue blazer. Our friend mentioned he was only 1 and 1/2 years old and that he was just diagnosed with Muscualr Dystrophy! He continued to say that the doctors told his mother if he was lucky if he lived to 18, but they highly doubt it!
I stood there with tears in my eyes because this little baby, who seemed so happy , is in for a life full of hardtimes and his parents are in for a lifetime of heartache. The mother will ache knowing that she passed this gene on to her child! Hopefully she can come to understand that it's not her fault! (I really hope so).

I am a Catholic, though I'm not too religious. I rarely go to church. I mean I believe in God (I know everyone has thier own feelings), I believe in something, or I want to believe in something. But after seeing this sweet child and hearing about his problems really made me wonder about a "higher power". People say God does thing a for a reason, but there is NO reason for something like this.

I know there are many children born with this disease - hopefully soon someone will find a cure! Below I have posted the link to MDA Helping Jerry's Kids. Here you can learn more about this disease, volunteer or make donations: http://www.mda.org/ .

Thanks, I hope everyone has a very Happy Easter!!

Celebrity Look Alike

Some of you may have seen this picture, and some of you may not! When I first saw it I thought, "Holy Crap, Chris Farley is Alive." (Or reborn into this little girl.. )She is a cutie, but I can't believe the uncanny resemblance.. So funny..........

What About You?

People say I look A Lot Like Reese Witherspoon....

What Celebrity Do You Think You Look Like?

YouTube - Body Worlds Exposition: Part 1

YouTube - Body Worlds Exposition: Part 1

Body Worlds Exhibition

Has anyone ever heard of or been to Gunther von Hagens "Body Worlds" The Original Exhibition of Real Human Bodies? I know it's in Milwaukee at the public museum and has recently started up in Baltimore at the Maryland Science Center. A few months ago my boyfriend and I have been talking about taking a Road Trip (a 13 hour road trip) to Milwaukee to see the exhibit, It looks so interesting. Now that I see it's in Baltimore until September 1, 2008 I definately want to take that Road Trip (only 2 and 1/2 hours). And it's an excuse to visit my brother and his bride-to-be who live 5 minutes away from the exhibit.

For those of you who don't know what this exhibit is I'll give you a brief description:

The BODY WORLDS exhibitions are first-of-their-kind exhibitions through which visitors learn about anatomy, physiology, and health by viewing real human bodies, using an extraordinary process called Plastination a groundbreaking method for specimen preservation invented by Dr. von Hagens in 1977.Each exhibition features more than 200 real human specimens, including whole-body plastinates, individual organs, organ configurations and transparent body slices. The specimens on display stem from the body donation program that Gunther von Hagens established in 1983.The exhibitions also allow visitors to see and better understand the long-term impact of diseases, the effects of tobacco consumption and the mechanics of artificial supports such as knees and hips. To date, nearly 25 million people around the world have viewed the BODY WORLDS exhibits.

I know, I know.. To some of you I may sound a little crazy to want to see real humans skinned and exposed! But I just find the human body so interesting, especially all of our organs. I know I would have a hard time getting used to the exhibition, but I'm sure once I settled in it would be a great learning experience!!

With all of that said... Are you as freaky as me, LOL...Would you want to visit this exhibit?

Random Recipes

When I was in my senior year of high school I told my Mom I wanted to go to Culinary School to become a Chef. She told me that I HAD to go to a College or University and then after I graduated I could entertain that idea. 10 years later - I'm still wishing I went! I love to cook and bake so I figured now and then I'd share some of my favorite recipes. Hope you enjoy!!

PENNE with SALAMI, MOZZARELLA, and ARUGULA

1/4 Cup of Olive Oil
4 Cloves of Garlic (Thinly Sliced)
1 Can (35 oz) plum (Roma) Tomatoes well drained and coarsely chopped
TBL Spoon of Dry White Wine
1 lb of Penne (or your favorite pasta)
1/4 lb of hard salami - diced into small cubes
1/2 lb fresh mozzarella cheese cut into small cubes
1 bunch arugula
1 Cup grated Romano Cheese

*Bring a large pot of water to boil.

*In a large frying pan over medium heat, warm the 1/4 cup olive oil. Add the garlic and saute it until it becomes a golden color (approx. 2 minutes). Add the plum tomatoes and increase the heat. Cook until the tomatoes release their liquid (approx. 5 minutes). Add the white wine and let it boil off for a couple of minutes.
*Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook for 12 - 14 minutes.
*Add the salami to the sauce and season with fresh black pepper to taste
*Drain the pasta and place it in a large bowl. Add the tomato sauce and toss well. Add the arugula, mozzarella, drizzle with a little bit of olive oil and toss. Add a heaping spoonful of grated cheese and toss one last time and ENJOY :)

I don't think many of my friends know that I always wanted to be a chef..
OH HOW I WISH I WENT TO CULINARY SCHOOL!! - LOL...

Welcome

This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. This blog accepts forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions or other forms of compensation.

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Welcome to My Blog... My name is Dana and I'm a 27 (almost 28) year old Kindergarten Teacher from New Jersey. I decided to start a blog because one of my best friends, Danielle, recently started one (check her out at New Mommy Rant) and really seems to enjoy it! I thought that I'd love a place to go to every day to "Just Talk."


Sometimes we need a place to come to and vent! Sometimes we need a place to come to get away. This is my place to "Just Talk", to share new "secret" recipes, to make new friends, to review products, to rant and rave about everyday life.


I graduated college with a BA in Communication in Radio and TV. I had a great internship with VH1 in NYC, but being in the City at the time of 911 I rethought commuting and working there everyday. So I decided after I graduated to go back and get my Masters in Education. I have been a teacher for 3 years now. Being a Kindergarten Teacher you always have to be on your toes, keep your eyes open, and be REALLY happy! I love my students and enjoy teaching them. It is truly rewarding to see it all click within them, espceially when they read their 1st sentence! So with all of that said I'll spill my 1st secret - I don't know if I want to be a Teacher anymore! Now What? :(