Just Talk

Always Remember Never Forget

2010-09-11T06:30:00.000-04:00

I will always remember this day... I will always remember this day so perfectly in my head; like it was just yesterday!!

This picture was taken 3 days prior(which happens to be Brian's Birthday) from my friend who was up in a helicopter watching a boat race. It is so eerie to see - knowing now that the building would be gone in 3 days!

I decided to go into work early that day! I took the 6:50 Express train to the city and arrived at Penn Station in about an hour! I got off of the train and picked up a strawberry scone and carton of OJ for breakfast... ( I was single at the time and much younger) So, when I saw 3 HOT firefighters outside I felt compelled to spark up conversation. We chatted for a minute while I waited for a cab.. i was lazy that day and didn't feel like walking.. Then they got a call and said they had to go.. Little did I know that those firefighters were being called to the World Trade Center because a plane crashed through one of the towers..

I decided to give my mom an early morning phone call just to say hello. She was watching the news.. We talked for a few minutes and then I had to go! She was watching the news and mentioned something about a plane crash in city. After we hung up the phone she said she tried calling me back, but the phone line was busy for the rest of the day. She always says she wishes she told me to get back on the train(that's what she tried to call me back, she said she knew somwthing was wrong.)

The girl infront of me, waiting for a cab, was stressed because she was late for a meeting at The Trade Center. Little did she know that her being late could have saved her life! There were no cabs in sight so I decided my lazy ass should start walking. I still can remember hearing all of the police and fire sirens as I walked the New York City streets and made my way to my building.

So as I got to my building on Broadway, I took the elevator up to the 44th floor and when i got off I noticed the building was empty, more empty then usual. As I walked through the halls I came to the TV's and watched as the The Tower burned, smoke pouring out!

I went to my bosses desk, wrote her a note staing I was in and that I was going to head back to Jersey. I had no idea what was going on - but I new it wasn't good.

I headed down and out and I hoped in to a cab. The was one of the scariest parts of the day. As I rode alone to Penn Station the cab driver (of different descent) muttered under his breathe and laughed about how "we finally got them" how "we finally did it" how "we finally brought them down." He started speaking another language and began to chant - I started to cry and asked him to pull over.. I wanted out! I paid and got out of the cab and walked the rest of the way!

I rushed into Penn Station with the rest of the crowd, found my train, boarded and then took a BIG sigh of relief - I was headed back home! I felt safe! Then, all of the lights went out and over the loud speaker a voice came on saying to Exit the train, to walk quietly, and exit Penn Station. I exited the train and saw Police Men and Bomb sniffing dogs everywhere.

I am not a very trusting person - but for some reason during this chaotic mess i started to talk to this older gentleman that lived in Jersey. He was a lawyer in New York, also on the train with me trying to get home. Little did we know we'd be stuck in the city all day long. He took me under his wing(I was all alone in the city that day) - we sat on the street with thousands of other people and shared his walkman radio to listen to news updates. He even bought me lunch. At one point we decided to walk and as we made our way I will never forget this, he said "look" and pointed as we watched the tower collapse. We watched the smoke pour up onto all of the other buildings! I felt such sadness...

I finally made it home on the 5:30 train and headed back to New Jersey.. I rode the whole way with the lawyer I spent the entire afternoon with until he got off at his stop. He is a man I will never forget. Like I mentioned I am not the most trusting person when it comes to strangers; but this man was incredible and really helped me out during this horrible day!

I often think about 9/11 and those firefighters. I wonder if they made it out ok, I wonder if they were killed...I wonder about the lawyer - I wonder if he thinks of me on that day!

Do you remember where you were on 9/11?

Swagbucks... JOIN TODAY

2010-06-07T19:25:00.002-04:00

use my link to join http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/DanaAbrams

JOIN TODAY it's soooooo much fun!! CHECK IT OUT!

Chapter 30

2010-03-24T03:23:00.000-04:00

Today beings a new chapter in my life. And that would happen to be Chapter 30. GOODBYE 20's HELLO 30's!!! I used to be sad about turning 30 and leaving my young 20 something life behind.. My 20's was filled with college, sorority parties, bartending, grad school, and meeting the love of my life!!! I used to be sad thinking that I was leaving my youth behind that turning 30 would mean I was old...

When I think about tunring 30 now I think about the amazing things my 30's will hold... I met the love of my life in my 20's! In my 30's I have lots to look forward to.. Getting married, having babies, traveling, and continuing to grow with the Brian, the love of my life, for the rest of our lives!!

So HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY to me!!!! May my 30's be all I have ever dreamed!

Happy 2nd Blogoversary to me

2010-03-19T15:19:00.004-04:00

I know I've been out of the loop.... I've been soooo busy and I apologize for not blogging more.. But I will say that there are some REALLY great things coming up that I'm going to be blogging about all of the time!! I'm going to be blogging so much you'll be sick of me, lol!!!!

Things are good, no, things are fabulous... Brian is amazing, Lola is getting sooo big!!! My brother and SIL are going to have a baby any day now.... He was actually do yesterday though I am hoping he holds out for my birthday next week... I will def keep you posted!!

Work is good... Just very busy and really looking forward to my Spring break in a week!! I wish I was going away, though living at the beach feels like a vacation on nice days.. I do plan on relaxing, catching up on much need rest, and Spring Cleaning... Hopefully Bri can steal a day from work so we can do a fun day trip somewhere but we'll see...

Anyway..... Happy 2nd Blogoversary to me!!!! I hope everyone has a GREAT weekend, it's going to be a beautiful one!!!! I can't wait to be outside enjoying this amazing weather!

Rockin Review

2010-03-04T23:21:00.000-05:00

So I was recently lucky enough to receive a Fischer-Price Newborn Rock and Play Sleeper from MomSelect. This is a MUST for every Mom of a newborn. This sleeper is perfect because you can use it for them to sleep in at night or to play and relax during the day. All you need to do is give them a gentle push and they will be comfortable for hours! And don't be nervous about the rocking because it does have 3 point restraints that will keep your baby safe and secure while they are being rocked.. I'm sure all the newborns will enjoy that this Sleeper will also allow them to sleep on an angle.

Now we all know that babies, espeically newborns need lots of things. Where ever you go there are things that need to tag along. The Fischer-Price Newborn Rock and Play Sleeper is so light weight and folds almost completely flat that you can easily travel with it, bring it from room to room, or store it in a small area when it is not being used. Another plus of this sleeper is that it comes with a Toy Bunny for soothing or to keep them entertained!!

Soothe, Sleep or Play night or day!!!!! Go get yours today, you'll never know how you lived without it!

Snow snow go away!!!

2010-02-08T07:51:00.001-05:00

We got snow here in NJ this weekend..... Good thing her new sweater came to keep her warm!

Lately we have been ordering all of our Doggie Stuff from Fosters & Smith. They have all different kinds of Pet Supplies at great prices! And every time I've ordered I've found free shipping and 5 Dollars off coupon codes online... Sometimes it pays to order

online then going to the store!

I hope everyone had a GREAT weekend and enjoys the week! THIS time next week I'll be very happy....... I have the day off!!

HAPPY MONDAY

And the Winner is......

2010-01-17T15:42:00.004-05:00

And the winner is, picked from random is Heather C.

Please email me with your mailing information so I can ship it out ASAP!

Thanks to all that entered and come back soon for another review and fun giveaway!

7 Day Cleanse

2010-01-14T08:33:00.000-05:00

So my good friend at work and I have been doing this diet and tomorrow will be day 7!! It's been tough, very tough but was a GREAT cleanse.. My body feels great, I feel great, and it was a good thing to do jumpstart my diet as I'm getting ready to start Weight Watchers. I just want to maintain, eat healthy, and really use it for portion control!! I'm going to be a bride sooner then later and I will want to look fabulous when that time comes... I also want to be healthy and eat healthy which in return will only add happiness, not self hate.. So check out the diet and tell me what you think! It's a little extreme and VERY tough on your belly, but it's good!! If you read through the diet and seem interested either leave a comment or email me. I made a similar, but different, version of the soup that is acceptable to eat on the diet and it was fabulous!!

The following diet and health program was developed for employees and dependents of General Motors, Inc. and is intended for their exclusive use. This program was developed in conjunction with a grant from U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration. It was field tested at the Johns Hopkins Research Centre and was approved for distribution by the Board of Directors, General Motors Corp. at a general meeting on August 15, 1985. General Motors Corp. wholly endorses this program and is making it available to all employees and families. This program will be available at all General Motors Food Service Facilities. It is management's intention to facilitate a wellness and fitness program for everyone.

This program is designed for a target weight loss of 10-17 lbs per week. It will also improve your attitudes and emotions because of its cleansing systematic effects.
The effectiveness of this seven day plan is that the food eaten burn more calories than they give to the body in caloric value.

This plan can be used as often as you like without any fear of complications. It is designed to flush your system of impurities and give you a feeling of well being. After seven days you will begin to feel lighter because you will be lighter by at least 10 lbs. You will have an abundance of energy and an improved disposition.
During the first seven days you must abstain from all alcoholYou must drink 10 glasses of water each day.

Day One All fruits except bananas. Your first day will consist of all the fruits you want. It is strongly suggested that you consume lots of melons the first day. Especially watermelon and a loupe. If you limit your fruit consumption to melons, your chances of losing three lbs. on first day are very good.

Day Two All vegetables. You are encouraged to eat until you are stuffed with all the raw or cooked vegetables of your choice. There is no limit on the amount or type. For your complex carbohydrate, you will start day two with a large baked potato for breakfast. You may top the potato with one pat of butter.

Day Three A mixture of fruits and vegetables of your choice. Any amount, any quantity. No bananas yet. No potatoes today.

Day Four Bananas and milk. Today you will eat as many as eight bananas and drink three glasses of milk. This will be combined with the special soup which may be eaten in limited quantities.

Day Five Today is feast day. You will eat beef and tomatoes. Eat two 10 oz. portions of lean beef. Hamburger is OK. Combine this with six whole tomatoes. On day five you must increase your water intake by one quart. This is to cleanse your system of the uric acid you will be producing.

Day Six Beef and vegetables. Today you may eat an unlimited amount of beef and vegetables. Eat to your hearts content.

Day Seven Today your food intake will consist of brown rice, fruit juices and all the vegetables you care to consume.

Tomorrow morning you will be 10-17 lbs. lighter than one week ago. If you desire further weight loss, repeat the program again. You may repeat this program as often as you like, however, it is suggested that you are allowed two glasses of white wine in addition to the instructions on the program. You may substitute champagne for white wine. Under no circumstances are you to drink any other alcoholic beverages with the exception of beer which is allowed. Any liquor (bourbon,vodka, rum) is forbidden. Cream drinks are especially forbidden. You may have an occasional cordial such as creme de menthe or schnapps, but you must always limit yourself to two drinks. If you wine, drink only wine that day. If you have beer, drink only beer that day, etc. Alcohol adds empty calories to your diet. However, after the first week it will help your digestion and settle your stomach.

G.M.'S Wonder Soup
The following soup is intended as a supplement to your diet. It can be eaten any time of the day in virtually unlimited quantities. You are encouraged to consume large quantities of this soup.
12 Cus of Water, 6 Large Onions, 2 Green Peppers, Whole Tomatoes (fresh or canned), 1 Head Cabbage, 1 Bunch Celery, 4 Envelopes Lipton Onion Soup Mix, Herbs and Flavouring as desired.

Additional Comments
Vegetables as may be taken in the form of a salad if desired. No dressing except malt, white or wine vinegar, squeezed lemon, garlic, herbs. No more than one tea spoon of oil.
You have been given a recipe for the WONDER SOUP which can be eaten in unlimited quantities. This soup is a supplement while you are on the program and it should be a pleasure to eat. Not everyone likes cabbage, green peppers, calory etc. This recipe is not inflexible. You may substitute vegetables according to your taste. You may add any vegetables you like: asparagus, peas, corn, turnips, green beans, cauliflower, etc. Try to stay away from beans (lima, pinto, kidney, etc.), however, because they tend to be high in calories even though they are very good for you.

Beverages you may consume while on the program :
Water (flavoured with lemon/lime if desired).
Club Soda is OK.
Black Coffee. No cream or cream substitute. No sugar or sweetness.
Black Tea = Herb or Leaf.
Absolutely nothing else except the fruit juices which are part of day seven. No fruit juices before day seven.

How and Why It Works
Day One you are preparing your system for the upcoming programme. Your only source of nutrition is fresh or canned fruits. Fruits are nature's perfect food. They provide everything you could possibly want to sustain life except total balance and variety.
Day Two starts with a fix of complex carbo-hydrates coupled with an oil dose. This is taken in the morning for energy and balance. The rest of day two consists of vegetables which are virtually calorie free and provide essential nutrients and fibre.
Day Three eliminates the potato because you get your carbohydrates from the fruits. You system is now prepared to start burning excess pounds. You will still have cravings which should start to diminish by day four.
Day Four, bananas, milk and soup sound the strangest and least desirable. You're in for a surprise. You probably will not eat all the bananas allowed. But they are there for the potassium you have lost and the sodium you may have missed the past three days. You will notice a definite loss of desire for sweets. You will be surprised how easy this day will go.
Day Five, Beef and tomatoes. The beef is for iron and proteins, the tomatoes are for digestion and fibre. Lots and lots of water purifies your system. You should notice colourless urine today. Your allowance calls for the equivalent of five "quarter ponders". Do not feel you have to eat all this beef. You must eat the six tomatoes.
Day Six is similar to day five, Iron and proteins from beef, Vitamins and fibre from vegetables. By now your system is in a total weight loss inclination. There should be a noticeable difference in the way you look today, compared to day one.
Day Seven finished off the program like a good cigar used to finish off Victorian meals, except much healthier. You have your system under control and it should thank you for the flushing and cleaning you just gave it.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-01-13T20:44:00.002-05:00

Lola & Daddy - Sleepy Time

SmartMom Teething Bling Giveaway

2010-01-07T07:25:00.000-05:00

Let me tell you how happy I am to have had the opportunity to review Teething Bling from SmartMom Jewelry. I have been in touch with the wonderful Amy Maurer Creel who is the Director of Marketing for SmartMom and she sent me some amazing Teething Bling to review and let me tell you this is the greatest thing around for all you moms with precious teething little ones.

Teething Bling by SmartMom was inspired by babies who like to hug on jewelry. Teething Bling is made from the same material as many teething toys and is designed for little ones that love to chew. It also looks great on the Mom!!!

SmartMom uses only the highest-quality, phthalate-free, federally approved silicone in their Teething Bling line. The material is non-toxic, latex-free, food–safe, even dishwasher-friendly! It is the same silicone used in many other popular teething products and SGS test reports are available upon request. They do however stress that Teething Bling is adult jewelry not intended for children to wear.

Teething Bling is also very popular in Hollywood among all the cool and hip celebrity moms.

There are so many cool products that SmartMom offers. Donut Shaped Pendants, Coordinating Bangles, Heart Shaped Pendants, Teeting Bling Keychains, & Teething Bling Giftsets and even onsies.... They come in so many different beautiful colors and all pendants hang on a black, silk cord with a breakaway clasp. I recommend these amazing products to EVERYONE.. Your little one will LOVE it, the Bling will keep them busy, make their mouths feel better, and you will look beautiful! They make great gifts for that new mom or a perfect addition to a Baby Shower gift..

NOW for the GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!!!!!

There will be 1 winner and they will receive 1 Bronze Teething Bling Pendant and 1 matching Bangle.

****Here is how you can get 6 entries for this giveaway****

To enter the giveaway all you need to do is visit the SmartMom website and tell me what you like on their site and comment on this post and tell me why you'd like to win the Teething Bling. Be sure to leave an email address I can reach you at.

To receive an extra 2 entires Follow me on Twitter DANAJUSTTALK and Tweet about this giveaway linking back to this post.

And to receive another 3 entries Blog about this giveaway on your site or Blog and link back to this post on my blog.

The SmartMom Teething Bling Giveaway will run until Thursday, January 14, 2010 @ 8 pm so make sure you get your entries in!!!!

This Will Be My Year

2010-01-06T18:36:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year to all of you! I hope everyone had a very happy and healthy holiday!

We sure did!

Brian and I spent the night at our apartment we our 2 great friends. We ate, drink, and laughed.. and a GREAT time was had by all....

This year I turn 30 and this is the 1st time I can say I'm actually looking forward to it!! I look forward to it cause I just know this is going to me MY year, OUR year.... I feel very blessed and I am excited to see all the good things I have to look forward to!!

Pardon My Apearance

2009-12-15T17:14:00.003-05:00

I guess I am having a little technical difficulty with my blog. I have contacted Delicious Design Studio who desgined Just Talk and hopefully she will be able to help!!!

Please excuse my appearance until she can fix this!

Look out for my review and GIVEAWAY of Teething Bling from SmartMom at the end of the week!!!

Wordless Wednesday - "Bulldog Playdate"

2009-12-09T19:34:00.001-05:00

Sending Thanks it Our Troops

2009-12-08T05:00:00.000-05:00

Check out this website Let's Say Thanks.

It is a great website that gives you an opportunity to send a FREE printed postcard to a US Soilder stationed over seas with just 3 easy steps. Saw thanks to our troops for all they do!! The mission of Let's Say Thanks is to provide a way for individuals across the country to recognize U.S. troops stationed overseas. By submitting a message through this site you have the opportunity to send a free personalized postcard greeting to deployed servicemen and women.
The postcards, depicting patriotic scenes and hometown images, were selected from a pool of entries from children across the country.
All you have to do is click on your favorite design and either select the message that best expresses your sentiment or draft a personal note. The postcards are then printed on the Xerox iGen3® Digital Production Press and mailed in care packages by military support organization Give2TheTroops®.To date, more than 12,000 postcards have been mailed to soldiers. With the launch of www.LetsSayThanks.com, more soldiers can expect to receive messages from home.--
Xerox is committed to helping people across the nation express their gratitude to our troops overseas. The launch of this program is aimed at reminding them how much Americans appreciate their service.

Check out this site and send a card this Holiday Season!!

Dear BabiesRUs and your horrible Customer Service

2009-12-04T05:07:00.000-05:00

So... this is email I sent BabiesRUs after all the horrible experiences I have had with them in the past few months. I think it's a pretty good email if I do say so myself!!!!

To whom it may concern:

I have been doing a lot of shopping at BabiesRUs lately as my sister is due in March. All I have to say is that I am so saddened and very, very disappointed with your store in the past few weeks! Every time I have tried to purchase something for my sister, at your store or over the phone, there has been a problem and a VERY rude employee at the other end of the situation. Numerous times things have been left out of the bag and I have had to return to the store to pick up the items. When I present the registry they forget to scan it and then I needed to return to the store to return the items and then repurchase them. It i so apparent that your employees do not value your customers with the way they speak to your customers in store as well as over the phone. Having a baby is supposed to be an exciting time for a family! Picking out baby clothes, toys, furniture, and accessories is also a huge part of that preparation. But when it is nothing but a hassle followed by a headache with no one polite to help you it becomes discouraging. I should want to shop at your store, not turn around and go somewhere else to buy gifts because I know I will be treated better. What should keep me coming back with everything that my family has experienced? I thought you should how one of your customers feels!

what do you think? I m still waiting for a response from them... But I won't hold my breathe!! They are such a big company I highly doubt they care about lil ole me!!!

Approaching the big 3 - 0

2009-12-03T07:02:00.000-05:00

In a few months I am going to be thirty. There, i said it. I said it and I got it out of the way. This is something that I have been struggling alot with lately!! When I turned 29 I had a little bit of a meltdown becuase I couldn't believe I finally hit the last year in my 20's!! and that was a BIG deal to me!! I called it my early life crisis....I just always figured I'd be alot further along in my life then where I am now.. I thought I'd be in a better job making a TON of money(but don't we all?), I thought I'd be married, and have atleast 1 kid.

But as I stop and think about it I am really happy!! I have a great home on the beach, wonderful friends, a great family, a beautiful puppy, and an amazing man that loves me with all of his heart!! What more could a girl ask for? I think about it and have come to see that I am very lucky, luckier then some people and I should be very thankful for that!!

As I stop and think about turning 3o in March and I think about all the good things I have to look forward to and I smile!! I smile because I know that my 30th Birthday is going to kick off the rest of my life and happiness I have to look forward to... Brian and I have been talking more and more about getting engaged which is very exciting for me.. My 30's are hopefully going to bring me an engagement, a marriage, kids, and continued happiness!!

So I need to stop look at 30 as being old, I need to stop looking back at my 20's and being sad about everything I did and had. I need to focus on my 30's and all the good things I have to look forward to - cause I certainly have a ton to look forward to and that makes me happy and excitied!!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-12-02T04:54:00.001-05:00

~Our Biker Bully~

Tasty Tuesday

2009-12-01T04:55:00.000-05:00

I made this Spinach & Artichoke Dip for a Thanksgiving appetizer to bring with us to my Aunts house and it was a HUGE hit... Everybody devoured it I thought to share my recipe...

2 packages frozen, chopped spinach - thawed

2 cans of quartered artichokes in water, chopped finely

1 1/2 cup of grated cheese

1 1/2 cups of light mayo

1 TBLS of Crushed Redpepper

Half of a yellow onion, diced finely

dash of black pepper, salt, and garlic powder

Drain the water from the spinach and the artichokes. Add mayo, cheese, spices, and onion, mix well and place in a baking dish. Put in a preheated oven (350 degrees) and bake for 20 minutes or until bubbling and brown on top.

I served it with Tortilla Chips, Melba Toast, & Pita Chips... If you like tomatoes then you can deseed a tomato and chop it up and put right on top after it comes out of the oven. Not only does it add color but it makes it taste yummy as well... Enjoy!!

Getting Back to Blogging

2009-11-29T16:43:00.002-05:00

So I have been MIA for a while now... I think I needed some time away to realize that I really do miss blogging.. I miss the writing, I miss my readers and Bloggy friends, just miss it~

I've just been so busy I've found no time to really go online except to check Facebook and my hotmail email.. I have a Gmail account that I NEVER check! It is linked to my blog and I use it for junk email. I should probably check it since I have like over 2000 emails, lol.. Maybe one day I start and check a few at a time..

So, so much has been going on!! My best friend just had a baby.. I'm getting ready for my nephew to arrive in March and with the holiday that just past and Christmas around the corner I feel crazed!!! I can hardly believe it is almost december.. it feels like yesterday I was going back to work and the summer was winding down... I feel like the older we get the quicker the time goes.... I guess thats night a bad thing!! I just want the spring to get here and get here fast! I want to change the clocks back so it stays lighter later!! But as soon as the Spring gets here I will be closer to turning 30.. Last year on my 29th Birthday I had an anxiety attack about turning 30.. But now as I look at it 30 is going to be great.. I have a lot to look forward and I think that fun stuff is going to happen in my 30's... Getting married, starting a family and having kids, hopefully a new job, etc.... I don't think it'll be that bad!!

It's another Boy!!!

2009-11-28T18:59:00.002-05:00

Congrats to my best friend Erika who had her 1st baby yesterday!

Baby Boy Nicholas Christopher was born yesterday at 12:02 pm 8 lbs 10 ozs 20 inches long!!!

It's A Boy...........

2009-11-05T11:30:00.006-05:00

I'm going to be an aunt!!!! Baby Boy Abrams due this March!! Woo-Hoo!!!!!!!!!

Maybe he can hold out til my Birthday.... the 24th is a good day...

OMG

2009-10-15T15:40:00.004-04:00

OMG!!!!!! I cannot even believe I haven't blogged in soooooooooooooo long! Work and overall life has been keeping me sooooo busy!! I promise I will be back this weekend and next week with awesome, thought provoking posts, lol.... Until then enjoy these new, updated pics of my precious Puppy Lola... Isn't she just getting soooo big? I can't even stand it!

Old Navy Coupons

2009-09-15T20:57:00.003-04:00

I just ordered a bunch of stuff from Old Navy cause they had some pretty good sales going on... And I can't really afford the expensive J.Crew & Banana Republic stuff i really love right now... So Brian and I ordered some stuff and I found some coupons I was able to use together.. i actually saved over $60.00.. So use these coupons codes

to save yourself some money on your purchase..

Happy Shopping & enjoy!!

$10.00 off your purchase of $50.00 or more: BHBJFXK4M2JN

20% off your total purchase: SAVE20

Always Remember Never Forget - 9/11

2009-09-11T08:05:00.000-04:00

Always Remember Never Forget
I will always remember this day... I will always remember this day so perfectly in my head; like it was just yesterday!!
This picture was taken 3 days prior(which happens to be Brian's Birthday) from my friend who was up in a helicopter watching a boat race. It is so eerie to see - knowing now that the building would be gone in 3 days!

I decided to go into work early that day! I took the 6:50 Express train to the city and arrived at Penn Station in about an hour! I got off of the train and picked up a strawberry scone and carton of OJ for breakfast... ( I was single at the time and much younger) So, when I saw 3 HOT firefighters outside I felt compelled to spark up conversation. We chatted for a minute while I waited for a cab.. i was lazy that day and didn't feel like walking.. Then they got a call and said they had to go.. Little did I know that those firefighters were being called to the World Trade Center because a plane crashed through one of the towers..
I decided to give my mom an early morning phone call just to say hello. She was watching the news.. We talked for a few minutes and then I had to go! She was watching the news and mentioned something about a plane crash in city. After we hung up the phone she said she tried calling me back, but the phone line was busy for the rest of the day. She always says she wishes she told me to get back on the train(that's what she tried to call me back, she said she knew somwthing was wrong.)
The girl infront of me, waiting for a cab, was stressed because she was late for a meeting at The Trade Center. Little did she know that her being late could have saved her life! There were no cabs in sight so I decided my lazy ass should start walking. I still can remember hearing all of the police and fire sirens as I walked the New York City streets and made my way to my building.
So as I got to my building on Broadway, I took the elevator up to the 44th floor and when i got off I noticed the building was empty, more empty then usual. As I walked through the halls I came to the TV's and watched as the The Tower burned, smoke pouring out!
I went to my bosses desk, wrote her a note staing I was in and that I was going to head back to Jersey. I had no idea what was going on - but I new it wasn't good.
I headed down and out and I hoped in to a cab. The was one of the scariest parts of the day. As I rode alone to Penn Station the cab driver (of different descent) muttered under his breathe and laughed about how "we finally got them" how "we finally did it" how "we finally brought them down." He started speaking another language and began to chant - I started to cry and asked him to pull over.. I wanted out! I paid and got out of the cab and walked the rest of the way!
I rushed into Penn Station with the rest of the crowd, found my train, boarded and then took a BIG sigh of relief - I was headed back home! I felt safe! Then, all of the lights went out and over the loud speaker a voice came on saying to Exit the train, to walk quietly, and exit Penn Station. I exited the train and saw Police Men and Bomb sniffing dogs everywhere.
I am not a very trusting person - but for some reason during this chaotic mess i started to talk to this older gentleman that lived in Jersey. He was a lawyer in New York, also on the train with me trying to get home. Little did we know we'd be stuck in the city all day long. He took me under his wing(I was all alone in the city that day) - we sat on the street with thousands of other people and shared his walkman radio to listen to news updates. He even bought me lunch. At one point we decided to walk and as we made our way I will never forget this, he said "look" and pointed as we watched the tower collapse. We watched the smoke pour up onto all of the other buildings! I felt such sadness...
I finally made it home on the 5:30 train and headed back to New Jersey.. I rode the whole way with the lawyer I spent the entire afternoon with until he got off at his stop. He is a man I will never forget. Like I mentioned I am not the most trusting person when it comes to strangers; but this man was incredible and really helped me out during this horrible day!
I often think about 9/11 and those firefighters. I wonder if they made it out ok, I wonder if they were killed...I wonder about the lawyer - I wonder if he thinks of me on that day!
Do you remember where you were on 9/11?

365 Day Project

2009-09-10T06:55:00.002-04:00

So I am thinking about doing the 365 Day Project.

What it is: Taking 1 photo a day for 365 days.

Why do it: Taking a photo a day is a big undertaking with big payoffs. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider doing it:
Imagine being able to look back at any day of your year and recall what you did, who you met, what you learned… (Often we find it hard to remember what we did just yesterday or even last night, let alone a whole year ago!)
Your year-long photo album will be an amazing way to document your travels and accomplishments, your haircuts and relationships. Time moves surprisingly fast.

Now I just need to pick a date to start and commit and go from there!! I think this could be an awesome thing to do. I may even make a new blog just devoted to this... Hmm.... We'll see!! But I def think it's such a cool and amazing idea.. and something I'm sure I will LOVE looking back on?

What do you think?

Wordless Wednesday - A Sleepy Puppy

2009-09-09T08:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday Baby

2009-09-08T10:33:00.000-04:00

**HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRIAN**

At 10:33 am the love of my life was born.... I thank god every day for bringing him in to my life~

Happy Birthday Baby, enjoy your day!!!! I love you!!

Are My Friends Gone? and an update!

2009-09-06T10:59:00.004-04:00

I have been such a BAD BAD blogger.. I guess it was my turn for losing that Bloggy Feeling! I just wasn't spending a lot of time on the computer and I wasn't really feeling like posting! I really enjoyed my summer and spent a lot of time outside with Lola and recently I started back to work which gave me even less time! **Big Sigh**

But hopefully now that I am back in the groove of things I will start to gain a little more free time to post some stuff and re-enter the bloggy world. I just hope I didn't lose all of my followers and readers :(

That would make me really sad.. Though I haven't posted I still read blogs and keep up to date with everyones posts, I just haven't been commenting! But I promise to start soon..

So things have been really good in these parts. The renovation in Brian's building should be completed in about a month or so, give or take a little.. It's crazy because I never thought that broken down, skeleton of a building would ever take shape. It has been 3 years in the making... If you don't know what I'm talking about I'll explain.

Brian and his brother have owned this building(2 finished commercial spaces on the 1st floor, which are rented) and 4 unfinished apartments on the 2nd and 3rd floors.. He has been working on them for 3 years doing a little bit at a time when the money was available... Now he has been concentrating on them and they will be done SOOOO soon.. and I can't wait! Once they are rented I can see the stress in Brian disappear and then hopefully we can move forward.. Woo-Hoo... I'm just so happy for him but this was something weighing so heavily on him.. And now to have it almost done and rented is HUGE!!!!

We were talking about how exciting of a time it's going to be once it is rented and how nice it will be for him to be bringing in extra gauranteed money... He told me that in the Spring we'll take a nice relaxing VaCay... I told him I liked sparkly jewelry, especially ones you can wear on your left ring finger, lol....

New Kicks

2009-08-29T16:12:00.002-04:00

These are my new sneakers... And I love 'em!! I've been needing new sneakers and Brian bought these for me, we picked them out together!!

We actually ordered them from PiperLime. Have you ever been to PiperLime? They have really great deals on all different kinds of shows for Women, Men, and Children. They also have some really cute handbags... Also, if you Google Search coupon codes you'll be able to find an extra deal. I found a $15 off coupon. Gotta love it!!

Happy Shopping or Browsing...

Back to School Blues... AGAIN!

2009-08-26T15:12:00.000-04:00

I have a severe case of the blues.......
It's the," I have to go back to school and I hate it" blues...
This summer I truly enjoyed the quiet time... And all of my time with Lola.. It was soo awesome being away from work...
So now I've started the countdown til the last day of school, lol.. 10 months and counting......

Classes begin on Monday and I am NOT looking forward to it. I guess I just need to get back in the swing of things right? I need to get back to a routine. And i'm nsure the sooner i do the easier it'll be, for me and for Lola, lol.. Lately i've been thinking about getting a pet sitter/dog walker for 2 days a week so Lola is completely bored every day all day. I can come home for lunch but not every day and right now Brian is working local which is good cause he can come home. But some of the girls i work with use this lady that they really like and really trust, which I feel is very important. And she only costs $15.00 for the entire hour. I thought that was a very fair, resonable price. Not like the $18.00 for the half hour the lady down the street wanted! I thought that was a rip off... So we'll see.. Maybe i'll get her to walk and play with Lola once the weather cools down a little. Bulldogs don't do well in the heat at all so right now it would be a waste! And I don't want to pay someone to watch Animal Planet with her for the entire hour, lol.. I will keep you posted!

So as the summer comes to an end I look back at all the fun times we had this summer" relaxing on the beach, taking Lola for late night walks, BBQs with friends, early day Pina Coladas, and days off. I guess now I'll be looking forward to holidays off and next years summer break!

I hope everyone enjoyed their summer... It's Back to School time baby! Ughhh.....

Luke's Giveaway Winner

2009-08-22T15:06:00.003-04:00

Congrats to Marion Hofer winner of the Luke's All Natural giveaway!! Please email whether you have a dog or cat along with the Breed, Age, and Any known allergies. Also send me your shipping info so we can get your prize out to you ASAP!!

Also, KRISTEN whos lab is due to have surgery please send me your contact info as well! Luke would like to send something special to your Pup.

THANKS TO ALL THAT ENTERED!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-08-19T04:37:00.000-04:00

We recently brought Lola back to the breeder for a visit with her Mom... They were sooo happy to see each other! If you ask me Lola got the looks, but you can see where she

gets her white stripe from!

I'm an Aunt... Again!!

2009-08-18T16:31:00.004-04:00

Congrats to one of my best friends Danielle on the birth of her baby boy.

Jude Miller was born today at 5:49 am. he was 19.5 in and weighed 7 pds 1 oz.

He is soooo beautiful! Stop by and say Congrats to Danielle, Pete, & Big Sister Eliza.

I'm sure she'll have more pics of the handsome boy very soon!

Love you Dan and I can't wait to meet Jude~

Puppy Review & an AMAZING GIVEAWAY

2009-08-16T06:30:00.000-04:00

Lola and I recently received some toys and lots of all natural dog food & treat samples from an AWESOME store - Luke's All Natural Pet Food!! If you haven't already checked them out please do so

The Jolly Teaser Ball is such a great toy for dogs of any age. It is the only toy that keeps Lola occupied for hours. She is determined to get the ball on the inside. And it is very durable! Lola loves to chew and this toy can withstand the constant chewing. I highly recommend the Jolly Teaser Ball.. Not only will it keep your dog entertained but it will give them lots of exercise which is great on a rainy day!!

Then there was this AWESOME toy.... Lola really, really loved the Lion Squeaky Squiggker. . What I think she really loves about it is the fact that the arms and legs and very long and that they each have a squeaker in them. She loves when I drag it along the floor so she can chase it. It is made out of a very durable nylon material that can really withstand her strong teeth. Bulldogs love to chew and this is a great toy for her. Not only is it cute but a great toy to keep her entertained for a long time.

Lola also received a Sampler Pack that had some great food and treat samples that she really loved! It was great because it gave me the opportunity to try different foods and treats to see exactly what she likes and does not like. Loloa is a treat girl, she loves her cookies and treats. She really enjoyed Zuke's Jerky Naturals in Lamb. She also loooved Flying Basset Organics Super Hero Treats - Plant Cell Supplements. Those treats were actually for both dogs and cats. Her favorite food out of the pack was the Orijen Puppy Formula kibble. It is a grain free food which is very, very important. It contains 75 % premium animal ingredients and 25% fruits, veggies, and botanicals.

NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY

You have a chance to win the "Ultimate Dog Food Sampler Pack." And the great thing is that Luke's will gear it towards the person that wins.

To enter all you need to do is leave a comment on this post. For an additional entry Blog about the Giveaway on your personal blog or website. AND for another entry visit Luke's HERE.

The drawing will run until Wednesday, August 19, 2009 11:59 PM EST so make sure you get yuour entries in because you WILL NOT want to miss this one. The winner will be picked from random.

I really cannot express enough how amazing Luke's All Natural Pet Food Store is! All of their products are amazing, they really do have some of the greatest food, treats, and toys. I know that I only want the best for Lola and that means shopping at Luke's!!!

So what are you waiting for?

ENTER NOW!!

GOOD LUCK

Change of Job.. work from HOME?

2009-08-10T08:03:00.006-04:00

So since I have had off all summer I'm starting to think I would like a new job.. I'm thinking that I need to find a passion, a career.... Not just a job that I get up to go to every day, something that I find a hassle! I just don't know what that is yet! I know it sounds funny but i would LOVE to work from home.. I've been looking online but most of the jobs seem to be scams. So how do people do it, how do you find a real good work from home job? AND have it be something I love. I'd really love to have a work from home job that way I could be on my own schedule!! I think it would work great for me, especially since I am a very disciplined person..

Now it's just finding the right thing... I welcome ANY and ALL advice and tips.. HELP!!

DON'T FORGET to enter my GIVEAWAY!

GIVEAWAY Winner & Another GIVEAWAY

2009-08-08T08:15:00.002-04:00

Congrats to Katelin for winning my awesome ROCKSTAR Puppy Giveaway!!

ALSO, don't forget to enter my latest giveaway. It really is a HUGE giveaway for all of you Dog Lovers out there.. Enter and you will have a chance at winning the

Ultimate Dog Food Sampler Pack!

VOTE FOR LOLA PLEASE...

2009-08-03T19:21:00.002-04:00

So I entered Lola is another Cutest Dog contest.. The last one I entered her is still going on and she made it to the next round!! (YAY!!) But this one is more a MILLION Bucks... Whoa!!! So please, please, PLEASE vote for our baby girl!!!!! We'd loooove to win!! And we think she is the cutest!!! So vote now and vote as much as you can!!

Love you guys!

M.I.A. and a ROCKSTAR Puppy Giveaway

2009-08-01T07:56:00.000-04:00

So yes I have been M.I.A. , I apologize! My grandfather has been sick and in and out of the hospital so between working and visiting my both my grandmother and grnadfather I've been crazed!! He's in a rehab facility now and doing better. I'll keep you posted!

Now for the GIVEAWAY

Lola and I recently received an awesome hoodie from Rockstar-Puppy. Rockstar Puppy Boutique Offers Designer Gifts & Accessories for Dogs and their Masters. Jessica, the Founder & President is a mom to twins and doggie parent of two Chinese Cresteds. A pet lover searching for a "one stop" designer dog shopping site.

They are located in Jamestown , NY and there Phone # is 716.499.8960.

They have awesome things like stylish collars , fashionable harnesses, cool beds, and very unique crates, and trendy clothes for those of you that like to dress up your pup. You should really check this site out if you have a pup or know someone that does, it's really great! The hoodie that Lola is wearing is great and will be especially great in the cooler weather. Bulldogs are very sensitive to the heat and the cold so this will be great for me to put on her in the Fall, especially since we are living on the beach. It feels very soft and Lola loved wearing it!

GIVEAWAY

Here is your chance to win a hoodie for your pup. You can gain up to 5 entries.

To enter the giveaway visit Rockstar Puppy and tell me something you like on the site, then leave a comment on this post.

For an extra entry become a follower of my Blog.

For another entry follow me on Twitter and post about it.

And finally for an extra 2 entries Blog about this Giveaway on your site. Make sure you let me know so I can come and check it our.

The Giveaway will run until Monday, August 3, 2009 at 11:59 EST. So get your entires in!!

Boys logo on a black hoodie (metallic silver)

girls logo on pink hoodie (see below for Pics of Lola wearing it)

So go check out their site it's amazing! I promise you won't be disappointed - you'll want to order 1 of everything... Now go get your entries in - and GOOD LUCK!!

PILLOWS: Yay or Nay?!?

2009-07-31T02:38:00.000-04:00

So you know Brian and I moved into our new place back in April. In May we bought our new couch from Macy's furniture and I love it.. It's awesome. I saw pillows from Macys that i really, really liked but couldn't bring myself to spend $125 for 1 pillow. It's just way to much $$, eventhough they were perfect. Brian and I have decided to to a beachy theme throughtout the place since we are living at the Beach. We have done, brown, white, light blue, and creme throughtout the apartment. So for months I have been searching and searching for the perfect pillows but couldn't find anything that I liked or I would find something I loved and it just didn't match. I looked in tons of stores and online at tons of reputable sites.

I was looking for to get something blue to coordinate and we couldn't find anything...

Yesterday while I was suppossed to be shopping for a gift for someone else I decided to stop in the pillow section of the store. I saw these pillows (see below).

I think I like, I think I may even really like them, but I'm not too sure. And I know, I know - I'm being crazy about pillows. I don't even know why!?! But I found these pillows and they were very cheap and are made very nicely ($12.00 a pillow not bad huh).

So what do you think, do you like 'em?

Yay or Nay?

DON'T FORGET TO ENTER MY

ROCKSTAR PUPPY GIVEAWAY!!!

Gotta Love Dunkin' Donuts

2009-07-25T16:41:00.000-04:00

Non Traditional.....

2009-07-24T20:26:00.001-04:00

Sure looks like they were having fun!! I bet the reception was a blast, lol!!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-22T08:34:00.002-04:00

FYI

2009-07-21T19:27:00.001-04:00

FYI I got the Blackberry Storm and it is amazing!! I love it!!! I was due to upgrade and with my Blackberry Pearl on the fritz I decided to go for it.. For all of you that say it is hard to use you've never tried it, it;s easy, lol!!!

I know it's a short post but i need to figure out all the new stuff on this phone!!

HAPPY MONDAY

Blackberry Storm - Pro or Con

2009-07-17T14:53:00.004-04:00

So I currently have a Blackberry and I looooooove it! I love everything about it except for the fact that it is getting a little old and a little beat up. I have the Blackberry Pearl and was thinking about upgrading to the Storm but have heard soooooo many mixed reviews on it. So I thought to ask you guys. Have you heard anything on this phone? Give me the good and the bad? I really want to hear from people that have had experiences with it or know someone who has. It's a big strp to upgrade your phone cause with upgrading comes learning and getting acquainted with all of the new things which can be one big pain in the ass. So before I go and splurge let me know what you think! I really REALLY want the IPhone but Verizon doesn't carry them....

New Show - Nurse Jackie

2009-07-16T05:09:00.000-04:00

Have you seen the new show Nurse Jackie on HBO?

I've been watching them OnDemand as they come on and I am really liking it. I wouldn't say I love the show but I'm really digging it!! I always liked Edie Falco when she was in The Sopranos so i figured I'd give this show a try. Besides, I love watching DVR'd or OnDemand shows because I can watch them at my own pace. I really love getting up early with Lola, making a cup of coffee, and cuddle with her as I watch my shows!!

What is it with me and ER/Hospital dramas? I just love 'em!

Here is a little bit abour Nurse Jackie:

Nurse Jackie Peyton is far from ordinary. As an ER nurse, she navigates the rough waters of a crumbling healthcare system, doing everything she can to provide her patients with the best care possible. Whether she’s lighting into a smug doctor for failing to heed her advice, or stealing a fat money clip from a man who stabbed a prostitute and giving it to a pregnant widow, or forging the organ donor card of a man who just died, Jackie Peyton is compelled to make sense of the chaos and to level the playing field whenever she can. Right or wrong, it’s Jackie’s brand of justice all made that more manageable by a daily diet of prescription pain medication.

Check it out on Showtime, Monday Nights @ 10:30.... It's pretty good!

Stolen English Bulldog Puppies...... HELP!!!!!!

2009-07-15T08:48:00.006-04:00

Below are 2 pictures of Lola's brother & cousin that were stolen from the breeder's house last Thursday in Freehold, New Jersey.

They were stolen from the front of their house.

There is a $5,000 reward for their safe return.

I know a lot of you reading my blog don't live in NJ or the surrounding area but MANY OF YOU DO!!! I check my Google Reader everyday and a TON of people are from NJ, NY, & PA...

***PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE HELP***

EVERYONE CAN HELP EVEN IF YOU DON'T LIVE IN NEW JERSEY

PLEASE REPOST THIS ON YOUR WEBSITE OR BLOG ALONG WITH THEIR PICTURES...

Oliver was someone's puppy. The breeders were petsitting him while his very, VERY now devastated owners were on vacation. They want him back - no questions asked just returned safely.

THIS IS OLIVER - Oliver is a 14 week old English Bulldog Puppy

THIS IS HARLEY - Harley is an almost 12 week old English Bulldog puppy.

Brian and I actually named Harley! We really loved him as well but really wanted a girl. If we had more room we would have bought him too!! I feel so sad and hope they are ok!!

If you see them or know anything please feel free to email me or leave a comment on this post! Anything you can do, especially spreading the word is greatly appreciated!

THANKS,

DANA

The Bachelorette - Who Will She Pick?

2009-07-14T06:52:00.000-04:00

So by now I'm sure you all know how much i LOVE bad reality TV... I love love love it! I don't know why. I know most of it is fake, but it entertains me.... especially The Bachelor & The Bachelorette.. I watch them all and I love them all... And I'm usually good at picking the boys that will make it to the end... I love seeing the exotic places they travel too, the beautiful dresses they wear, the good dinners they eat, and all of the amazing dates they go on.. It's a lot of eye candy, especially when there at 25 hot guys (well they are not all hot, but most.)

I really like Jillan this season.. She seems so nice and like such a real girl....

So who will she pick?
Kipton or Ed

Happy Birthday Mom

2009-07-13T21:57:00.001-04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMMY!!!!!!!

I LOVE U!!!!!!!

TGI The Weekend.. Almost..

2009-07-10T07:46:00.002-04:00

I'm sooooooo happy it's Friday and that the weekend is almost here...Brian has been so busy and we've been on different schedules this week that we really have spent much time together. So tonight and the entire weekend we can spend some quality time together and just relax.

Saturday Plans

Go to the beach, go for a ride on the Harley (weather permitting), attend a 1st B-day Party, Have dinner & drinks with good friends.

Sunday Plans

Going to the beach, and RELAX ALL DAY LONG.

I am sooo happy we have no plans for Sunday. I love days when we can just relax. Since we are living right on the beach we can go back and forth.. Brian and I don't like staying at the beach alllll day long. We both get bored so we do like an hour at a time. Which is good especially since we got Lola. We go back and forth, take her out, get some lunch, have a few drinks. It really is a good situation and so conveniant especially since beach parking is always crazy!!

What about you? Any big plans this weekend?

Whatever you do I hope it's a good one! ENJOY :)

A Different Me!

2009-07-09T22:30:00.002-04:00

So i really think I need to change my way of thinking and the way I act.

I'm going to rant for a quick minute so stay with me.

I like to think I'm a really nice person. I have a HUGE heart, I'm caring towards others, Infact I tend to put everyone else before myself. And I think that's where my problem starts.

I'm a pleaser and I love to do things for others. But i start to get upset because people don't really ever seem to return the favors. I mean i don't expect people to do anything for me I guess it would just be nice every now and then for someone to think about me the way i think about them. I don't look for big things just the simple things!!! The simple things sometimes make all the difference in the world.

Maybe I'm feeling a little sad today, a little stressed, a little out of it... I don't know why!! I'm missing something but i can't quite put my finger on it... Anyway i hope I figure it out soon or I'm going to be washing a lot of wine glasses. Red wine usually solves the problem, no it usually makes it feel better, at least for the night!!

My Sleepy Puppy

2009-07-09T15:00:00.002-04:00

A + + for Emily Giffin

2009-07-08T07:48:00.000-04:00

Get ready for this great news all you Emily Giffin fans.... Are you ready? Something Borrowed is going to the big screen. That's right people in 2011 (i know I know it's super far away) The Best Seller by Emily Giffin is going to be a movie..

If you have never read Emily Giffin's books do yourself a favor and RUN to Barnes & Noble or your closest book store and buy all 4 of her latest books. They are the BEST, QUICKEST, EASIEST reads. The BEST books ever!! I read them all in 2 days. They were sooo good I didn't want to stop reading, I wanted to continue to turn the pages and see what happened in each and every book.

So you can imagine how excited I am for her 1st book to be coming to the big screen!! Now I'm just wondering who's going to be cast in the movie. I guess I'll just have to wait!

Like I mentioned before all of her books are amazing.

Get them all and read them in this order

1. Something Borrowed

2. Something Blue

3. Baby Proof

4. Love The One Your With

Also you can check out Emily Giffin's website and leartn all about my favorite author. And I'm telling you she will soon be YOUR favorite author if she isn't already!! Now GO... What are you waiting for. They are the perfect books to take while you relax by the pool or lounge on the beach. And make sure you email me, find me on twitter, or message me on Facebook to let me know what you think of the books. And if you have read them leave a comment so others can see what I'm talking about!!!

Enjoy!

Skater Dog

2009-07-07T15:11:00.002-04:00

Today Lola had her 2nd skateboarding lesson and I will say she did better then I expected!! Brian and I are hoping that one day she will be as good as Tillam the dog in the video. I guess this will be my hobby fpr the summer. A skateboarding bulldog - what's cooler then that? lol

If you have any, and I mean ANY tips on how to train Lola to skateboard it would be greatly appreciated!! And I promise I will try and post video or pics soon... Right now I'm just too consumed with trying to get her on the board and stay on the board...

Wish us luck.. We are having lesson #3 tonight when Brian gets home..

And check out the video. It really is amazing and sooooo funny... That pup is sooo better then I could ever be, lol...

My New Purchase

2009-07-06T07:39:00.000-04:00

I really have been trying to save and I haven't bought myself anything, aside from the Puppy, in a long time! But I saw this dress in Nordstrom, and if you know me, you know that I LOVE to wear dresses in the summer. I'm just so much more comfortable in them. I'm truly a flip-flop beach dress kinda girl!!

So I saw this dress and thought it was really cute and very comfortable.. And affordable to boot!!

Check out Nordstrom , they always have cute dress for low prices!!!!

A Good Day

2009-07-05T08:32:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was like the perfect day!

Brian and I spent the day together just relaxing and enjoying each other.

We went for a bunch of rides on the Harley cause the weatehr was just amazing... The breeze coming off the Ocean was just awesome... So we played around and went for a few trips around town, crusin up and the down the streets..

We also relaxed ont he beach for a little bit and tried working on our tans. We all know we needed to do this cause the rain has truly put a damper on the tanning this summer, lol!

We also BBQ'd, played with Lola, took her for a nice walk, and watched Fireworks..

The Fireworks were awesome. AND the best part was that we didn't need to go anywhere but our front lawn. So we took the pup out and the 3 of us sat cuddled together and enjoyed the 4th of July Celebrations... And when they were over we were lucky enough to walk right inside while others sat in traffic for an hour or so...

So I am hoping today's going to be another awesome day! The weather is perfect and I'm ready to enjoy this beachfront living!! Hell, I deerve it - we don't work hard for nothing!!

I hope everyone had a great, Happy & Healthy 4th of July!!! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Cutest Pet Contest - PLEASE VOTE

2009-07-01T06:04:00.002-04:00

PLEASE VOTE FOR LOLA

Dear Family and Friends,

I entered a photo of Lola into a contest at CutestPetContest.com. I am trying to win some really cool prizes including a $100 gift card to Pet Smart & $1,000 cash. I really want to win, and all I need are votes from my family and friends. All I need you to do is click on this link and vote for Lola. If I get enough votes, I win. It's that easy! Thank you very much for your vote. I will keep you posted if I win. Wish me luck!

Thanks a bunch! Dana Abrams Entry #100356704

I'm still here...

2009-06-30T14:31:00.006-04:00

OK... so i've been so busy with the end of classes and getting Lola that I haven't been able to Blog. It feels like forever!! But I've really been out of touch and spending quality time with Lola.. And I've been spending quality time at the beach while she takes her naps..

But she has been doing really, really well!! And she is sooooo much fun! Everyone loves her. I went to PetSmart the other day and it took me over 2 hours to buy a few things because every time we turned on to another aisle someone stopped us to look at her and ask me about her... I wont lie, I love it!! Every night Brian and I take her out on to the front lawn which is right across the street from the Beach and the Boardwalk which means there are people all over.. We take her out to run on the grass and get some exercise and since we are training her off of the leash it's good practice... People just love her!!! She really does have a great personality!! But like any puppy she is in her teething stage and loves to bite feet and fingers!

The housetraining has been going great considering she is only 9 weeks old. She barks at night while we are sleeping if she has to go out and she has only had about 3 accidents in the house which were really all my fault because I couldn't get my shoes on fast enough. And those accident were last week.. Since about Saturday she has been going in to the kitchen by our back door when she needs to go out. I also take her as soon as she wakes up and about 15 minutes after she eats breakfast, lunch, or dinner. And then just to play it safe I take her out about every 30 minutes give or take. I guess that's the key.. Not bad for a lil baby puppy right?

The only thing that has not been going well is when we need to leave her. We decided not to crate her but to gate her in the hallway with her bed, water, and safe toys while we are gone. I also line the floor completely with newspaper and set up her puppy pad incase she can't hold it. Yesterday was the 1st time we left her for more than an hour. I had to babysit a half day so she was alone from about 1 to 6.. I made sure to tire her out really well so she was sleeping when I left her.. But from what my understanding neighbor said she crys really bad while we are gone. I attribute it to her being a puppy and not wanting be be alone. But what can I do? I've left our shirts with our scent on it and everything. She must also get mad and dig in her water because we come home and the area by her water bowl is soaking wet, it's actually pretty funny. But now I get nervouse that she won't have water cause she spilt it all, lol!!!

Anyway, things are good and we are loving our Little Lola.. She is sooo much fun and spunky! Like I had mentioned before we are training her off the lease. we want her to be obediant and listen to us without wearing a leash. But I have begun trying to take her for a walks, eventhough I like to call them "Drags" becuase she doesn't move. It's more me draggin her then her walking, lol... It'll just take time.. She's learning and doing a great job!!

Check out some of the pictures below... A couple of the 1st few were taken by my good friend Pete. Check out his site, he takes amazing shots!!

PS - I did great on my final observation and will receive my entire bonus!! WOO-HOO.... Way to kick off my summer vacation!

Welcome

2009-06-21T21:32:00.003-04:00

We welcomed Lola in to our house on Friday, June 19th.

Lola and her Litter

2009-06-18T07:01:00.001-04:00

There were 4 puppies in Lola's litter and the week before she was born her Aunt had 7 puppies... So you can imagine the heaven I was in with 11 little English Bulldog Pups running around!!

Only 2 days and I get to bring her home!!!

To Crate or Not To Crate

2009-06-17T07:44:00.000-04:00

To crate or not to crate that is the question?

We are trying to decide whether or not we should crate Lola or not. I have had good and bad experiences with crating dogs in the past so I'm not sure what to do this time around.

When my mom and I had our Brittany Spaniels we crate our 1st one Jax. He was used to being in a cage from where he was breed so it wasn't a problem. Our other dog belle on the other hand was never used to being in a crate so when we put her in she used to squeeze herself through the bars. We were so nervous she was going to get stuck and strangle herself that we gated her off iin the hallway and it worked GREAT!! So we are contemplating doing the same thing. Number 1 crates are very expensive and number 2 they take up a ton of space!! I think I'd rather let her have a little more room too.. And by gating her in our hallway that would do so.

I'm also nervous that since she has never been crated she'll hate it and cry and whimper and be upset. And the last thing I want to do is upset her. I think taking her away from her mom and litter is cruel enough (yes, I'm upset and having extreme anxiety about that, I don't want her upset, but that's for another post another day, lol)

So I guess I'm looking for any advice you may have whether it be about crating or not. Let me know I'm like a new mom wanting all the adive I can get, lol....

Happy Wednesday!!!

The Count Down

2009-06-15T09:30:00.000-04:00

The count down has officially begun!! I only have 5 more work days left and I can't wait!

I had my final observation on Friday I kicked some serious ass if I do say so myself!!

I can know breathe a sigh of relief.... We also have a count down for our little Bulldog baby...Six more days til we bring her home!!

Our weekend was good.. Busy but good!

Saturday we celebrated Brian's little brothers graduation with a big family party!! It was really nice catching up with his cousins and aunts & uncles.. I love those big family parties, they're the best!

Then Sunday we relaxed in the morning since the weather was crappy.. We had breakfast and watched a movie. When the weather broke we took the Harley out for a ride and did some shopping, some "new puppy" shopping.. And let me tell you how excited I am.. A few weeks ago I was in Pet Smart and I saw the collar I wanted to get once Brian and I got a dog.. It's the cutest pink leather spiked collar. It was a little expensive but i figured when the time came I'd buy it for our dog. So we went today to do some pre-shopping to get a few things and I went to get the collar... And boy was I happy to see that it was on sale for 50% off... Woo-Hoo!!! I love a good deal!! So I bought her a puppy one and one for when she gets a little bigger! I couldn't resist.. We also ordered her the cutest Dog Tag.. I seriously can'y wait!! This time next week we'll have our puppy home with us AND I'll de done with work!! what's better then that?

Hope you had a great weekend and that you enjoy your week!

My Final Observation

2009-06-12T06:55:00.001-04:00

Today I am getting observed for the last time this school year!!

And this time it is REALLY, really important because of lot of how the observation goes is based on my end of the year bonus!! And it is a grrrrreat bonus that I want to receive 100% of... So I've got my shoes shined and I'm ready to kick some butt today!!

It's tough and soooo not like working in a regualr school. I'm working with troubled, traumatized, psychotic kids!! So you mya ask what could go wrong? ANYTHING!!!!!!

I will stay focused and I am sure that I'll do ok! Every other time I was observed I was a nervous wreck and I did awesome!! I just need to tell myself I'll be ok!! I'll be ok right?

I will say that I am super excited that this time next week I'll be getting ready for my last day of classes!! Woo-Hoo......

OK... well I gotta run.. Now wish me luck and send me all of you postive energy this morning!

I will let you know how it goes!

Happy Friday!!

The Perfect Summer

2009-06-10T07:26:00.000-04:00

I can hardly believe that I only have 8 days of classes... wow... where did this school year go? I mean seriously, seriously.... Where did it go? I don't know where it went but I'm glad it's almost over!

I have a really great summer planned! I have been working every summer since I was 14, but not this summer. This summer is going to be a summer all about me! Well me, my new pup, and the love of my life! Taking this new job at the hospital in January has now afforded me to take it easy this summer. I actually will continue to get paid over the summer which is such a plus.. But I'm not just going to do nothing, I could never do nothing. I'm too work oriented. It's just going to be more laid back!

So i'm actually going to be babysitting 3 days a week, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays - half days... I'm going to have a perfect schedule! I can do the beach thing in the morning and then babysit for the 2nd half of the day!

It's been such a busy year I just need to kick off my work shoes throw on my Flip Flops and start sipping a Pina Colada....

Oh gosh I can't wait!!

More Lola Pics....

2009-06-09T07:16:00.000-04:00

I couldn't stand being away from Lola so Brian and I took a trip to visit her and the other pups yesterday after work!! We played with them for over an hour... I don't know who had a more difficult time leaving, Brian or I!

Brian and I are sooo in love with the pups we wish we could take her brother home!

Look at that face and tell me it's not the cutest face ever!?

The Newest Addition................

2009-06-08T06:37:00.000-04:00

Meet the newest addition to our family!!!!

Lola.... Born April 24, 2009.....

Yesterday I met with an amazing English Bulldog Breeder and

I played with 11 gorgeous bulldog pups!! They were all sooooo cute and soooo freindly...

But Brian and I picked this little one...

She's only 6 weeks old so we still need to wait 2 more weeks until we can take her home.

But we are going to visit her a few times until then! I am so excited and can't wait to bring her home... I think she's going to love living at the Beach!!

I'm Back Baby...... And I missed You Guys!

2009-06-07T09:28:00.001-04:00

I know I know.... Where the hell I been you asking!? Well I've been stuck without a computer and it's been hell.. I finally finally finally got my new laptop, which I love by the way!! when the costum computer guy sent brian a message saying it was "Sweet As Hell" he was right!!! It is and I loooooooove it! So now I'm back in buisness...... And ready to rock!

Though I truly missed blogging I will say it was a nice escape, like a little vacation from technology!

But anyway, I'm back and ready to Blog!

What's been going on? What did I miss in the Bloggy World?

All I do know is that my Google reader is overflowing and I do not know where to begin.

I feel bad deleting cause I love reading everyone's posts. But I start to have an anxiety attack trying to figure out even where to begin!!

These next 2 weeks will also probably be a little hellish for me as I begin to wrap up the school year. (THANK GOD)

I am sooooooo ready for a break from work. I have 2 more full weeks of classes and then I go in the following week to clean up and organize!! I can't wait...

Since I was 14 years old I have worked ever single summer, and worked VERY hard!! This summer I am going toi sit back,relax by the beach and enjoy life... And get this, I still get paid to do that! Isn't that just the greatest?

I know I'll probably get bored by week number 2, but oh well.. This summer is going to be all about me! I finally need to do something for myself! Start treating my self right!

I did schedule some babysitting and tutoring gigs to make some extra cash and to give me something to do.. It's perfect cause it's not a steady thing, it's a here and there thing with different times and different days!

Gotta love summer days~

Well i hope you are all enjoying this gorgeous weekend!

I missed you guys!!

I Alive

2009-05-26T17:23:00.003-04:00

I'm alive and well.. I will hopefully be up and running tomorrow afternoon when I get my new and improved not broken laptop... I can't wait to reconnect with my google reader which I'm sure is overflowing with wonderful and amazing posts.....

I just wanted to give a quick hello and let you all know I'm doing good, just anxiously awaiting the new laptop!

I can't wait to Blog about Jon & Kate Plus 8, I still feel very sad and disturbed by the whole show last night! I won't say much more cause I want to blog about it...

Til then......

PS - hope everyone had an awesome Memorial Day weekend. Mine consisted of dinner and sleepover with Heather, dinner and sleepover with Mom, Dogshow, pedicure and lunch with Erika & Heather, and dinner date with Kim and Jon & Kate.

Brian was away all weekend. He was actually away since Thursday early morning. He went to the Indy 500 with some friends. They are all so crazy and actually rode their Harley's out there.. So currently I am I not only anxiously awaiting the arrival of my new computer but I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my beautiful boyfriend.. I can't wait to giv him a big smooch and a really long hug. 5 nights, 6 days is a loooong time!!

R.I.P. My Darling Laptop

2009-05-20T22:25:00.003-04:00

So today I had to say goodbye to my laptop.... I'm too tired to even get in to it...... But now I am without my computer for a lil longer...

On the other hand I soooo love my boyfriend... As I sat and cried on the phone with him because not only was my computer broken and not worth fixing but I had SUCH a BAD day at work and to boot I haven't been sleeping!! AT ALL!!! So a girl, PMSing with a bad case of insomnia just lost her computer = not a good thing!!

Anyway back to my wonderful boyfriend.. As I sat crying on the phone he told me it was ok... And that he had a surprise for me... He came home with a receipt for a brand new cstom built computer that will be ready next week!!

I'm lucky that Brian has some really great friends that seem to know everyone.. Brian's friend's friend owns a computer store and is an authorized Dell buyer who is going to build a new computer for me!! I really wanted to buy an Apple, but I don't have the money right now to afford that. I didn't even have the money to replace my old computer....

Anyway... This no good horrible day needs to come to an end! I an going to take 2 Tylenol PM and hopefully call it a night!

I'll be back tomorrow sometime to tell the rest of my story....

Till then.....

Teacher GIVEAWAY

2009-05-19T07:57:00.001-04:00

I thought I'd have an "almost end of the school year" giveaway!

Maybe your a teacher and you want to enter or maybe you want to enter for your child's teacher.

Anyway.... The giveaway is for a Poetry book called "Teaching With Fire" - Poetry That Sustains The Courage to Teach!

To enter this giveaway and to win this Poetry Book comment on this post and tell me who your favorite teacher was when you were in school or if you currently are in school!

If you'd like an extra 2 entries blog about this giveaway on your site or post it to Twitter linking back to me.

And for an extra 3 entries Become a folower of my blog!

This Giveaway will end Tuesday, May 26 @ 11:59 PM EST...

So get your comments in...

This could be a great lil addition to any teachers end of the year gift or maybe some of the poems will really touch your heart!!

Good Luck to all

It Ain't Pretty

2009-05-18T07:30:00.000-04:00

My people skills were at their best last week.... Unfortunately...

This is what I saw, heard, read, and did..... It wasn't a good week!

~Shopping in the food store and seeing a woman over 30o pounds in the frozen food aisle buying ice cream while wearing Spandex. It wasn't pretty...

~See a lady totally ignore her not even 2 year old daughter as they crossed the parking lot.... Busy parking lot at that.... I don't want to even thing what would have happened if the driver of the car was less responsible!

~As I got home and unpacked all of my groceries I notcied I forgot the ONE thing I needed for dinner that night!! I hate when that happens...

~I called my boyfriend a BIG JERK as he nicely parallel parked my car for me in to a teeny, tiny spot and bumped my car in to the car behind him.. It wasn't a big deal at all, but I made it one! lol...

~After a few sleepless nights I was not a woman to mess with!

~I called a dog breeder and she told me "her" dogs weren't for me!! All I asked was to hear a little about her pups and how long she's been breeding. And I doubled checked that she was selling the English Bulldog Pups.. She said she was, but somehow I guess my money wasn't green enough! I still don't get it!

I hung up the phone and called her names that I don't want to write on my Blog!!

~After a few sleepless nights I was feeling very tired until the fire alarm went off from 1 am to 4:30 am in the morning! So much wanting to have a good nights sleep!! The next day at worl I wanred my class to behave or look out.... It was a good day!

~I was shaving my legs in the shower the other day and the razor slipped and sliced my nail in half! It still hurts..... And will probably take a while to grow out! Yikes...

Let's hope this work week goes a lil smoother then last....

HAPPY MONDAY

Will She Live or Will She Die?

2009-05-14T17:15:00.004-04:00

So I'm sure most of you know by now I am a HUGE HUGE HUGE Grey's Anatomy Fan!!!

Well tonight ladies and gentleman is the season finale, and it's 2 hours long.. I will be in my glory from 9pm to 11 tonight!!!

The big question is Izzie going to die?

What do you think? Do you watch? Will she die, will they kill off Katherine Heigl's character be written off because in the beggining of the season she expressed feelings of wanting to be off of the show? I recently read an interview where she siad she wanted to stay on Grey's and that she regretted telling people she wanted off the show!

Who knows... I guess I will find out soon enough!

Part of me thinks they won't even tell us this season and that they'll string all of us fans along til next season leaving us in suspense until after the summer. They'll probably end the show having it go either way!! I hate that crap! It drives me nuts!!

But I really do hope she lives, she is my favorite character on the show and she is beautiful and incredibly stunning...

Well you know where I'll be tonight at 9pm EST... Plopped on the couch with a box of tissues...

Happy Watching Grey's fans.........

English Bulldog Puppy Help!?

2009-05-13T07:28:00.000-04:00

I've been doing a TON and I mean a TON of research about English Bulldogs lately since Brian and I have decided to get a puppy this summer..

I've been searching for the perfect breeder and thought I finally came across her. After speaking with her twice on the phone and twice over email I figured she was the one. She has been breeding dogs with her family for the past 20 years and really seems to be interested in the well being of her pups which is great! The litters are due sometime around May 29. Yes that's right litters! She has 2 dogs due to have babies sometime soon.

Well anyway... I've been trying to get in touch with her for the past 2 weeks and NOTHING!

Now i'm nervous that she won't contact me... I've tried calling and emailed her twice and I've got nothing back! It's so weird!!

So i started looking in to other breeders but cant find anyone reputable in my area!!

So this is where you come in.....

I'm curious to know if you know of any good Bulldog breeders in the Tri-State Area? We3 want to get a Bulldog strictly from a Breeder, NOT a petstore... Bulldog's tend to have health issues as it is and I want to be sure I get a well cared for puppy in good health. Not how those puppy mills treat their animals...

Also, any Bulldog advice would be much appreciated!! I think I've got most of it all covered but would love your advice or Puppy suggestions in general. Throw 'em out there!! I'm ready and waiting!!

I Will Survive.....

2009-05-11T19:40:00.003-04:00

Hello? You remember me?

Well I hope so......

I'm still without my computer.....

I still need to get a new charger.......

And the screen is being repaired.....

So that leaves me with little time to blog or do mch of anything on the computer. Brian has been busy with his computer doing paperwork and estimates and buy the time I can hop on I'm too tired!! I'm hoping to be back to blogging soon and I'm hoping I get my computer up and running soon.... How I miss the qualtiy time we spend together!!!!

What's new with you?

Wordless Wednesday "Say Cheese"........

2009-05-06T18:32:00.003-04:00

Swine Flu.........

2009-05-05T05:21:00.000-04:00

So I walked in to work yesterday to hear that the Swine Flu has hit my hospital!!! Grrrrrrreat.. What a way to start off a work week!!

It doesn't mean that my floor will get hit with it, but if some of my kids come through the ER and people infected with the Swine Flu go to the ER it's apossibility of it hitting my floor.. And you know me..... I tend to be a freak with things like that! I was worried last week about contrating the Swine Flu and now it's in my hospital!!!

I see a ton of handwashing in my future and lots of Handsanitizer.... As soon as I came home from work yesterday I scrubbed myself from top to bottom in the shower with hot hot hot water and LOTS of soap!!! I also ran right to the washer and washed all of my clothes!!! Hey, you can't be too careful, right?

what's the deal with the Swine Flu in your area? Are you concerned about it?

I know I am!!!!

Broken Charger

2009-05-04T17:28:00.002-04:00

So I currently have a broken laptop charger and a battery that is completely dead!! At least that's what I think the problem is...

A few weeks ago the clip/hinge on my laptop craked off so I'm hoping it's nothing mechanicially wrong. So at some point this week I need to bring my computer to Best Buy to have the geek squad look it over!! I seriously hope it's nothing to bad... The last thing I want to have to do is spend a ton of moeny to fix it!! So I'm using Brian's computer (which I'm not used to, he's got a desk top and I'm sooo used to chillin on the couch and wirint my posts.. I know I'm spolied, lol) So say a lil pryaer that my wallet won't be hurting with this broken computer... Darn it, I knew I should have choosen for the extended warrnty!

BIG SIGH!!!!

Please Pray For Baby Noah

2009-05-02T08:52:00.003-04:00

On Monday, April 20th Baby Noah was shaken by his daycare provider and within minutes began to seize, and he continued to seize for 15 minutes. 2 days later he began to have more seizures and was placed in a medically induced coma. Recent MRI's have shown extensive brain damage.

Please read Noah's Story by visiting Noah's Road.

And PLEASE PRAY!!

And The Winners Are........

2009-05-01T05:55:00.001-04:00

The Winners of my Skoy Cloth Giveaway are......

Marni's Organized Mess

Future Mom from New Mommy Rant

Tipp

All winners were picked by random by my lovely boyfriend Brian.....

You have 24 hours to email me your address. If I don't hear from you in 24 hours I will need to pick a new winner. So email me now...... You don't want to give these up!!!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-04-29T07:52:00.000-04:00

Our new couch!!!

But this is not that great of a picture, I took it with my cell phone cause our camera docking station isn't working right. This pic doesn't do it any justice and the one pillow was up al the way, lol.. I know I know, I'm a weirdo!! This weekend if the camera is working I'm going to snap some pictures of our new place.. It is finnaly coming together.. We are just waiting for our new bed which we are going to get in June along with our new bedding!

Last Chance To Enter

2009-04-28T07:50:00.000-04:00

This is your last chance to enter my awesome Skoy Cloth Giveaway!!!!

The giveaway ends at midnight tonight... So get your entries in!!!

What are you waiting for? GO!!!! Time is running out!

A Decision

2009-04-27T07:09:00.000-04:00

We finally made a final decision over the weekend regarding our dog plans.

We have decided to get an English Bulldog pup.. I did tons of research this weekend and I researched a bunch of breeders up the coast. I found one real breeder about 3 hours from us who has 2 dogs that are going to deliever their litters in the end of May which would allow us to bring our new pup home in the end of July... And you might have seen my new pup to be's Dad... He's the dog on the Bounty papertowel commerical. He has also been in J.Crew ads, and he is the Disney DX dog.. He is a movie star dog, lol!!!

So now it's just a waiting game.....

Though I want one right now!!!! I think its best to wait til the summer. We have a ton of crap going on now anyway!!

And we are either going to name her Lola or Harley!! I have ALWAYS wanted to bulldog named Lola, but I also like Harley for Brian and his motorcycle riding, lol!!! But we'll see...

I'll keep yoiu posted!

And the answer is.....

2009-04-24T07:15:00.001-04:00

So after some long talks and discussions...... And some more long talks and discussions we have come the conclusion that we want to get a little pup!! However, we do have different ideas on the breed! I would love to get a bull dog or a boxer but I feel that we may just not have enough room... And Brian really, really wants to get a Beagle... I think Bealges are cute, but am just afraid they howl too much. Anyone have experience with Beagles? Brian had a beagle when he was little and he looooved it and that's why he wants to get another one.. But my mom's petsitter said they can be a ton of work and like to run away and get out.

So the next couple of weeks I'm going to spend doing my homework.. We are going to begin to look, take a few trips to the shelters and visit some breeders. But we probably won't look to get one until June. Once the summer comes my work schedule completely slows down (gotta love being a teacher) and I will be able to spend time with the new puppy, get it acclamated and trained.. I figure the summer is a perfect time for getting a puppy, especially now that we are living on the beach. I can take it for walks and runs all along the boardwalk.. And Brian and I are truly homebodies, we love being home and like I said before, now that we have a beautiful new house it's more of a reason to be around. And besides, I'm sure none of my friends would mind if we brought it over for a visit if we went to hang out. And my mom said she would watch it for me if we went away, Im sure a bunch of people would.

But I will keep you posted and let you know what we come across.. But most of all thanks for all of your thoughts, ideas, and info from my post yersterday! You all really helped me and I truly appreicate it!!!!!!

And remember.....

DO NOT FORGET TO ENTER MY SKOY CLOTH GIVEAWAY.......ENTER NOW TO WIN AN AWESOME 4 PACK OF SKOY CLOTHS!!!

A New Pup? Yay or Nay?

2009-04-23T07:08:00.000-04:00

So for the past year or so I have wanted to get a dog but Brian kept shooting me down.. And he was right... We were living in a smaller place and we were all over the place with work. But now that we have moved and are pretty much settled in I am revisiting this idea! I'm a little torn because I know it is a HUGE responsibility and you have to be home a lot!!! I've had dogs in the past, 1 of which my mom and I got together before I wwent to college and she is still alive and lives with my Mom... She really became her dog.

Moving on.... Brian told me that if I really, really wanted one that it would be ok but that I need to relaize what we would be getting in to. I'm torn! I want one but am trying to weigh the pros and cons ya know!

What do you think? Should we get a pup? What are some of your experiences? Do you have any regrets? Or are you happy as can be with your furry friend? Let me know and be honest, Im looking for all the feedback I can get!! What kind of dog do you have? I'm taking all suggestions and recommendations even though we have a few breeds in mind!!!!

PS - Don't forget to enter my

Skoy Cloth Giveaway!!!!!

what Do You Think?

2009-04-22T06:42:00.000-04:00

Have you heard about all this controversary regarding Miss California and her question from Perez Hilton about Gay Marriage?

Watch and tell me your thoughts.

The competition did come down between Miss North Carolina and Miss California. Some people are saying her answer is what cost her the Miss USA title.. What do you think?

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

DON"T FORGET TO ENTER MY
SKOY CLOTH GIVEAWAY!!!!

A Review and A GIVEAWAY

2009-04-21T06:18:00.000-04:00

So I was recently in touch with the lovely Michelle from Skoy and she gave me some of the Skoy Cloths to review. And let me tell you i love, love, L.O.V.E. them. They are soooooo my new favorite household item. If you're like me and trying to be conservative and "go green" then these fabulous products are for you! The Skoy cloth can pick up liquids fifteen times its own weight which is certainly better than those thin paper towels.

The SKOY cloth is a fabulous, absorbent, biodegradable and natural multi-use cloth. The Skoy Cloth is perfect in your kitchen, bathroom, and on most surface areas in your home or office. The SKOY cloth can be used in place of your sponge, wash cloth or paper towels. And what I love most is that 1 Skoy Cloth is equivalent to using 15 rolls of paper towels. Brian and I were using sooooo many papertowels, but know that I've been using the Skoy Cloth I had cut back considerably.

The SKOY cloth has an absorption factor of 15x its own weight. As a result, producing the most superior cloth product available. Imagine using 15 sheets of good-quality paper towels at once… This is how a wet SKOY cloth will feel in your hand.

The SKOY cloth is long-lasting because of the wash ability feature. It dries quickly, so it is not a breeding ground for bacteria. Have you ever used your sponge, then smelled your hand and it reeked of horrible bacteria? That will never happen again if you microwave your SKOY cloth regularly. It is also dishwasher and washer/dryer safe. Cleaning your SKOY cloth will keep it healthy and germ-free.

Wet your SKOY cloth before using. Be sure to squeeze out the excess water for optimal absorption.

I've used it with some of my favorite Cleaners but also found that it worked awesome when wiping down with just water.

Also, when I used Dish Soap on mine or a Cleaning Solution, I made sure to rinse it very well so it wouldn't leave a residue while I was cleaning!!
These Skoy Cloths are great to start off with in the kitchen and then after awhile you can move them on to the bathroom or other household uses.

The SKOY can be cleaned in your dishwasher and is washer and dryer safe . I've used both the dishwasher and washing machine but found that I liked the Washing Machaine much better... I prefered the spin cycle.

Another option to keep your SKOY cloth germ-free is to microwave it daily when damp for 1-2 minutes. And at $5.99 for a 4 Pack you can't beat that, especially with how expensive paper towels are these days.... And if you're thinking "i could never give up papertowels" I thought the EXACT SAME THING!! But with these Skoy cloths it makes it super easy!!

NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY

There will be 3 Winners for this Giveaway. Each winner will recieve a 4 pack of Skoy Cloths.

Here is how you can get 15 entries for this giveaway.

To enter the giveaway all you need to do is comment on this post and tell me why you'd like to win these Skoy Cloths. Be sure tyo leave an email address I can reach you at.

To receive an extra 3 entires Follow me on Twitter DANAJUSTTALK and Tweet about this giveaway linking back to this post.

To receive an extra 5 entries become a follower of my Blog.

And to receive another 6 entries Blog about this giveaway on your site/Blog and link back to this post.

This Giveaway will run until Tuesday, April 29 12:00 am EST. So please make sure you get all of your entries in before then!! Trust me you want to win this GIVEAWAY because Skoy Cloths are the greatest things ever. Take advatage of all 15 chances you have to enter the giveaway!! If you win You will be soooooo happy you'll want to buy more for yourself and everyone that you know!!!!!! And if you don't win you can go HERE and order your own, you'll love 'em! What are you waiting for? Go enter and get yours today!!

I Cried...... A Little! TWICE

2009-04-17T07:26:00.001-04:00

My mom called me last night asking if I had seen this video yet and I had no clue what she was talking about! So i googled Susan Boil and this is what I saw.... It is an amazing clip from Britian's Got Talent and something that I don't think anyone expected.... It teaches you that you should never judge someone by their appearance.. I try and instill that in my kids all of the time! I think Simon Cowell got a little taste of this the other night.

So... What did you think?

The first time i watched it by myself and i cried.. then i showed it to Brian and I cried again.... I don't even know why, lol!?

My New Favorite Show

2009-04-16T07:07:00.000-04:00

Call me crazy, lol.... But I am lovin this new Show on Showtime

The United States of Tara!! Since Brian and I have moved we now how all of the awesome channels Comcast Cable has to offer... And with all of those great channels comes On Demand. I had really, really wanted to start watching this show when it first came out but we didn't have Showtime then. So recently I have been catchin up with the shows and I'm loving it. Part of me was very interested since I have started working in the Psych Unit of the hospital with children. If you didn't know The US of Tara is a show about Tara Gregson a wife and mother with multiple personalities. After deciding to take a break from her medication to discover the real cause of her disorder, her alternate personalties re-emerge: wild and flirty teenager T; old-fashioned housewife Alice; and male, loud, beer-drinking Vietnam Buck. Tara is supported by her calm and level-headed husband Max, her somewhat troubled teenage daughter Kate and quirky, good-hearted son Marshall. Her sister, Charmaine, is not so supportive, often expressing her doubt about the validity of Tara's disorder. The show is soo funny and I love it! It is also produced by Steven Spielberg so you know it's a quality show!!!! If you haven't checked it out yet you should!! And lucky for me Showtime renewed it for a second season! So there will be much to look forward.. I can't wait to see what one of the multiples will do next!!!

HELP!

2009-04-14T07:18:00.000-04:00

OK... so i came home yesterday and turned on my laptop to see a white line down the middle of my screen. I rebooted the computer just thinking it was a glitched in something... But no!! It's not... Now I've got this white line through the exact middle of the screen and I don't know what to do.. My warranty has run out so I don't even know where to bring it? Any ideas or suggestions of what to do or what it could be?

PS- the new coffee maker is amazing!!

My New Purchase

2009-04-13T07:30:00.000-04:00

I am so excited.... Today after work I am going to BBB (Bed Bath Beyond) to buy our new coffee maker... It's actually a House Warming Gift from Brian's parents. Isn't moving to a new place so great, loved ones give you such nice things to make your house cozier. And I wills at we have amazing parents that love us!!!

So check it out... we are getting the Keurig® Platinum Single Serve Brewer/Coffee Maker. I am so excited because not only does it make Hot Coffee and Tea, it makes Iced Beverages as well.... He parents have the regular one and I LOVE it!!!!

In less than 60 seconds you can have a great cup of coffee or tea with this unique single serve brewing system. You can Choose from four brew sizes: 6 ounces, 8 ounces, 10 ounces and 12 ounces. Features a side-mounted removable 60-ounce water reservoir and removable drip tray that holds a full "accidental brew". LCD message center features a programmable (which I am sooo excited for, I love waking up to my cup of joe in the morning) 24-hour clock.

I am really excited because I love flavored coffees like vanilla and Brian is a regular kind of coffee man. So now we can have both. We can also offer our guest regular or decaf, tea or hot chocolate, iced or hot!! YAY!!!!! They also make Organic Coffees too... I am going to go coffee crazy!

I'll let you know how it goes!!

Happy Monday All!!!

Super Size Me

2009-04-09T07:46:00.001-04:00

So last night I previewed Super Size Me because I'm showing it in school today. I'm having the kids create their own menus for the days as if they were able to buy or eat anything from anywhere for 1 entire day. I'm curious to see how they would plan their meals.

Then I'm going to give them a list of Foods and the Calories and I'm going to have them add up their possible total calorie "intake" for the meals they planned for the day.

And then after that we are going to watch the Super Size Me Documentary so they can truly see the effects that Fast Food will and can have on your body.

I'm not saying that I NEVER eat french fries or an occasional McDonalds cheeseburger (once a year , I rarely every have fast food). I figured it could be something fun and interesting for the kids to watch...

Here is a brief overview of the movie:

What happens when you eat McDonald's for thirty days, three meals a day, super-sized when asked, widely sampling selections from the entire menu from Big Macs meals to yogurt parfaits, salads and fish filets? With a team of highly qualified doctors monitoring his health every step of the way, director Morgan Spurlock answers this question: your body falls apart.
Spurlock also has the perfect narrative hook: himself. Following in the tradition of Michael Moore, Spurlock is the narrative hero of his own film – and this is just fine. An articulate speaker, he is also a compassionate listener and a wonderful guide.

Super Size Me" is a terrific film that takes the seemingly not-so-sexy subjects of health, nutrition, and corporate greed and turns them into informative entertainment. Crisply edited, Spurlock's steady stream of meals at McDonalds are cut with interviews with his vegan chef girlfriend, his concerned nutritionists and doctors, fast food consumers, and corporate lobbyists.

My New Buys

2009-04-07T07:50:00.000-04:00

So yesterday Brian and I ordered our new coffee table! It was actually a house warming present from my Mom... She is such a sweetie!! I love her! She wanted to get us something that we needed and really wanted. And we had picked this one out a while ago so she thought it was perfect to give us money for it.. THANKS MOMMY!!

The unigue thing about this piece ( Pinzon Renwick - Logan Lift Top Coffee Table) is that the top of it actually lifts up 30 inches, making it more of like a eat in kitchen table, but in the living room. Brian and I figured we could really use something like this and we loved the look. I wanted something better then a boring glasstop coffee table.. AND now Ive got it..Or should I say "it's in the mail!"

Then, we saw this cute little Pub Table & Chair Set that would go great in our little eat in kitchen! The sucky thing is that it only comes with 2 chairs, but we can order 2 more separately. We waited for that, because for now it's just us and we have other things that we wanted to buy. But I'll probably look to order them after we buy our new couch and rug!! And i'm very proud of myself because we originally saw this piece on sale for $505.00.. With all of my internet searching & online coupon searching we bought the table for $340.00 with No Tax and free shipping! Am I good or what?

If you haven't already noticed brian and I are doing the real beachy theme at our new place.. We are sticking to very neutral colors...Browns, tans, a nd whites...Very beachy I think! We're getting our color from art work and household accesories.. I promise to take pictures real soon!!! Thanks for listening to me talk about the new apartment so much lately.. I'm sure I have a few more posts to do about it.. I'm just very happy and living it up and I really wanted to share it with all of you! Thanks!!

Our New View

2009-04-06T06:54:00.000-04:00

We are still in the process of decorating so I'm not going to post pics just yet of the new pad. But I did want to show you our new view from the living room! Isn't it great? I loved the fact that when I woke up Saturday morning and looked out the window I saw 9 surfers catching waves....It was a great first weekend in the new place and I look forward to many more great weekends, especially since the weather is getting nicer!

How was your weekend?

Settling In and A Slip of the Knife

2009-04-03T07:37:00.000-04:00

Hello All!! I will say that the move is going well, and Brian and I are settling in nice. Today I had to go to work so my lovely boyfriend stayed home to finish unpacking more stuff and to wait for the Cable People and the Gas People. I will say that I am so totally excited that we now have DVR! Come on people, this is a HUGE deal for me. It's the 1st time I've ever had DVR and I can't wait to tape all of the shows I wanted to stay up for but was too tired. Or tape all of the shows that I wanted to watch but we had to go out. Or tape all of the good talk shows like ellen and Oprah that I want to watch but miss cause I'm working. Or tape all of the girlie shows I love and Brian dislikes!! Woo-Hoo for DVR!! Let me know so good shows I should add on, lol!!

We did have a little accident while moving. Or let me say I had a little accident. Little ole impatient me! Brian decided a while back to vurn a candle and to use one of my good plates to put the candle on. So when we were cleaning up our old place yesterday afternoon I was a little upset thinking the plate was ruined. He told me to run hot water on the candle and plate and it would peel right off.. So I ran the water on the plate and candle for a good 5 minutes when I noticed the wax starting to peel right up and off.. I grabbed the candle to see that the entire base was still stuck. So what do I do? I reached for the largest knife we have, which happened to be the only knife left in our old place, and I started digging the knife underneath the candle to try and pry it up when SLIP, the knife cut right through the tip of my thumb and right through the crease of my index finger... And all I have to say is OUCH!!!!! I cried, like I've never cried and felt so woosie at the sight of all the blood!! And to boot, we had NO bandaids, that's right NO bandaids cause I had already

packed everything up... Good job Dana!!!

I'm a little better today, though my finger is so completely swollen and my entire left hand is sore. One of the doctors at work looked at it today and told me it didin't look good and that if the swelling doesn't go down to get it looked at! So we'll see... I'll keep you posted..

This weekend Brian and I are going to make a few trips to Bed, Bath, and Beyond and to Home Depot, and to buy curtains/sheers for the windows so I will start to take pictures to show you our new place... You will for sure L.O.V.E. the view... I can hardly believe that while I'm sitting on the couch I can turn around and see the crashing waves of the and when I'm sleeping I feel the cool ocean breeze.. I will say that I am one lucky girl.... And my commute to work is only 30 seconds by car... I'm a really lucky girl!!!!!

Moving Day

2009-04-01T07:36:00.000-04:00

This is my last post in my apartment where I started this Blog. As I sit here on my tan leather couch I reflect back on the last year and a half... This has been a great home for Brian and I... we have shared some laughs, some cries, some good times and bad!! But it's time to move on to our new place.. Our new place on the Beach!!

Today is moving day so this isn't going to be a long post. I will have no internet until tomorrow, hopefully tomorrow!! So think of me today as I move boxes and bags and take multiple trips in the car from my old place to my new!

Next time I blog I will be in my new place! I'll take pictures so you can see the new digs!!

Til then......................................

A Good Movie - MILK

2009-03-31T07:40:00.000-04:00

So I was very interested in seeing Milk, especially since Sean Penn won the Oscar for Best Actor. It was sure it be a winner right?

So it is a bit of a relief to report that Milk is an outstanding film, a vibrant and intelligent recreation of a very particular time and place that throbs with heart and humor and (occasionally) real anger and anguish. It's not a perfect film, to be sure, but it is a powerful one, regardless of what happened in California in November.
Sean Penn stars as Harvey Milk, a closeted Republican insurance man who hit 40 and realized that he had done nothing in his life that he "could be proud of." With his young, supportive boyfriend (James Franco) in tow, Milk grew out his hair and moved to San Francisco, where he settled into the predominately gay area around the Castro theatre. From his camera store, Harvey observed the homophobia of area police and even his neighbors, and, before he realized it, had become something of a (pardon the parallel) "community organizer," earning the nickname of "the mayor of Castro Street."

I thought it was a pretty good movie and recommend seeing it! I love watching movies that were based on Real Life events and Real People.. And this was a good one! Check it out! Sean Penn really deserved the Oscar, he did a great job! Well done Mr. Penn.....

Have you seen any good movies lately I can add to my Netflix Queue?

Lots of Stuff

2009-03-30T07:31:00.000-04:00

We had such a busy weekend in preparation for our big move on wednesday! Thank goodness I took off of work on the 1st, and to think I wasn't going to...

In Preparation of moving I have become the Craigslist Queen. I have listed sooooo many things to see if they can be sold before we move. we are ready to trade up to some new things but would love to get rid of the old and use that money for thew new. We went out furniture shopping yesterday and found some GREAT things; like this awesome couch from Macy's Furniture. It's called Milano Leather Living Room Furniture Collection - Brian and I both really like the white leather sectional, especially since we're going to be living beachfront, but we think the Brown is so much more practical. So we are thinking the Brown Sectional with a

White Shag rug. We also found this really, really cool Lift Top Coffee table which would be so perfect for us. We are in need of buying a new kitchen table but we feel the lift top coffee table could be great for the inbetween. It's a regular coffee table and then it converts and lifts up 30 inches to a regular eat on kitchen table. I can't find a picture of it anymore but this is part of the collection and looks exactly the same but ours is the coffee table version.

I feel so overwhelmed with the moving and the packing but I know in the end it'll be so worth it!!!! I just have to keep in mind that I can't do everything at once. I need to take one thing at a time and go from there...

Another thing I don't like is that I have to go without my internet connection for a day or 2. But hey, at least I have my blackberry, lol!!! I know I know, I'm too much!! But everything else is set up! Cable TV and Internet with DVR HBO, Showtime, and Starz package (I'm working on the HowardTV, yes I'm a Stern Fan.. I know he's not for everyone, but he's interesting and I used to be in Radio so I like to listen to him and I LOVE Sattelite radio) Electric is set, Gas is set...... We are set!! I will def take before and after pics... Before we move any furniture in and then after we get completely settled (which probably won't be for awhile)!!! I will keep you posted!! Does anyone know where or have any recommendations for a great kitchen table set for 4? Nothing too big because we are limited for space in our kitchen. Let me know!!!

Happy Monday all!!!!

Birthday Giveaway

2009-03-27T06:13:00.000-04:00

Many of you gave some good guesses!! I was actually born 2 months early at 11:43 pm weighing in at 4 pounds 2 ounces... I was a teeny, tiny baby!! I was put in a helicopter a few hours after I was born and flown to a children's specialized hospital because I had so many problems!! I actually stayed in the hospital for over a month.

Now for the winners:

Marni was the closest to my birth weight.

a H.I.T. was the closest to the time I was born.

Thanks to everyone that played along!!! Both winners should email me your addresses so i can send you a small surprise!!

Thanks again for all of the birthday wishes!!! Happy Friday all!! My weekend will be filled with packing for our big move on Wednesday.. What about your weekend?

29 Yikes!!

2009-03-25T05:35:00.000-04:00

Where did my Twenties go? I can hardly believe that 29 years have already gone by!!! I've been going through something lately, something I like to call an early life crisis! I guess I had different plans for myself. I always expected would have had a better job earlier on and that maybe i'd be married with a kid or 2. I always thought I'd be married by the time I was 24, at least that's what I thought when I was a teenager! But we all know plans change and things def don't happen as we plan... So I guess I'm a little upset that my twenties are pretty much gone and that 30 is right around the corner.

I've realized that I'm letting people get to me... People on the outside of my relationship and life... And that's what's effecting me, and it shouldn't and now I know better!! I know I've touched on this topic before but some people just don't know how or when to keep their mouth shut! People don't realize things they say, even little insignifcant things can be hurtful! I think it's really, really important for people to think before they speak, because you never know what influence your words can have on others and their feelings and thoughts! I just thought I'd throw that out there!!

As for me - I'm happy and that's all that matters!!

Happy Birthday to Me and a Giveaway

2009-03-24T05:46:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday to me!

I do have to work today but will be celebrating with Brian later on tonight! We will be going to a nice dinner together!! So I'm looking forward to that...

Now for a Giveaway ........

You have 2 chances to win - if you can guess the exact time I was born I'll send you a surprise..... AND if you can guess how much I weighed when I was born I'll send you a surprise.....

Happy Guessing!!!

Your Thoughts & Prayers

2009-03-23T19:12:00.004-04:00

Please keep my family in your thoughts and prayers...My uncle went in to the hospital yesterday afternoon and now he is on a respirator!!! I'm asking for you to send your good thoughts and vibes my way.

Also please keep us in your prayers!

I don't have much time to Blog today but I will keep you posted!