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?

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Chapter 30

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

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

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!!!

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......

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

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

Lola & Daddy - Sleepy Time

SmartMom Teething Bling Giveaway

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

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!!