TGIF!

LOL! I'm not in a bind... I just thought this was such a cute picture!! :)

Happy Friday. I am so glad it's here. I am exhausted!

Can you tell? My lack of blogging shows.......

:) sorry. I'm just suffering with a horrible sinus infection, and it's had me completely drained!

Glad the weekend is here though!

woohooo!

Tuesday

Today is Tuesday.

How do YOU feel?

I feel loved. And, happy.

I feel blessed, and excited about life.

I'm enjoying this beautiful day. I walked to the bank this morning. Although it was freeeeeezing cold, it was beautiful! What a great day. I'm thinking "Spring". I can't wait!

Things are going well. The kids are back to school, and we're back to work. Everyone seems to be back on track.

Life is good. I was thinking about it this morning on my way to work. It's nice. I feel so content and satisfied with everything. I'm enjoying being me.... it's fun. I had this great time on Easter Sunday. Hubby and I took a ride up the River. We ended up stopping at this Antique Market. It was a place we used to go to almost every weekend. It was so nice. Like visiting the past. A different time in our lives. I felt warm and cozy. I miss those days. Yet, I love the moment in time we are currently in. Hard to explain. This place we stopped at, well.. it holds a lot of precious memories for us both. I'm so glad we stopped. I appreciate my life. I do......

Today I want to mention that I have been blogging for a whole year! It's been so much fun! My blog is a year old, and still going strong!!!! Happy Birthday Blog!

What else? Well, not much. I'm trying to prepare (mentally) for my upcoming Cruise! I went on a shopping spree last Friday, so I am very well prepared with clothing. I bought a very sexy dress to wear for one of our nights out on the ship. I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!! I AM SO EXCITED!!!! It should be an incredible time. I just can't wait!!!!!


So... That's about it! I have lot's going on, but have been coming up a little short on the blogging! I admit, I must pick up the pace!!!!

Hope this day finds you with a huge smile on your lovely face!!!!

Happy Day!

Happy Monday!!!!!!!

Back to work!
Back to reality!

:)

What a great weekend! How nice it was to just kick back and enjoy some the simple pleasures in life. I really enjoyed myself.

But, now it's time to get busy! Work work work!!!!!

Good Morning, and Happy Friday!!!

It's Good Friday!! And, Rider has given us the day off! Nice....

SO, last night was my Belly Dancing class. It was awesome!!! Ok, I love it. I think I'm really going to enjoy this class. It was really quite an aerobic exercise. My abs forgot they had muscles. :) So did my calves! Oh, and my shoulders. lol
It was a lot of fun. I already can't wait until next Thursday. And, the group is great. Such a variety of women. Very comfortable. :)


So, it will be a nice, long weekend. I took the day off yesterday, too. It was ok. I had to take Brooke for her haircut, and shopping for a swim suit. She's at the beach now, for her 3rd Easter in a row. I think it's sweet that she has such a good best friend. And what an incredibly nice family. I feel blessed to know that she's so fortunate. Someday she'll realize how lucky she is to have an extended family. :) They do love her so much. It's great.
Brandon and I are home together. If I can peel him away from his games, or his buddy's, I might take him out to lunch. I took Brooke to lunch yesterday. I love the one on one time with the kids. I think they need that. I know I do. And, later on today, Brandon will go with his Dad until Sunday. Leaving hubby and I with some one on one time. It's nice.

So, it's SPRING. Hmmmm it sure doesn't feel like spring. lol. It's windy and cold!!! Brrrrrrrrr... BUT, the sun is shining. THAT is a blessing!!!!

Well, off I go. I am going to get ready for a new adventure today. Shopping a little, lunch, who knows!!!!

Happy Spring.
Happy Friday.
Happy Good Friday.

Happy Hump Day!!!!


ONE more day until Spring!!! Woooohoooo~~~

Be back in a little bit.

Sexy Sexy Hump Day!

And the countdown begins!!! TWO days until the first day of SPRING! Wooohooo!! How exciting!!

I am so much looking forward to the nicer weather. I've been wanting to get out there and wash my car, inside and out.... but it's been so cold, or rainy! Yuck! And when the weather is warm, I'm hitting the road for some fun times!

It's cold and rainy this morning here in PA/NJ. I'm at work, and I have my little heater on next to me. Brrrrrrrrrr........ can't wait for warm, flip flop weather!!!!!

So, what's new? Not a whole lot. I'm doing just peachy. Feeling fine. I'm back on track. It feels good. I'm still going to make sincere efforts to change some of the things about myself that drive people crazy (as well as myself).. but other than that... everything is just fine and dandy! We all have room for improvement. That's just a fact. If we don't grow and change, I think it's just not healthy!

Anywho... :)

I'm really looking forward to my Belly Dancing class on Thursday night. I just am. I think once I get the hang of it, I will combine it with yoga class. I think that's a good idea! :) :) And, I can't wait til Friday. I will have the day off from work, and plan to enjoy it to the fullest. I think I'll get my nails done in the morning, and then do some shopping at the Mall. I'm in search of the perfect dress for our April cruise. We'll see how it goes! I would love to share the day with my hubby love, but he can't always take off the same days as me. *Sigh... It should be nice though.

What else? Well, it's Spring Break here at Rider University. It's nice and quiet. I have a lot of little stuff to be doing, but I can do it at my own pace, and not worry about a lot of students coming in and distracting me. :) It's a nice break for us here......

Hm.. not a whole lot else going on. My mid morning coffee is waiting for me. I better run! More blogging later!

Happy Tuesday!

An Irishman was terribly overweight, so his doctor put him on a diet.

"I want you to eat regularly for 2 days, then skip a day, and repeat this procedure for 2 weeks. The next time I see you, you should have lost at least 5 pounds.

When the Irishman returned, he shocked the doctor by having lost nearly 60lbs!

"Why, that's amazing!" the doctor said, "Did you follow my instructions?"

The Irishman nodded..."I'll tell you though, by jaesuz, I t'aut I were going to drop dead on dat 3rd day."

"From the hunger, you mean?" asked the doctor.

"No, from the fuckin' skippin"

Good Morning, and Happy Monday to you!!! Happy St Patrick's Day!

How was your weekend??

Mine - It was nice. I got a lot done around the house! :) And, enjoyed the weather!

Weekend in review:

Friday: Went to the Clubhouse to play cards and "Buzz". I played a little, socialized a lot :)
It was nice. VERY relaxing. Very peaceful. Had some great conversation, and a few good laughs. And, by Midnight I was home in bed. I was sleepy!!!! I really did enjoy myself though. I have been so tense, so anxious. Friday it broke. I felt completely like myself again. It was a really nice feeling. I was happy to be "me" again. Smiling, silly me. :) :) :) :) :)

Saturday: Most of the day was spent shopping here and there. Kids had their parties and friends, and I was a shopping girl. Plus, it was a beautiful day! Great to be out, breathing the beautiful fresh air!!!! It was just perfect. And, in the evening, we managed to watch an episode or two of "The Love Boat". That show is SO much fun to watch!!!! I'm lovin' it!!!!!

Sunday: Ahhhh... more stuff to do around the house. BUT, it was great. More shopping, more cleaning, more laundry! It sounds like no fun - but I honestly love it. I enjoy being home!!! :) :) :)

So, not much to report. Just a regular, normal weekend. And those, my dear - are far and few between!!!

Happy Monday!

Have a SWEET and SEXY weekend!

YA-HOOOO!!!!!!! It's Friday. Whew.... what a week!
Be back to blog. Have a lunch date with the bosses (is bosses a word?) losing it!!! I am!

Yeah.. Happy Thursday!

What a week it has been! I have had the most difficult time getting up in the morning. Maybe I should get more sleep. I have been having a hard time sleeping through the night though... My head is full. I have a feeling it's what keeps me from a restful night's sleep! I think too much! BUT... that, with a lot of work - is about to change! I am so tired of thinking and worrying about so much "crap" that just doesn't matter. I am so serious. I am really going to work on that. Letting go. Believing that things will be just fine, and detaching from bullshit that bothers me. I have to let it go. That is my goal for today, and for the future. :) For my own sanity, as well as everyone else - that I know & love.

Each day I am going to remind myself that I have to talk less, and listen more (Even though I know I am really a fantastic listener :0)). I shouldn't ask questions about things that don't matter, and I should focus more on what I am doing about my own life.. and not so much about others. Those are not selfish words...

I need to care less about the little things, and focus on the big picture.

This is something I am going to be working on. I look at it this way. If people want to share with me, they will. I don't have to always be talking & Asking... I have come to the conclusion (totally on my own)that, in fact.. I talk to damn much.. With that being said, my blogs may increase in size like crazy! I have to "let it out" somewhere. This just might be the place. We'll see. AND, I need to get a life. And find something that interests ME.

Ok. Maybe this blog makes no sense to anyone who reads it. However, It makes perfect sense to me.

And, I'm starting to feel better already ~

Hump Day comes in all shapes and sizes! And sexes!

I think this just might be the very first Hump Day picture where I am posting a man, and only a man! I know - what's gotten into me? Well, I thought it was time to give men some credit, where credit is due! They too are beautiful creatures! And, we should celebrate them as often as we celebrate women! :) So, Happy Hump Day!




Me? I'm ok. Been in a HUGE funk. I realized on Sunday (sometime during the day) that I have been sooooooo depressed. Everything has been getting to me. I thought about how I wanted to lay down on my couch and cry on Friday, which was supposed to be my special day off. I even thought for a split second, how maybe I would have been better off going to work. And, I felt so emotional. Then, Friday night I was so quiet. I thought I was just not feeling well because of the weather. Here I was, in Atlantic City, with the love of my life. And, I felt yucky and dull. He always brings out the best in me. I was really confused. I hardly spoke. Thought I was just "thinking" but my mind was blank. Friday night when we went back to our motel (which was a whole different story) - we had a nice, special, intimate time together. But, I couldn't shake my head straight.

Saturday. I woke up to a sweet, loving man who was kissing me and hugging me. Wishing me a Happy Birthday. It was sweet. He had a card and gift for me, that I loved. It was so sweet. Then we got up, and went out. I have to say, the weather wasn't much better... but I was determined to have an amazing time. After all, he is the one person that I want to do everything with. We have such great times together.
It was nice. Our day was good. I just couldn't shake the feeling. BUT, I don't think I knew I was depressed. I thought it was the weather.
We checked in to our new Hotel. It was much nicer than the first one. But, I wasn't able to relax. I found myself sitting in a chair, and unable to lay down and relax. I was very uncomfortable in my own skin. I thought it was my head. My sinuses were acting up. I thought it was just the fact that I was really anxious to go to the Melting Pot. I was depressed. I just didn't recognize it.

Saturday night. Melting Pot. It was fantastic. It was delicious. It was sweet, and even sexy. We had a private room for two. It was a night to always remember. I was feeling really good. I was happy. However... every time Fred tried to take a picture of me, I was stiff like a soldier. He kept telling me to loosen up. I thought I was. I couldn't understand why I couldn't just kick back, and smile natural for his pictures. I was depressed.... and I didn't even have a clue.

Saturday. I turned 40. I think it really stung more that I would ever have imagined. I have always embraced my Birthday. I have never cared about "the number". I never even understood how people could focus on something like that, and let it bother them. I had no idea the impact it would have on me, emotionally. But, it did. It was that the feelings were hidden so deep..... I had no clue....

And then, Sunday. We got up, had coffee, and hit the road. I was happy. The sun was shining, and the clouds and rain were gone. We were now on longer days, and the clocks were all moved accordingly. I felt strong, and happy. I felt pretty. I was happy to be with my best friend, my sweetie. We had a nice day. And, what a beautiful ride. Later on, we'd be picking the kids up, and heading to Mom and Dad's to celebrate my Birthday. Suddenly, about half way through the day, I felt miserable. Physically - ok. Emotionally - horrible. Could it be that all of the thoughts about turning 40 were weighing that heavy on me? I think not. No way. Not me. But.. you know what? HELL yeah they were. I realized that once the focus was back on me, and my Big Birthday - I would feel anxiety, stress, and sadness. Crap. I never thought I'd feel that way. Not in a million years......

Back to work on Monday. Not much blogging. I just couldn't put my finger on what was bothering me. I couldn't concentrate at work. I apologized to my Co-workers for my mental absence. Nothing was making sense to me.

Bottom line... I've been depressed. In a huge way. This morning I think I reached my breaking point. I was feeling the worst yet... and some things happened, and were said that really bothered me. I was forced to think about the past several days. And, even though I don't like to be called names, or be compared to creatures like Mr Ed... It helped me realize where I was in my head, and In my heart.

I'm good enough. And, though I am not perfect - I am bright, and funny, and all of the things that I listed in my 40 "F" word list. I have a good heart. And, even though I am not excited about turning 40, I am happy to be alive, and loved by such great and wonderful people. I am going to really work on being the best person I can be. I am going to try my best to savor each and every good, positive moment in my life - and learn and get over the not so wonderful moments.

I'm ok. Sometimes we all get depressed and sad. It just really took me by surprise...... And now that I've recognized my feelings, I can move forward.

It's SO important!

10 great ways to discover true Happiness (in no particular order):

1. Set goals and complete them - Make a list! Cross things off as you complete them. It really feels good!

2. Dance, sing, listen to music - Hard to keep a frown on your face when listening to nice, happy music!

3.Make something - Anything! I'm thinking about creating something having to do with photo's!

4. Grow something- Plants, perhaps? Fun to watch them grow, and change!

5. Give freely - This feels good. Especially when it's from the heart!

6. Get physical - Take a walk. Have incredible sex! The more you do it, the better you'll feel.

7. Add color - Take off the bland black top! Put something colorful on!!

8. Take a friend to lunch (or out for coffee) - Yes!!!! Get social!

9. Learn to be alone - I learned this a long time ago. It's really important. I honestly believe in "alone time".

10. Stretch your mind - Quit resisting, and learn something new. Embrace it. :) It even helps give you something to talk about (not that I lack in that dept).

WHY THE LISTS, ERIN???????
Dunno. :)
It's just fun to me.
And, you never know. Next week could be something different!

Spring is in the Air!!! It really is! I can't wait! I'm really looking forward to it!

And....... 38 days until my Cruise on the "Dawn"! Woooohoooooo - Have I mentioned lately how much I love to cruise????? It's like a dream to me!!! A dream come true!!



Which reminds me....
One of the gifts I received on my Birthday was, "The Love Boat" on DVD. It's only the first 10 episodes, but I have been waiting about 2 years for this DVD to come out. HOW FUN!!! For the past two nights we've been watching it. WOW. It's so hysterical! Not just the 70's humor, but the clothing, the style of the ship, etc. It's just so much fun to watch. And, I have to say... the fit of the clothing was a wee bit clingy (lol). The men wore tight short shorts, and left very little room in the crotch. And, the women wore their bottoms tight, and pulled them way up in the front. :) So, yeah..it's very entertaining to watch. And the celebrities that are on it. I love them!!! It's so awesome! It was my absolute favorite show when I was a little girl. And,it's interesting.. each episode felt "new" to me last night. Only a few times I would recall something as familiar. It's amazing how our memory changes. Simply amazing to me......
But, in any event - it was fun! And now Brooke is hooked. I was 9 when I watched it. She's 11. It's fun.

What else? Well, Brandon is sick :(
My poor boy.

Brooke is back to school today. She was sick yesterday.
My home is like a hospital. Fred was sick last week.

Ut oh... I hope I'm not next......

:P

Monday!

BLAH!!!!!!

What happened to the weekend? It went by way to fast!

grrrrrrrrrrrrrr

ugh!

Darn!

*Big smile.

Happy Monday.

I turned 40 on Saturday. Wow. It sounds strange when I read that back to myself.
I turned 40.

Damn.

It was a nice weekend. Really Nice.
I'll blog about it. I just have to put my thinking cap on.. and then I'll post about my weekend. I have lots to share....

Ok... So I made my list of 40 things I've done. THAT was fun.

And, I shared it with some close friends.

Today, one of my co-workers suggested that I make a list of 40 words to describe myself... BUT, they have to begin with "F" (for Forty). She is going to turn 60. So, she will do the same, but with the letter "S". :) It's not as easy as it seems! But, here goes!

1-Funny
2-Friendly
3-Freaky
4-Fabulous
5-Fine
6-Free-spirited
7-Faithful
8-Flirt
9-Frugal
10-Forgetful
11-Forgiving
12-Fruity
13-Fair
14-Fancy
15-Fantastic
16-Flustered
17-Foolish
18-Frisky
19-Foxy
20-Fussy
21-Fearful
22-Fashionable
23-Feminine
24-Festive
25-Fierce
26-Finicky
27-Flakey
28-Flashy
29-Fantastic
30-Floozy
31-Fluffy
32-Forget-me-not
33-Frantic
34-Fresh
35-Frustrated
36-Functional
37-Forever Friend
38-Flowery
39-Fiesty

40-FORTY!!!!

Is it Friday?



It's MY Friday (well as far as work goes)

I have a long weekend, and a FREE Day off tomorrow! Thank you Rider U!

It's Wednesday!

Happy Hump Day!



:)

It's not just a "List"... It's

I have compiled a list of 40 things. Not in any particular order. It's just a list of things that I have done, seen, experienced, etc... prior to turning 40. Random things that came to mind. Sure, there's more than 40! But, these are the first 40 that came to mind. :) It's simply a collection of things that make "me" who "I" am, today.

Enjoy! You just might be a part of this list of mine!

Again - no particular order. :P

1-Colored my hair - blond, red, black, multi... and now, as it should be - Brunette.

2-Got a Tattoo

3-Vacationed out of the Country

4-Laughed until I cried - happy tears. And, sometimes sad

5-Hugged a complete stranger. Good and tight

6-Read an entire Book in one sitting

7-Helped a friend (or two) in need

8-Made a friend "online"

9-Lived in Poverty, and reversed it

10-Created and ran a successful business

11-Became a Mommy to 2 beautiful children

12-Took a chance on Love - married him. Beat all the odds!

13-Danced, Nude

14-Made love in a public place (discretely) and in many other wild and crazy places

15-Became an "A" student in College

16-Adopted a terminally Ill pet & nursed him back to health.

17-Made some major life changing decisions

18-Overcame my fear of elevators (almost totally)

19-Said "no" to drugs

20-Lived Alone

21-Went to a Movie alone

22-Rode across Bermuda on a scooter, in the pouring rain (and I mean POURING)

23-Traveled across Country by car

24-Went to Lincoln Center in NYC to the Metropolitan Opera House (Thanks Mom)

25-Experienced several Ballet's (again, Thanks Mom)

26-Enjoyed many "Rock" concerts. Even cried through one (Aaron Lewis/Staind)

27-Skinny Dipped

28-Made a Picnic on the Living room floor

29-Chose forgiveness over anger

30-Discovered my passion for photography

31-Stepped "outside the box" with my sexuality

32-Made friends and family laugh out loud, with my silly sense of humor

33-Rode on scary rides, to make my children happy

34-Drove all night

35-Walked away, and never turned back

36-Wrote several stories, and lots of poetry

37-Enjoyed the simple things in life - stopped and smelled the roses

38-Still try to view the world through rose colored glasses

39-Sing loud and strong, when I enjoy the music - despite the fact that my singing voice is not perfect

40-Become more accepting of myself, and my flaws - Because I am a beautiful woman.

Happy Tuesday!

Happy Tuesday to you and you and you , too!

It's almost Spring!!!! I didn't even wear a Jacket to work today. It's very exciting! And, this weekend we will change the clocks, and earn one more hour of sunlight. Wow!!! It's really almost Spring!!!!

How's everything? Well, it's pretty good. I had a peaceful evening last night, for the most part. Despite the pain (in my hip), the evening was nice. I don't want to complain or anything... but on Saturday I was doing "something" in a very awkward position, that lead to some major, intense hip pain! lol. It's funny, but it's not. I can hardly make it up and down stairs, AND - when I'm in bed, I can't turn on to my right side. It's horrible. I have no idea what to do, besides take Aspirin. I can't believe the pain I'm in! But, I don't want to complain!

So, this weekend.... Can't wait!!!!! I'm finally going to the Melting Pot. I am really looking forward to it. I've wanted to go there for a couple of years. However, it hasn't worked out. But, we now have reservations for Dinner there on Saturday. We're going to the Brand New one, in Atlantic City. We are so excited! And, we'll be gone for the weekend. Staying Bay side! Sunday, we'll pick the kids up, and go to my parents house for Dinner, and to Celebrate my Birthday. It should be nice. :)

But, I should focus on Today. SO far, so good. My brother called me from Switzerland just to see how I was doing. That was nice. After he called, my Dad called ... Just to see how I was doing. Nice! It's been a pretty nice day so far. Hubby has called me too!!! Guess why? Just to see how I was doing... and to tell me he loves me! I'm very very blessed! Mom called too! lol... but I was away from my desk. I'm currently playing phone tag with her. :)

Anyway, I hope this is a happy day for you!

Happy Tuesday!

Lists...

Someone suggested that I make a list of things I would like to accomplish, see, or do before I turn 40. Not possible. Time does not allow... and time, is the boss on this one. Without a doubt.

So, I have simply been dreading the thought of turning 40. It has really weighed heavy on me, for quite some time. I've smiled, and taken the whole thing lightly - on the outside. But, it does burn a little more than I'd like to admit. So, I'm admitting it now.... The thought is driving me crazy!

Well, to make it fun, I've decided that I am going to make a list. NOT about what I want to do, or accomplish, or see.... Rather, all of the wonderful things I've done already. It's absolutely what has made me the ALMOST 40 year old woman that I am today.

Silly, huh? I don't know. Maybe. But, isn't this something I am doing for me? Of course!!!! And so.... my fun little project will be created and posted before the day I turn 40. :) :) It's a good way for me to embrace, and enjoy the part of my life I have lived - fun fun fun!

Stay tuned!

Happy Monday

You'll never guess who spent the weekend with us! Let me tell ya...

Friday. Went to work, had a terribly stressful day. So, I decided it would be a nice idea if I went shopping and to Dinner with my girls. :) So, I did just that. Along with that, I managed to get my nails done. It was nice! And, the girls had a great time shopping. They are so sweet and adorable. It was just what I needed. Being with them always makes me feel good. Really. It was such a pleasant evening. :):)

So, who came to stay??? Normal! Yep! Totally caught me by surprise! I woke up on Saturday morning and there it was. Oh! This can't be!!! Normal??? Is that you???? Yes.... and guess who followed close behind? Peace!!! wow... it's been awhile since I've seen either of them! I was just as thrilled as I could be! Normal and Peace - in the same place, at the same time!!!! So, knowing they were settling in for at least the day, I figured I wanted to make the best of their visit. :)

Saturday. We spent the day enjoying each other. Me, hubby, Brooke and Lindsey ran out for a bit. We did a little shopping, and ended our shopping trip with a nice, hot dunkin donuts hot chocolate. YUM!

We had hot wings for dinner. By that time, Brandon had come home from his sleep over at Justin's. After dinner, we played a couple of board games, got in our comfy's, and just relaxed. Just us, and our friends, normal, and peaceful. Happiness heard that we were all together, so we ended up moving over, and inviting it in! So, there we were... And it was really good stuff.

Sunday. The laundry monster came on over. lol! So, there I stood... Tide in hand! Ready to attack! :) And, I did. It was great. Between me, my Tide, and my Downey... we kicked ass!!!! It was awesome. What a great accomplishment! lol (seriously).

And, last night before I fell asleep - I prayed that Normal, Peace, and Happiness would stay with us. At least for as long as they could. I appreciate them all so much. And yeah... sometimes I think I take them for granted. Because when they go away, I really miss them.......

Happy Monday. Indeed.

:)

When I arrived to work this morning I received some really sad new from my Mom.

My Uncle passed away over the weekend.

He had to be one of the dearest, sweetest, soft hearted human beings I have ever known. What a gentle soul........

What a shock.

He'd fallen, and hit his head. Never to recover. :(

Life is short, and very unpredictable.

Happy March!