Sunday Stealing - The "I've Come To Realize" Meme

1. I’ve come to realize that my chest-size. . . Has gotten smaller since I lost weight.

2. I’ve come to realize that my job. . . Is to find another one.

3. I’ve come to realize that when I’m driving. . . I sing a hell of a lot and curse even more.

4. I’ve come to realize that I need. . . To stop procrastinating

5. I’ve come that realize that I have lost. . .63 pounds as of Friday!!!

6. I’ve come to realize that I hate it when. . . it rained 13 days out of Larry's 14 day vacation.

7. I’ve come to realize that if I’m drunk. . . I'm pretty damn funny. I have to share my birthday Sangria story with you all !!!!

8. I’ve come to realize that money... sucks when one is on unemployment benefits.

9. I’ve come to realize that certain people. . . just don't know when to shut up.

10. I’ve come to realize that I’ll always. . . Love Elvis

11. I’ve come to realize that my sibling(s). . . mean the world to me.

12. I’ve come to realize that my mom… is missed just as much as ever...18yrs later. I ♥ you Mom!!! RIP!!!!

13. I’ve come to realize that my cell phone. . .is so outdated.

14. I’ve come to realize that when I woke up this morning. . .I only got 3.5 hours of sleep

15. I’ve come to realize that last night before I went to sleep. . . that I should have went to bed earlier.

16. I’ve come to realize that right now I am thinking. . .that I have to get up early again tomorrow.

17. I’ve come to realize that my dad. . .?

18. I’ve come to realize that when I get on Facebook. . . that I resort to being addictive.

19. I’ve come to realize that today. . .was a nice day spent with my sister.

20. I’ve come to realize that tonight. . . I'm going to sleep like a baby. I'm so tired from sleeping only 3.5 hrs and driving over 150 miles.

21. I’ve come to realize that tomorrow. . .I will have a busy day since it is Larry's day off.

22. I’ve come to realize that I really want to. . .Go back to school to work in the medical field.

23. I’ve come to realize that the person mostly likely to repost this is. . . anyone who decides to do Sunday Stealing.

24. I’ve come to realize that life. . ."is like a box of chocolates. Ya never know what your gonna get".

25. I’ve come to realize that this weekend. . .was the first time it didn't rain in 2 weeks.

26. I’ve realized the best music to listen to when I am upset. . . Elvis or Billy Joel. I've also started listening to Chickenfoot. LOVE THEM!!!!! Has anyone heard them?? It is Sammy Hagar, Michael Anthony formely of Van Halen and Joe Satriani. Good stuff!

27. I’ve come to realize that my friends. . . are love!

28. I’ve come to realize that this year. . . has had alot of downs so far.

29. I’ve come to realize that me exes. . . are exes for a reason.

30. I’ve come to realize that maybe I should. . .go to the unemployment office soon to see if I could sign up for school.

31. I’ve come to realize that I love. . .my husband, my family, Harley cat, my friends and God with every fiber of my being.

32. I’ve come to realize that I don’t understand. . .why one drives on the Parkway and parks in the driveway.

33. I’ve come to realize my past. . . is best left there.

34. I’ve come to realize that parties. . . are fun with a small amount of people.

35. I’ve come to realize that I’m totally terrified. . .of flying and losing a member of my family.

36. I’ve come to realize that my life. . .can hopefully only get better. (Fingers crossed)

Three Birds With One Stone

Hey Everyone! Popping in to say hello. I haven't been blogging because Larry is on vacation and we've been trying to do different things during the week. He is on vacation until next Sunday. It is funny because tomorrow is my birthday and I seriously haven't a clue what we are going to do. We were tossing the idea about going to Amish Country. We would only go for the day so I'm not sure I want to make the 2.5 hr drive each way. We also tossed the idea about going to Waterloo Village. I went & researched it and ummm...it closed down in 2006. So much for that. Good thing I looked it up to see what their hours were. Never Jodi. Their hours are never.

Alot has happened this week. Alot of deaths! Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, Michael Jackson, and now Billy Mays & Gale Storm. I really am so sad about Farrah. She suffered so much. I'm still in shock about Michael Jackson. It just seems so weird.

Tuesday I had a crappy day. My car died. It is a 2007!!! It turned out to be a defective computer. Actually it didn't take so much of my day up thank God. I called AAA by 7:15am, they came at 7:45am. I got towed to the dealership and was "diagnosed", fixed and out of their by 10:30am. Not too bad actually. I wish it didn't happen at all though.

Yesterday I was out literally all day. We had Colleen's BBQ and we went early to help her. We got home after 1am. I was totally exhausted. I was pleased to see that Mike's Hard Lemonade had a light version. Thanks Mike - you rock! I only had two the entire day.

No new news on the job front. On the weight loss front, I am now at 60 pounds lost. Yay!

I hope you all have been well. I am including both Sunday Stealing and Saturday 9 below. I figured it would be easier than 3 separate posts. Until next time my friends....


A – An advantage you have – The ability to drink caffeine right up until bedtime and not be affected by it.

B – Blue or brown eyes – I have green eyes.

C – Chore you hate – Cleaning the bathroom

D – Dad’s name – Dad

E – Essential start of your day – C O F F E E

F – Favorite color – Dark purple and black

G – Greatest thing you’ve ever done that made you feel really good – Adopting Harley on August 15th, 1993. Marrying Larry on October 12, 1997.

H – Habit you have – coffee and diet coke. I'm actually also addicted to water now. I am a beverage addict I suppose.

I – Issue you hate that the world tries to make you pursue – Borrowing from Bud: "Bite Me". This is too much of a thinking question.

J – Job title – Employment Seeker

K – Kohls or Target – Target

L – Living arrangements – Living with hubby & cat in an apartment

M – Music you like – Classic Rock and regular rock & roll

N - Nicknames – Jod, Jods, Honey

O – Overnight hospital stay – 6 nights back in January

P – Pet Peeve – Liars, people who only talk about themselves, racism

Q – Quote that you like most – Funny quote "Sell crazy someplace else, we're all stocked up here" - As Good As It Gets ---- Serious quote "Do small things with great love" - Mother Teresa

R – Right or left handed – I am right handed.

S – Siblings – Two sisters and one brother

T – Time you wake up –.Nowadays whenever. When I was working 4:30am.

U – Underwear – Yes, I frequent those

V – Vegetable you dislike – Cauliflower

W – What makes you run late – EVERYTHING. I procrastinate and get distracted easily

X – X-rays you’ve had – Arm, leg, foot, chest, teeth

Y – Yummy food you make – Eggplant parmesan

Z – Zoo animal – Lion


1. Where were you when you heard that Michael Jackson died?
I was sitting on my couch and Larry turned on the computer. He saw it as the main headline and said "You aren't going to believe this" to me.

2. How do you think that he will be remembered?
Right now because of people's shock, I think they are giving him more respect dead than when he was alive. Alot of people will remember him for his music. Alot of people will also remember him for his controversies.

3. What was your favorite Jackson tune?
"Man In The Mirror" and "You Are Not Alone". I also really like "Smooth Criminal", "Dirty Diana", and "The Way You Make Me Feel"

4. Did you watch the original Charlie’s Angels?
YES. I loved the show. My favorite angels were Farrah & Jaclyn. I got to meet Jaclyn when I was 16yrs old. She was a total sweetheart.

5. Did someone you know have that poster of Farrah?
No

6. Did you consider her battle with cancer heroic?
I consider anyone's battle with cancer heroic. It is a horrible disease. I watched my Mom suffer for 13months with the disease. She was and always will be my hero.

7. Were you a fan of The Tonight Show Starring Johnnie Carson?
I watched it on occasion when I was in high school. I watched more Letterman honestly.

8. Did you like Ed McMahon on the show?
Sure

9. What else will you remember Ed McMahon?
Publisher's Clearing House

My Two Boys

Harley & Grover. Larry gave Grover to me for my birthday tomorrow. Sent via mobile. Will try to blog tonight. Larry is still on vacation. We are going out for the day. Yay!

The Beach

We are at the Jersey shore today. Sorry the picture is so grainy. Sent via mobile blogger.

Somewhat Of An Update

Hey Everyone! Just coming in to say hello & to thank everyone who commented on Larry & my picture a great thank you for your kind words.

I also wanted to update you. Remember my asking to keep your fingers crossed for me with the prospective job I was up for. Well, you can uncross them. It didn't work out. Well, actually it isn't a flat no, it is still a maybe. See, the gentleman who owns the place I have known a long time. Back for at least 12yrs or so. He had said to me if I ever needed a job to come and talk to him. Well, I remembered that. I knew him through the industry and each time I saw him, he would ask if I had a job or wanted one. He loved the fact that I had 19yrs in the industry as well as being on the same reservation system and having a management background. Well, this past January, he laid off 13 people (large company). He started to get busy again these past two months. I went in to see him last month and he said it was "perfect timing" because he may need to hire another agent and my boss was closing the office. To make an incredibly long story short, I was supposed to be lead agent on a pharmaceutical contract. They still have not signed with him. They may sign in July or August which I am the only person on his list as a possible new hire for. Last week, his office called me for my salary requirements because they were getting so busy for regular corporate agent work. They need someone before the other company signs. So, I gave him my desired number. That same week, one of the 13 people he laid off called him (on his after hours number no less) desperate for her job back. She makes about 6K less than I do and has 1/2 the experience I have. Plus she was willing to take a pay cut to get her job back because she cannot find a new one. So, he is probably going with her probably out of loyalty and the fact that she makes a lot less than me & is willing to do a pay cut on top of that. Oh well. He is keeping me in mind for that lead agent job as soon as the company signs with him. So we shall see.

I am going to go to the unemployment office to speak with a counselor. I heard that they will pay for training and schooling as long as it is an Dept of Labor approved class. I think I might try and do a career makeover. I would really love to get into the medical field and do a total 360 career wise. I have a great need to help people and would love to get into assisting or to be a technician of some sort. I would even try my hand at medical building or coding. I swear I would love to go to work in scrubs too so I wouldn't have to worry about my wardrobe. LOL! (Note to self: I wonder if they have Elvis scrubs)

The good news is after tonight, Larry will be on vacation for 2 weeks so I will get to see a lot more of him. Bad news is, I got my first unemployment check and it was pitiful. All these years we pay into this and we get only 60% of our old salary. This is a big adjustment.

Until next time my friends, I hope you are all doing great & are enjoying your week. By the way, new number for my weekly self weigh-in >>> 57 pounds buh-bye!

Us

We are out to dinner with Colleen again. This time she took a pic of me & Larry. Sent via mobile blogger.

Saturday 9 Plus More

SATURDAY NINE IS BELOW MY POST....
I hope everyone enjoyed their week. I don't want to say anything yet for fear of jinxing myself...but I may have good news on the job seeking front. I got a third call back today from the accounting person at a corporate travel agency asking me for my salary requirements. So if you all could please keep your fingers crossed for me, I would appreciate it. I won't know until next week, but hopefully this is a good sign. My prayers would be answered!!!

The other day Larry and I met Colleen at Bobby Flay's restaurant - Bobby's Burger Palace. We didn't want to ask anyone to take a picture of the three of us because it was so packed and everyone looked like they couldn't be bothered. So, Larry took a picture of Coll & I instead. Please take note that the Harley Davidson t-shirt I'm wearing fit me three years ago! Oh and by the way, I did my weekly weight and now I'm at 56 pounds lost now. Yay!!! I promise in a future post I will let you know how I am doing it. .
Hopefully now with the compression stockings, I will be able to exercise more. The bandages and wraps were not cutting it. BUD!! You are right, score one for the Wrap Lady. Hopefully in a few weeks I will be able to order the second pair. Right now I wear compression stockings one day and then the Farrow Wraps the next. I have to wash the compression stockings each time I wear them. They take forever to dry. I have to hang them...I can't put them in the dryer.

I hope you all have a great weekend! Thanks again for keeping positive thoughts for my job situation. I hope I get good news sometime next week. It was funny because she was like, "He would like to know also when you can start?" I replied while laughing..."I could be there in 20 minutes". Hehehe.

1. What was your favorite active game as a child?
Red light-Green light-123, hopscotch, jumprope

2. What was your favorite board game as a child?
The Game of Life, Monopoly, Operation, Memory

3. Tell us about a friend you played these games with in your youth.
My sister Jenny & my best friend Colleen. I've told you lots about them.

4. What is your favorite card game?
Milles Bourne, Uno, Blackjack, or Gin Rummy

5. What board games do you enjoy now?
I still enjoy The Game of Life and Monopoly

6. Do you play video games? Which ones?
No, they are too high tech for me. I used to play Atari 2600 when I was a kid. I could do some of the games on the 1st Nintendo (like Super Mario Brothers 1). Right now the games make me nervous how much the screen moves. I tried to play Grand Theft Auto with my nephew and I killed the main guy three times. I blew myself up with a grenade, I got hit by a car and then I went into a ditch.

7. Tell us about the friends you play games with now.
Sometimes we play board games with our friends at their annual "Game Night". That would be with my hubby, Colleen, Scott, Monica & her husband Nat, and Carmela. Usually hosted at Monica & Nat's house.

8. Do you play any sports now?
Nope

9. What’s your favorite sport to watch?
Yankees Baseball

Harley & The Nun Sandals

Sending via mobile blogger. For some reason he loves my sandals. Now I can wear them because I got my compression stockings today!

Per Sue's Request

Inside of Bobby Flay's. We are @ dinner right now with my best friend Colleen. Will try to get someone to take a pic of all 3 of us.

Lunch @ Bobby Flay's

I'm at lunch at Bobby Flay's restaurant with Larry. Thank God they have lean turkey burgers over salad!

New Pic via Mobile Blogger

Bud asked for a new picture since my weight loss. Sorry its grainy sending via mobile blogger.

How Do I Get Sucked Into These Things?

I swear to God I must be a magnet. This is coming from a person who hardly watched ANY television. I watched Lost and a bunch of old sitcoms on DVD. I got sucked into two more shows.

"Jon & Kate Plus 8" - I think the first one is because of all the media hype. But since all the "publicity" the show is getting, I watched the first two shows of the new season. I have thought it through and believe me, I can't believe I am saying this, but I on Team Jon. Now I in no way support his alleged affair, but I do not think Kate is innocent in all of this as well. I just pray that the children are not affected by all this attention and I pray for some normalcy in their lives.



A second show that I started watching is "18 Kids and Counting". This show to me is everything Jon & Kate Plus 8 is not. First off, they have 10 more children. Secondly, the children are well-behaved. Thirdly, both Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar love each other. Lastly, they practice their faith. It is a refreshing show.

I have to give an honorable mention to the new Showtime show "Nurse Jackie" starring Edie Falco who played Carmela Soprano on "The Sopranos". She is a wonderful actress. I don't have Showtime, but last night Direct TV showed the premiere episode of the show for free. I have to say, I wish I had Showtime! It was really very good. It amazes me that this show is only a half hour long. I really feel like Edie has another hit on her hands.


In other news: Today, my sister Jenny and I spent the day together. We went down to see my friend Joyce (the lady who worked across the hall from me). We all had a nice lunch together where I had the most amazing chopped salad to date.
.

Speaking of salads - alot of you asked how I lost the 52 pounds. I intend to do a whole future post on my "lifestyle change". I still have a ways to go, but let me tell you - I feel a world better. I feel like I'm living my life now and not watching it pass me by.

Until next time my friends....

Sunday Stealing: The Hate Meme

1. Most hated food: Liver

2. Most hated person: OJ Simpson

3. Most hated job: People who have to clean up elephant poop. I don't know?????

4. Most hated city: N/A

5. Most hated band: N/A

6. Most hated (non-blog) website: I don't know??

7. Most hated TV program: The Hills

8. Most hated politician: GEORGE W. BUSH followed closely by NJ GOV JON CORZINE

9. Most hated artist: N/A

10. Most hated book: ANY BIOGRAPHY of said politicians

11. Most hated shop or store: Any fur store

12. Most hated organization: ???

13. Most hated historical event: Any event where people died. These are weird questions.

14. Most hated sport: I don't know..Pole vaulting..I'm always afraid that their pole will snap.

15. Most hated technology: BLUETOOTH - because people wear them all the time!

16. Most hated annual event: My gynocological exam. I know..T.M.I..but I couldn't think of anything else.

17. Most hated daily task: Doing the dishes

18. Most hated comedian: Buddy Hackett. My Mom (RIP) served him once as a banquet waitress and he was very mean to her, so I don't like him for personal reasons.

19. Most hated blog: Perez Hilton

20. Most hated song: "Tainted Love"

Saturday 9: It's My Party

1. Do you prefer to host or be a guest at a party?
I prefer to be a guest at a party mainly because I don't really like to cook. Plus, I could never judge how much to make, buy, etc. So, I will gladly bring a dish to a cook-out, BBQ or party.

2. Would you rather go to a large party or a small dinner party?
I would rather go to a small dinner party. I work better with smaller crowds.

3. What is your worst flaw?
My problem with procrastination

4. What is you best character trait?
My being genuine - what you see is what you get when you buy Coronet

5. What habit in others annoys you?
What annoys me is when people constantly talk about themselves and not care about what is going on in your life. I call them "the all about me" people.

6. What qualities in others do you admire?
Honesty, loyalty, and I love a good sense of humor.

7. If you could change something about yourself, what would it be?
Well I would love for me not to have lymphedema. I also trust too easily.

8. Do you tend to be shy with strangers?
I'm actually a people person. I can talk to anyone...especially on lines. LOL

9. Do you prefer to lead or follow in a group of people?
Somehow I usually end up being the leader...maybe it is because I'm loud.

Remember Me?

Hi Everybody!!! I bet you are all thinking...did her blogroll finally update? Yes, it sure has. I am back! Boy, do I have SO much to fill you guys in on. I first want to thank you for keeping me on your blogrolls and being so very patient with me. I was going through a "I'm not blog-worthy" stage. I'm going to try to get back into the blogosphere. Please continue to be patient with me. I've been asking Sue for updates since I fell into the blog ditch.

Well lets see. Where shall I begin?

• I am officially unemployed. As of June 1st, I have been added to the ranks of the NJ 9.4% unemployment rate. My boss closed the agency that I worked at. As many of you know, I had a 40+ mile commute each way. He moved to the main office which is over 80+ miles each way from my house. With my legs having lymphedema in them, there was no feasible way for me to make the move with him. I just applied for unemployment, and I call for my first set of "benefits" on June 15th. I'm not enjoying this not getting paid thing. It is a long time to wait for a check because I was used to being paid weekly. Plus, the amount is SO much less than what I was making when I was working. If you all can say a little prayer for me that my finances won't go to pot and that I will be able to find an equal or better paying job that is closer to my house, it would be greatly appreciated.
• The "Wrap Lady" finally came through for me. I have FINALLY gotten all of my garments. I just got measured last week for compression stockings so I can have a little normalcy. I will be able to wear them during the day and wear my night garments (the things that look like huge oven mits) at night. They should come in sometime next week! Yay!! I'll tell you those Farrow Wraps that I got are very easy to work with for daytime use, but they are hot as hell. Last week when it reached 80 degrees I thought I was going to implode.
• I am officially done with my physical therapy for my lymphedema!!! I went three months straight. It was a long and tedious process, but my legs are so much better for it. I have my lymphedema under control. All I have to do is follow everything my therapist taught me and keep up with my wrapping and I should be good to go. I still have to be very careful not to get any infections/cuts on my legs or feet. I have to try never to get cellulitis again!
• My husband's hours are still awful. But at least now I get to see him. He works the graveyard shift. I was only getting to see him 2 and a half hours a night. Now I get to see him when he wakes up until he goes to work which is about 6hrs or so.
• I have been trying to be good and started a "lifestyle change" (diets don't work..lol) and I have lost 52 pounds!!!! I still got a ways to go, but let me tell you, I feel a world better. It also has helped my lymphedema. Unfortunately even if I got to my goal weight, I will still have the lymphedema.

That pretty much sums up my life in a few bullet notes. I hope I didn't drop everything on you all at once! I really hope you all have been well. Thank you SO much for being patient with me! I truly adore all of you! I will get to reading and commenting. I have to do a little at a time because I have ALOT of catching up to do!!!