ELVIS Is In The Building

Larry & I are at the Jersey Shore. My Elvis is stuck in one of the machines in the arcade at the Boardwalk. This machine is LOVE! LOL! I'll post more tonight. Have a great Memorial Day! Sent via Mobile Blogger.

Exam Time! One Week Hiatus

Hi Everyone, I just wanted to let you know that I will be taking a blog hiatus this week due to my exam schedule and studying. I tried to get alot done today so I can enjoy the last episode of LOST tonight. It is on from 7pm to 11:30pm!

I will have 3 exams this week! Please keep positive thoughts for me as these are my final exams and determine my eligibility to become registered.

Also, I have a great interview scheduled for Memorial Day week. Hopefully things are looking up for me.

Until next time my friends, I wish you all well and I'll let you know what happens.

Saturday 9: Upside Down

1. When was the last time that you felt your world got turned upside down?
When I got laid off of my job last summer.

2. Should the United States do more to help its own citizens before helping people in other countries?
In my opinion, yes. I say, spread the wealth, but take care of your own first.

3. What was something you memorized for school and still can recall?
"Knowledge is power and ignorance is bliss"..Only because I had to write it 1000 times. The whole class had to do it as a punish assignment.

4. With what types of people do you tend to associate?
People who are friendly with great senses of humor.

5. Besides blogging what is the last creative thing that you've done?
Made up a poetry book for one of my hospice patients.

6. In nature, what outdoor activities do you enjoy the most?
Walking

7. When was the last time that you had a great belly laugh?
Today at hospice. The bereavement counselor told us a story that happened to him when he went to a conference. It was hysterical. It had nothing to do with hospice. It was something that happened at the hotel he was staying at.

8. What kind of fashion-sense attracts you?
I'm not into fashion. I'm a jeans and t-shirt kinda gal. I say whatever makes you comfortable as long as it isn't dirty or sloppy looking.

9. What traits in others turn you off?
Lying, racism, greed, hate, and jealousy.

Wednesday Wickedness: Aretha

Tomorrow Larry and I are heading out to Amish Country. We are getting up at 4am! I am going to be driving like a zombie. I'll probably be so tired by the time we get there that I'll be driving the same speed as the horse and buggies.

1. "Trying to grow up is hurting, you know. You make mistakes. You try to learn from them, and when you don't, it hurts even more.” Do you think you always learn from your mistakes?
I don't think that people always learn from their mistakes. Sometimes you keep repeating the same mistake and echo the words..."Why don't I ever learn?"

2. “I might be just twenty-six, but I'm an old woman in disguise... twenty-six goin'on sixty-five.” Have you ever felt that you were either older or younger, for your age at that time?
As many of you know, I lost my Mom when I was 18. I feel that it made me grow up very fast. So, yes, I have felt like I was older for my age at the time. I feel like I am my current age now. Not older or younger. I caught up with myself. LOL

3. “I think the hardest thing is losing weight. That's the hardest thing more than anything else.” Have you had trouble losing weight?
Luckily no! I have been very fortunate to lose 170 pounds in the past 13 months. One day I just had enough and I started my "lifestyle change" and I haven't looked back.

4. "Being a singer is a natural gift." Do you have any natural gifts?
I don't think I have that many natural gifts. I do like people and am a people person if that is a gift.

5. "I always felt rock and roll was very, very wholesome music." What the most "wholesome" rock artist that you like?
I don't think I like any "wholesome" rock artists. Everyone has been a bad boy at one point in their lives.

6. "I sing to the realists; people who accept it like it is." Are you a realist?
I'm more of a dreamer.

7. "No one loves a party more than I. I am a people person." Do you like to party or are you more of a homebody?
I think I'm somewhere in the middle.

8. "I'm gonna make a gospel record and tell Jesus I cannot bear these burdens alone." Do you feel the need to share your burdens?
I only tell my close family and friends what is inside my heart.

9. "I'm the lady next door when I'm not on stage." Do you know the lady next door? (yes, you can pick either side.)
The lady that lives on our left, I know her just enough to ring her bell if I signed for a FedEx or UPS package for her. She isn't very talkative. The apartment on our right is empty. As a matter of fact, two brothers occupied it before it was empty. They were bizarre.

10. "I never felt inferior or less than. I was blessed to grow up in a environment where self-worth was underscored." Do you ever feel inferior?
Yes. I always doubt myself. It's something I have to work on.

Look What He Did!

Larry just surprised me by sending me this while I was texting the last message to the blog. He can be romantic sometimes. Too cute! Sent via mobile blogger

Guess Where We Are?

We went down the shore for the day since Larry is on vacation & I have a few days off school. It is overcast and just 70 but beautiful all the same. So peaceful! Sent via mobile blogger.

Sunday Stealing: The Speed Dating Meme Part 2

Posting then I'm heading out for the afternoon. I'll be back tonight to read blogs and comment. It's a beautiful day in NJ!!!

26. Have you ever been stung by a bee?
Yes, when I was 11 years old. We were at the town pool and I was walking on the grass to get to the pool. I stepped on a bee. It hurt like hell.

27. What's the sickest you've ever been?

It's a toss-up between when I was in the hospital for pneumonia back in 2002 or when I was in the hospital last January 2009 for cellulitus/lymphedema.

28. What's your favorite form of exercise?
Walking

29. What's your favorite Cyndi Lauper song?

It's a tie between "Time After Time" and "All Through The Night"

30. What did you do for your 13th birthday?

Judd, my memory isn't that good. ;) I'm sure I had a family party of some sort.

31. Are you afraid of heights?

Not unless I look down.

32. Have you ever taken dance lessons?

No

33. What's your favorite newspaper?

The Bergen Record. (Larry is throwing in an answer here...the one that line's his mother's conure parrots's birdcage)

34. What's your favorite Broadway / West End musical?

I haven't been to a Broadway musical...but I do like the soundtrack to Phantom of the Opera.

35. What's the most memorable class you've ever taken?
Probably English IV in high school.

36. What's your favorite knock-knock joke?
I'm don't want to put a rain on this parade but I don't have a favorite one because I don't like knock knock jokes.

37. What's your least favorite commercial?
Viva Viagra. Elvis must be rolling in his grave.

38. If you could go to Disney World with any celebrity alive today, who would it be?
JOSH HOLLOWAY

39. Do you prefer baths or showers?
Showers and thanks for asking!

40. What's your favourite newspaper comic strip?
Peanuts

41. What's your favorite breakfast food?
Special K cereal and skim milk -- with coffee :)

42. Who's your favarite game show host?
MeatLoaf. He hosted a rock and roll themed game show on the DirecTV channel

43. If you could have a super power, what would it be?
Fly

44. Do you like guacamole?
Blech!

45. Have you ever been in a food fight?
No

46. Name five songs to which you know all the lyrics.
"The Wonder Of You", "Scenes From an Italian Restaurant", "Watching The Wheels", "Black" and "Ice Ice Baby" (LOL) -- I know the lyrics to ALOT of songs. These were the first to pop into my head.

47. What's your favorite infomercial?
Any one with Richard Simmons because he cracks me up!

48. What's the longest you've ever waited in line?
To meet Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson for about 8hrs. But it was worth it. Oya!!

49. What's on the cover of your address book or day planner?
I know this will shock you, but it's of a cat. LOL

50. Have you ever taken a picture in one of those little booths?
Yes

Saturday 9: Lies

1. When was the last time you lied and why?
Last night. Larry and I went to a book signing for Jay Mohr. He didn't show up and canceled "due to an illness". We found out he was supposed to appear at The Stress Factory in East Brunswick NJ. I wanted to see if he was telling the truth about his "illness". I called the Stress Factory and LIED and said I had tickets and that I wanted to make sure his show was still on because he canceled an appearance 5hrs prior to his performance. They said, "Oh yes, it's still on, we've been in contact with him today". Oh yeah, and on his Facebook page he thanked everyone who came out to see him at The Stress Factory. Funny how he failed to apologize to the people who showed up to his book signing that he let down. Bastard.

2. If you could move anywhere and take someone with you, where would you go and who would you take?
I would move to Amish Country with Larry and Harley.

3. What was the last thought before falling asleep last night?
That I can't believe I did my last blood draw that day and my last urinalysis. This time last year I could assure you that I would not have thought about blood nor pee before bed. Funny what a difference a year makes.

4. What’s your favorite style of underwear for the opposite sex?
I'm OK with briefs "tighty whities". Only reason why is because I don't understand the benefit of boxer shorts and men letting the little fellas hang loose. What is the point? That's like women going bra-less.

5. If you didn't have to work, would you? If you work from home, are there days you’d rather be in the workplace?
I would like to work. Period.

6. What is a secret that you wouldn't mind everyone knowing?
That I'm really nervous about finding a job once school ends.

7. What’s a favorite movie that you wouldn't want anyone to find out about?
"Ace Ventura: Pet Detective."

8. What’s you favorite all time medical and why?
Medical what?? Medical Assistant? That would be ME! LOL

9. What’s the worst relationship mistake that you wish you could take back?
I don't wish I could take anything back because I would have never met Larry if I did things differently.

Wednesday Wickedness: John Lennon

1. “Since light travels faster than sound, people appear bright until you hear them speak.” Who was the last celebrity that you thought was bright until you saw them interviewed?
I'm going to have to go along with my friend Bud over at WTIT with....


2. “Time you enjoy wasting, was not wasted.” Do you get upset and do you think you're being lazy when you do nothing?
It really depends. I don't like to waste time because it is precious. We are only here for a short time. Plus we are only given 24hrs in a day.

3. “If someone thinks that love and peace is a cliché that must have been left behind in the Sixties, that's his problem. Love and peace are eternal.” Do you think that the U.S. and our wars seem to just ignore our history?
Is it me? I don't understand this question. But don't go by me. It's been a long day.

4. "I'm not going to change the way I look or the way I feel to conform to anything. I've always been a freak. So I've been a freak all my life and I have to live with that, you know. I'm one of those people." Do you feel you conform just to fit in?
Nope. I feel like I'm very unique. I don't change my thoughts or beliefs or change for anyone.

5. "Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans." Do you feel that you at times do not enjoy the moment because you are worried about what comes next?
I always worry about what happens next. I'm the diagram next to the description of Murphy's Law in Merriam Websters Unabridged Dictionary.

6. "The more real you get, the more unreal everything else is." Does it seem that when you learn more about yourself, that others' opinions of you are more likely to seem stupid?
I honestly don't ask people for their opinions about me.

7. "A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." Do you feel that when you share beliefs with someone, there is more likelihood in accomplish a goal?
Ok, here I go getting cynical, but I learned to try not to put high expectations in people.

8. "God is a concept by which we measure our pain." How religious or spiritual are you? Or how cynical are you? (Pick your question.)
I think I am a religious person. I am a cradle Catholic. However, I haven't been as devout as I used to be. I used to go to church every week...now, I haven't been in months. But I believe in God and I'm quite fond of His Son. :)

9. "Before Elvis there was nothing." Do you think as rock 'n roll history is concerned, that Elvis had that big an impact?

He had a big enough impact for me to put him on my body. Below is a photo of the tattoo I have of him. Plus, this blog is named after one of his songs. He by far to me is the best entertainer who ever lived. I've loved him since I was 4yrs old. Now putting aside my bias..(LOL)..Yes, I believe he had a huge impact on rock n roll history. John Lennon was a smart man. "Before Elvis there was nothing"

10. "Our society is run by insane people for insane objectives. I think we're being run by maniacs for maniacal ends and I think I'm liable to be put away as insane for expressing that." Do you feel after what has happened on Wall Street and our financial institutions, that his quote is more relevant today?
Insane is a strong word. LOL

Monday Mayhem - It's All About Mom

Gotta love scheduled posts!!! ~

1. How old is your Mom? If she has passed away, how old would she be?
My Mom if she were alive today would be 75.

2. What is/was your Moms worst habit?
Smoking that help cause her lung cancer. She started smoking after I was born. She was 38yrs old. She died when she was 56. For years prior to my birth, she was a banquet waitress and she inhaled alot of 2nd hand smoke. So the combination caused her cancer.

3. What famous person does/did your Mom resemble (a picture of that famous person would be nice)?
She really didn't resemble anybody famous. So, I will just post a picture of what she looked like. This was taken my senior year in high school. She drove the bus for my school up until she was diagnosed in April of 1990. She passed on May 20, 1991. This time of year is tough for me.


4. What would be one meal that you would love for your Mom to cook for you right now?
Well since we are Italian, we call tomato sauce "Gravy". I would love if she could cook me macaroni and gravy with her meatballs.

5. Was your Mom a Stay at Home Mom or did she have to go to a work/job (and yes, Mayhem understands and knows that being a Stay at Home Mom is work/job) when you were growing up?
My Mom worked two jobs most of her life. When I was born she worked as a banquet waitress. Then later on she worked at a high school cafeteria. For the last few years of her life she worked long hours doing both the cafeteria work and driving a school bus.

6. If you could change one thing about your Mom what would it be?
The fact that she is no longer here with me. I wish I could bring her back.

7. Did you ever make your mom cry? if so, explain.
I'm sure I have. I can't remember. I try to only think of the good things.

8. Have you ever told a lie to your Mom to protect yourself or someone else? If yes, have you come clean and told your Mom the truth?
YES! One time I told her I was taking the car and going over my friend Jennifer's house. But I did a very bad thing. I took the car (along with Jennifer) into New York City. I was a new driver. I white knuckled it the whole time. I did not come clean with her. So glad nothing happened.

9. What is the one thing that you most admire about your Mom?
Her strength.

10. In 10 words or less, describe your Mom.
Love, strength, courage, genuine, selfless, beautiful, generous, honest, brave, family-oriented

French Twins Identity Exposed

Ok, well not really. But I made you look! ~~ Saturday was an absolutely wonderful day. We had a bloggy friend meet-up in Meriden, Connecticut. Sue and I had the absolute priviledge of finally meeting BUD! We had SO much fun, I can't even tell you. I was SO happy to get to see Sue again. She is such a blessing to me! Meeting Bud was fabulous. The man and friend behind the blog. We also got the honor to meet his girlfriend Kathy. She is a sweetheart!!! They are SO cute together. Below are some pictures!!

Bud with the "real" French Twins. Yes ladies and gentleman, Bud was in..er..on our laps.

Bud, The Stud, Weiser ~ Check out his face! Proof that he had a threesome, kiss that is. Me with my beautiful friend Sue!! ♥ I love this picture!
Me with Bud! One of the sweetest and funniest guys I can call friend. ♥ He is like the brother I always wanted. I love this picture!! One more thing I have to add, and I told Bud this. These pictures don't do his eyes justice. Bud had the most beautiful ice-blue eyes. Holy Moly.
Bud and Sue
Me and my hubby Larry
Bud with his sweet and beautiful girlfriend Kathy. Guys let me tell you, they are so flippin cute together that you just want to put them on a shelf. Like they are so sweet that you can get an instant cavity. I'm SO happy he is happy! (Please note that the French Twins and his neighbor's wife have stepped aside! ;) ~ )
Sue with her sister Dianne, better known as MSMF
Another shot of Kathy & Bud. Too cute for words.
Friends Forever ♥ ~ You both know how much I adore you.
I finally got the opportunity to buy Bud a drink, or two. LOL
The infamous Smirnoff.
It is so nice to have a day like this. We all had such a good time. And we laughed. And laughed. I feel very blessed to have met these wonderful people through this blog. They have become like family to me.

Sunday Stealing: Speed Dating Meme

1. What's your favorite Dr. Seuss book?


2. If you could live in any home on a television series, what would it be?
How about a tent on LOST island with Josh "Sawyer" Holloway? Hmm? If I had to pick one, I would probably say... Family Ties. I really liked their house. I also liked the Golden Girls house. Even something simple like I Love Lucy.

3. What's the longest you've gone without sleep?
January 2009 ~ Combination cellulitis/lymphedema ~ I was in the hospital for 11 days. I didn't sleep for the first 4. Not pretty. At all.

4. What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?
"Mandy" followed by "Weekend In New England"

5. Who's your favorite Muppet?

Just in case you were wondering who is my favorite Sesame Street character, allow me to tell you...


6. What's the habit you're proudest of breaking?
Eating bad.

7. What's your favorite website?


8. What's your favorite school supply?

9. Who's your favorite TV attorney?
Chris Noth...whether he is the attorney on Law and Order or Mr Big...I like him. Umm, alot.

10. What was your most recent trip of more than 50 miles?
Meriden, Connecticut to visit my friends Sue & Bud.

11. What's the best bargain you've ever found at a garage sale or junk shop?
I've never shopped at either.

12. Where were you on September 11, 2001?
I was at work, at the travel agency I used to manage before they closed up shop. It was a horrible, tragic day. So incredibly sad. The office was total mayhem. As you can imagine it would be since we were in New Jersey and some of the flights originated out of Newark.

13. What's your favorite tree?


14. What's the most interesting biography you've read?
My patron saint ~ St Therese of Liseux..better known as The Little Flower. Her book was called "The Story Of A Soul"


15. What do you order when you eat Chinese food?
Steamed shrimp with steamed broccoli and mushrooms with brown rice.

16. What's the best costume you've ever worn?
I wish I could find a picture of me in this costume. I dressed as Cyndi Lauper when I was 13. I sprayed my hair pink. I wore the funniest outfit with hip belt, rubber bracelets and huge earrings. Good times.

17. What's your least favorite word?
Bills

18. If you had to be named after one of the 50 states, which would it be?
Jersey Girl!!

19. Who's your favorite bear?


20. Describe something that's happened to you for which you have no explanation.
I can't think of anything right now, I'm over-tired. LOL

21. If you could travel anywhere in Africa, where would it be?
Somewhere that I can go on a cool safari.

22. What did you have for lunch yesterday?
Grilled chicken wrap

23. Where do you go for advice?
Usually my sister first, then my friends.

24. Which do you use more often, the dictionary or the thesaurus?
Honestly, I don't use either much. If I had to pick one ~ dictionary.

25. Have you ever been snorkeling? Scuba diving?
No and No

Saturday 9: Hey Jealousy

1. When was the last time that you got jealous?
When I heard that Josh Holloway was married Actually I don't really get jealoused. There really isn't a point to it because whatever one can be jealous of may not be as good as they think.

2. At what point do you finally decide it's time to move forward with your life (like, major changes)? When you get laid off of your job, it is time to move forward. How do you know? Unemployment wages are ummm alot less than regular pay. What do you do? Apply for a grant from workforce development at unemployment and learn a new trade and go back to school.

3. When is it time to just let it ('it' can be whatever you choose) go? When you waste so much energy and know it is not worth it. How do you know? You just know. What do you do? Do what you think is right...or maybe the complete opposite.

4. How many times must someone push your buttons before you've just had enough? My buttons don't need to be pushed that many times. Why? Just because Sam. LOL

5. If I S/O were to cheat on you, could you ever see yourself giving them a second chance? Maybe, depends on the situation. Or a third? If you give them a third chance, you might as well lay down on the ground so they can walk all over you easier.

6. What was the last thing that someone did that you were very grateful for?
Our friend Sue (Coffee Slut) treated us all to lunch at Ruby Tuesday. I was very grateful and touched ♥ .

7. How much time do you spend online in a given weekday? An hour or two What about the weekends? Depends on the amount of time I'm at home. A couple hours each day.

8. How many online journals/blogs do you read regularly? Hmm? I'm not sure 25 or 30? What are some of your favorites and why? I love all the blogs I read. But if I have to put whose I like best, I will have to say Sue & Bud because we've been blogging together for years and I know them personally.

9. What was the last major purchase that you made?
I haven't made any major purchase since my boss closed the office last summer. Unemployment wages...blech!

This Bud's For You

That is right ladies and gentlemen. Sue and I are going to have the absolute pleasure of FINALLY meeting our friend Bud on Saturday. We are SO excited to meet him and his girlfriend. He has become such a wonderful friend over the past few years. Before you ask, The French Twins are sadly not able to attend. ;) -- Yay, Bud's chair will finally be full.

This blog has brought alot of people into my life. One I am so blessed to know is my friend Sue over at Coffee Slut. I am so looking forward to seeing you again my friend. You are a blessing in my life. I am so looking forward to seeing Dianne again too. She is Sue's sister, also known as MSMF.

Hopefully Kristen over at Scrappin My Bliss will be able to join us too. She's had a horrific week at work and may indeed have to go in. Just in case Kristen, we are definitely doing this again in September or October just in case.

I will be sure to take plenty of pictures. This is going to be SO much fun!!!

Thursday Thunks: Bills and Hats

1. Have you ever performed the Heimlich Maneuver on someone or had it performed on you?
Well sort of. At CPR certification, we mocked performed the Heimlich on each other.

2. Do you have a red room in your home? (Either painted red or red curtains etc.)
No

3. Have you ever felt like banging your head against the wall?
Not recently. You never know what can happen today though.

4. Reports came out this week that Michael Jackson was gay. Are you shocked, don't believe it, don't care or felt he was all along?
I honestly don't care.

5. What's the dumbest thing you have done after a breakup with a S/O?
Did a drive-by to see if he was home. I know it sounds immature, but I was young.

6. If Berleen and Bud are standing on the roof of a one story building and decide to throw water balloons at Kimber walking down below on the sidewalk, what color balloon hits her first?
The one that is the color of Wednesday's eyes.

7. What are the wildest, craziest pajamas you own?
I don't wear actual pajamas. I wear shorts and t-shirts. I know it is just so sexy.

8. Have you ever ridden in a sidecar on a motorcycle?
Nope

9. Do/did you go party on Cinco De Mayo, and if so what color was the bartender's shirt?
No, but we went to Qdoba Mexican Grill and I didn't pay attention to the server's shirt. I'll try to do better next time.

10. Why does a hat have a bill?
Ok, maybe it's because I haven't had my coffee yet. But, WHAT? I really don't know how to respond to this question. So instead I found evidence that a bill has a hat. And, the correct one at that.


11. If you were a WWE professional wrestler, what would your stage name be?
Holy Moly

12. How many keys do you have on your keyring?
I can't think now, it's too early.

13. What is the oldest picture you currently have in your home? What year was it taken and who/what is the photo of?
I have pictures of my Mom when she was born. That was in 1934.