Surviving NJ

My hair is typically blonde/light brown. Once and awhile I like to experiment, and for some reason, I had it in my head that maybe I should try red. After all, the red would make my blue eyes stand out. Yeah....Ummm, not good. I even played online with colors after uploading my picture, and found one I liked. In real life, not so good.

This is me taken in September....my regular self....now let's see what I did to myself! 

This is what happened first:

uh oh...orange...so then I did this to darken it...

ah man...this is intense. It was like a bright strawberry wine and FREAKED ME OUT!

You can see by the top picture, the Color Oops stuff I got? Okay, well, it worked fabulous...20 minutes later, this is me!

I think a colon cleanse would have been easier to deal with than seeing my hair THAT red! Man, did I smile when I saw the outcome! I was SO RELIEVED! I'll be passing by the red haircolor from now on!  That happy light ash brown with blonde highlights is working JUST fine for me. I'm done experimenting for awhile!

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 09:58 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy | Comments (3)

I just want to put this information out there. I moderate ALL my comments.

That means if you leave a comment, I'll be sent an email, I'll read it and approve it. If it's SPAM, it's NOT going through....you've wasted your time and mine, that's it, but no link love for you my spamming friend.

This DO Follow list has hit me again. From the time I went to bed last night around midnight until this morning, I've gotten 100 comments. 1 is legit, 99 are spam. 

People think if they go back to old posts, it goes unnoticed, but my little spamming friend, when you try to put about 30 comments on 1 post, and 70 on posts that are more than 6 months old, obvious?

I love my little delete key...because your work last night or this morning...GONE.

I moderate ALL my comments.  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 09:37 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Do you remember when LBI was blue collar homes? Little Cape Cods and simple two story duplexes? Hmmm, something's different...I wonder what it could be?

Now they knock the older homes down to build these. This is why I won't be able to retire down the shore. It's too much money. This is what dots the island now. House, after house, after house...and I ask my husband..."What are people doing to be able to afford this as a VACATION home?"

Anyway, I love that it's staying nice, and it's not run down...but here's one piece of that. This is what the typical beach house looks like today in Long Beach Island. Right now it's about 50/50 of the older homes, and these newer homes. 

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On Saturday they were open, on Sunday they were closed with a sign that said Last Week, Thx. A lot of places were closing up for the season, and will reopen once again come spring. This little ice cream place in Peahala Park, which is in the middle of LBI holds fond memories for me.

I grew up taking family vacations in Beach Haven, right down the road from the Acme. It was 95th Street, and Skipper Dipper sits on 94th or 93rd. I can't rememeber exactly how many streets over it was. I can remember when it opened though.

I've been going to LBI and learned to walk down there. That puts me visiting this great island for 40 years now! I was a kid, and across the street from there, next to the movie theater, there was a little miniature golf place, where the water tower stands now. I know, because we used to walk down and play golf and maybe see a movie at night. Then a magical thing happened one year, and the ice cream place opened. We had another fun place to walk to at night. I'm sure the pharmacist was happy to know that. Where the Acme stands, there used to be a little drugstore attached to it, and phone booths at the section of concrete between the two. Do you remember the pharmacy? We used to walk down and get comic books and candy bars as children. We walked down to that pharmacy every day, if not more than that. The little post office closed too, but the hotel across from the Acme is still there. It has new owners, and they took the pool out, but mostly things stay similar.

Every time I pass the Skipper Dipper, it brings me back to my childhood. It reminds me of a time when kids could walk and get an ice cream cone without parents panicking their kids were outside for a few minutes without being watched like a hawk. It reminds me of a different feeling of safe, and it reminds me of many summer nights growing up and visiting Long Beach Island. I'm glad it's still there.  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 10:40 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

I've been traveling a lot these last two years, but one thing I haven't done yet is gone overseas.  My grandmother went to England to see some of the castles years ago, and brought back pictures and stories of the massive and old magnificent buildings.

I saw this one picture of a castle, and it reminded me of a regal place. I wasn't sure what it was until I did a little research on the topic. It turns out it was the Heidelberg Castle which is in Germany. It stands atop of this this hill, and the ruins were amazing to look at. I can't even imagine how incredible it must have been in it's period. The more I looked into Germany, the more I saw some really neat architecture, and the thing is, I'm not really into achitecture, but some of it is truly breathtaking. There was this one castle in the Alps, King Ludwig ll's castle that was incredible. I never though much about castles, living in United States. It just made me realize how much history exists that I'm just not familiar with. There are so many different regions of Germany to discover. You can find Hotels in Berlin here, or you can find places to stay in many other areas. What's cool is you get to decide between hotels, bed and breakfasts or castle stays!

Take Austria for example, I think of it as a country, but did you know they have 9 indendent states? I was totally unaware of that fact. I don't think of other countries having states. It makes me sad to realize how little I know about other countries. I need to brush up on my information. Seriously, did you know that Austria was settled in the Paleolithic Age? It just boggles my mind, that I went all my life thinking the world didn't really function so much before my grandparent's time. It's not that I didn't know, I just never really thought about it. The more I think about it, the more it astounds me. If you're looking for Hotels in Vienna, check here first.

I was over on a language page tonight, and I was reading about the different versions of German spoken. There is something called High German and Low German. It was pretty neat to compare the different versions, as they gave you examples of the differences in the language. Similar, but different was how I would describe it. In Germany, they speak Low German, where as in Austria they speak High German.  

Whether you're looking for Hotels in Vienna, Hotels in Berlin, Castles in Germany, theme hotels in Austria or campgrounds, you'll be able to find something that suits your style! 

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 10:30 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

We noticed a new hopping hot spot for dinner and lunch. It's called the Blue Water Cafe, and even off season, they were still seeing quite a few people.

We actually didn't eat here this year, but it's on my list to try next year. We have some favorite places we always like to frequent. It looks adorable though, and it has a nice outdoor seating area.

Have you tried out the Blue Water Cafe yet? Any thoughts on it? Cute, cute place... 

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 05:27 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

One of the places we visited this past wek had new palm trees placed around. I kept trying to figure out if they were real, or if they were silk trees. I've seen some realistic trees that weren't real before, and sometimes for me, a non-gardener, some of them come so close to the reality, that I never figure it out!

I think a few were real, and a few were fake trees. The real ones had brown tinge at the tips of the leaves, so I figured they were probably the real ones. The more I see the silk trees, the more I realize that even someone like me, horrible with plants can have a realistic looking tree in my home. I may have to think about adding some silk trees to our home to warm up a few spots!  

I just keep thinking, do palm trees surviving in New Jersey weather? I just don't know! 

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 05:19 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

I'm scrambling to play catch up. I go out tomorrow to see my mom and sister for lunch, then pick up my son tomorrow night. It seems like after a trip, you're always a step behind for a few days. I'm hoping if I stay up late tonight, I'll be all caught up on my little various things I need to accomplish.

My workout is my break today. I have to go to the studio shortly, and "pump iron". I giggle when I say that, because I'm so out of shape! I'm working on getting in better shape. I just say working out, or strength training, but I'll smile at my husband and say, "I'm pumping iron now," just to get a reaction out of him! LOL I like to see if he keeps a straight face.

I'm actually proud I'm sticking with things, and when my appointments run out in November, I'm going to rebook 8 more weeks. I need to. I need to get healthy once and for all, and I think I'm finally on the right path. 

I'd guess I'd better go for now, I have to head out in a few minutes. Wish me no embarrassment, enough energy to get those weights up enough times, and the ability to stay on the elliptical trainer in the beginning, longer than I was on last time. I need to increase it by a minute each time. It's what challenges me more than anything else. I have to conquer it! 

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 02:31 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

There was so much construction activity going on down the shore. It's like that in May and September. Right before the season, and right after the big season, people start doing upgrades, changes, painting homes, adding decks and the like. There were Ingersoll Rand air tools being used, pavers being laid, and loads of framing projects as they redecked homes and created massive homes on smaller lots. They just build them taller these days. People end up buying older homes for the lot, knocking them down and starting from scratch. The days of the blue collar homes are gone at LBI. My dreams of retiring there are now squooshed unless I hit the lottery. I just can't afford a cool million dollars for a beach home. Even the townhomes and condos are priced so high. 

It's okay, I can still visit! Let's hope the hotel rates stay reasonable! Some get higher than others at peak season, but you can usually still find a pretty decent deal if you look.  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 02:25 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

I have lots of pictures to share this week from our trip to the shore. It was an incredible trip that left us completely relaxed and ready for anything. We spent lots of time swimming, even more sitting on the beach, we walked almost daily, so I even got my exercise in that way. When all was said and done, I took in 6 solid hours of exercise on a 4 day trip, so my trainer should be pleased I stayed active along with getting my relaxing time in.

I decided to take pictures of little extra things, rather than the standard ocean/beach shots that are the standard fair. Stay tuned for some scenes of LBI this week!  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 10:11 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

This is a cool and interesting story. I'm not sure how I feel about it personally, with the possible outcome, but I heard about this and went uh-oh! Here's my car. I love my car. We go everywhere together. This year we went out to Illinois, and we went down to North Carolina. We drove down the shore many, many times. We also go back and forth an hour in each direction every time I pick up or drop off my son at his dad's. Same distance to visit my mom and sister.

I put A LOT of miles on my car. I treat it well, it treats me well, and we get along just fine.

Here's where it gets interesting...

IN a few states, they are testing a new way of taxing. Rather than paying for gasoline taxes, you would pay taxes based on the amount of miles you put on your car. Rut-roh!

It's a voluntary thing right now, and people won't actually be paying that tax. They'll still be paying a gas tax like we all do. They are going to put a little meter in their cars for two years, so that they can find out what the difference would be in what they pay yearly in gas taxes, versus what they would pay on miles logged on the road.

Is this how they're going to be fixing our roads?

They want to get a feel of how people accept this.

How do you feel about this?  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 10:05 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy | Comments (2)

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 09:44 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy | Comments (4)

If you're free November 16th, there's going to be a comedy night at Hunteron Hills Playhouse. The money goes to the YMCA to help their financial assistance program.

You can get mroe information by calling 908-236-7879 and asking for Nancy Tompkins. This is the 16th annual Comedy Night, which will be featuring three comedians.  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 09:32 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Madame Tussauds wax museum opens in Washington, DC on October 5th. There was space for 51 figures, and you know how they decided who they would place there- they took a survey. The popular vote won!

That's the thing, even a museum takes surveys sometimes. How do you know what people are thinking if you don't ask? If you'd like to learn about business, you take a market research survey. It's a basic concept, but one that still works. If you want to know, you have to be willing to ask.

Companies can gain valuable information by specifically asking particular questions. I've taken surveys where I was asked about values, thoughts about branding, ideas, and more. I've been stopped at the mall and taken surveys in person too. I've been part of research groups. What may seem like a few miutes of your time, can really help a company target their needs and identify their strengths and weaknesses.  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 09:28 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

The new Jesse James movie comes out this weekend. We'll probably go if it rains while we're at the shore. We usually try to have a movie in mind for a fall back plan. We like to not make other plans than that though. We'll take it as it comes, and do what we feel like as the days go on. I'm ready for 5 days of just me and my husband, no work, no computers, just time.

I don't know about you, but daily distractions eat up so much of our days. It would seem that when we're home, we're more willing to "just do that one mroe thing". No laptop, no alarm clocks, no plans, and hopefully no rain! It looks like the weather should be gorgeous. 

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 09:17 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 09:12 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Tiger Woods is opening a golf course. I guess it was bound to happen soon enough! It's his vision of a golf course, and it's going to be in North Carolina in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's such a gorgeous area. We drove through there in February.

 The Clifss in High Carolinas are offering homes too. They start at $300,000, custom homes start at $700,000 and go up into the millions. It's a little steep for me, but someone's going to enjoy it!

 Their website is at CliffsCommunties.com if you want to see more. I was paging through an addition to USA today scanning it, looks gorgeous!

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 09:04 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy | Comments (1)

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 08:57 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

I'm waiting on a delivery of books. I hope they get here soon, I want them when I go away for a few days! I ordered 5 new books this week, and I saw a pattern. Let me see if you pick up on my desire to read fun and laugh-out-loud books! Is my personality showing?

 Christopher Moore:

  Dirty Job

  Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal

Augusten Burroughs:

 Possible Side Effects

 Sellevision

 Nora Ephron:

 I Feel Bad About My Neck

 

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 10:20 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Have you used VistaPrint.com yet? I use them for my business cards, and promotional materials. I probably tried them by using their free business cards, and was impressed with the quality, speed of delivery and overall ease of use.

I've bought cards for my spa work, to promote my book, along with postcards from them. I've had nothing but great experiences with them each and every time. If you're looking for anything ranging from address labels to business cards, to notecards and checks, Vista Print is one company I can happily recommend. 

While you're over there, also sign up for their specials. I get occassional mail with great deals, and I've taken advantage of some of their awesome sales in the past. When I think printed materials, I always go to Vista Print first. I know they'll be able to meet my needs at a great price, and the cards, labels and other things I've gotten from them in the past have been top quality.  

One of the things I love is that you can custom make your own product. You can choose from their great image selection, or choose your own. One of those is from their image library, and two were uploaded so I could custom design my cards. I knew what I wanted, and it was so easy to make them look exactly how I visualized them.

When it comes to things like personal address labels, you have so many choices, and it's fun to choose your own design. Address labels are a great way for you to try out Vista Print. I've been nothing but happy with their service and products! 

You can see, I've got more than a few. I actually have more! I love this company. 

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 09:51 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

My husband is one of those guys that walked out of a 1960's television show. Think the niceness of Mr. C on Happy Days. Think Mr Brady or someone who was kind, everyone liked, and a very clean cut guy. The man has cursed about 4 times in the last 7 years. I could easily do that in a day! LOL

Anyway, the reason I'm telling you this is because of something funny I was reminded of  last night. My husband had a motorcycle. This of course was before I met him, because as soon as I got my license to ride a motorcycle, he deemed them dangerous, and didn't want me riding!

So we're talking, and I asked him what happened to his leather jacket he used to ride with. It's not just about "gear" to look a certain way, it's about safety! Thats' when he laughed and said, he used to wear his little old man blue jacket, and garden gloves.

Yes, my tough guy, all 6'2" of him, rode his bike with loud pipes, while wearing garden gloves. I about split my side laughing, but you know what....that's what makes him so special! He's just the sweetest guy. :)  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 11:30 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

I love small business, and I love that people can follow their passion and make money doing things they actually enjoy. Take my trainer for instance, she has her own business, and does something she loves everyday. The bonus is she gets paid for it.

I love to write, and working as a freelance writer, it's rewarding to do something I enjoy. 

My sister works in a family business, and also has two side business ventures. One of the things they bought was a vending business. It's been something they've enjoyed because it brings them extra income without a lot of time. They could expand it if they chose, but this is a side business for her and my brother-in-law. They love the flexibility it allows, and that they don't need employees!

If you've ever thought about getting into the vending business, you should check out the vendstar franchise page. The investment starts with as little as $300 dollars, and can go higher based on your wants and needs. It's a great way to try something new, with a small investment.

I've got to tell you, one of the best rewards of being your own boss, is you set your schedule, nobody else does. Aren't you ready to claim financial freedom?  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 11:24 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

We went to "Tiff's" last night in Clinton Township. We haven't been there yet, because each time we went by that way, it was mobbed. Things are getting to a more normal pace now, and we were curious to see the changes.

My first impression looking at the decor with stone and wood, was that they had done a great remodel. It looks great. It's comfortable and stylish. Love the new look. Two thumbs up!

The service was attentive, the smiles seemed a little big at times, more so than natural, but it's okay, I understand it's about service. I've put my time in waitressing and bartending in the past.

The food on the otherhand was fabulous. I expected to enjoy it, but I was impressed! I had a pasta dish, and my husband had a meat entree. Both of us left going, "Wow, that was great".

If you haven't stopped by Tiff's yet, it's well worth the visit. Prices are affordable, and the food was de-lish. We'll definitely be returning in the future.  

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Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 11:13 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

My poor Eagles last night, just didn't have the oomph to pull it out. They tend to start slow...most games, and most seasons. They always remind me of "The Comeback Team".

Last night, we were watching Monday Night Football, and my birds hung in until the very last moments, but they just couldn't get it done.

Give them time, they will soar again.

My husband, loyal Jets fan to a fault, is starting to faulter. *smiles* I tried to lure him to the way of the Eagles, but he's not buying it. I think he just likes to cheer on the underdog!  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 11:08 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

When it comes to investing and other things, my husband takes the wheel. He's generally interested in investments, and no matter how I wrap my head around it, I always end up confused. Take for instance the different strategies one uses when creating a portfolio. There's one called the iron condor where you mix and match different styles. It's like when my son asks me a math problem from school. I could probably figure it out if it was in front of me, but ask me to explain how I got my answer, and I'm in trouble!

Luckily, there's a place you can turn to where you can trade options like a pro. They even offer you a trial, a help section with great articles and information, as well as a great search option. In fact, their SmartSearchXL is so good, it's patented technology. With PowerOptions, not only will be be able to invest to grow your funds, but you'll learn to invest smarter.  

Here's the cool part about their free trial, all you need is an email address. They don't make you give them a credit card number. They want you to try them out, because they know you'll be impressed and like what you see! They even have tutorials, so you'll learn as you go. Stop by PowreOptions.com today and start your free trial.  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 11:02 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

I remember the first time I saw a blimp around here, and it was a pretty cool thing to see. It's not something you see everyday....unless you live in my area! Between Horizon and Met Life's Snoopy blimp, we see them every nice weekend! I went most of my life without seeing blimps, and now on a clear day....you can sometimes see TWO!  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 04:18 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

My son went to Hawaii about a year and a half ago, and since then he's been trying to get me to go. Yes, my 13 year old doesn't mind if I pay! LOL

Anyway, I have flying issues, which I didn't used to have, so we got to talking, and it was more about the experience. It was the palm trees, the clear water and the gorgeous scenery. I started looking at caribbean cruises and the resorts a little closer to the east coast.  In fact, when we went to Disney last year, I took him to the Caribbean Beach resort, and he loved it.

I don't think I'm getting on a plane to Hawaii anytime soon, but maybe I'll end up somewhere closer. I would love to have the Caribbean experience too. My husband isn't as interested in those areas, so it's somethig my son and I would do together. He's my travel buddy!  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 04:10 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

I thought I'd show you what I was enjoying today. I was out in the sun room looking at the beautiful and lush green trees. Isn't it odd how sometimes you can look right through something, and yet other times, you can really appreciate the beauty of it. These are the same trees that are there all the time, but today, their beauty just captured me. Maybe it was the soft breeze, or maybe it was how the sun played between the leaves...either way, I found it fabulous.  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 03:59 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy | Comments (2)

I'm happy to report my eye is back to normal. The skin is the tiniest bit irritated around it, but that's a cakewalk! It's not like I'm going to be on a Hannah Montana tour.

It's just me, the dogs and hubby hanging around these parts this week. I got my license renewed today, and I have to say, they really improved on the process. It was unbelievable, I was in and out in under 15 minutes! I was thorough impressed, because last time it took me a good hour. They've streamlined the process, and it's very smooth and quick now. It was actually painless, until I saw my picture!

Either way, I'm happy to say, life is back to normal on the ranch of my world.  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 03:54 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

This is what I woke up with today. My eyelid is swollen, droopy, and puffy. It's getting worse as the morning goes on, and getting more noticeable. Great...I'm supposed to go out walking today, then go to see my mom and sister, then go to pick up my son. Not that this will slow me down too much, but I'm not thrilled about everyone seeing me with funky eye. :\ 

Here's what it normally looks like. This was taken last week. You can barely see my eyelid usually! The fun part is that it's only one eye, so I look lopsided. 

These are the days that you see people you haven't seen in about 20 years...and every old boyfriend you've ever had. LOL

Cheers! 

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 07:19 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy | Comments (2)

I'm seriously tired of spam; aren't you? I have multiple blogs, as well as multiple other types of websites. That means I also have multiple email accounts, and multiple amounts of spam! You get the idea...this blog gets spam-blasted when someone finds it on a "DO Follow" list. Suddenly somebody decides they want to grab a link from a PR4 blog, and they leave comments on 20 or 30 articles in a few minutes. I know the difference, and they are not getting through. No thanks, not interested...

When it comes to fighting spam in your email though, some of it can get downright dangerous, as some of it goes phishing for information like financial records, some attach viruses and spyware to their spam send to YOUR inbox.

Did you know that half of all email is junk mail. That's right 50% of the email passing through our accounts is SPAM. It's like a dirty word, one you spit out of your mouth.

SPAM is a global problem, and you'll get it from all angles of the globe, so that includes foreign mail in that mix. Last week alone, I got multiple phishing emails coming from the likes of banks, large companies and other sites, telling me my accounts were in trouble, and "click here" to fix it. It's scary how real they can look, and to the average person who hasn't been around the web block a few times, they may think it's real. I always forward the spoof mails to the companies that are being spoofed, and hope they catch some of them.

I HATE SPAM.

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I noticed the pair of shorts I put on this morning to go walking were getting a little beat up. I was thinking I could run over to the store and pick up a pair on sale, since it's the end of the season. That way I'll have them next summer. I've been the same size for ages.

Now that I'm working out though, I may be smaller. Is it possible to think these same shorts may be too big for me next year? I've commited to not only walking, which I started doing in mid-June, and am still doing 4x a week. I also signed up with a personal trainer, and am going to commit to about 6 months of training for now. I signed up for 2 months, and will keep paying for a full 6 months. My husband is okay with it, since I'm in a push to get healthy.

What if I do actually lose weight and end up in a smaller size? What will I do with all that excess material of my big clothes? I could recycle a shirt into a tablecloth, or turn my jeans into a sail on a boat! Imagine the possibilities. I could clothe the homeless with my no longer fitting clothes, or I could lay a pair of jeans or pants, side by side, and create a trail to California! Okay, I'm getting carried away, I certainly only have enough clothes to get me to Pennsylvania!  

Here's to smaller body next year. I'm working on it! 

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 09:40 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

This is how my picture should look when I get my new driver's license. That's me.  I don't claim to be anything other than what I am....just me.

What will happen when I get my driver's license picture taken this week? I'll be freakishly different, it won't look like me, my eyes will be red, my hair will be sticking up, and my face will look about 300 pounds heavier.

Wouldn't you think after all these years, they could manage to take pictures that don't scare everyone when they see them. Hey, I know what I look like, and I don't look like my last driver's license picture. Luckily, it hides away in my wallet. I haven't been pulled over in ages, but imagine the horror of the officer...."Woman, what happened to you in this picture?"

Yeah, I know...just write me the ticket and give me my license back. :\

Actually, FYI....I haven't gotten a ticket in more than 20 years. Of course, now that I've opened my mouth....ya, you know what happens.  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 09:29 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Can I get another dog? No.

Can I get a pool? No.

Can I get a hot tub? No.

What can I get? Anything else you want. Okay, because there's this nice Lexus I saw the other day.

That's how many of our conversations go in this house!

I'm an animal fan, and I'd love to add a third dog to our house. I only want a small dog, she won't take up a lot of space, but will fit into our menagerie just fine. He doesn't want another dog. It's not that I don't have the means to go and buy the dog, but it's compromise. We have 2.

We drove by a place on 22 that has hot tubs the other day, and I've been asking for a pool or hot tub for ages. You won't use it he says. How does he know? I grew up swimming, and I love hot tubs. I'd use it. He doesn't want to be the one to clean it! I know the real answer.

Either way, they are the three things I can't have. Why is it the things you can't have, are the things you want more than the rest? Ha!

It's okay, I live a nice life. I'll survive, you don't have to cry for me. Of course, if you see that Lexus in my driveway one day in the future, you'll know why. I couldn't get the dog I saw.  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 09:19 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

We went walking on a trail yesterday. It was such a nice path. There's a large trail up my way, where they took an old railroad track and turned it into a walking and bike riding path. It goes through a wooded path, and there are no cars on it. It runs for a couple miles, so it's an excellent place to go with your kids on bikes, or take a jog with your dog. (Hey! I made a rhyme)

Anyway, we were surprised how many cars were parked there yesterday, and we expected the trail to be crowded, but people are spaced out. You get it to yourself a good part of the time, and an occassional bike or walker will pass by. It's a great trail.  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 07:46 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy | Comments (2)

I'm wearing less jewelry this week. I had to take my earrings out once and for all. My ears have been pierced since I was 12, and I don't ever have problems with them. I've had the same earrings in for 4 years running, diamonds my husband got me for a wedding gift. I take them out and clean them, put them back in and life is good. They are good posts, not cheap metal. For some odd reason, the last few months, my left ear has been bothering me. I keep having to pull the earring out for a day or two, pop it back in, and it's fine. Another month later, same thing.....so I decided I just don't want to be bothered. I'm not a big jewelry person, but the pieces I do wear are usually nice. I'm actually going to let the space close. What a cool feeling, reaching up and not having anything in my ear. Sounds funny, doesn't it? I've worn earrings for most of my life now, adn I decided I'm not going to anymore. Hey, if I change my mind, I'll pop something in, or get them re pierced, but I'm taking my earlobes back, and putting the earrings aside. It's an exciting life I live.

It's okay to be jealous.  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 07:42 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy | Comments (1)

I've been Squid happy, Squidoo-ing time away, hip-hip-Squidooing. Do you Squidoo? I have lenses on shopping for purses, I have lenses on anatomy, I have lenses on celebrities, on golf, on plants, on video games, esthetician information,  and even on one on plus size models.

My friend Eve just did an excellent lens too. 

What's your passion? They is a new lens making frenzy called SquidWho. Who's work do you enjoy? Do you have a favorite singer or musician? Who's your favorite actor, historian, president, or even presidential candidate? You may Squidoo, but do you SquidWho? 

PS- check out my Designer Handbag store at DesignerHandbagMix.com too! 

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 07:26 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy | Comments (2)

I was just over at LiveInTheTwo.com, and took a little quiz. "Live in the Two" is really asking if you're living in the top 2% of earners, and finding out if you have what it takes. I didn't expect much from the little personality test, but man, they nailed me! I read it to my husband and he laughed, because it was so accurate. Here are a few of the things it got me on.

"...others have a tendency to view you as "over the top" organized. Little do they know that secretly, you feel as disorganized as the next guy."

 They also mentioned, "...made you less likely to "dive in without testing the water" first these days."

That's not all, they also got me on "...while others view you as positive and approachable, you require time away from people." I'm like a magnet sometimes! It's amazing, and I'm like, please, just let me be! LOL

 There's a lot more, but those really stood out! Anyway, back to "Live In The Two", it's got some interesting information, and they offer a set of 6 CD's in a program for $1.00. That's it, and if you feel like it was absolutely life changing and helpful, then you pay full price. What have you got to lose? The content has been chosen by the Dale Carnegie Training! That says something to me!

I absolutely love, Dale Carnegie's "How to Win Friends and Influence People" and the message it's brougth to many business people and others alike over the years. I remember begrudingly having to read it for a business class, and I ended up loving that book! Anyway, it takes that concept and grows on it. If you're interested in self improvement, keep reading.

Here's the deal they are offering. Your can check it out, learn about the program, listen to the CD's for 30 days. If you aren't happy with it, send it back. Plain and simple, that's that. If you want to keep the program, then you pay the full fee of $55.97. That means you get to get the program, listen to it, decide if it will be helpful to you and then make a decision. Most people don't get that offer. This company has been around for over 50 years, this is not a fly by night company. This is a company you know and can trust. This is a program they stand behind and know will be successful, so they can offer this great deal.

It discusses assertiveness, different personality types, motivation, leading and other topics. If you're interested in self improvement, then this is something that is worth learning more about. Imagine living in the top 2% of earners. A feeling of financial security means less stress, increased comfort and more. For me, it means helping family succeed in their dreams, it means travel, it means a feeling of comfort. What does it mean to you?

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 07:56 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

I've done it, yes sir, I've gone and done it. I hired a personal trainer for a short spell to help me get focused on getting my health in order. I don't know what else to do, where to turn, or how to help myself at this point.

I walk about 4x a week, sometimes 5 or 6 depending on my schedule. I walk almost 3 miles, and I walk up and down hills, not on flat surfaces. I walk, walk, sweat, walk and keep walking, even when I don't want to. It's going on 3 months next week, and in the process I have gained a few pounds, and even an inch in my hips. WHAT? Shouldn't I have lost a few pounds and lost an inch in my hips?

I'm frustrated and I don't want to give up. I'm tired of being overweight, and I'm tired of trying this and that. I need guidance, so I finally went out and found some guidance. I start tomorrow. I'm hoping that by having some one on one sessions to get me started on a cardio and strength training program, I can find my body and get it back again. I don't recognize myself some days when I look in the mirror, and that's just not okay.

I want to look like the Deb I know I can be again....so I start my journey tomorrow. Wish me strength, luck and patience...oh and I'll keep walking too. 

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 11:23 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy | Comments (2)

I don't generally get teary when school starts each year. In fact, I probably haven't teared up since my kids were very small and heading off to school. This year though, I felt this odd sadness that school starts tomorrow. Take in mind my boys live with their father, so summertime means a different schedule, and it means I get more time.

I really enjoyed summer this year and the "no schedule" and just lazy days together. Anyway, as we were packing up this weekend's stuff, and heading back to drop 'em back off tonight, I felt sort of sad. Summer's over, and it's back to regular weekends.

Time waits for no one.  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 08:38 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy | Comments (1)

Hey, look what I found the other day. I love how the internet connects the entire world. Whether I'm looking to move to Brazil, or get a job in Edinburgh, Scotland, it only takes a click of my mouse to get information. Take for instance, this site GumTree I found this weekend, it calls itself "London's Online Community". Here I am sitting in New Jersey, and checking out jobs across the pond. I love how the internet keeps us globally connected.

A few weeks ago, I was on Skype talking with someone from Dublin, Ireland. It's an amazing thing, that we can all interact so easily online. This morning, I was emailing with someone from England. We've taken a vastly huge world, and made it globally friendly with online internet communties. So whether you're here with me in Hunterdon County, or sitting over in Edinburgh, Scotland, we can all be connected!  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 08:31 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy