Surviving NJ

 I took my pain medication a little bit ago, and I'm getting a bit spacey, so please excuse typos. I'm trying to write this before it's totally kicked in.

I woke up yesterday and tried to roll over in bed. I couldn't move my leg, the pain was so intense. I had no idea what was going on, it was 6am, I had to pee and I was having trouble moving my leg, so I could get out of bed. For a moment, I literally thought I'd dislocated my hip or something. Every itsy bitsy movement drove pain to my hip, then below my bottom. I finally maneuvered out of bed after much whimpering and hobbling, and made it to the bathroom. I realized my hip wasn't the problem, but what was?

I've done a number on it, and apparently I'll be a hurting puppy for awhile. We called the doctor because it hurts to sit, stand, walk, lie down, well, just about anything. After consulting with a doctor on the phone, since everyone's office was closed, they called in two medications for me with strict instructions that if they muscle relaxant and RX strength Advil didn't help with the pain in two hours, to go to the Emergency Room.

You guessed it, we ended up  at the Emergency Room. The meds had done nothing to alleviate my pain. On a scale of 1-10, I was at a 10. The doctor confirmed I pulled my hamstring, but I'll have to go to an orthopedic guy to find out if it's torn and if so, how much.

They gave me heavy pain meds, and it takes my pain from a 10 down to a 6, so I'm grateful. 

I'll keep you updated with my progress as time goes on. For now, I'm a hurting puppy, and so relieved the pain meds I was given helps bring me relief. I have a week's worth, and I'm hoping that by the end of the week it won't still be this painful! 

What did I do? I don't have a clue. I was fine when I went to bed, and when I woke up, I couldn't move! Thankfully my husband was here and has helped me.

The emergency room doctor, who was great, said hamstrings are slow to heal.

Oh joy! (note the sarcasm)

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 08:41 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy | Comments (4)

I ordered a new book yesterday from Amazon. This book takes a look at real bodies. People are obsessed with how they look, and we're constantly being bombarded with celebrities pictures, glamourous and airbrushed images. These are real women, all different sizes, with flaw just like everyone has.

I'm going to go through it, and if it's what I think it will be, I will be buying more and spreading them around to friends and family. Be real, understand these women aren't airbrushed, and see the beauty in understanding nobody is perfect.  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 08:43 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy | Comments (2)

This is what we made yesterday! My son and I had a good time constructing the pieces to stand together, and then decorating. I can't take full credit, it was a kit which made the job much easier!

I hope everyone had a great Christmas, and are feeling relaxed now that it's passed. The stress and pressure are gone, and the New Year is almost upon us! That's why people party on New Year's Eve, so they can let out the rest of the steam from the build-up to Christmas!

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 09:13 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

I'm dangling on a thread.

I have to make a decision in the next 5 days on something that's costly. The problem is, I'm back and forth on what I want to do. Overall, it's a good value to keep something, but on the other hand, the maintenance is costly. The question becomes, do I put the extra money out and keep it up, when I may not use it all that much? Or do I lose a large investment that my parents put in?

We're sitting on this trying to decide and it's a huge decision to come to.

We're part of a vacation club that had a big investment initially, but the yearly upkeep has almost doubled! Decisions, decisions...oh yeah, and I have until December 31st to decide. :\ 

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 08:58 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Twin Cities Digital is a company that offers used servers, IT equipment and more for companies. If you are looking for hardware, servers or more, they offer products worldwide.

What's interesting is they'll purchase your extra equipment, so if you're not using it, make some money. You can even use the equipment towards the cost of trading up. This is a great opportunity for small businesses who have to save money, or for large businesses who are looking to save in creative ways. They'll even purchase your used phone systems!

Whether you're looking for used cisco, a new phone system, or any other IT equipment, check out TCDigital.com first.  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 08:44 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Did you hear about the tiger attack yesterday at the zoo? A tiger escaped killing one man, and mauling two others. Here's the thing, this same tiger attacked a zoo personal during a public feeding last year.

Imagine going to the zoo on Christmas Day, and you're the victim of a tiger attack. That's scary stuff. The three men were all in their 20's, and the two are expected to be okay, but had bad claw and teeth wounds. The doctor was on Good Morning America.

It was a 300 pound female tiger, and they're trying to see how she escaped. It was not through the door, and the walls of the enclosure are 20 feet tall, along with a moat.

Source 

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 08:34 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy | Comments (3)

I spent part of yesterday looking at vacation homes and ideas. I'm almost ready to book a vacation for the summer. I can't wait until we're packing up the Samsonite and heading out for relaxation. My husband's schedule will be changing for the summer, so I'm looking forward to some extra time with him.

Speaking of packing up the luggage, you should see when we pack. He packs twice as much stuff as I do! It cracks me up, because I'll have one bag and an overnight bag, and he'll end up with three. I'm like what are you bringing? I think he doesn't pack them as full as I do is all!

If you need some new luggage, check out LuggageUniverse.com. 

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 08:28 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

We've got pretty quiet plans today, nothing major. I told my son we could go to GameStop, since he has money burning a hole in his pocket. I'm looking at a list of things I want to accomplish this week, and I'm wondering how much of it will actually get done.

Besides the usual household chores like laundry and cleaning up, I'm also looking at some online chores, some books I wanted to be reading, some articles I'd set aside and more! It's funny when I'm making the list, I think I'll have plenty of time. Ha! If I can stay focused only on the list it's one thing....but then I turn on a computer game or something, and I've lost hours! 

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 08:22 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Merry Christmas!

If you like this video, you can see a full page of similar videos at this site... Best Christmas Lights Ever.

The video runs approximately 9 minutes.

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 08:59 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

This week is a week of maintenance for my websites. I have approximately 30 websites that I manage. I need to go in, check for detail work, re look at a few things, and tighten it all up. It's not a fun week I have ahead, but it's what I've got to do. At least my son will be here this week, so I'll take breaks to play games with him and other things.

My son's desk is right next to mine, so we'll chatter a bit while he plays World of Warcraft, and I work. He doesn't know it yet, but he got a new computer! He desparetly needed to be upgraded, so it's all set. We even loaded in some extra games and his WOW disks for him. He's good to go!

What will you be doing this week? 

I'm also looking at advertising right now. I've done advertising for my skin care book, but I'm looking at new ways to advertise my small business blog over at BizMarkTech.com. I've gotten some business cards to pass to the offline crowd, but I'm thinking of postcards of promotional pens as well. I know when I launched my skin care book, I mailed schools postcards with information and my web address. It's all new to me, and I like to learn as I go. It helps me enjoy the journey. I could pay someone to do it for me, but I love the actual learning experience!

What have you had good experience with offline, to advertise online sites? 

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 08:56 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

I was just trusted to make cookies. I'm in the process of doing this "clean eating" and I was trusted alone with cookie dough. I ate two, and cooked the rest. I'm not proud, and I hate how easily it was for me to go, "okay, just these two". Seriously, I'm doing well otherwise though. I know I set today aside as a small cheat day. I'll still watch, but I know today will be the hardest for me of all the days this week. I didn't have to start so poorly all ready though, did I?

I thought of my trainer the other night as I grabbed two Maalox Max tablets. I've been doing well, and I had a cheat day, which I'm allowed, but boy it didn't feel good. She told me I'd feel like crap, and I did.

I'm going to switch from 3 days on/1 day off in January. I'll be pressing myself to 5 days clean/2 days off. (Wed: out to dinner, and Saturday will be my cheat day). I'm inching my way to 6/1, but because I just started, I'm afraid to jump in with both feet.

Today I know to avoid the au gratin potatoes and stick with the vegetables. I know to avoid certain foods all together. I know to bring my own drinks along so I have something I enjoy. I'm learning a big piece of this is planning ahead. It's only been a week, but I'm in the mindset to really give it my all. I'll probably need the Maalox tonight. :( I'm going to try to avoid the bad stuff. It's going to be hard.  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 08:41 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

With the stress of the holidays, make sure you have your life insurance quotes! Seriously, last night we were working on a pie, cake, today I have to make cookies and dip. I have to load up my car with gifts, drive an hour to pick up my son, then drive another hour to pick up my mom, load up the car with her stuff, then drive the 5 mins to my sisters! By the time I start, I'll be leaving around 12:30 and hope I make it at 3pm. Goodness gracious, it's going to be crazy. OOh, I'd better preheat the oven!

Seriously though, if you need a life insurance quote, check out WholesaleInsurance.net. They can get you the information that you need.  Remember, insurance isn't for you, it's for those you've left behind.

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 08:28 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Just a reminder that I'll be walking in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer next year.  I'm raising to help the cause. I need to reach a goal of $1800. If you'd be able to donate $10 or $20, maybe more, every bit would help. It's for an excellent cause.

You can find my official page over at my Avon Walk for Breast Cancer page. Thank-you.

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 09:38 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

My poor husband didn't know what hit him when he walked in the door. Turn down the lights baby, toss me some plus size lingerie and light some candles. Maybe it's the "clean eating" (no preservatives) kicking in, or maybe my hormones are fluctuating, but I was all over him.

Dinner was ready though, so we sat down and had dinner. Then we had to go out and pick up the Jeep, since it was just inspected. I guess next time, I should just leave dinner be, and take care of other things first!

Oh well, maybe later. 

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 09:30 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

I went out today. I know, call me crazy. I actually had a nice lunch with my mom, sister, aunt and cousin. We were at "Charlie Browns" down in Langhorne. Lunch was delicious, and then we headed out to Target. Of course we had to park about a mile away, but we managed.

The other place I went to was Ulta! The line was about 12 to 15 deep! Oh my gosh, that was nuts.

They say tomorrow is the busiet shopping day of the year, and based on what I saw tonight, with people doing last minute shopping, tomorrow will be more of the same.

We're going to avoid regular shopping malls and centers. We're avoiding Target, Walmart and the like. No thank you..I'm not interested in being in a store with wall-to-wall shoppers! 

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 09:22 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

I went to the gym early today, and the lady who had an appointment before me had this amazing body. I noticed her back and shoulders, and I never really noticed things like that before. I mean, usually when you look at a person, you notice them straight on, maybe their profile, but the part of her back and shoulder that was exposed from her sleeveless shirt was gorgeous.

I guess because I'm working out now, I notice and appreciate the effort put in to sculpt something like that. For me, it's cool because I can feel solid muscle building underneath. I still have a lot of fat on the top of it, so it won't show yet, but I can feel it. I'm not ready for bodybuilding supplements or competition anytime soon, but I'm changing a little bit at a time.

When I see someone like that, it makes me smile and wonder if I'll get to that point. I like to believe that with enough time and effort, I'll see a back and shoulders like that too! Of course it will be a long journey, but I'm willing to take it.

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 09:15 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

I spent a good portion of yesterday doing research. My eyes felt it big time, and by the end of the evening, they made it clear it was time to walk away from the computer! I don't go into 6 hour research periods very often, but once I get onto something, it's hard for me to walk away.

Ironically, focus is an issue for me, if I don't have an interest! I'm either one way or the other, not much in between! 

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 09:08 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

I had one of those moments where you go "OH NO!" this afternoon. We had just gotten back to my sisters, and I went into her house, put my jacket and purse on her bar stools, and sat down to talk for a little bit. When I was getting ready to leave, I couldn't find my keys anywhere! Did I lock them in my car? I ran back out to my car, looked inside, and they weren't in there. They weren't in my purse either!

It turned out they were in my jacket pocket, and after a crazy search we found them! My heart did one of those "thump, stop" motions! I had to get going soon, had an hour drive in front of me, and still had to stop at a store. 

I always tend to stack my stuff on the bar stools, but didn't think to check my jacket at first. My sister's house has a custom made 6 seat bar in her family room. It's gorgeous, and really adds a unique element to the room. She also put in two high top tables with bar stools to match the stools at the bar. Either way, I was so happy to see my keys! 

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 09:00 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

I've been buried in catalogs this season. I feel bad for our mail carrier, and am glad he gets a mail truck. He'd throw out his back carrying all those suckers this year! Do you know how many are tossed before looking at them? If you guessed about 90%, you'd be right!

Otherwise, the other change going on, is I'm on a 3 day course to eat clean and healthy. That means limiting the amount of preservatives in the food I'm eating. I've been given the ok to use cheerios in place of some of the other choices I have, along with eggs, and a 7 multi-grain bread that has 3 grams of fiber. Otherwise, it's "nature's food" and no boxed, canned, bagged or other goodies I'm used to.

Yesterday, I almost went into a full-fledged panic at the thought of certain foods not making the list of approved foods. My trainer reminds me, 80% of my battle is the food choices I make. I can work out, and build muscle, but until I get my eating in line, I won't get to my goal.

Change scares me sometimes, and in this case, it hit me like a fly hitting a windshield at 50mph.

Now? You want me to start now? Can't I have three days and three boxes of treats to think about it? Nope....I'm starting now.  The goal is to get into a pattern of clean eating all the time, but because I need to do things in babysteps, 3 days on, 1 day off is the deal we've made.

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 03:26 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy | Comments (1)

I know people get sensitive about their skin or how their faces look. Normally, I wouldn't be displaying "before" pics of myself, because like most people, I've got a bit of vanity in me. On the other hand, when I got involved in skin care, I knew that my voice could help others. I have Rosacea, and it flares up now and then. Sometimes I flush more than other times, and sometimes it's intense. I wanted to let other Rosacea sufferers know that mineral make-up can help you and make a difference. I'm including 3 pictures here. One is before, one is half of my face done, and the other is fully done. My face is really red today, so I thought today would be a perfect day to do this again. There's a way to help with the redness...mineral make-up is so easy to use. It took me less than 3 minutes, and the difference is enough to make me feel better. If you haven't given mineral make-up a try yet, consider it! BEFORE MAKE-UP:

HALFWAY:

AFTER:

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 11:41 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy | Comments (7)

Working for the cable company for 5 years taught me things I didn't think I'd ever learn in my lifetime. It's funny to me how through the years, the different jobs I've had, always were so far from the previous ones!

I've been a 911 operator, a waitress and bartender, a dispatcher for cable, worked at a spa doing nails and skin care, and many others through the years. 

My conversations range from trunk and fiber cable to the best products to exfoliate your skin, clearing up acne, to drinks that were popular back in my days of bartending! Let me take you WAY back, that was the year "Sex on the Beach" became popular, and Kool-aid shots. Oh yeah, we're talking years ago!

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 11:20 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy | Comments (1)

I've got some shopping to get done today. I'm having problems getting myself moving! I need to be out of here by 12, since I didn't get out of here by 10 like I'd planned!

I have some last minute details to take care of. I'm picking up my husband's gift today (shhh), and a few odds and ends.

I woke up today, and of all days, my legs are screaming sore behind my thighs! No! I hope walking around a lot helps them loosen up. I tried stretching, and it's not helping. Oy.

Are you finished your shopping? My husband and I have a small thing to take care of this week, then we're finally finished! We decided to this one part together, so I can't do that today. 

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

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 10:59 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

I've successfully kicked my Diet Coke. I went through the mandatory 3 days headache, but now I'm drinking 4ounces cran-grape juice to 20 ounces of water. It's been approved by my trainer (yes, I'm measuring it!), and here I am less than a week later, off my long love and mistress Diet Coke.

We went to the movies yesterday, and I got a bottle of water ($3.75/rip-off) in place of my regular drink. It's just breaking those old habits and putting in the new ones. It would be so easy to slip, but I'm really trying to make the changes I need to see the difference. At this point, it can only be good changes! I'm not as bloated, and not as thirsty. Surprise, surprise, give your body what it needs, and it's happy. With soda, no matter how much I drank, I was still thirsty. It was drying me out!  

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

I was talking to my son about vacations yesterday. I asked him if he had some input for future vacations. Did he have an interest in horseback riding, whitewater rafting, amusement parks or something of that nature? His answers are always the same, Hawaii and Disney. We've done Disney multiple times now, and I'd like to do something else. I told him to save up for Hawaii, and when he was older he could go back!

It looks like we'll be doing Tennessee and the shore this year, but it's still not written in stone. My mom always loved cruises, though I've not taken one yet. There are cruises that go for a few days, and then you can stay at an island for a few days. If I was going to take a cruise, I'd want to hit a tropical island. My aunt did an Alaskan cruise, but that just doesn't appeal to me. I'm still up in the air on where we'll be heading next, but I'm always up for ideas, so feel free to leave me one in the comments! My son will be 14 next time we vacation, in case you have ideas.

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

We went out yesterday, and it was amazing how much traffic there was. Everybody was out and about, I guess in anticipation of the storm that was coming our way. We got heavy ice and a light coating of snow. You can tell it's thick, because when the dogs walk on it out back, it doesn't leave a footprint or anything. That ought to be fun to dig through on the driveway. We'll put some salt down, but breaking ice is the worst! It's grueling work.

Passing by Target and Walmart, it seemed like every available person was parked there! We did the movies, and even the theater was a full house. Maybe people are afraid they'd have cabin fever today with the weather. Either way, I have to dig out of it today, so I can drive my son home tonight, since he'll probably have school tomorrow.  

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

Our dogs and cat have a funny little pattern. They each have their own special places they like to sleep, but then they feel the need to sleep in the spots the others have chosen as well. It's almost like that theory that the grass is always greener on the other side. Apparently, this is true with animals as well, because sometimes one of the dogs will get up, and the other immediately goes to sleep in the space!

They all have favorite places though. Big dog sleeps at the top of the stairs, Little Dog sleeps on the corner of the leather sofa, and the cat thinks the dog bed is a cat bed, so he's claimed it as his own. Only, we have two identical dog beds, medium and large, and he's claimed them both! He moves back and forth between them, silly cat! 

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 09:23 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

I was reading a series about about blog improvement on Problogger.net the other day. One of the questions it brought to my attention was "Who is your audience?" The follow-up to that was "Am I giving them what they're looking for?"

Heady questions to sit on...I have multiple blogs, so each time I ask myself a question like this, I have to apply it to my business blog, my health blog, along with my personal blog, and others.

I started out blogging 18 months ago on my first blog, and I wrote for myself. I wasn't writing for anyone in particular, but writing because I loved to express myself through the written word. Little did I know, a year and a half later, I'd have a bunch of blogs, and I'd think about things like building traffic to those journals.

While it was obvious to me who my audience was on my business blog, aimed at beginners in small business, I wasn't so sure who I was talking to over here at my personal blog SurvivingNJ.

I say what's on my mind, talk about things that are going on, and try to find humor in those day to day tasks, but maybe I'm missing my mark. It's a fine line to write for yourself, and to write for others.

I guess the question goes out to you, the reader...Is there something I'm missing? Do you find what you're looking for? A 40 something chick who blabbers on, or are you looking for the latest scoop on NJ? Do you like what you read and come back, or are you a first time reader, and thinking it's just not for you? Thanks in advance for anyone who leaves me their thoughts, since I only live in my head...and am not sure what others are thinking when they stop by and visit my blog.  

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

"New Jersey has became the first US state to legislatively abolish the death penalty since the US Supreme Court reinstated capital punishment in 1976." Source

I'm not one for politics, so I don't have a lot to say about this "outside of my home".

I did want to share this information, since it's a big thing going on in New Jersey right now. 

Currently 37 states have the death penalty. You can see the list here.  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 10:33 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Yesterday's plans were changed. We got nothing but sheets of ice and a small blanket of snow. My husband was home from work around noon, and said that the roads were all ready a mess. His normal commute of 20 minutes had turned into a 45 minute drive.

My training session got rebooked, so hubby and I just bunked in and enjoyed a day of hanging out together. All was good, until he put the trash out last night....

He came back in laughing, as apparently my truck was encased in ice. It looked like a truck inside of an ice cube! I'm letting the warmer temperatures (40) help melt some of it naturally, and hopefully the sun will help before I get out there and have to tackle it myself.

They are also calling for some more snow and ice fun in a day or two, so I'll unbury for now, and I guess next week I'll do it all over again. I hate ice.  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 10:16 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

We have a sofa in our garage that we just can't get rid of. My husband asked me to see if I could give it away. It's a big sectional, so there would be a truck involved. I mentioned CraigsList, and he grumbled something like he doesn't want some stranger coming to get it. Don't you know anyone?

Then I offered to go to FreeCycle.org which is community groups where you give stuff away, or find things you need, but you don't attach a cost to it. Great idea, but no, he didn't like that either. Let's see, he wants to snap my fingers and make it disappear? I laughed, I'm just going to have a junk removal guy come get the thing! It takes up the entire wall of one side of our garage, and has turned into a storage shelf. It's time to rid ourselves of that dang sofa.

We have four sofas. Yes, you read that right, four sofas. We changed out the furniture in our family room, we have a sofa in our living room, a large sectional, and we even have a full-size living room sofa out in our sunroom! Now we have another sofa that lives in our garage. If you need discount furniture, you can turn to a store like Boyles with a great selection, or you can come take my damn sectional away! 

I finally got him to agree I can call the removal guy! Geez, it only took the better part of 2 years. :\ 

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 10:07 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

 We went out to dinner last night, and after we went to the grocery store. We're wandering up and down the aisles, picking up the staples that we need. My poor tummy starts grumbling, and I'm like, "Please God, not here!"

Like a good wife, I move ahead, or try to stay back and look at something, "No, go ahead, I'll catch up." Yeah, say those words and you're like a magnet to people.

I'm trying to hold it, ya know, I'm not in the habit of letting it go in public places, but I wasn't going to have an option shortly.

Finally, I'm able to find my own little section for a moment, and decided it was safe to pass some gas. Wouldn't you know it...around the corner comes some guy with his cart. I was mortified!

Not like I could blame someone else at that point. I should have beelined to the bathroom for privacy, but I thought I could get away with it....guess not!

PS- sorry buddy 

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 11:07 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy | Comments (1)

So I'm at the gym yesterday, and I have to do this little sideways shuffle on the treadmill. It sound easy enough, but getting in pattern is funky and tough! I could do it on one side so much easier than the other. While doing the circuit, the next time I had to change the incline so it was steeper!

When I first started working out at the studio, I didn't follow the cardio circuit board, because a lot of the stuff was just a little more than I was ready for. Now I try to follow along, and modify things so that I can still do it. I find I've come a long way, and I keep trying. I'm not giving up. 

The one machine that I've come to dread, and that still hasn't changed is the elliptical machine. I know people love it, I on the other hand do not. If I must, I will get on it for 10 minutes, but it's my least favorite thing to do. It's very challenging to me, and frustrates me. If I'm going to get on it, I do it first thing to get it over with! 

When I first started, I would do three things, the elliptical, the treadmill and the bike. I've finally gotten to the point where I do other things, like adding in crunches, modified push-ups, lunges among other things. I'm happy I'm progressing, but I still have a long way to go. Of course that's just cardio time, strength-training time, my trainer gets to decide what I do. She always kicks my butt, but I just keep smiling the best I can. Okay, so sometimes I call her a name or something, but I always smile afterwards. ;) Right? Nah, she rocks...I'm lucky I've found such a great trainer to work with. 

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 11:00 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

I like Diet Coke. Okay, that's a lie....I love Diet Coke.

I drink a lot of it, actually way too much. It's not a healthy thing, and it's pretty much what I drink morning until night. I've recently been adding in some juice, just so I get something else in me.

Last night, I agreed to give up Diet Coke. My trainer and I were talking, and it was painfully aware that I needed to make this change. I think so much of it is a mental hurdle, and we get attached to habits we have.

Right now the deal is I can have one a day. I easily have 6 a day, so one a day...well, it's my coffee.

I'm currently drinking water with a little juice mixed in, and you know what, I think I'll be okay.

Once I mourned my friend, and decided it's time to move on, time to make a change...well, it doesn't hurt quite so badly today.  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 10:14 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 10:06 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

With less than a month to go, people will be scrambing to find fireworks displays. Won't you be the cat's meow, if you know where they are?

Here's a small assortment of ideas for you, so you can catch fireworks in New Jersey this New Year's Eve.

Ocean City is having a "First Night" Celebration. Details 609-525-9300

Here's a cruise that will give you front row seats. (Weehawken)

Visit Battleship New Jersey and either watch fireworks, or have an encampment! 

Wiggins Park on the Camden Waterfront will let you enjoy the fireworks over the Delaware, across from Philadelphia.

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 10:53 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

Wynonna Judd was playing at the Keswick Theater last night. I'm a huge fan, let me state that right up front. This was my 5th time seeing Wynonna perform, and she- like always was amazing. Her voice is so strong and beautiful, she can rock it out and sing a classic like Ava Maria and bring tears to your eyes. Her encore and final song was Ava Maria, and there is only one way to describe it, she blew the roof off. Seriously, this woman sings!

We love Wy, we've seen her many times, but it's her all around ability to entertain that leaves you wanting to go back. She puts on an excellent show, she's charming, fun and chatty with her audience. Her 20+ years touring has served her well, as her comfort shows.

I got hooked on the Judds when I was about 18. It started with one popular song, "Why Not Me?", and I loved every song on that first cassette, including "John Deere Tractor" and "Blue Nun Cafe". I was a hardcore Judds fan. I saw their farewell tour in Elkton, MD, and when Wy went solo, I prayed she would still have a solid career. Boy did she, she has hit after hit, after hit. She never faultered in her music.

Last night, she did a Christmas show, and a few other songs were added in where they fit. We'll go next year too, if she tours...and the next, and the next. We've never been disappointed yet, and always walk out going, "Wow, excellent show! That girl can SING!"

I love Wy, and having been a fan for 20+ years now, having read her book, and followed her path via different interviews and such, it's like visiting with an old friend when we see her.

If you get the chance, see Wynonna. Many were first timers last night, like the guy sitting next to me. She made some new fans last night, and it was obvious!

PS- The bathrooms upstairs at the Keswick Theater in Glenside, PA sucked. The line for the women's was 30 deep and just not large enough for the crowd, so I went in the mens, as did many other women. By the time I came out, the entire men's line was full of women as well! We're grown ups, we managed it without a big deal.

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 09:21 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy | Comments (1)

We went to see Christmas lights tonight. There's a little farm that has a drive-thru light display. They charge $10 a car, and it's about the length of a mile or two, and they have things like a santa jumping a ski jump, a christmas tractor, jumping reindeer and more. Last year was the first year, and this yer they added a light show set to music at the end of the display. You pull up in front of a large tree made of lights, a house, and some other things. Turn your radio to a particular station, and they have the ligths set to beat of the music. It was an enjoyable experience, and we look forward to watching them grow each year.

After the lights, we went out for a little snack. My nose was frozen walking outside! I can feel the moisture in the air. I'm missing the warmth of Florida, but enjoying the Christmas spirit none the less! 

Edit: I've gotten a lot of requests for more information! I'm sorry I didn't think to link to it. You can find it on Route 523 in Flemington, not far from the intersection of 31 and 523 near HealthQuest. It's called Schaefer Farms, and the information is here.  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 09:32 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy | Comments (1)

My mail went down on me. I couldn't access it for 2 days. I was a bit upset, to say the least. So this morning, when I was finally able to access my account, I was tickled! I was happy, until I saw my account was purged, and I was missing over 200 emails. My jaw dropped. I had important information in there. They weren't life or death matters, but they were important, had contacts, news, pieces of information I was saving...and then they were gone.

The blood drained out of my face. I contacted the company, and I'm hoping because I have a premium account that they'll have some back-up. Please, please, please let them have back-up. So this is a shout out, as a big ole reminder to everyone....back-up your stuff! If it's important to you, and suddenly it was gone, what would you do?

I'm scrambling to recover, and praying they have back-up files. I back-up my hard drive often, but this was web-based mail. I didn't back it up...and now I've learned a valuable lesson. Passing this on to you now. Over 200 emails purged, and I wasn't ANYWHERE near my space limit.  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 10:10 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy | Comments (1)

I hate the cold. No really, I mean I hate it. I've got a few errands that I could get done today, since I don't have a reason not to, and I'm putting it off, because I hate being out in the cold. I know, it's not even "that bad" yet. I just hate it that much.

I wanted to pick up one or two things, and I'd love to get a pedicure, but the thought of the 3 minutes from the time I get in my car, to the time the temperature becomes normal to me, is miserable. Isn't that silly. I can work out with a trainer, be sore and sweaty for an hour, but 3 minutes in the cold has me putting it off like it's a flu.

I'd let my car warm up, but that's a big No-No in NJ now! Imagine, a ticket for "warming up your car for more than 3 minutes"...

Man, I hate the cold.  Guess, I have to "get over it" and just accept it's going to be cold for a few more months. Once I finally accept that fact, I function a little better.

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 11:36 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy | Comments (1)

 What are your Christmas favorites? Growing up, you had one shot to see the Christmas specials. We didn't use VCR's yet, and they were always on the main channel at 8pm. The entire family would sit down and watch the specials together, and you waited all year to see them.

When it came to Christmas music, it was Johnny Mathis, John Denver, Barbara Streisand and Alvin and the Chipmunks at my house. I remember how worn out Alvin and the Chipmunks got! The album (it's okay youngsters, some others know what they are), had a deep gorge on one track, and I'm not sure exactly how it happened, but one song, we'd have to skip! Now Alvin and the Chipmunks is about to be released as a movie. I hope they don't forever ruin the chipmunks for me. Jason Lee of "My Name is Earl" is playing David, the guy. Computer animation obviously does the rest. 

Don't forget to be a kid again this Chrismtmas, and enjoy all those classics you grew up with! 

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 08:34 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy | Comments (2)

The holidays bring joy to so many people, and yet the holidays are the darkest time of the year for others. Depression can linger, many people are alone, and on going festivities put those with addictions like drugs and alcohol to the test over and over again.

If the holiday season is one that brings you joy, help spread that joy by spreading it. One of the things we did last year, was to box up donations to go to charities. It really left you with a great feeling, and it also sent my son a powerful message. It said, it's nice to help others.

When it comes to people with addictions, they need to find internal strength to get through the season, along with everyday. What you can do is offer distraction, or make sure you have other choices that they enjoy to help them through. While it's their personal battle, reaching out and undestanding what may help them through the holiday parties at your residence will show them you care.

If you have a friend or family member who is in need of drug rehabs, then you'll want to look at all available options.  One such option is Sunset Malibu. For more information, you can visit the link above, or call 1-800-332-9202.

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 08:21 AM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy

I had to take Little Dog to the vet today. I hate going to the vet's office. Don't get me wrong, I understand it's important, but it's never a fun concept at my house. See, the actual office isn't the issue, it's getting out of my house with one dog, and not two.

Little dog, all of 48 pounds (he was weighed today), and Big Dog (118 pounds) get very excited when you pick up their leashes. You can be as casual or up front about it as you'd like, but it turns to chaos in mere seconds. Big Dog jumps like crazy, because she's excited, and each time I pray she won't land on and squish Little Dog. 

By the time I get them both in the Jeep and tied down (we attach their leads to hooks we have set up on the tie-downs) so if they jump out of the car when I open the back, they aren't going anywhere but the length of their leash....anyway, but the time I get in the Jeep, I'm worn out! It works quite well, it's just a pain when they are like crazed little kids on too much sugar. 

Little Dog had a little fatty cyst we wanted to get checked, and it looks okay. They took a sample just in case. Either way, man, oh man....by the time I'm home, phew! Little Dog isn't a fan of the vet, so he's trying to climb up on me or hide. We made it without too much OTHER incident. I am glad to be home!  

Posted by Deb of Surviving NJ blog at 05:13 PM | Permalink| Disclosure Policy | Comments (1)