2010: Two Thousand and Amen--A Year In Review

When 2010 started, I will admit it just felt like any other day. It was a new year. A new clean slate. Honeymooners marathon on television, my phone blowing up with mass texts of HAPPY NEW YEAR, David sending me kisses through the phone. (I do not like to go out on New Years Eve; he does. He is always welcome to come over my house for NYE though.), getting kisses from my dogs but that happens every day. But in pure Dani fashion, I set up my goals for 2010 as resolutions do not last for me. So without any more hesitation, here is my 2010 year in review.

What Books I Read (22/50)The Big Love by Sarah Dunn, Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney, The Wife of Reilly by Jennifer Coburn, Heat by Mike Lupica, The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff, Neon Angel: A Memoir of a Runaway by Cherie Currie, Everything I Needed to Know I Learned from Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz, Star Craving Mad by Elise Abrams Miller, Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer, French Trysts by Kristen Lobe, Peanuts Philosophers by Charles M. Schulz, Sex and the City by Candace Bushnell, Love, Loss, and What I Wore by Ilene Beekerman, I Judge You When You Use Poor Grammar by Sharon Eliza Nichols, Prosperity Pie by SARK, Kick Ass by Mark Millar and John Romita Jr., Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, How to be Happy Dammit by Karen Salmansohn, The Walking Dead Volume One by Robert Kirkman, Life’s Literacy Lessons by Steven L. Layne, The Tattoo Chronicles by Kat Von D, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith

What Movies Did I See (47/100)Planet You (LSC 3D Movie), Tooth Fairy starring Dwayne Johnson, Forgetting Sarah Marshall starring Kristen Bell, When in Rome starring Kristen Bell and Josh Dushamel, The Comebacks starring David Koechner, The Good Guy starring Alexis Bledel and Brian Greenberg, The House Bunny starring Anna Faris, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs starring voice of Bill Hader & Anna Faris, Confessions of a Shopaholic starring Isla Fisher, Alice in Wonderland (cartoon) starring Kathryn Beaumont, Punk Rock Holocaust starring bands from the Vans Warped Tour 2003, Jawbreaker starring Rose McGowan and Rebecca Gayheart, Kick-Ass starring Chloe Grace Moretz and Aaron Johnson, Rainbow Brite and The Star Stealer starring Betting Bush (voice), The Suicide Girls Guide to Living starring The Suicide Girls, The Losers starring Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Chris Evans, The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle starring Robert DeNiro, Some Kind of Wonderful starring Eric Stolz, I Hope They Serve Beer In Hell starring Matt Czuchry, Dan in Real Life starring Steve Carell and Juliette Binoche, Sex and the City 2 starring Sarah Jessica Parker and Chris Noth, Horton Hears a Who! Starring Jim Carrey and Steve Carell, Toy Story 3 starring Tom Hanks and Tim Allen,The Twilight Saga: Eclipse starring Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson, Knight and Day starring Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz, I Hate Valentines Day starring John Corbett and Nia Vardolos, Despicable Me starring Steve Carrell and Miranda Cosgrove, The Uninvited starring Emily Browning and Elizabeth Banks, Middle Men starring Luke Wilson and James Caan, Punisher: War Zone starring Ray Stevenson, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World starring Michael Cera, The Expendables starring Sylester Stallone and Jason Staham, The Other Guys starring Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg, My Best Friends Girl starring Dane Cook and Kate Hudson, Easy A starring Emma Stone and Penn Badgley, Psycho starring Janet Leigh and Anthony Perkins, Telling You starring Peter Facinelli, Alice in Wonderland starring Johnny Depp, Red starring Bruce Willis and John Malkovich, Paranormal Activity starring Katie Featherston and Micah Sloat, Morning Glory starring Rachael McAdams and Harrison Ford, Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 1 starring Daniel Radcliffe, Santa Paws starring Zachary Gordon, Megamind starring the voices of Will Ferrell and Tina Fey, Bedtime Stories starring Adam Sandler and Keri Russell, Burlesque starring Cher and Christina Aguilera, How to Train Your Dragon starring Gerard Butler (voice)

What New Restaurants I Went To(27/10) Le Petit Auberge (Lexington Avenue in NYC), Boca Grande (Newport Mall, Jersey City), Moonstruck Diner (2nd Avenue in NYC), 16 Handles (2nd Avenue in NYC), Mamas on the Half Shell (O’Donnell Street, Baltimore Maryland), Chaps Pit Beef (Pulaski Highway, Baltimore Maryland), Rodeo Bar (3rd Avenue in NYC), Chickpea (23rd Street and 6th Avenue in NYC), BXL Belgian Café (West 43rd Street in NYC), Empanada Mama (9th Avenue in NYC), Ben’s Chili Bowl (Washington DC), Founding Farmers (Washington DC), Vanessa’s Dumplings (14th Street in NYC), Blue 9 Burger (3rd Avenue in NYC), Dessert Club Chickalicious (E. 10th Street in NYC), Think Coffee (4th Avenue in NYC), Ronnybrook Milk Bar (Chelsea Market, NYC), Steak and Shake (Chicago), Giordano’s (Chicago), Ann Sather Restaurant (Chicago), The Varsity (Atlanta), Hill Country Chicken (25th Street in NYC), Golden Corral (Orlando, Florida), Bar Stuzzichini (22nd Street in NYC), Il Cantuccio (Christopher Street in NYC). FoodParc (6th Avenue in NYC),Lucky’s Burgers (23rd Street in NYC)

What Museums Did I Visit(5/5) Smithsonian Institution: National Museum of American History (Washington DC), Smithsonian Institution: National Air and Space Museum (Washington DC), World of Coca-Cola (Atlanta, Georgia), John Hancock Observatory (Chicago, Illinois), Sears Tower/Skydeck Chicago (Chicago, Illinois)

What Broadway/Off Broadway Plays Did I See(5/10) Sondheim on Sondheim on May 29, 2010, Love, Loss and What I Wore on July 29, 2010, Secrets of the Trade on July 30, 2010, The Language Archive on November 27, 2010, The Pee Wee Herman Show on December 22, 2010

Did I Travel to Three States This Year? No I did not. But here is where I have been and I added Illinois to my list! My ultimate goal of visiting every state in the United States will come true! (1/3) States already visited: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Washington DC. States visited in 2010 will be in italics.

Good Things I Did for Myself: NO JUNK FOOD FOR MONTH OF MARCH! With the exception of my birthday, this was achieved! Drank more tea, quit soda, ate more fruits and vegetables, Use The Awe-Manac: A Daily Dose of Wonder by Jill Badonsky, sending 5 cards to 5 random people. (5/5), Go 3 months without fast food--Done! It is amazing what a broken foot will do, Cut out swearing words in my vocab. If I do curse, write it down and by December 31, 2010, multiply it by 10 and donate the amount to a charity, walking outside for 10 minutes every day, Donate 100 grains of rice through www.freerice.com for 31 days. It felt good to donate 3,100 grains of rice to the World Food Programme. Told my fellow teachers about the website and they have incorporated into their extended day activities as well as recess activities, try 10 foods I have never tried before, barring allergies. (8/10) Fish Tacos at Houlihans in Secaucus, NJ, Maryland Crab Soup in Mamas on the Half Shell in Baltimore, MD, Grilled Seafood Pizza at Mamas on the Half Shell in Baltimore, MD, Prairie Salad with Cactus at Rodeo Bar in NYC, Watermelon Salad at Empanada Mama in NYC, Bacon Wrapped Dates at Founding Farmers in Washington DC, Sesame Pancakes at Vanessa’s Dumplings in NYC, Pane e Panelle at Bar Stuzzichini in NYC

Where I Went This Year
--TNA Wrestling in Westbury, Long Island on 1/8/2010
--JAPW Womens Division Wrestling in Bayonne, NJ on 1/9/2010
--Lady Gaga on 1/21/2010 at Radio City Music Hall in NYC
--Order Sons of Italy Annual Wine Tasting on 5/21/2010 at Rita and Joes in Jersey City
--Opening Reception for “Melting Flesh” photography exhibit of Ellen Stagg on 5/22/2010 at Fuse Gallery in NYC
--Chikara Wrestle Factory on 5/23/2010 in Union City, NJ
--Sondheim on Sondheim (Broadway play) on 5/29/2010 in NYC
--New York Mets vs. Baltimore Orioles on 6/12/2010 in Baltimore, MD
--New York Mets vs. Baltimore Orioles on 6/13/2010 in Baltimore, MD
--Denis Leary and Friends at Town Hall on 6/26/2010 in NYC
--TNA Wrestling in Brooklyn, NY on 7/2/2010
--New York Mets vs. Washington Nationals on 7/3/2010 in Washington DC
--New York Mets vs. Washington Nationals on 7/4/2010 in Washington DC
--July 4th Fireworks at Iwo Jima Memorial in Washington DC
--Bastille Day Festival at 60th Street between Fifth and Lexington Ave on 7/11/10 in NYC
--12 Angry Mascots at Gotham Comedy Club on 7/28/2010 in NYC
--Love, Loss, and What I Wore at Westside Theatre on 7/29/10 in NYC
--Secrets of the Trade at 59EAST59 Theater on 7/30/2010 in NYC
--I Eight One/NY Jets Event at Village Pourhouse on 7/31/2010 in NYC
--Chicago White Sox vs. New York Yankees on 8/29/2010 in Chicago, Illinois
--Chicago Bears vs. Arizona Cardinals on 8/30/2010 in Chicago, Illinois
--Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates on 8/31/2010 in Chicago, Illinois
--Atlanta Braves vs. New York Mets on 9/2/2010 in Atlanta, Georgia
--TNA Wrestling Live! on 9/25/2010 in Rahway, New Jersey
--New Jersey Devils BBQ on 9/26/2010 in Newark, NJ
--NJ Devils vs. Philadelphia Flyers on 9/28/2010 in Newark, NJ
--One Day University on 10/3/2010 in New York, NY
--TNA Wrestling Fan Interaction on 10/9/10 in Daytona Beach, Florida
--TNA Wrestling Bound for Glory on 10/10/10 in Daytona Beach. Florida
--TNA Wrestling Impact! on 10/11/10 in Orlando, Florida
--Jersey All Pro Wrestling on 10/23/10 in Jersey City, NJ
--NYC Zombie Crawl on 10/24/10 in NYC
--WSU Wrestling on 11/6/10 in Union City, NJ
--The Rocky Horror Show at Saint Peters College on 11/9/10 in Jersey City, NJ
--NY Knicks vs. Golden State Warriors on 11/10/10 in New York, NY
--The Language Archive on 11/27/2010 in New York, NY
--Chelsea Handler on 12/3/2010 in Newark, NJ
--The Pee Wee Herman Show on 12/22/2010 in New York, NY

Most Played Music on my iPod: Motley Crue--Red, White, and Crue; Anthrax--Anthrology:No Hit Wonders; Bullet for My Valentine--The Poison; Girl Talk--Feed the Animals; Girl Talk--All Day; Ke$ha--Animal; Jay Z--The Blueprint 3.

Most Watched Television: The Walking Dead, Gossip Girl, 90210, TNA Impact!, 16 & Pregnant, Teen Mom, Celebrity Rehab, Ochocinco: The Ultimate Catch, The T.O. Show, Celebrity Apprentice, Bret Michaels: Life as I Know It, WWE Raw, The Vampire Diaries, Supernatural, anything on The Food Network.

My Top Five Purchases of 2010: Olsenboye Royal boots (so comfortable and stylish!), Bath and Body Works Warm Vanilla Sugar + Forever Sunshine body sprays (when mixed together, it smells delicious on my skin. When used separately, still as delicious!), a Filofax which was an inspired purchase from Gala Darling. I might not be a Virgo, but I adore organization and planning, fishnet tights from We Love Colors which I love to layer on other tights to create a textured look, and finally purple Converse sneakers which I used to walk around everywhere once my foot was well healed.

Loveliest Gift: Wow. This is definitely hard. I would have to say while my foot was in a cast, David going to various book events for me to get books autographed as well as the flowers he sent while I was home. Also, my friend Michael standing outside of a bookstore for five hours to meet George W. Bush and get his memoir autographed and sent to me.


Favourite Websites: Gala Darling, Nubby Twiglet, Celebrity Book Signings and Events, Geek Tyrant

Could Not Be Without: Purple eyelids, my big purple square nerd glasses, a bright big handbag, Converse sneakers, my Pantech Matrix, Blistex Glysomed hand and body cream, Hello Kitty watches, David, my family, Hudson and Sweetums, purple unicorns, Starbucks Vanilla Chai, Think Coffee Chai Latte + chocolate marzipan bars, silly hats + headbands, books, and eternal love.


I am very excited for 2011! Hopefully I will not break anything two months into the new year like I did in 2010. Even though most of my 2010 was spent indoors and in a cast of some kind, this year was definitely an eye opener of a year. I learned who my true friends and loves are, I learned what is best for me, and I learned to live life in the present--not in the future or in the past. I also learned to be happy and positive. I am on the right track now.

Do you have any goals for the New Year? How was your two thousand and amen?

Christmas Haul 2010

Merry Christmas everyone! Yes I know this is the season of giving, but I would like to share with you what I got this year. I have everything I need--this is more of what I would WANT and received.

From my students: A heck of a lot of chocolate, a hot cocoa mug, a $25 gift cheque from American Express, a fuzzy pink scarf, a tabletop clock,an egg tray, and a $15 dollar gift card to Dunkin Donuts.

From my friend Fran: A purple mood changing watch

From my friend Melissa: Neil Gaiman's Coraline on DVD and an Alice in Wonderland coloring book.

From my friend Christine: The Twilight Saga: Eclipse on DVD.

From Giovanna Shannon/Lisa Vicari: A $50 gift card to Lane Bryant.

From my friend Randy: a plaid pink scarf, Paris Hilton perfume, and Baby Phat perfume/lotion set.

From my family: A Fleur De Lis pin, a Jewish hand pendant (its for good luck), Hello Kitty slippers, a Hello Kitty water bottle, clothes, and a nail care kit/body scrub set.

From my David: Despicable Me on DVD, Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem video game for the Nintendo DS, The Rocky Horror Picture Show/Shock Treatment double feature DVD set, The Doors Special Edition DVD Set, Wonder Woman The Complete First Season DVD Set, a Christmas Snoopy doll, Unconditional Love by Philosophy perfume, the book The Lost Dogs: Michael Vick's Dogs and Their Tale of Rescue and Redemption by Jim Gorant, and a Hello Kitty Party game and case for my Nintendo DS.

What did you get this year?

Appreciation in 2010

Saw this prompt on And This is What She Said and thought I would give it a whirl.

What’s the one thing you have come to appreciate most in the past year? How do you express gratitude for it? (Author: Victoria Klein)

There are lot of things I can say that I appreciate. My life, my family, my David but all of those answers are pretty cliche'. So what do I appreciate the most in the past year?

Having the ability to walk.

See, back in March 2010 I had a stress fracture in my left foot that rendered me un-walkable, if that is even a word, until May 19th. I was out of work, home all day long, missed out on a great vacation to Phoenix, Arizona with David, missed out on movies I wanted to see, missed out on events I wanted to go to, missed out meeting Cherie Currie from the Runaways, and overall had major cabin fever. I even missed having sex/pleasuring myself because it was uncomfortable to do! I would look forward to physical therapy and doctors visits because I got out of the house! That is not my idea of great time.

After being home for close to three months, I definitely looked forward to going into work, going into NYC, and just walking period. I feel for those that are stuck to wheelchairs and crutches all their lives. I try not to take elevators or escalators a lot, unless it is a pretty steep climb uphill and I know that I could not handle it. I was so proud of walking over the summer I remember walking from 14th and 6th Avenue to 54th and 6th Avenue! I was not tired at all! My foot was sore the next day but the fact that I did it, made me feel so proud. I definitely appreciate my ability to walk.

Now it is your turn to answer the prompt....

In Memoriam: The Late Greats of 2010

2010 seems to have been the year of death--the year that we as an American culture lost a lot of greats. Let me let you take a look back at the entertainment, sports and wrestling legends who unfornuately left us this year. Thanks to Entertainment Weekly for the info as well as Wrestling Wrap-Up. If I have forgotten anyone, let me know in comments and I will add.

ENTERTAINMENT AND SPORTS DEATHS OF 2010

--Dennis Hopper
--Lena Horne
--John Forsythe
--Corey Haim
--Barbara Billingsley
--Gary Coleman
--Phil Harris of the Deadliest Catch
--Tony Curtis
--Greg Giraldo (this one really affected me as his television show on Comedy Central was David and I's first ever date. Greg had sent me tickets and told me to "get my ass and a guest" to his taping. I decided to take David and as they say, the rest is history.)
--Rue McClanahan
--Patricia Neal
--Eddie Fisher
--Lynn Redgrave
--Teddy Pendergrass
--Leslie Nielsen
--J.D. Salinger
--Tom Bosley
--Harvey Pekar
--Blake Edwards
--Elizabeth Edwards
--Irvin Kershner
--Jack Tatum
--Bob Feller
--George Steinbrenner
--Jimmy Dean
--Ronnie James Dio
--Dixie Carter (actress, not president of TNA Wrestling)
--Peter Graves
--Andrew Koenig
--Alexander McGueen
--Howard Zinn
--Robert B. Parker
--Don Meredith
--Zelda Rubenstein
--Malcolm McLaren
--Peter Steele
--Paul Grey
--Bob Sheppard
--Jack Tatum
--Robert Schimmel
--Stephen J. Cannell
--Bob Guccione
--Sparky Anderson
--Dino DeLaurentis
--Pat Burns

WRESTLING DEATHS OF 2010
--Jim White
--Tony Halme (known as Ludwig Borga)
--Ida Mae Martinez
--Jack Brisco
--Christopher Kluscarits (known as Chris Kanyon, Kanyon, or Mortis)
--Gene Kiniski
--Kinji Shibuya
--Salvador Cuevas Ramirez (known as El Supremo)
--Aurelian Smith (known as Grizzly Smith)
--Michael Verdi (known as Trent Acid)
--Lance McNaught (known as Lance Cade)
--Jimmy Wehba (known as Skandor Akbar)
--Gertrude Wilkerson (known as Luna Vachon)
--Tony Osborne
--J.C. Bailey
--Mike Shaw (known as Bastion Booger, Norman the Lunatic, Friar Ferguson, Makhan Singh, Klondike Mike)
--Jorge Gonzalez (known as El Gigante, Giant Gonzales)

Things I Love Thursday -- 12/16 Edition

Baby, it is cold outside! It is funny but I have learned that the more love you have in your heart and body, the warmer you are...so in the interest of staying warm, here is what I am so much in love with this week!

--This website Defaced It is exactly what it says--a photo blog of things that have been defaced. Some of them are really cute while others make you go "huh?"

--Trying to cut out putting Sweet N Low in my tea. Instead I have put honey or agave nectar and it tastes so nummy!

--Getting lots of sleep over the weekend.

--9 Days til Christmas! Definitely in the holiday spirit.

What are you so much in love with this week?

Things I Love Thursday - 12/9 Edition

Another week...another list of what I love this week! This is a great habit that I have developed as sometimes I can be Ms. Gloom Negative but to combat my villain superpower, Ms. Sunny Positive comes through!

Here is what I am in love with week:

--Riding a vintage NYC subway train. It was amazing! To feel how it was "back in the day" as us Generation X would say. I was amazed by the cushioned seats! Also copies of original subway advertisements were on the train as well. If you are in the NYC area on a Sunday, take the F train to 2nd Avenue. It runs from 10am to 4pm. Make sure to do before December 26th as then it will be over!

--The Cheddar and Apple sandwich at 3B's located at FoodParc. Oh my goodness so nummy.

--Marino's Watermelon ice. Yes I know it is freezing out but Italian ices are so good!

--Having the ability to take a situation that could have been chaotic and rowdy and solve it. I am one of the teachers who does lunch duty and yesterday I was the only one for the entire 3rd grade. I had all of the 3rd grade sit on the other side of the cafeteria and the 5th grade, who share the same lunch period, sat on the other side. It worked out perfectly.

--Baby wash/shower gel! So soothing and moisturizing.

--My sparkly beanie hat.

--Having students tell me that I become a different person with my glasses off. Mmmm...maybe I should get contacts and fool them sometimes?

--Layers of sweaters to keep me warm as I go to work.

--Making the cutest mitten ornaments for my students. I got them at Oriental Trading. Luckily I only have 60 students!

--Receiving Christmas gifts early. Thanks Michael!

--Getting lovely comments on my Chronicle Books giveaway blog. I hope I win!




What are you in love with this week?

Chronicle Books Giveaway!!!

Since I am a bookworm, you know I had to enter this giveaway!

Post a list of Chronicle Books valued at up to $500 that you’d like to haul in, and you’ll be automatically entered into a drawing to WIN your list of books! And, one of your readers who comments on the post will win the list too!
Last day to submit entries is December 10th!

Here is my list:
1: The Lifeboard: Follow Your Vision. Realize Your Dreams. ($14.95)
2: Brain Boot Camp: Work Out Your Mind and Boost Brainpower with Your Very Own
Electronic Coach ($29.95)
3: Curious Lists: A Creative Journal for List-Lovers ($12.95)
4: 1,001 Ways to Live in the Moment ($9.95)
5: Smut: Volume 2 ($14.95)
6: Batman: Murder at Wayne Manor: An Interactive Mystery ($24.95)
7: Dante's Divine Comedy: Boxed Set ($100.00)
8: Christopher Walken A to Z: The Man • The Movies • The Legend ($16.95)
9: Obsessed With Football: Test Your Knowledge on and off the Gridiron($29.95)
10: Women Know Everything!: 3,241 Quips, Quotes, and Brilliant Remarks ($16.95)
11: Simple Steps Toward a Healthier Earth ($12.99)
12: DC Superheroes: A How-to-Draw Kit ($16.95)
13: Other Goose: Re-Nurseried and Re-Rhymed Children's Classics ($19.99)
14: In the Garden with Van Gogh ($6.99)
15: Sylvia Long's Mother Goose ($22.99)
16: Atlanta ($29.95)
17: One Line a Day ($16.95)
18: The Ultimate Metallica ($35.00)
19: All My Friends Are Dead ($9.95)
20: Ten Little Zombie ($9.95)

Things I Love Thursday--11/25 Edition

Happy Thanksgiving To All of my Followers and Readers!

Here is what I am so much in love with this week!

--The new Girl Talk album "All Day". I found the download link via Gala Darling. So good...makes me want to throw a party and invite him to be the DJ.

--The Paris Versus New York blog. New York City is my lover, but Paris will always be my darling.

--Hearing my students use "pookie" to describe something terrible. It is cute!

--My new Olsenboye "Royal" boots. So comfy and roomy for leggings and thick socks if I want to.

--Crisp fall air.

--Said it once and I will say it again--THE WALKING DEAD on AMC. If you have not seen this show, what rock are you under?

--Finding the best presents for my friends and family for Chrishankwanzakah.

--All of the energy I have now due to eating healthy and adding apple cider vinegar and coconut oil back into my diet.

--My new knitted ear warmer with a big bow on the front from Forever 21.

--Wearing fishnet tights over regular tights to get a textured look.

--I know I have said it before but Apple Cinnamon tea. Yum!

--Honest Tea Pomegranate Tea. Oh my goodness...so good.

--The Blogger Draft tool. So I can schedule blogs, forget about them, and then advertise them when I need to. SCORE!

--Winning two Elmo toys at a Sesame Street function and planning on donating them to Toys for Tots.

--Not feeling guilty for taking a day off of work last week. I wasn't feeling well and if I am run down and can't breathe, what service am I to my students? NONE.

--Being noticed in Union Square Park and blushing.

--Brainstorming summer vacations with David. So far. the thought of Los Angeles/San Diego/San Francisco has come up.

--My mom's homemade stuffing.

--Receiving texts from people I have not heard from in a long long time.

--David, Hudson, Sweetums, Mom, Dad, Nick: the biggest loves in my life!

--Reading Kat Von D's "The Tattoo Chronicles" and gaining inspiration for new tattoos!

--The National Dog Show on NBC after the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. Love looking at dogs. I want them all!

--Creating my own Boutique on Boutiques.com. It is addicting though.

--Having the next four days off from work to recharge and clear my head.


What are you so much in love with this week, besides Thanksgiving?

Fun Fact Friday #25--50 Questions

It has been a hot minutes since I exposed more of myself to my readers so I found this survey on Facebook and decided what they heck?

1. What time did you get up this morning? 5:45am

2. How do you like your steak? I do not eat red meat, sorry.

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Red

4. What is your favorite TV show? 90210, Gossip Girl, Supernatural, TNA Impact!

5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? Either my lovah known as New York City or my wife known as Paris, France.

6. What did you have for breakfast? A banana, apple juice, and a egg white omelette.

7. What is your favorite cuisine? Italian followed by Mexican/Latin

8. What foods do you dislike? Spinach, asparagus.

9. Favorite Place to Eat? Lately it has been Think Coffee in Union Square

10. Favorite dressing? Oil and vinegar or Italian.

11.What kind of vehicle do you drive? #10 Bus or PATH train. (I do not drive)

12. What are your favorite clothes? Black jeans, sweater, oversized bag, Converse sneakers.

13. Where would you visit if you had the chance? 1)Paris, France again. 2)Rome, Italy. 3)Seattle, Washington.

14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full? Half full

15. Where would you want to retire? NYC

16. Favorite time of day? 2:55pm every day

17. Where were you born? Jersey City, NJ

18. What is your favorite sport to watch? Hockey, football, professional wrestling

19. Who do you think will not tag you back? Posting on my blog so if my readers decide to do it, cool.

20. Person you expect to tag you back first? See #19

21. Who are you most curious about their responses to this? See #19

22. Bird watcher? Not really

23. Are you a morning person or a night person? Night person by far

24. Pets? Doggies!

25. Any new and exciting news that you'd like to share? Nah.

26. What did you want to be when you were little? A lawyer.

27. What is your best childhood memory? Too many to list

28. Are you a cat or dog person? Dog

29. Are you married? Engaged but in absolutely no rush to walk down the aisle.

30. Always wear your seat belt? Always.

31. Been in a car accident? Yes in Detroit, Michigan and I was the passenger.

32. Any pet peeves? Stupidity, the phrase cool beans, telling me you will call/text and do not, etc.

33. Favorite pizza topping? Pineapple

34. Favorite Flower? Stargazer Lilies and Gerbera Daisies

35. Favorite ice cream? Rocky Road

36. Favorite fast food restaurant? Taco Bell

37. How many times did you fail your driver's test? Failed the written twice, mind you this is coming from a girl who has two degrees and two teaching certifications.

38. From whom did you get your last email? Facebook status comments.

39. At which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Once one?

40. Do anything spontaneous lately? Um, not really.

41. Like your job? Yes! Love it!

42. Broccoli? Steamed with garlic please.

43. What was your favorite vacation? Orlando in 2007 followed by Chicago this past year.

44. Last person you went out with? My phenomenal David.

45. What are you listening to right now? Gossip Girl on television

46. What is your favorite color? Dark purple

47. How many tattoos do you have? One that I would love to get re-done by Kat Von D.

49. What time did you finish this quiz? 9:55 PM EST

50. Coffee Drinker? Hardly.

Day 18 of 30 Days of Thanks

18. I am most thankful for everything that God has provided for me, whether it is good or bad.

What are you thankful for today?

Day 17 of 30 Days of Thanks

17. I am thankful for learning something new everyday.

What are you thankful for today?

Day 16 of 30 Days of Thanks

16. I am thankful for the sport known as hockey.

What are you thankful for today?

Day 12, 13, 14, and 15 of 30 Days of Thanks

Not going to lie here...my weekend with my phenomenal took up a lot of my time and work prevented me from posting. Please do not be mad at me! Here are days 12,13,14, and 15 of 30 Days of Thanks!

12. I am thankful when Maritza Camilo calls me at 8:30am and says “I need you to cover…”
13. I am thankful for my family—the true meaning of the word love.
14. I am thankful for Venti Vanilla Chai Lattes from Starbucks.
15. I am thankful that there is train wreck/reality television because it puts my life into perspective and makes me realize that there are far more crazy and stupid people out there.

What are you thankful for today?

I Heart Criminal Minds!

Criminal Minds Is Captivating

Thanks for the guest post by Donn Schroeder

Criminal Minds is one of those crime shows that captivates its audience. Set as an FBI drama, an elite group of agents travel the country investigating murders. This particular sector of the FBI is the behavioral analysis unit. They specialize in focusing on the criminals behavior patterns and practice to locate and subdue the suspect.

I have been hooked on this show since it began six years ago. Watching it every week, I find that I have become attached to the characters on the show. When they took one of my favorite agents off the show a few weeks ago, I cried. Its kind of strange how someone can become so enthralled in a television show that the characters can actually have an impact on their life, but that is what happens. I sit down every Wednesday night and turn on the satellite TV from direc4u.com to wait patiently for the show to air. After I have watched that episode, I find myself thinking that I can't wait until next week to see what happens. Afterward I talk to my friends about the show, and we all agree that it is a great television show.

Day 6,7,8,9,10, and 11 of 30 Days of Thanks

Oh my goodness! I have really slacked off on my 30 Days of Thanks Blog Series! I have written down one thing I am thankful for every day so I will post all of the days I have missed right now!

6. I am thankful that even though sometimes the job drives me up the wall that I do have a job to go to in the morning.

7. I am thankful for the food group known as chocolate.

8. I am thankful for my Italian culture and ancestry. Without it, a lot of art, music, and cuisine would not be around!

9. I am thankful for my friends who always try to keep me in balance.

10. I am thankful for the man known as David Cohen—my rock, my support, my Phenomenal.

11. I am thankful for cold nights—that means hot cocoa!

What are you thankful for today?

Day 5 of 30 Days of Thanks Series

5. I am thankful for the food in my stomach, even if it is not healthy!

What are you thankful for today?

Day 4 of 30 Days of Thanks Series

4. I am thankful for the roof over my head. This I am extremely thankful as my house could have burned down on Sunday October 10, 2010 but through my neighbours constantly calling the Fire Department and my parents being home, this did not happen.

What are you thankful for today?

Things I Love Thursday--11/4 Edition

So last week's TiLT was very short and I am so sorry about that. I did not think I would go out on that Thursday and set the post to publish way too early. With that said, lets get to what I am so in love with this week!

*Herbal Revive Tea
*Apple Cinnamon Tea
*My Fiance' David
*Seeing my favorite horror movie on the big screen (the movie is Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho--the one with Janet Leigh and Anthony Perkins)
*My two dogs Hudson and Sweetums
*Finally my payroll being correct!
*Paying off vacation debts
*Dogs in costumes (yes I know Halloween was last Sunday but they are so cute!)
*Doing things on my own and not feeling guilty about it
*The Walking Dead on AMC
*My Christian Siriano sneakers FINALLY fit! My left foot is getting better still and I am so happy I can have somewhat stylish shoes on my feet. Will wear these for adventures in Atlantic City!
*Adventures in Atlantic City with my mother. So needed..
*Adventures in Pennsylvania with my brother and my good friend Frances from work. Again, so needed...
*Apple cider donuts while on a field trip with my students
*Long, lingering goodbye kisses from David
*Trying a dessert that does not have chocolate in it. I tried a Orange Olive Oil cake and my goodness was it nummy and moist.


What are you so in love with this week?

Day 3 of 30 Days of Thanks Series

3. I am thankful for the ability to read critically, especially since I am a teacher!

What are you thankful for today?

Happy and Grateful Tuesday #7--11/2 Edition

I am so happy and grateful for a career that leaves me with just enough free time to enjoy life.

What are you so happy and grateful for this week?

Day 2 of 30 Days of Thanks Series

2. I am thankful for all of our military personnel for keeping our country (USA is where I am from and live) safe.

What are you thankful for today?

30 Days of Thanks Series Starting TODAY!

30 Days of Thanks
See how your life might change by spending the 30 days in November giving thanks for things in your lives--every single day.

Hi there! For the month of November, every day, I am going to post something that I am thankful for, even after Thanksgiving! I got the idea from this website 30 Days of Thanks So with that, here is Day One of 30 Days of Thanks!

1. I am thankful that I have the ability to communicate well with others.

Things I Love Thursday--10/28 Edition

This has been kind of a busy week at work with being a Jane of All Trades in my school building, but this is what I am so in love with this week:

--This Twitter Conversation with Kat Von D (yes that KAT VON D):
JoiseyDani @thekatvond wish I could meet you tonight at Bookends. Being a 3rd grade teacher is hard & money is tight. Hope your signing goes well
thekatvond @JoiseyDani I will gladly buy you a book. Teachers are far too under credited and under payed. :)
JoiseyDani @thekatvond ARE YOU SERIOUS? That would make my year! Thank you so very much! What do I have to do?
JoiseyDani @thekatvond I do teach and live in New Jersey...just traveling out there & money is tight for me as I told you.
thekatvond ill hold one for you at the signing :):) I assume ur name Joisey Dani? :):)
JoiseyDani @thekatvond My first name is Danielle (obviously) but you can make it out to Joisey Dani is fine. Do I call Bookends to have it shipped?

What are you in love with this week?

Happy and Grateful Tuesday #6--10/26 Edition

I am so happy and grateful for the beautiful and crisp Fall weather my lovely area of the world has right now. Great time to walk through a park, eat outside, read outside, and just be in BLISS.

What are you so happy and grateful for this week?

Things I Love Thursday--10/21 Edition

It is 615am and my mind is spurning and turning with love! This is what I am in love with this week:

--The San Francisco Giants leading in the NLCS series! PHUCK THE PHILLIES!

--Having cucumbers, corn, and egg whites for breakfast.

--York Peppermint Patty pieces. So nummy!

--Restarting the Kayfabe Monday blog on The Wrestling Forum. I was feeling uninspired lately but then my creative muses started talking to me and bam!

--Having creative muses hit me at the weirdest of times. Upcoming blog opportunity!

--Brass Knuckle kind rings

--Having my bus crew miss me last week. It was nice that they noticed my absence!

--Having students who love comic books.

--Apples with low fat feta cheese...nom!

--Changing my cell phone plan and saving close to $30 dollars a month.

--NYC Zombie Crawl this weekend! I am going to be a BP Zombie--I have a suit and a BP identification badge.

--How my students reacted when I asked them what do they think it might feel like to kiss a frog. (In a small group instruction, we read a story called The Frog Prince. I think you get the idea of the book.)

--Paying off debts. I am about $600 dollars shy of being done and it is so freeing! MUST PLAN NEW ADVENTURES!



What is your mind and heart spurning with love this week?

Things I Love Thursday--10/14 Edition

What do I heart and squee over this week?

--The Jersey City Fire Department for getting to my house in record time and containing the fire that could have taken my whole house in 14 minutes. THANK YOU!

--Sleeping for 10 hours. I guess my body needed it.

--Breakfasts that David makes me.

--Burger King tater tots. They are nummy!

--Jeff Hardy turning heel on TNA Wrestling. It will be a great sight to see as he is an creative soul and artist. Long live CONTROVERSY! (That is the name I want his stable to be.)

--The water in Daytona Beach. Bright blue green, warm, and the waves were not that bad.

--Gala's new Love and Sequins podcast that deals with my lovah, NEW YORK! I have my own list of places I love/want to try so this will be great for new adventures.

--Thinking of Halloween costumes.

--Cuddling with my dogs as soon as I get home.

--Warm tea waiting for me when I get home from work.


What are you in love with this week?

Happy and Grateful Wednesday 10/13/2010

Okay...I know that this is a day late, but this is what I am truly happy and grateful for.

I am so happy and grateful that my parents were home when someone or something set the garbage on the side of my house on fire causing the fire to go up the side of the house and destroy the porch.

If my parents were not home, it could have been A LOT worse. Here is the story: Trash fire damages porch of home

I want to say THANK YOU to my neighbours who constantly called over and over to get the JCFD to my house. I also want to thank everyone for the outpouring of emotions and offers for help. My family is fine, I am fine, the dogs are fine.

I am still in shock. I went away to Daytona Beach with my fiance' and came home to a fire. We think THEY did it.

XOXO

Things I Love Thursday--9/30 Edition

It has been a cold and dreary day in the land of Jersey...lets add some sunshine to it!

What I have been in love with this week:

--Meeting the whole New Jersey Devils team! David and I went to the NJ Devils Season Ticket Holders BBQ and while we were there we met Jason Arnott, Patrik Elias, Ilya Kovulchuk, Jamie Langenbrunner, Zach Parise, Brian Rolston, Travis Zajac, Dainius Zubrus, Mark Fraser, Andy Greene, Henrik Tallinder, Anton Volchenkov, Colin White, MARTIN BRODEUR, and Johan Hedberg. Thanks again to David Cohen for making this happen! Also got really yummy food and drinks and a great experience.

--Sitting right behind the goal zone at the NJ Devils vs. Philadelphia Flyers pre-season game. Never had seats like that before.

--Twinings Herbal Revive Tea. It has cherry and cinnamon in it and it is nummy, especially on a rainy day.

--Speaking of that, RAINY DAYS! The perfect opportunity to cuddle up with someone you love, a good book, a nice hot steaming cup of tea. Mmmm...

--Packing for Daytona Beach! I will be there next weekend for a professional wrestling pay per view.

--Being a VIP at TNA Wrestling. It pays to know the right people...

--Planning out my outfits for Daytona the week before I go.

--Getting excited for Universal Studios and HARRY POTTER PARK!

What are you excited about this week?

Happy and Grateful Tuesday #5: 9/28th Edition

Stress...Work....it has been the death of me lately. In the State of New Jersey, there are a lot of shady business practices going on in the world of education and it is affecting myself as well as other superb teachers in the area. Also the movie "Waiting for Superman" has put everyone at the edge of their seats, even though the movie only tells part of the story of charter schools and does not bother to look at/examine the teachers that ARE "Superman" or in my case "Wonder Woman" as that does not bring in money or ratings. With that said, let me apologize for one not being up to date with my blog reading and leaving comments and two for not posting as much as I used to over the summer. I will still always be here in some form and capacity though. With that here is the HG!

I am so happy and grateful for nice clean sheets on my bed to roll around in when I get home from a tiring day at work.

I am so happy and grateful for fresh peaches from Georgia that drip juice down your chin and make you go nomnomnom as you eat it.

What are you so happy and grateful for?

XOXO.

Fun Fact Friday #24: 15 Games in 15 Minutes

First of all, let me apologize for being so distant lately. I need to write a Kayfabe Monday blog in the next hot minute and pay attention to my blogs and followers! I feel so bad for neglecting you so but with work (I am a 3rd grade class support teacher) I am so tired when I get home. I hope you can forgive me! So with that, I give you this weeks F3!

The rules: Don't take too long to think about it. Fifteen video games you've played that will always stick with you. List the first fifteen you can recall in no more than fifteen minutes.

1) Super Mario Brothers
2) Tetris
3) Ms. Pac Man
4) Guitar Hero
5) Brain Age
6) Dance Dance Revolution
7) Duck Hunt
8) Hogan's Alley
9) The Legend of Zelda
10) Skate or Die
11) Gauntlet Legends
12) The House of the Dead
13) Castlevania
14) Spy Hunter
15) Mortal Kombat

YOUR TURN!

Things I Love Thursday--9/23 Edition

My life has been a whirlwind of busy right now and that is a great thing! As always, I stop and reflect the things that have made me feel so in love for the week....here it goes!

--The season known as AUTUMN! I love this season. The cool crisp air, sweaters, cardigans, tights under skirts, hot apple cider, pumpkins, Halloween, horror movies, NYC Zombie Crawl...so much stuff in Fall is a joy.

--Having word vomit in work. Let me explain. There is a girl I work with who constantly brings up the negative, complains and whines, drops designer name brands like there is no tomorrow, etc. For some strange reason I always tip-toed around her. Not anymore. When the complaining starts, I just say what is on my mind. It feels GOOD.

--Being broke. Wait, what?? How can a person be in love with having no money? Simple--I am enjoying things again that I took for granted and learning how to entertain myself without money in my pocket. I am listening to music more, reading more, catching up on movies on DVD, and enjoying the art of the nap. Do not get me wrong, I do have money in the bank but I have various bills that I need to take care of by November 1st and after then, I should be okay.

--Having the greatest girlfriends in the world who are always there to lend a ear and share their crazy with me.

--Daytona Beach in about 2 weeks! So can not wait!

What are you in love with this week?

Things I Love Thursday--9/16th Edition

This week has been hectic with work and other job opportunities but I will try my best to write this list.

--Grilled Cheese and Tomato at Think Coffee in NYC. After a hectic week, I looked forward to this sandwich and it was DELICIOUS!

--Loud, obnoxious thunder that is perfect for cuddling with my dogs.

--Phenomenal also known as David. I can go on and on, but I will not.

--Making new friends at work due to school closings.

--Being the girl that tries to keep my friend awake who got stuck in a car accident on Back to School night and she did not get home until 130am. She made it into school the next day but was a zombie.

--Buying summer dresses for fall wardrobe

--Sweaters, cardigans, tea, black tights...I heart fall.

--That Neil Gaiman, one of my favorite authors, will appear as a cartoon in Arthur!

--Signing up for a One Day University and taking a class with JOYCE CAROL OATES as my instructor. Can not wait!

--Daytona Beach in THREE WEEKS!!


What are you in love with this week?

Happy and Grateful Tuesday #4: 9/14 Edition

Since I have missed about two Happy and Grateful Tuesday blog posts, this post I will have THREE Happy and Grateful Tuesday posts!

I am so happy and grateful that I am working in only one grade level this year.

I am so happy and grateful for warm beds that are waiting for me when I get home from work.

I am so happy and grateful for the excitement of football season starting. LETS GO JETS!

What are you so happy and grateful for this week?

Things I Love Thursday--9/9 Edition

Oh TiLT...how I have missed you....

What made me squee and yell with love this week?

--ATLANTA! I learned what true Southern hospitality is and it is a great feeling. Still have a blog to write up about it.

--Returning back to work. Yes most people will say "are you crazy?" but it was nice to see my co-workers and friends again.

--Having only one grade level this year! Last year I was a floater between 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th and it was TORTURE. So glad I am in one grade level which is 3rd grade.

--The return of The Vampire Diaries on Thursday!!! So can not wait...

--The return of 90210 and Gossip Girl on Monday 9/13! I have missed my fandom...

--Meeting Morena Baccarin "Anna" from V! She is very personable and down to earth. I have a bunch of videos from her panel I need to put together and when I do I will upload here. Here is the picture:

--Curling up in my nice warm bed and taking a 2 hour nap after work.

--Baby Bell snack cheese..you know the ones that you unwrapped from a red waxy enclosure to reveal a perfect size wheel of cheese? Yes that one. So good.

--Having a good third grade class this year, maybe some chatterboxes but all in all okay.

--Being energetic even after a long day of work! I know that contradicts my nap sentiment, but it is still there!

What are you squeeing about this week?

I Have Missed You: Vacation Blog: Chicago

Oh boy this past week has been a whirlwind of adventure. David and I traveled to Chicago on August 27th through August 31st; was home in NYC for one day then traveled to Atlanta on September 2nd through September 5th. I know I know..why did I not get a connecting flight from Chicago to Atlanta? Simple--the stuff I wanted to bring with me to Atlanta was still at home so I needed time to repack and everything.

So let us move now to the discussion of our trips!

Trip 1; Chicago, Illnois
All I kept hearing when I said I was going to Chicago for a little vacation, I heard "Why Chicago? What is in Chicago?" It amazes me to no end that people of this nation do not want to get out of their comfort zone and go exploring this great country of ours, but that is them and not me.

Our flight was at 7am with a 930am landing, which in central time is 830am. I gained an hour! Woohoo! I am one of those people with a irrational fear of flying, but I have beaten that fear into submission by following some tips from Gala Darling's Love and Sequins #10. In my carry on, I had a book and my iPod with my headphones as well as a empty water bottle and a cozy blanket. I also dressed really warm and got comfy into the seat. What amazed me is the fact that I did not need a seat belt extender! I always asked for one, but now I do not have to. Go me. The landing and takeoff were insanely smooth and I met loads of friendly people along the way on the plane.

After getting our bags and finding a cab, we took a nice 45 minute ride to our hotel. Yes that is right--45 MINUTES. Everything in Chicago is nice and spread out. You best be in shape, or at least have comfortable shoes, for the treks in Chicago. Luckily our hotel was about three blocks away from Northwestern University, so I knew we were in a safe area. After a quick nap and shower, off we went to explore!

Our first stop was Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs. This ball park has a old time feeling. No electronic scoreboard of today--they still use the removable score numbers and team names. The men that work inside that scoreboard must be insanely sweaty. We were too after this tour. No elevators, no escalators. If you are handicapped or again not in shape/no comfortable shoes DO NOT GO TO WRIGLEY FIELD. If you ever went on a ballpark tour before you know that most of it is going to the bleacher area, press box, visitors locker room, home team locker room, and if it is not a game day the field and the dugouts. It was a lot of fun visiting this ball park and the home of the Cubs. As they call it--The Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field. There were pretty friendly and amazing.

We stopped into a couple of sports stores along the way and then went onto the US Cellular Field to see the Chicago White Sox vs. New York Yankees. This ball park did not have the excitement and nostalgia like Wrigley. It was a fun game. Tried a ilotay which was corn with cheese and salt and pepper. It was okay. After the game and a long train ride, back to the hotel for sleep.

The next day we were off to Sears Tower/Skydeck Chicago. The views are spectacular. The waiting on line to get to it though was a horror. Took a lot of photos on the Skydeck Ledge which is a big glass block that you can look straight down on. David was so scared but he tried it out. It was fun but the crowds and the way it was controlled could have been better.

After a long walk to the train station, we were off to the Chicago Bears vs. Arizona Cardinals game. As a football fan I was looking forward to this game. Jay Cutler on the Chicago Bears has a incredible arm. We got to the stadium and the security there has to be one of the rudest security ever. The girl who searched David's bag acted like a police officer. Do not fret, we did complain and hopefully something will come out of it. Soldier Field is another field that is just okay. Nothing different in terms of concessions. Lots of nostalgia though on the walls. After about a mile and a half hike in the humidity of Chicago, we made it to the train station where our cab driver could pick us up. Everything around the field was closed off and traffic beyond traffic. It was insane.

We then went onto Steak and Shake which David constantly raves about, but I just do not see the appeal. It is a Midwest version of Wendy's to me. After eating we were off to sleep.

On Sunday we had another Chicago White Sox vs. New York Yankees game but today was FRANK THOMAS DAY. It was a good thing we got there early as there was lines upon lines to get in. Why? FRANK THOMAS BOBBLEHEAD. I did not see the point but he is an icon in Chicago so I understood. I got these great Tex-Mex nachos for $8 dollars and it was huge. Definitely filling.

After the game, David and I met up with his friend Morgan to have the greatest Chicago deep dish pizza known as GIORDANO'S. Oh my goodness...the Uno's out on the East Coast have no idea. This pizza had to be the best thing ever. We got a large Tropic stuffed pizza and I had to eat it with a fork. That is how good it was. After a while I could pick up the slice and mind you, no one spoke while we ate. You know that is a sign of good stuff. Traveled back to the hotel and just relaxed.

Monday was our last day in Chicago so we tried to make it count. We went to the John Hancock Observatory which is 100 times better than Sears Tower and went on a great sightseeing cruise. The weather was definitely with us today. Walked into the Chicago Tribune but could only go to the lobby due to September 11th. Also walked Magnificent Mile for a little bit then we made our way back to Wrigley Field to be BLEACHER CREATURES. That was a lot of fun except for this one guy who kept on yelling about Tyler Colvin wearing #21. Also a bunch of kids glamored all of the baseballs, including one that was thrown to me. I said come on dude what are you going to do with all of those baseballs and he said he would sell me one! I said um no and sat down. I also became a super fan and yelled at the Pittsburgh Players something fierce. It was a lot of fun. We left after 5 innings to try Hawaiian food at Aloha Eats and I did not like it. It did not agree with me. Went back to the hotel, took some Gas-X and went to sleep.

Tuesday we got up early and went to Ann Sather Restaurant which was featured on Food Network. I got their Swedish Breakfast Sampler and it was so nummy but a lot of food. Afterward went back to the hotel, took a nap together followed by some adult fun, packed up our stuff and off to the airport. It was a great trip. I loved every second of it. Can not wait to return!

Other awesomeness from Chicago: That the ticket agents at Delta were very courteous, how I got complimentary magazines from Delta Airlines, No use for a seat belt extender on the plane, how the history of Chicago is vast and wide, how the people of Chicago are very accomodating and friendly, the sports fandom in Chicago is louder than ours and it was great.

For pictures from the vacation go here: Pictures from Chicago, Illinois

Stay tuned for blog #2 all about ATLANTA!

Fun Fact Friday #23: Favorite Superhero

Hmm....favourite superhero...that might be kind of stuff...I am more of a super villain kind of girl...but if I had to choose, it would have to be Neil Gaiman's SANDMAN.

Fun Fact Friday #22: Random Facts

Saw this awesome prompt on a friends blog and figured why not for this weeks F3!

Recent picture of You and 15 Interesting Facts about Yourself



1: I was the basketball bookkeeper for my high school basketball team.
2: I prefer horror movies than romantic comedies.
3: I will not eat asparagus or spinach unless feta cheese is on it to mask their flavour.
4: If I do not get at least 8 hours of sleep a night, I have a terrible headache all day.
5: Vanilla Chai Lattes and Lemonade are my favorite drinks, but not together obviously.
6: I am not a fan of horror movie remakes as they are perfect to begin with.
7: I broke my left ankle when I was 16 and had three reconstructive surgeries on it.
8: I have had over 200 stitches in my body.
9: One of my goals is to visit every state in the United States and I do not mean just going to the airport.
10: One of my favorite things to do is sit in Union Square park in New York City and people watch.
11: My favorite authors include Neil Gaiman, Chuck Palahniuk, Bret Easton Ellis, and Joyce Carol Oates.
12: I write a goals list for the year on New Years Day. I have done this since 2006.
13: I became a fan of professional wrestling at the tender age of 6 years old. Blame my older brother.
14: I survived the 110 degree heatwave of 2003 in Paris, France that killed over 10,000 people without air conditioning.
15: Baby corn is my snack of choice.

I will be on vacation from today (August 27th) to August 31st, will be home for a day on September 1st, then back out on September 2nd to September 5th. I am going to Chicago, Illinois and Atlanta, Georgia. Hope you do not miss me!

Things I Love Thursday--8/26 Edition

So many happy thoughts...so much love....

--CHICAGO IN ONE DAY! David and I have planned this trip since FEBRUARY! Three baseball games (Two White Sox/One Cubs), one Chicago Bears preseason football game, Sears Tower, John Hancock Observatory, Navy Pier, swimming, relaxing, and just all in all FUN! It has been a hot minute since I traveled with my phenomenal so definitely looking forward to it. We will be back on Tuesday August 31st, have a one day reprieve then back out to...

--ATLANTA!! Originally we were not going to Atlanta because of the Phoenix trip in March but due to my foot injury, I had to pull out of the trip. David felt so bad that he said back in May "You are going to Atlanta during Labor Day Weekend." I nearly screamed my head off. Major reason for going is Dragon Con.

--Trying the Never Ending Pasta Bowl at Olive Garden but stopping at two bowls! The salad and bread sticks did me in...so nummy.

--Laughter through texts. My friends and phenomenal definitely know how to make me smile.

--Finally seeing that I have lost weight and feel healthy! My body now tells me "too many carbs...you get headache now."

--Comfy pillows to sleep on at night.

--Autumn like weather in August. Yesterday I wore my "Crude, Lewd, and Tattooed" tunic sweatshirt with my ripped leggings and stockings and I think I found my fall staple wear.

--My new Comcast digital converter in my bedroom. I now have G4, AMC, Lifetime Movie Network, and the Hallmark Channel in my room and I love it!

What are you so in love with this week?

Happy and Grateful Tuesday #3: 8/24 Edition

I am so happy and grateful for early morning texts from David saying "hope your day is nice." and "I love you."

What are you so happy and grateful for today?

Kayfabe Monday: August 23rd Edition

Last week, I wrote about the demise of professional wrestling known as the SMART MARK. Do not get me wrong, I love the banter and conversations I have between fellow wrestling fans, but when you try to prove that you know more and are better than an actual wrestler, that is where I draw the line.

Another line that I think a lot of people should not cross is the wrestling writing/interview/journalist line. Case in point, watch this video courtesy of NoDQ.com:



This video was taped last Friday August 20th in Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY. This guy asks the stupidest questions, tries to goat Tommy Dreamer into an argument while he is trying to earn some money for himself and a great cause, brings up events that did not affect Tommy Dreamer at all, takes time away from Tommy trying to meet fans, did not do any research in any of his questions, and really tries Tommys patience but he remains professional throughout the whole thing, which I have the utmost respect for.

Do not get me wrong, I love YouTube. I love that I can take a video, edit it, and share it with my friends and the world around me. But, if you want to appear as a genuine wrestling reporter and not just another annoying smart mark fan, there should be some rules established for interviews with wrestlers.

1)Do not do it while the wrestler is trying to make money, either for himself or for a charity. You will not get an answer that you are trying to get, plus the wrestlers mind is not focused on the interview; he or she is focused on making money. Try and get in touch with the wrestler before the show, introduce yourself and ask if it could be possible for an interview either before the show or after the show. A lot of wrestlers use Facebook/Twitter and are very accomodating as long as you appear professional.

2)Do your research. A lot of wrestlers do not like to talk about events/people that they might not have dealt with or have dealt with and there is bad blood for example Mick Foley and Ric Flair.

3)After you ask the question, let the wrestler ANSWER! Do not jump from one thing to another. If you have to make a comment, wait until the wrestler is done speaking and then comment. It is just common courtesy between two people having a conversation.

Take a look at this video. This is how a wrestling interview SHOULD be done:

Thank you to Canadian Mike from the Fox Sports Network for this video.

I do not mean to sound like a know it all, but for a person who has had a wrestling column in her college newspaper to taking photographs ringside for various wrestling promotions to now writing this blog, I might know a thing or two. A lot of fans should stay just that--FANS. There are a lot of copy and paste dirt sheet writers out there, as we learn from Eric Bischoff if you read his Twitter or Facebook page. The wrestling community does not need any more copy and paste writers and needs more fans who just love to cheer and boo.

As always, I believe in Kayfabe,
JoiseyDani

Things I Love Thursday--8/19 Edition

Lots of drama going on this week, but there are some things that I am incredibly happy and in love with....

--Getting a big fluffy unicorn from my best friend Michael in Texas! Its a Pillow Pet and is just perfect.

--Going to see Rihanna and Ke$ha in concert with David

--Catching up with old friends on the telephone or through text.

--The veggie rice at Dirty Bird To Go in NYC

--Laughter with my friends.

--Having late night hockey jersey fashion shows with my best friend Michael. I had a big argument with David on Tuesday and Michael stayed up with me until 5am trying on all of his jerseys and making me smile. Granted David is my best friend too as well as my fiance' but Michael really stepped it up.

--Finding old photos of various events in your life and talking about the memories of them.


What are you you in love with this week?

Happy and Grateful Tuesday #2: August 17th Edition

I am so happy and grateful for perfectly ripe plums and apples in my refrigerator for me to eat.

What are you so happy and grateful for this week?

Kayfabe Monday: August 16th Edition

Last Thursday, August 12th to be exact, Eric Bischoff decided to wage a war on his Facebook with various status updates attacking another wrestling promotion known as Ring of Honor. Here are the status updates just in case you did not see them:

Eric Bischoff, Controversy: From a fan that ACTUALLY watches the show: Sean Boncato Eric, the WWE fans who complain about TNA and "older guys" aren't even watching the product. If they did, they'd realize that the top 10 is mostly made of TNA guys (Angle is the only real "older" guy). And the old guys, like Flair, have been putting over the young guys, something that, if they watched the show, they'd see that

Eric Bischoff, Controversy: Can anyone name "new, young" talent that has drawn money (thats the real barometer in the business of the wrestling business") over the last 10 years?

Eric Bischoff, Controversy: Interesting resonses. Clearly the majority of people here have NO IDEA what drawing money is. ROH is not making money on TV, PPV or arena shows. Its a backyard vanity project for marks. No disrespect to the talent who are working hard, but NUMBERS DONT LIE, THEY DONT HAVE OPINIONS AND THEY DON'T HAVE AGENDAS.

Eric Bischoff, Controversy: Talent that "draws money" sell out major arenas, they set PPV records that they main event in, they sell millions of dollars of merchandise and migrate into mainstream media. It takes time. No top talent that has ACTUALLY DRAWN MONEY has been in the biz for less than 8 years with only two exceptions.

Source: Eric Bischoff, Controversy on Facebook as well as Eric's twitter page.

Now before I begin, let me first mention that I was a Ring of Honor fan first and became a TNA Wrestling Fan due to my fiance' David. I was around Ring of Honor since the beginning with Rob Feinstein and Doug Gentry (RIP) all the way through the RF Scandal then to the Gabe Sapolsky scandal and even now. I will admit I have not been to a Ring of Honor show in a long time, I want to say 2 or 3 years, but still read up on the events and results.

Why was I a ROH fan? Simple: THE WRESTLING. Ring of Honor at that time revolutionized independent wrestling; showcasing talents that deserved to be showcased--from Christopher Daniels to Bryan Danielson to Doug Williams to CM Punk and everything inbetween. Rob Feinstein due to his involvement in ECW had an eye for talent and storylines and knew how to make it work. He listened to the fans; even to the point that the fans looked forward to their next event. When the RF Scandal happened, in my opinion, it started to go downhill.

There is one thing that eventually sours a lot of wrestling fans from independent promotions, especially Ring of Honor, and that is the smart mark, also known as a smark. What is a smark you say? Here is the definition:

Smark (or Smart Mark): a phrase coined by Internet wrestling fans to describe a fan who enjoys pro wrestling despite or because they know that it is staged, as well as generally knowing the "ins-and-outs" of the company and knowing many things about the industry or wrestlers collected by sources and are posted online. "Smarks" are generally looked down on by wrestlers as well as other wrestling fans for supposed inability to suspend their disbelief. Smarks may also be criticized for believing they know more than they do in reality about the workings of the wrestling industry.

I HATE THESE FANS. Want to know why? They have no problem bitching and complaining online about wrestling, but kiss the ass of various wrestlers and promotions/promoters. They act like they know more then the promotion/promoter/wrestler itself. If that is the case, why not start your own promotion, book your own shows, and train to be a wrestler if you think you know more?

What is my point of this blog for this week? Easy--lets stop the bickering with various internet sheets and talk to the right people if you feel that your favorite promotion is not entertaining you to the point that you like. As you can see Eric Bischoff is very accessible via Facebook and Twitter. Dixie Carter is also very accessible on Facebook or Twitter. They might even respond to you.

As always, I believe in Kayfabe,
JoiseyDani

Fun Fact Friday #21: Money Making Opportunities

While listening to Gala Darling's Love and Sequins #2: The Smart Girls Guide to Business, she posed this statement: Make a list of all the things you love or enjoy or think you could spin into money-making opportunities. Well for this weeks F3, I will do just that!

What do I enjoy that I can turn into a money making opportunity?

Well lets see, I enjoy:

--Drawing on my computer using various inspirational photos of my favorite actors or Davids favorite actors.

--Writing my Kayfabe Monday blog every week which deals with professional wrestling.

--Writing my Things I Love Thursday blog every week.

--Shoot, writing in general!

--Taking photographs of things I love.

--Professional wrestling

--Reading various genres of books.

What do you enjoy that you can turn in a money making opportunity?

Things I Love Thursday--August 12th Edition

My heart is pounding with love and squeedom...but what is making my heart do this activity this week?

--Finalizing plans for Chicago and Atlanta adventures.

--Finalizing plans for Daytona Beach adventures, even though I am not a beach person.

--Visiting Chelsea Market with David and trying various cheeses, a Oatmeal Raisin and Coconut ice cream sandwich, and a wicked hot chocolate from JACQUE TORRES! It was a nummy night.

--Pretty Little Liars marathon on ABC Family! Glad I finally caught on to this show.

--Sleeping til 12pm most of the week.

--Catching up on my reading goal of 50 books a year.

--Having no peeling stage from my sunburn I got at Brighton Beach. I went from red to tan in a matter of two days. It was glorious!

--Reading various news stories and going "Really?"

--Thinking of various outfits for Chicago and Atlanta

What are you so in love with this week?

Happy and Grateful Tuesday #1: August 10th Edition

Here is the first in the series of Happy and Grateful Tuesday! I hope you will join me on this great pleasure ride!

I am so happy and grateful that I am in a fun, loving, exciting, relationship that is filled with lots of trust and care.

What are you so happy and grateful for?

Fun Fact Friday #20: More Questions

Again this week I use Gala Darling's questions for the F3.

1. What is your style direction for the upcoming season?
I am a school teacher so I have to stay pretty professional but I always try to include some rock and roll style or Gossip Girl headbands into the mix. I would have to say my style is Corporate Upper East Side Rock.

2. What is your favourite song right now?
My favorite song right now would have to be Popular from the Veronicas.

3. What’s your best love advice?
My best love advice would be to always always always communicate with your partner when you have a level head. David and I had a really big fight on 23rd Street in New York City and looking back on it, it was very petty and foolish. Also, always support your partner/help them out with their interests, whether you like them or not.

4. Who is the most exciting person you’ve met recently?
Most exciting person I have met recently would be Kate Mulgrew from Star Trek Voyager. I met her at the off Broadway play Love, Loss, and What I Wore and she only stopped for me because I mentioned Star Trek. She is amazing on stage.

5. Are you doing anything wonderful this week? What is it?
This week I am doing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING and it feels GREAT! Last week was just crazy--from two off Broadway plays, to a NJ Jets event, to a baby shower I needed time to sleep and relax.

Auto Repair: Help!

Now one of the topics I know the LEAST about is auto repair, which is kind of funny since my dad has always worked on cars throughout his life; even to the point that he tried to teach me how but my brain just did not want to work in that order.

So a friend of mine recently got a new car, which was the Ford F 150 and something went wrong. Apparently his check engline light came on and he didn't know what to He took it to his his local auto shop and then the dealership but it just did not seem right. "Danielle--can you help me?" he comes and then bam! I remember receiving an email from Repair Pal that dealt with finding the best price for auto repair and maintenance estimates. At the time, I thought this was not for me but then I quickly thought of my friend and directed him to the site.

This website is fairly easy to use as well as stores your information on your car so you do not have to constantly input in the particulars. It is a search engine for auto repair that is tailored to your needs. I highly recommend it, and this is coming from someone who is not a automobile owner as well as looking into getting a automobile!

Starting A New Blog Feature: Happy and Grateful Tuesday

While listening to Gala Darling's Love and Sequins #9: Manifesting and Magic Making, she makes a suggestion of writing down what you want to make your magic happen.

Now throughout the week I do three features: Kayfabe Mondays which deals with professional wrestling, Things I Love Thursday where I write down what has made me happy the past week, and finally Fun Fact Friday where I tell you a little bit about myself. I did have a feature of Tootsie Tuesday where I wrote about my foot injury from March to May 2010 but I am better now so I let that feature go to the waste side. So now I have a new feature I like to call HAPPY AND GRATEFUL TUESDAY!

I want to invite you to do this exercise with me. All you need to do is write down ONE thing that you are happy and grateful for. THATS IT. How do you start? The sentence starts "I am so happy and grateful..." and then you fill in the blank! Sounds easy, right? Well it is!

This feature will start next Tuesday August 10, 2010 at 12pm SHARP. I can not wait to read your responses!

XOXO,
Danielle

Things I Love Thursday--August 5th Edition

Love, love, love. This is the emotion that should be driving our world. I know that I try and let it drive mine. Anyway, what am I so much in love with this week?

--Seeing great off Broadway plays at very affordable prices.

--The chocolate marzipan bar at Think Coffee

--Seeing old friends at a baby shower and having lots to talk about.

--Exercising every day, whether it is the walking DVD I got or swimming. It feels so good.

--Wishing for time to slow down...really do not want to go back to work yet.

--Having days to just chill out. Last week was really crazy.

--New clean sheets on my bed.

--Searching for big fluffy unicorns with my best friend in Texas.

--Egg Whites with salsa and cucumbers for breakfast. Gave me so much energy!

--Feeling inspired to make money at things that I enjoy.

--Finding books to add to my wishlist with my best friend in Texas.

--Finally putting a dent into the books I have yet to read pile.

What are you so much in love with this week?