Dense-Not in the head but in the breasts...

Do you ever wonder-What am I doing? Why am I doing this? Where am I?  Who am I?

No?! You’re fibbing.

Yes! Good for you.  We must take a self-check as we must…

I always wonder if I am doing the “right” thing.  Then I say, yes, what’s right at this moment is right.  I always wonder, well why am I doing this, what am I going to get out of this.  And then I say I am doing this for me, whatever choice I make is either for me or for my child.  In the end, I will see why I am doing this.

I always wonder where am I?  I never can figure this one out. 

I always wonder who am I?  And every day, I come up with the same answer no matter what I am doing, why I am doing it, and where I am doing it.  I am ME!

Anywho, there’s my fourth quarter examination.  

It’s October! WTH???  I’ve already gone Apple and Pumpkin picking, I finally ran a race with my little man, took part in my first Tunnel to the Towers Run, are 2 medals in to a Spartan Tri-Fecta, ordered my Halloween costume, had my first mammography and have so much more in store for 2013.  Well then.  

But let’s get talking more about what October means for both men and women.  Breast Cancer Awareness.  Yes, men and women!!!  Last month I went for my first mammography and yes I am under 40 but older than 35.  It was an interesting morning exam at the least, and not as bad as I expected, except the “Don’t Breath” warning.  When I got my results I wasn’t concerned, but I wanted clarity.  I don’t have a lump; and no mention of Cancer.  However the results read “dense breast tissue.”

So I called my doctor’s office and asked is it low density because my 34 Double Ds are too small and didn’t get captured well enough in the exam?  Did they not squeeze them down enough?  Did I BREATH??  

And their response was we like to be cautious so we recommend you see a breast specialist.  Well then.  Cautious.  Preventative. Health Insurance.  I like that.  

With that said, make your appointments people!! Support your love ones people!!

It's Autumn, it's colorful...It's life as we live it!

We are all so very colorful.  The lives we lead and the people that surround us; it’s autumn and the landscape is even starting to become more colorful. 

But let us remind ourselves that our conversations, our actions, and our love should be more colorful.  What the hell does that mean you ask?  Well, what does it mean for you? 

For me, it means many things.  For instance, how we can all experience an event, the same event, but all have a different story to tell about that event.  Not that any of us are lying, but all of us experienced it differently.  For instance, this week during dinner we shared stories about my grandmother.  She was ONE colorful lady, and my friends and family knows what I mean here!!  Her death and the events leading up to her death are so vibrant that the stories are important to retell; for our own emotional needs, but also to show how so many little things are connected to a bigger picture. Conversations like these tend to bring families back together.  The colorful stuff that we exchange, remember, and share carries a love, a love that we might not talk about or even show, to the forefront.

With that said, take a look into your own lives and those who surround you…friends, families, loves…and be more colorful!  Share, people want to hear…

And on that note, I am running, okay probably jogging at best, the Color or Dye run with my BFF Ann-Marie and my little handsome man. And we are surely expecting to be colorful when crossing the finish line.  And then it’s off to the Tunnel to the Towers, Steven Siller walk/run.  My first year hitting the pavement in the tunnel and it will be an experience. I had planned to run as Steven Siller did on 9/11/2001, however I will walk with little man and friends, some that were hit by Hurricane Sandy, to thank the Foundation for helping us in so many ways.

And, this is one long post but I needed to revisit my priorities for the year and take a self-check.  Maybe you need to do the same? It appears I prioritized some before others and am getting much of the job done.  But I can say that there are a few that I’m not going to complete before December 31, 2013.

· I am not going to complete a creative writing course.  I love to write but I need to find the right class for me and I just haven’t!

· Learn better Spanish.  I am slowly trying this one…

· Exercise Move regularly-no number on that-don't want to pigeon hole myself.  I think I’ve been moving! Taking up some new things and even getting some horseback riding in there.

· Have fun.  I need to stop thinking so much and take control of having fun.  This has been a tough one…I really am doing MY best.

· Don't stress.  I am me.  I am whatever I tend to be.  I think I am doing this.  I tell people stress is overrated-well it is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

· Learn how to swim. Okay, so I know how to swim without a life jacket in 12 feet of water.  I just want to get better at going under and jumping off cliffs.  I’ll save this for next year.

· Take on Complete a half marathon.  I really want to do one in Disneyworld...But I'll consider other favorites.  DISNEYWORLD here I come in November for Wine and Dine half marathon!!!!!!!!

· Pray with little man more.  So we need not pray every day-I think our actions speak for themselves…but religion is starting this week.

· Have fun with little man more.  This summer I did not take Dan to Hershey or Great Adventure.  But I didn’t stress either about not taking him.  We enjoyed other things that were better than waiting on lines for rides!   

· Help my son find his talents.  I think I have golden ticket here!!!  Hip Hop Class is going amazingly well!!!!!!!!!!

· Walk away more from little man.  I am achieving this…I tend not to get involved as much as I have had.  He needs to grow and make his own way.

· Take more ARTS training.  Become more involved in the ARTS.  Not happening…But I did get to see Annie with little man.

· Make more dinners or maybe lunches.  A little hiatus over the summer…but getting back on track.

· Make more juices.  BOOOOO.  I sell out and purchase instead.

· Enjoy those around me.  I really find myself either enjoying them or just separating from them because I think they are not in the right place with me.

· Trapeze school- Maybe next summer.

· De clutter.  One day, 9 bags of garbage!

· Become more literate.  Every day I learn and share something new.

· Be aware of what and how much I eat.  Did I gain weight??? Yes, I am clearly aware.

· Read more.  Check!

· See more movies. Check!  Even though many of them are rated G.

· Challenge myself!  And know my best is good enough!!!!!!!  OF COURSE G*D DAMMIT!

 

 

 

Let's Werk this body

This technology thing is getting me mad!!  I still can’t figure out my error on page when I go to write on my blog!!! So I write on my IPhone.  But the last blog entry I wrote is gone from my notes on my phone now.  Technology is not my friend right now!

I digress…

I will never be able to replicate my eloquent words but here’s a go:

I have been working out technically since I was in High School.  Go New Dorp!!  I was the only girl who opted for the non-traditional gym class when I signed up for weight training.  But, who ever said I was traditional? No, I was a beast then.  And I am a beast (minus my shoulder injury) now!  When I went to College, I too opted for East Gym Weight Lifting and HidyOchiai karate as my selections.  Go Binghamton!!

I worked out for many reasons throughout my life: to lose weight, to build strength, to grow cut shoulders and back, for my mental health, for my physical health, and because I like it!

Some say that there needs to be a weekly limit on working out.  Stay home with the family.  Rest.  Blah Blah Blah.  Some say let’s work out day in and day out.  Be a bad ass.  Progression. Blah Blah Blah.  I have been on both sides of the fence.  And today I am happy with working out!  Whenever a friend calls, texts, facebooks, or tweets me.  It’s a sign.  Encouragement. Joy.  Why miss out?? No excuses! Tomorrow is tomorrow and today is now so make it work!  Today I work out not to stay physically healthy, you should see what I eat.  Today I work out not obtain cut shoulders and back (Are you buying this one?). Today I work out to maintain harmony; Harmony within my mind, body and soul.  Can you imagine me saying these words out loud?  Try it.  

Do you hear yourself?  

You believe it, right?

It’s true.  When I work out I am working towards a progression of synchronization, not perfection.

Why do you work out?  

And what does working out to you mean?  I used to think only weight lifting was working out.  But silly me!  I have added Spinning, Running, Kettlebells, turning tractor tires over, and circuit training among others to my mix!

Remember next month is Breast Cancer Awareness month.  Go get your mammography!  I just got my first!

Plane or Cruise...Either way I'm a Part Time Traveler!

In the past, I have been ready to jump on a plane and go.  But since I have been cruising lately, I am finding it more difficult to do anything but cruise.  And don’t mistake me for never going to fly again.  I have trips planned but cruising is just convenient, more cost effective, and the party starts sooner.  I had mentioned that I was fortunate to receive a free two day cruise by the Katie Couric Show for Hurricane Sandy moms. I gave two reviews on my brief yet fully loaded cruise on the Breakaway.  Since then, I decided to travel to Bermuda on their seven day cruise.

I boarded with intentions of hitting the slides, ropes course, the 80s party, spin class, and the ice bar.  All but one accomplished.  But I am returning in December!

Long story short about our room:  Originally in 5800, ocean view changed 3 days later at 1AM to 5124, family suite ocean view.  Original room is right below the restaurant Taste and its galley.  Combine that with a vibrating floor and it was time to move.  Second room was fine.  Had two sinks in the bathroom, a bathtub and a couch.  It did also have very little room to pass the bed so getting our luggage from one side of the room to the other was a job for Hercules, also known as me.  

Restaurants: Service was spotty. With all these guests aboard, 4500, you would think that there would be enough staff to service the passengers’ needs.  But it just wasn’t adequate.  Servers were not always wearing a smile, and not always pleasing to the passengers’ requests.  We had one, yes one, server that hustled.  She was all over the place in a good way.  She was no joke when paying attention to her tables.  I have to say that the food was on point.  Always great choices in the three free “dining rooms.”  Usually there was not a wait to get in, except one night when the wait about 25 minutes but this was because it was later in the evening. We missed out on the lobster night in the buffet and we had one exceptionally bad situation inO’Sheenans.  

We boarded, and since O’Sheenans was open for lunch as announced as we boarded, we rushed there.  Sat down where about 6 other tables were seated.  We ordered tuna sandwich, bacon cheeseburger, mozzarella sticks, spinach dip, and chicken pot pie.  We also asked for water with lemon 5 times.  Waiter took 5 times of us asking and about a half hour later we got the water and lemon.  We then ordered our appetizers.  Okay.  Then mom ordered tuna.  Sorry no tuna yet.  

Hmmm.  Okay, how about the bacon cheeseburger.  Fine.  Out came the burger…simply a plain burnt rubbery hamburger on a bun.  That’s it.  Nothing else.  Hmmm…I thought it was a bacon cheeseburger.  The waiter then said we don’t have all our food on board yet.  So no tomatoes, at least to make this somewhat juicy?  Nope.  Lettuce.  Nope.

Anything? Finally he brought mayonnaise.  Hmmmm.  No.  My mom was so hungry that she had to take some bites.  Disgusting. We then walked up to the buffet as they had no desserts either!  And there we found, juicy burgers, cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes.  All the fixings.   

But in O’Sheenans 7 decks down nothing.  Unacceptable.  We did report it to the Asst. Maitre D who “apologized,” but they just don’t get their food products from a supermarket.  Not sure how this was good customer service or even an excuse, but it was unacceptable for us and many others who dined there that afternoon.  We never returned for dinner or lunch as we were very turned off.  Sad because I hear the tuna and brownie are delish.

Before we had our lunch…we did sign up for Vibe Beach Club.  The best choice for us!!!  For a small price for the week, we did not have to save chairs by the pool at 5AM, endure smoke, fight for room in the hot tubs, and sit at a crowded bar.  Nope.  We had access to a private area, 2 decks above the pool, where we were guaranteed a lounge chair, a padded one at that; 2 hot tubs, a private bar, fruit served to us, wash clothes, wonderful people and pizza deliveries each afternoon!  So no there was no pool.  But that is okay.  We had the ocean!  The only thing I missed about the pool was the silly games that were played.  Other than that, this was the perfect Vibe for us!!

Flywheel Spin Class: At first I was turned off due to the competition level that they tout but I signed up anyway because I need to exercise and I have a fondness for spinning.   And guess what?  I loved the class!!!  I loved hitting those pedals hard. I wanted more.  I never achieved first place but I always exceeded my points, and maintained in the top 3.  I hope to hit Flywheel up in Manhattan so I can see how I fare with the City folk!  

All in all, a great vacation with my mommy! And to the Bahamas we go in December.  

Umami, Chobani, It's August oh my!

I always liked putting pen to the paper.  However when I am at a desk and have access to a computer AND have TONS of thoughts flowing though my head, I like to put my fingers to the keyboard.  

However this has not worked for me for the last month!  I have been trying to complete a blog entry right sincebefore we jumped into August.  I now have so much to say that I have to put pen to the paper and then try to figure out how to work with my technical difficulties!!!

Anywho….so where was I a month ago???

Yes, here I was:

Chobani- I am loving Chobani Soho! I actually have been opting for yogurt instead of ice cream this summer.  Sorry Cool Haus.  I have tried many of their concoctions and as long as it has nuts in it, I am totally fine with it.  What can be better than walnuts and figs, pistachios and chocolate, peaches and almonds, peanut butter and jelly????  

Umami Burger-I arrived to Umamni on their grand opening unbeknownst to me.  But why was there a line outside of this joint so early?  And why were there plenty of empty tables inside the joint? And why was I putting my name on a wait list?  And why did I actually wait 15 minutes?  With that said…Ordered were the Original Umami burger and the Hatch burger with sides of truffle cheese fries, and fried pickles.  

The burgers looked picture perfect!  The waitress suggested that it should be served as medium rare-I was a happy camper.  I love rare burgers so for me it worked but I can see how many others will object.  The burger, rare on the inside, had a wonderful crisp on the outside which helped keep it together as I demolished it in my mouth.  The Hatch was amazing.  It was flavorful and just the right amount of spicy.  The original was still good, but not as flavorful as the other.  Even though the Umami Ketchup was on the original, it needed something more.  Service was good, attentive, and knowledgeable, but with the people being staggered in slowly I wonder if it were TRULY busy….

Cronut-How would you like to lose 9 hours of your life?  Not in New York.  The people you hang with early in the AM and the crazy people you meet in the cronut line makes you feel like you really haven’t wasted time, just gained time in tolerance and endurance.  Yeah-I call it preparing for my future Big Brother stint or a Spartan race…Anywho…last month I was very close to getting a Blackberry Lime cronut but 15 people in front of me were lucky to get the last of the cronuts.  Finally returning on a rainy day, I was able to score 2 cronuts! Coconut was the flavor of the month.  The cronut texture was, I could say a donut and croissant, but it was more like a pastry like that of a danish and crème puff.  It was good.  Don’t get me wrong.  Not amazing.  The waits were fun but I wish I got that blackberry lime.  I am thinking that the fruity filling would have been a better match for my tastebuds and tired legs!

So all in all-my food odysseys were complete and fulfilling in their own right.  Onto the next burger and dessert!

A View from the Window

Last week A couple of short weeks ago I had tweeted "As a little girl I'd grab a chair & stare out my window.  I find myself in that very same chair but my view is a little different."

When I was little I was the child with the oldest parent, as a result being 10 years younger than my oldest sister.  I was the child who lived with 5 women as a result of my great aunt and grandma living downstairs.  I was the child who had the only divorced parents as a result of, well, a divorce.  And at times, I felt like the only child...in the world...as a result of my over thinking.

When I looked out the window I looked for something, somewhere I could fit in.  Something I was missing.  Something I longed for.  I hated looking outside that window. 

And here I am about 30 plus years later and I still look out the window.  But instead of those feelings, today I examine what's inside the window, breath and accept. 

What's inside? A little boy and his mommy. 

A mommy who is determined to do it all by herself.  Maybe not perfectly.  Maybe not as fast.  Maybe...

A little boy who is creative and social and amazingly handsome.  A child who wants it all, wants to be the all...and looks for love and acceptance from all. 

And all of that, he needs to know, can be found in his house home inside the window...Within that little boy and his mommy.

I am Spartan!

Last weekend was my second Spartan Sprint race.  And I could sit here and detail by detail the 4.4 mile hike, run, walk, wheeze, climb up and down, up and down, up and down, and up and down Tuxedo Ridge Mountain.  But I will not bore you with descriptions of the 25 obstacles that required participants to climb, crawl, drag, carry, pull, and jump through mud, water, rocks and finally fire.  No, I will not.

 However, with the help of my guest bloggers, The Staten Island Killa Beez, I will highlight some motivations, preparation, and experiences.

One obstacle sparked a lot of attention:
The Slippery wall.
After crawling through rocks and mud, you are asked to climb a slippery (clearly) wall that is on an incline.  A short rope was attached to aid you in your slippery climb.  It might appear easyat first glance, and to me it did, but you soon feel, see, smell, and taste possible defeat in this wall.  With restitution of 30 burpees.  Personally, I was not going to be defeated by this wall. 

This seemed to be a challenge for many of us. 
Some climbed. 
Some did burpees.

Here are some details of experience:

"Tried to walk sideways, pulling myself up by the rope, tried not to fall back.  Fail.  Rope burn. Splinters? Hand over hand on the rope, tighter muddy grip, kicking my leg up as far as to go over the wall.  Fail.  Spartans help each other...strangers and friends alike...males and females...Now picture this: A Spartan threesome.
One person behind pushing on the buttocks and one at the top of the other side of the wall.  One long arm grasping for the climber's free arm.  Felt like a split between a superhero action movie and and an epic love story movie where if anyone let go, that climber was doomed, dead, Kaput.  But that climber saw the determination, fear and trust in the person at the top, and heard motivational words of you got this and just a little bit more from behind.  Obstacle accomplished." 

"When I went over the wall after the mud crawl I felt like a wild animal clawing my way over...hanging by a thread...but made it over."

Overall, the race was said to be HOT, muddy, smelly (did they toss horse manure in there?), tough, fun, badass, a band of brotherhood, prideful, and accomplishing.

"I never thought ringing a bell could make me feel so f'n bad ass!"

Us Beez have a variety of things in common.  Our drive, dedication and determination.  TRIPLE D!!  Our high schools.  Our families.  Our kids' schools.  And the fact we like to be prepared, yet, we all prepared for this race a little different than the next.
Some smoked and drank.  Wink Wink. 
And others ran, changed their diet, strength trained, and yes, even did many burpees! 

Whereas some listed motivations as family love, some included the BEEZ!  Others said power, the trifecta medal, ringing a bell, and of course, those bad ass photos! Talking about photos...

I laugh at you Spartans!

This girl is on Fire!

We are Spartans

National Family Play Date Day Fun aboard the Norwegian Breakaway

Play Date-I had mentioned in the last couple of entries-May 10th was the day!  And we were aboard the Norwegian Breakaway! 

When you think of a play date, what comes to mind?  In the old days, it was go to you neighbors house and told your kids "I'll see you at dinner time."  Now it is: I will accompany my child to a stranger's house and I will sit and chat with the mom while the children play together.  But it is never rarely that little man and I have a play date, just him and I.  Well, actually we do play pretend, do obstacle courses, play star wars and power rangers.  But I never make it an appointment on my iPhone.  I never make a point of it.  It just happens-when it can.  Yet everything else I schedule, this is one thing I don't and I should.  It is just important to make that play date with your kid as it is to remember a birthday or go for a mani pedi.  So for now on I vow to make a play date with my man!

However, a scheduled date was made.  On May 10, my family-my sisters, niece, mom, and little man had a play date.  It was National Family Play Date Day, and my niece came up with a scavenger hunt.  Our date was set.  She compiled the list and we were scheduled to run around the boat and locate things like salt and pepper shakers, a picture with a crew person, etc. 
My team, the blue team,  was mom, Allison and me.  Niece's team, the white team, was Dan, Michele, and her. 

You know who we thought was going to win right?

But we were proved wrong!!! 

List in hand and we were off.
We immediately ran up the stairs to get the things on the buffet level, ran back down to the waterfront level to get the remaining things and then back to the room.  Whoever returned first with all things in hand won.

Who do you think we thought was going to win?

Well, the blue team returned first, way ahead of the white team. 

We are accused of cheating but that's subjective because I don't think the rules were clearly stated.  The only rule we heard was you must get all things on the list.  We will leave that challenge for another day but what's fair is fair.  BLUE team won!!!  
Even though we thought the white team would score big!

Check out the Active Family Project for more info on keeping active with the family and locate activities in your area by clicking here!!  Happy Summer Fun!

Breakaway from these chains..Sail away from your mind...

Okay so last blog entry was a little off.  It really wasn't my voice.  Well it was...but I was told that I sounded like a snooty food critic.  Wait, I'm not a food critic???  I think my humor really didn't come through, as the time on board the Norwegian Breakaway was awesome, just some flaws...we all have flaws and don't we LOVE to hear about them so we can improve?  That's how I roll...

I also think my entry could have been off because I have not been feeling well.  I don't get it...I eat healthy...for the most part...I sleep 7-8 hours a night...well I put my head to the pillow at 8:30 PM and wake up at 5:30 AM, and then there are those nasty creatures that wake me up during the night...dreams...thoughts...birds!  And I exercise...Why don't I feel like the 22 year old I am?  Oh wait, that's Taylor Swift's new song, not my age.  Crap!  Okay why don't I feel like the beautiful, energized, outgoing 30 something woman I am??? I need to call that doctor for the enlarged lymph node, and and that mammogram too.  Thanks to the peeps for reminding me. 

Anywho, let me try to get my tone right for this next "review." 
If you asked little man how this cruise was-he would say AMAZING!! And when are we going again?  Oh wait, he did say that..."So, we are coming back in July mom?"  Yikes...

So here in a nut shell, or a clam shell-Spongebob and friends are on board, get it?- are the remaining features of the ship that I would like to highlight. 

Dan the man asks: "How are they surviving up here?" Smart kid...

Pool/Water Area-2 pools-1 family 1 adult.  I preferred the family one...SMOKE was surrounding the adults only area.  Bar included. Yes, I HATE smoke.  I love adults, and especially when I am on a trip with no kids, I really like adults.  But the pool is small with barely any room to sun.  Yes, my favorite thing at the pool!  So my next trip I need to upgrade to the Haven or something!  The water area for kids was awesome.  Water but not too much water.  Dan hates to have water spilled over his head but he loved it here!  And the slides.  I was way too scared to go on the freefall.  Maybe next trip...But little man was tall enough to go on the "blue" slide and he loved it.   He would have gone on more times but so much to do in so little time.  

Sports Deck- My niece played some basketball here and loved it.  We also played miniature golf.  It was fun.  As fun as miniature golf could be.  Can you hear the sarcasm?  But it was nice hitting golf balls as we passed the Statue of Liberty.  Rock Climbing-little man, myself, and my niece all attempted.  None of us made it to the top but I swear I went the furthest up!  I am a bad ass with my Spartan Race self, and Tough Mudder electricity, okay not yet, but daunting is the best word to describe the feeling when I looked down around me and saw the open waters as I was reaching for the bell. Next time, I do it better!!  Then there was the rope course which we did not get to do, again, it was the weather and the fitting so much into so little time.  It did look like fun though.  Next time.  Yes! 

Entertainment-We sat in on the dueling pianos which I always love because I am a singer!!  Yep, I am the one screaming out Brown Eyed Girl or Sweet Caroline at any bar or party and here was no different.  Both of the entertainers kept up the jokes and had a great flair about them. We went twice. 

Then we saw Rock of Ages and Cirque du Soleil "Jungle Fantasy."  Rock of Ages was just as good as the Broadway performance I saw and the theatre was very nice.  Seemed smaller than others but great viewing.  Cirque was very awesome according to little man.  There was a full 3 course meal given there and I hear it was yummy.  I actually didn't attend.  i decided to take a trip to the gym.

The Gym-Spin room!  So sad I didn't sign up for FlyWheel but the bikes looked amazing.  Maybe on my next trip.  Did some cardio and there were a lot of machines.  Much more in comparison to other ships I have been on.  And I did an ab class which was also great.  Instructor was very knowledgeable and kept us going for 4 rounds...
Kid's Club-what's there not to love.  It was clean, safe, friendly and inviting and Dan wanted to stay there all the time!  But since it was a short trip, it was only short trips that I allowed.  This was our time to experience a boat.  But it did give us the opportunity to do "adult" things in the evening.  He loved it!

Drinks-They were FREEEEEEE!!!! What can I say?  However they did run out of lime so I couldn't get a mojito at one bar.  Thought that was weird.  But hey I opted for a chocolate martini instead...the things you have to do!  Ice Bar-Usually fro $20 you get two drinks and 30 minutes to chill.  Literally chill..  And kids are allowed in too.  They get soda.  What a fun thing to do in a half hour.  Short and sweet...and cold!

Casino-SMOKEY!  Great machines and tables!! I love me some roulette!  But did I say SMOKEY????? those carpets are going to be destroyed by July! 

Oh well, stairs and elevators worked well.  Public bathrooms clean.  A good time by all.  Can't wait to sail away to Bermuda.

Hey mom-are we upgrading to the Haven??

Next blog entry will be about our Family Play date for National Family Play date day, May 10! We had fun...did you???

Blue Team is #1 even though the White team might disagree!

It was TIME to BREAKAWAY to EAT Part 1

Last weekend I was afforded a trip aboard the Norwegian Breakaway out of New York City.  As a Sandy Mom, my family was invited and paid in full by Katie Couric and her amazing show!  It was FREE drinks for all and free speciality restaurants and entertainment.  I will be boarding the Breakaway later this summer and look forward to it.

Besides all the great free things that we were adorned with, I am a cruiser and do have some things to say about the generous and professional crew aboard and some short comings.  Never mind meeting Kevin Sheehan and wanting to tell him everything we see going on this ship...things that need some tweaking...things that were wonderful.  But we didn't want to crash the party and my niece was just so excited to meet the Undercover Boss.  She also was excited to meet Buddy from Carlo's Bakery and Geoffrey Zakarian from Iron Chef fame and Ocean Blue abord the Norwegian Breakaway.

Boarding: Smooth, as usual, except that we wanted to attach one credit card to two rooms and the check-in people were not able to do it so I had to go to Guest Services to get that done once aboard.  That took too long. 

Allison, Mom, Me, Michele,Meg, Dan
#StatenIslandStrong

Rooms:  We were in an inside room 12627.  Room is much smaller than an inside room aboard the Jewel but it was a complimentary trip so who complains.  However for our next trip, it will be the larger room with Window.  Tight closet space, lots of cubicles, and the best was the big bathroom with shower door!!!!  We did get to see rooms in every category as there were viewing hours.  This was great because it helped us see what rooms were best for our next trips.

 



Chilling in the Bunk Bed eating Cheerios

  Dining:  Let me remind you that all dining, including speciality restaurants were free.  So by the time we booked through their touch screen method on board much was booked for prime dining.  We did get the opportunity to eat at the Italian restaurant "La Cucina."  I have eaten at the same restaurant aboard the Jewel and it has been good.  This time around we had some issues.  The pork and gnocchi dish was not very flavorful.  The gnocchi was cooked well and was the best on the dish though.  The beef carpaccio was also flavorless and I understand that the pasta carbonara had too little sauce and not very tasty.  The other dishes were also very salty.

Garden Buffet:
Lunch-Found it weird there was no "kid" friendly portion of the buffet.  The assortment of foods was abundant and the area clean.  Quality was good too: pasta selections, hamburgers with bacon and pineapple, swiss and mushroom, hot dogs, pizzas, panninis, veggies, breads, desserts. However the service was sparse.  We needed to bus our own table, in comparison to other cruises we have taken, the staff rarely, if ever, cleared our table when we were finished with our plates.  Nor did they ask if we needed anything.  We did look for them to get some juices, alcoholic beverages, and sodas at a point since we didn't want to leave the kiddies and the kiddies didn't want to walk, but nobody to be found.  We have had this type of service on Norwegian before so we were surprised by it.

Breakfast-Again assortment of foods were okay.  Omelet Station, pancakes, which tasted like citrus hence didn't go well with the table, waffles (didn't try them),and french toast-not cinnamon enough and had raisins- but was thick and cooked well.  What was not cooked well was the bacon!!!  Always looked raw and fatty.  Had to dig for a little well done piece here and there. Cinnamon buns though were amazing.  Some fresh fruits and hot cereal were also good, watermelon not so ripe though. 

Manhattan Room: The larger dining room, we ate here only once and it was for a Special Brunch.  Salmon for appetizer, Fillet Mignon and an egg pattie for main course and eclair for dessert.  Salmon was salty which made it taste fishy however the cream cheese helped.  Fillet Mignon was delish which made me eat my sis' too!  The egg was okay.  Didn't love it but it was fine. And dessert was also fine.  Which means...Didn't need seconds on both.  And in teh Manhattan Room later in the day I was able to take a dance class with the Rockettes!!  It was very amazing.

Me enjoying the Meat

Bloody just like I like it!



Rockette Dance line Michele and me

 Taste:

Lunch-Philly Cheese Steak-I don't even eat these but I did share some bites and it was GOOODDDD!  Service was also good but slow.  And it was no where near filled like it would be on a regular journey.  So something to look at here and in all the restaurants is service.  Timeliness and quality.  All were very sweet but I can see where theere will be shortcomings. Club sandwich which had ham, bacon and turkey on it.  I couldn't look at the meats, they looked processed so I passed. 

Savor:
Dinner-Tilapia was my main course after a pumpkin soup, followed by a piece of apple pie and pistachio creme brulee.  Both dishes were my second best meal to the fillet mmignon!  Apple pie was no favorite and the creme brulee-wish I had two but it was a large serving!

Breakfast-Sad to go but breakfast was hearty.  Hot cereals, choice of eggs and carbs, hashbrowns were nice and toasty, little man loved it all!  Even the sausage and scrambled eggs.  Did not like the pancakes though, clearly. I did ask for whole wheat toast but they didn't deliver and I didn't say anything...who needed more carbs?

Carlo's Bakery-This was the ONLY thing I paid for on the ship.  I had a chocolate covered cannoli, lobster tail, and chocolate cupcake.  Okay, we SHARED these!!!  Really liked the lobster tail and the cannoli but didn't love the cupcake.   

I did find it weird that there were no chocolate chip cookies in the buffet when we ate but we did find them hidden in some high end areas...

Casino time-Mom enjoying the lobster tail from Carlo's Bakery

You make me feel like I'm the only girl in this world...but I know I am not

I usually just start to write my blog entry on the computer...but this week I went old school.  Pen to the paper!!  But here is the final product.

This week has been very eventful, literally CHOCK FULL OF EVENTS!

Friday: Went to a basket auction at little man's school where my best friend is a teacher-awesome teacher BTW Happy Teacher Appreciation Week-a great way to hang out kid less while benefitting the kiddies.  We were able to enjoy libations and laughs.  I didn't win anything but that didn't matter, much.  I would've liked to win the outside garbage pail and the grill.  How mundane? Well, since Hurricane Sandy took those away in the raging waters I aimed high! 

Saturday: Woke up early, after a late-midnight-night and went to train OCR (obstacle course race) style with my team.  Yes, my injury did not allow me to do it all, but I gave it my all.  Great to see some new members, one who is "family, " and a lovely new lady Bee, who is as funny as me.  Well not really as much as me.  But close.  Then a trip to the cemetery to take care of grandma's plot.  It'll be five years that she has left us, and I miss her each and every day.  Growing up in a house full of women, she was our rock.  She would've loved my little silly boy, as she only was able to enjoy his first year of life.  And he would've enjoyed running downstairs to escape from mommy.  A nice retreat to eat all the goodies she had to offer.  I have to say though, the woman lived a fulfilling life, and if September 11th didn't kill her, Hurricane Sandy would have.  Better for her to have passed peacefully where she wanted to.  Her life lives on in that house!
After the cemetery, a communion celebration was on tap.  The service was very good, a very nice church family and the party was even better.  I always find it enjoyable where friends are invited into everything like they are a part of the family.  And in this case, Jen's family just did that!  Her family is funny, caring, and full of energy!!  Onward to some good eats and drinks and some leisure walking over Cinco de Mayo weekend.  Just wished it was a little warmer so I could've enjoyed the breezes coming off the water. 

2nd Master's degree Ceremony Gram and Dan always with me

Monday: Work...blah blah blah... Then I was invited by Jen to a special blogger event sponsored by Merck and She Speaks.  A wonderful time to talk about the Active Family Project.  This is not the blog entry that I will dedicate to detail the event as it deserves its own.  But a quick note: NATIONAL FAMILY PLAYDATE IS MAY 11th!!  DO IT and make a date with your family!  I am...while cruising for Mother's day Courtesy of the Katie Show celebrating Sandy Moms-another blog entry worthy of more deatil.  Then picked up little man, played hide and seek in the park, drove to Toys R Us for a birthday present, ate at the Chinese buffet-don't judge me-drove to Shoprite for some necessaties, and then drove back home to finish homework, bathe and SLEEP!!!  What father can do all this in one day??? Another aspect of the blog entry related to the Active Family Project.
    

Elizabeth Hasselback and me

This is one long post...but I live one interesting life...REALLY? No!!!

Tuesday: Meeting in the City, oh Bloomingdales and Dylan's Candy Bar...how you are calling my name.  Oh wait, is that a call from the school nurse coming in?  Why yes.  Little man needs to get picked up!
Raced home to get him yet some short hours later he was feeling much better, even though I did get blamed for his illness.  This happens. 
Dan: Mom, my tummy hurt, you gave me too many Cheeze Its. 
Me: Well why did you eat them all? 
Dan: You didn't tell me not to eat them all. 
Jeesh.  Gotta love this kid!  Well since he was feeling well, a date with the best friend and a sleep over with grandma later...Off to Rihanna we went.  A great show and my first at Barclay's Center.  We were shining bright like diamonds once we were dancing to some great hits.  Say my name, say my name...Stay...
Onward...
Wednesday: RAIN....UMBREL-LA-LA-LA!...Flooding...Meeting...oh please don't flood my home.  A birthday party with Dan's friend from school-also known as his brother-oh and his "wife."

The Three Amigos

It's Thursday..maybe baseball will be cancelled...since it's RAINING again!
And tomorrow is Friday!  Aren't you glad...for SO many reasons-yes blog entry almost over.
For me Friday brings a Mother's Day cruise to NOWHERE!!! Yes, the "Karlsberg" women and Meggy Meg and little man aboard the Norewigan Breakaway.  Brand new ship!!! I am sure it will be a Mother's day not to forget. 

Bon Voyage and Happy Mother's Day to all of you-women and men alike.


Mom and Gram, oh and me & Joann in the background.





New Year's Eve Dec 31, 2007 Gram, Dan, and me



Have you been checking that engine said the challenge...

I feel like I had to do a self check-no, not breast exam, but yes CALL for MAMMO!!  Note to self.

A check in on my "To do" list for this near year where I am letting go and opening up...Say goodbye to rigidness! A check in on my engine.  Oh I traded that 8 year old engine in...Escapes...

Anywho...my list...

• Exercise Move regularly-no number on that-don't want to pigeon hole myself.  I love working out but I NEED to remember it's about the quality not quantity.  And I don't want to overwhelm my life with HAVING to do it because I didn't do it yesterday.  This could include running, kettlebells, horseback riding, walking, jumping rope, bowling etc.

I have learned in the past 5 months that I need not plan.  I need not freak out when I feel like I haven't moved in days.  I need not.  I just must do.  So take up a friend on a 5:15 AM or a 6:30 PM run.  Or take a 6AM Spin class in NYC and travel back to Staten Island to work.  Due to an injury, boot camp and working out with my lovely ladies has been put on hold.  But this to shall pass as long as I take care of it.  Take care of me.  And that is what I am doing.  So I feel pretty secure that I am ROCKING this!  Moving and shaking! 

• Have fun.  I need to stop thinking so much and take control of having fun.

I think I have been doing this too.  Not worrying about how to have fun-just having it.  And fun is such a subjective word.  My fun just might not be your cup of fun but when I am not complaining or stressing, I am having fun.  Whether it be an i message exchange, a facebook challenge, a run, a book, singing to the radio, and my new fancy access to Sirius XM. OMG I call that fun, thank you new car!  And just to be around me, how can that NOT be fun!!!

• Don't stress.  I am me.  I am whatever I tend to be.  I need to take control of over analyzing and thinking far into the future.  Jenny McCarthy has a blog for the Sun Times and wrote a great entry this week that hit home regarding the importance of the moment. 

I am not stressing.  I AM NOT!!!  I am a driver.  I am always going to be a force to reckon with but I am not stressing! Much.

• Take on Complete a half marathon.  I really want to do one in Disneyworld...But I'll consider other favorites.

I signed up.  Step 1!!!!

• Pray with little man more.  We started doing this again.  We need to do this more.  Routine, love, thinking of others.

Done.  Can't wait for him to learn about God.  Maye he'll teach me a thing or two.

• Have fun with little man more.  Consistency yes but don't need to be so strict with NEEDING to do one thing or another. 

Done.  Not stressing (see a trend here) about always being a day full of activities.  What's better than playing evil life guard, Hansel and Gretel, banging the drums, playing at the park,  and dancing around from 7:30 AM until 8:00 PM???

• Help my son find his talents.  He has one or maybe more...but what will they be?  He is a good reader and an excellent story teller.

This is an every day accomplishment!

• Walk away more from little man.  No, I would never leave my son alone.  However, my friends might understand that I am a helicopter mom. In everything he does, I am a helicopter mom.  I need to step back and let him grow and make decisions on his own sometimes. 

He even asks me to walk away.  Not sure if it's he wants to play hide and seek (yes, that happens in the middle of homework) but he does it because he wants to show me he can do it!  On his own. 

• Make more dinners or maybe lunches.  YES I DO COOK!!!! Not often yes, a working mom and a picky eater as a son....my excuse.  But no more excuses.

Doing it!!! And I love it.  What's better than the crockpot that my mom won for me!  What's better than healthy recipes supplied by friends.  What's better than a home cooked meal?  Okay, filet mignon at a steak joint; Mexican food...

• Enjoy those around me.  Don't question intentions.  Don't question their acts. Just enjoy them and what they can give to me.

I am trying.  Sometimes I think too much.  Yes, I know.  But what is important, is that I am trying.

• De clutter.  From so much.  I need to hone this one.

I now throw out receipts and cereal from years past.  I call that a start.

• Become more literate.  About so much.  I need to think and do for me and little man.

Work in progress.

• Be aware of what and how much I eat.  Cause we all know good food comes in abundance!

I am.  Except the last two days when the ice cream and cookies kept jumping in my mouth!

• Read more.  So much technology and access to great books.

Yes, working on this.  During my down time.

• See more movies. Why not?

Been doing this too.  Mindless entertainment. 

• Challenge myself!  And know my best is good enough!!!!!!!

Challenge, what challenge???

I think I might be the challenge, and that's why you are my friend, and keep coming to visit me.

Happy May day!
Oh and a shout out to Matty-he is five years old on this first day of May!!!  He better start reading my blog.
Who's ready for Mother's Day?

Challenges-What Challenges?

This week was a productive one to say the least.  We ran for Boston in Clove Lake as a Staten Island community.  Some amazing people.  But I have been saying that forever, and especially, 6 months after Sandy I think we all believe that!

Then came some motivational running with the ladies.  Thank God for them!  A weekday night, after work, provided a run with Tara and Jen.  And what better way to pass the time but talk about guacamole, cupcakes and penis! And another example, on a slightly rainy morning at 5AM, I could have slept for another hour or so but, no, I told Jen that I would run with her!  And I wasn't the one who was going to cancel that running date!  And I am sure we both didn't cancel because we knew we were there for each other.  Just like our 5AM trip to the city on a Friday morning to take Spin at Revolve! So worth the sweat!

Then the team came together to take on a challenge this weekend.  And we conquered all around! And then we celebrated. 

And baseball season has started...little man is a cutie and he'll always be Dan my baseball man...but you have to love him picking flowers for mommy during his outfield position. He needs some obstacle course race training!

This week I was able to have mommy "mind and body" time and was able to experience the Danny extra-curricular activities.  I call that success!


The best part about challenges are they are not a challenge until you make it one.
BECAUSE THAT IS HOW WE ROLL!  

Who's ready for Cinco De Mayo?? 

What is love?

While this could be a very dramatic theoretical long post.  I promise it not to be.

I was asked what is my idea of love, a "perfect" relationship...And I really never had an answer.  Until now... Better late than never.

I've been able to take a step back and see where my life has been and where it should go.

While I will not into detail...
I never thought that true love existed.  I always thought that the girl who always raved about her hubby and family was really the one that hurt the most.  I thought that the couples I saw hand and hand in the public were the ones who were head to head in their home.  I always that Cinderella and Prince Charming didn't exist.  Okay, maybe I still believe that.

But in the end, true love in this day and age does exist.   


Talking about love...My note on the Boston Marathon-Boston is one of my favorite places to visit.  Running has become a favorite activity.  Both communities have been nothing but wonderful to me. 
I might be a Yankee but here we are all strong together and will get through this and run on.  Run In Peace...

Deadlines, Games, and Escapes

I have a lot to say this blog entry.  Like I always don't have a lot to say????

So let's talk deadlines-I feel like Jerry Seinfeld with this joke-who invented deadlines and why do they exist yet NOBODY follows them???  I always thought a deadline was when the line for opportunity went dead...no extension...no back door-DEAD.  According to wiki.answers.com, the idea dead line was originated in 1864-"It began as a real line, drawn in the dirt..., restricting prisoners in Civil War camps. They were warned, "If you cross this line, you're dead." Well then if that doesn't scare you! I mean really people.  Deadlines are there for a specific reason...not to scare you, but to set limits so you get things done properly without rushing and feel confident about your decision making, your writing, your life!

 Most people have a very different outlook on this. I always complete things before a deadline, no not perfection, just accountability. 

Okay, so life is like a game of...
chess?  Every move you makes brings advantages or disadvantages...
solitaire? You can win or lose.  Sometimes winning is backed by strategy and sometimes by luck.
Bop It? The instrument gives you a command, you perform it, as they get quicker and quicker-eventually you perform the wrong action.  Many of us have many things going on in our lives that our goal is faltered performing the wrong action at the wrong time.

Anywho...Life really isn't a game.  But makes you think eh?  Really with games, I wanted to say how fortunate I have been to social media this year.  I have won free spin classes at Revolve; won 2 headbands by Sparkly Soul and Team Run Disney on Twitter; and won free all day ride passes at the Steel Pier in Atlantic City by Visit AC.  And as I toy with what I do and do not put on Social Media, I thank all these people for their give aways and spreading some nice social interaction!

And lastly, some Escapes.  Well, 2013 has been a year of events so far; Some good and some bad.  But I have invested in my own Escape (s)  this month: one that was terribly needed;  one that I put off for some years; one that was needed even more and put off for longer; and one that I didn't even know existed but found it...and with that.  Happy Spring and a toast to all the Escapes we all need at some point in our lives.

Springing back from...

It's been almost a month since I have written???  Oh my.  And boy have I needed to write.  Maybe that's why I am locked in a mood.  But it's a new month.  And this too shall pass...

So...since my injury-that I can't explain-but finally am taking the time to care for it, I haven't worked out. GASP.  OH NO.  WTF?
Yes, working out really lifts those endorphins to a new level.

I passed up an interview calling...we will say.  I could be mad, upset, hurt, disappointed, frustrated.
Like I have said, opportunities don't just knock at your door.  You need to take every moment as an opportunity.  Every post on facebook, twitter, every sicker, laugh, slip of the tongue.  You can find opportunity in ANYTHING!

You just need not be disappointed if those opportunities do not work out. I repeat...Don't be discouraged...

And if you make something happen but something/someone undoes it, and it takes you double the time to make it happen again, don't be disappointed.  Be persistent.  Voice the vermin...

Installation went up in the house...nice start to Springing back from Sandy!

Hope everyone's holiday was pleasant and Welcome Spring!!!!!!!!!!  Kind of.

So the position of Staten Island Borough President is open...hmmm..who's behind me? 

H8 2 W8 when waiting will not make...

Ironic how this blog post has been in draft form for a while now.  How dare I not complete this thought and make it wait for me to come together!

It seems that we are always waiting for something...something to happen, something to arrive; something to go away; And for someone...someone to appear, someone to come along, someone to do their job so I can complete my job,  someone to show us something.  You get the point, right?
So on my way to work, driving up the hill, I saw a car coming towards me, driving down the hill, with the vanity license plate H8 2 W8 and eureka...don't we all???

Well, I do.  I do hate waiting when there is no outcome in sight.  I hate waiting for something that I just might be able to make happen by taking the bull by its horns.   Yet I hate waiting in line, however knowing that something will come out of it, like purchasing food, a toy, or maybe something special for me lessens the sting a little. 

Waiting for someone who is late-never makes me a happy camper.  Waiting to hear for results- nerve raking.  Waiting for an opportunity-instead of making an opportunity-stupidity.   Waiting for someone to come into my life and make everything better-NOOOO! Through Hurricane Sandy’s refocus (yes I have no other word for it-well I do-BITCH), I called everything a waiting came.  But I never just waited.  I called, I showed up, I posted, over and over and over again until I got what I needed.  Needless to say, I am still waiting, but not by simply sitting there.  I am an active waiter I will say. 

Yes, an active waiter, like an active rest (oxymoron) when working out.

But let’s get back to opportunity and people in your life.  Out of dreams come opportunity.  I have many dreams, as I am sure, and hope, that you do.  Dream big, no, dream bigger, is my stance.  This makes me believe that my opportunities, all opportunities, seem  reachable.  They are reachable.  I never find myself waiting for an opportunity to come along.  I search them out. I apply for them.  I get passed up.  I go after it again and again and again.  The fact that I get passed up doesn’t kick me to the ground.  Yes, sure it hurts and frustrates me.  But hopefully it gives me a better understanding of how to achieve it the next time around.  Or if not this opportunity, another opportunity that fits me. 

And I would hope for every opportunity I seek out that there is someone behind me:  To support me; pick up my slack; be happy for me, even join me.  And when I say join me, I am not setting my ideologies on others, no I express them but I don't expect anyone or everyone to accept them; I would just like for someone to see opportunities for what they are.  I would hope that someone would not belittle my dreams and my drive for opportunity. 

I will hope and dream,  provide and accept opportunities, but will not wait for something or someone that will not be...