Surviving NJ

What I'm Watching

2009-08-16T15:02:05Z

Last night I went to see District 9, and the night before GI Joe. They were both entertaining movies in their own right...

District 9 - I love how it was done in a sort of documentary type styling...and GI Joe was a fun summer, action packed shoot em up show.

When it comes to TV, I've fallen in love with watching older shows and playing catch up. I can watch a full season, no commercials in record time..and i LOVE that I don't have to wait each week to see what happens.

I'm totally loving Ugly Betty and Desperate Housewives, and my favorite show right now is Saving Grace. I am caught up on Grace though, so I have to wait for new ones. I wait and watch 3 episodes back to back - no commercials! It's awesome...I can really get into it that way.

I just wrapped up season 1 of Ugly Betty and I'm moving on to Season 2 this week!

I decided to watch shows my husband isn't interested in...and I'm sure this is going to stick, because I'm having a blast seeing shows I want to see! We sit side by side...he's watching his stuff, and I'm hooked into my iPod watching mine! I like that we can still hang out and be together, but doing our own thing. Sure we have another TV in the other room, but I'd rather be there with him. :)

Writing for Enjoyment Again...Go Figure

2009-08-12T00:27:44Z

Sometimes it feels as if my personality has been sucked out of me when I write something. It hasn't...but I realized I wasn't enjoying writing like I once was. I remember when I first started a blog, I was so thrilled to have an outlet to write. I've always loved writing, and here was a blank slate for me to talk about whatever I wanted.

Just a short while later, I started getting paid to write stuff, and while it was cool to make some extra cash, over the course of time, it started to suck the personality and life out of what I was writing. It wasn't the same as just writing for the enjoyment of it.

I started taking on more and more sites to make more money, and next thing you know - what was left was an -- oh crap, I need to jot something down over here or over there...

blah...that sucks for both me and you

These days I still make money online, but I do it a little differently today. It doesn't force me to write on 10 different sites a day on topics of no interest to me. I write what I want now, but I'm only starting to find my enjoyment again. It's nice to write because I want to...not because I have a blank slate to fill by a certain time on a certain topic.

I hope you'll explore with me again as I'm digging in to find my personality that seemed lost for quite a bit.

I can't promise it will be a daily or weekly thing, but when I have something to say, I'll say it and not because I have to, or because it's the "topic" of the day, but because I want to. This is me again...because I want it to be.

...on that note...it's nice to be back.

Jersey Girl Does Florida

2009-07-26T13:26:53Z

This year's summer vacation trip with my son brought us back to Florida. Tomorrow we leave for home, and wrap up a 2+ week vacation. It's been fun, but being away from home for 2 weeks, you start to miss your "comforts of home"...one of the things I miss is cooking, and I'm not some great chef. I think I'm just tired of eating out!

Okay, so let's take a look at summer vacation 2009:

- we did a 9 day stay in a 3 bedroom condo down near Disney

- headed to the Keys, and then turned around and headed back to Orlando

I have to say, I was a little disappointed in Key West, and if I were to book a trip to the Keys again, I'd opt for Islamorada instead of Key West, though I don't think I feel the need to return anytime soon....it's not that there's anything wrong wtih it, it's just that it's a damn long drive, when I have local places I prefer more. I guess in my mind, I pictured it a bit differently based on the pictures I've seen.

Orlando is always fun, and we've come here often, so we know what are favorites are, and we always try to add a few new things to our trip to keep it fresh. In the amusement parks, we tried a few different things - like where we ate, or what we saw or did....we hit a different mini-golf place, though this one had way too many stairs...my son has asthma, and it took it's toll....we also got caught in a downpour, but that part was okay, since we actually were just about to play a hole on the course in a "cave", with a bench...what luck,huh?

2 Tornados have struck while we were down here, but both were about 30 mins away...I'm not used to hearing about so many of them...

Other new things we did:

Blue Man Group - loved it

Boggy Creek Airboat Ride- loved it

M & M World at the FLorida Mall - neat, but seeing it once was enough..and I didn't feel the need to buy anything...it's a giant store with M&M stuff..some fun things to see though...i was amused

Of course we hit our favorite multiple times, Rock-N-Rollercoaster....that was a blast, and it's both of our favorites, so we do it many times...

When it comes to work, I did write one long article and did some keyword research, but that was the extent of it...I'm relaxed big time, and hoping it won't take me the regular day or two to get out of vacation brain mode when I get home....

I also got the chance to see my friend COlleen who lives in Florida. I always enjoy visiting with her. She's a really neat person, and fun to be around.

I am thrilled to get home and see my husband and dogs and cat though...miss them much, but yesterday morning in the pool...I was in my own world and ultra relaxed!!!

That about wraps it up for now....not sure what else to mention, but I had a great time, as I do every year. I love this place, but I love being home too, and now I'm ready to get there...

My Latest Scoop

2009-06-10T02:16:08Z

I had so much fun shopping this weekend. It's funny, but I don't actually go out by myself too often anymore. Sunday, I took the afternoon and browsed a few stores, and just went for a drive with the windows down. It was delightful, and I went at my own pace.

I picked up a couple of business books at Borders, along with a few odds and ends at Kohl's. Unfortunately, the reason I went out by myself was that my husband has been under the weather. He's feeling better now though, so I'm happy about that.

We're hoping to go see the movie UP this week. If we have time and Hangover looks like it could be fun as well. I think my son wants to see Land of the Lost. So we'll squeeze that in also, we tend to do a lot more movies during the warmer months, because that's when all the big releases come out - until the holidays in the winter.

Otherwise, back to work and the daily grind. Until next time...Deb

ID Labels that work as Temp Tattoo

2009-05-26T13:33:23Z

Have allergies? Maybe you're diabetic? Have a child that is prone to seizures? There's a great solution for kids on a class trip, or out at the zoo or amusement park...and maybe you aren't with them. Did they go with a friend's family, or on a youth group trip?

EyedentityLabel.com offers temporary tattoo style identification. You can place not only your child's name and an emergency contact number, but also information like: Allergic to Peanuts or Allergic to Bees, or Seizures or Asthma, or whatever you need to let someone know in an emergency.

This is something worth checking out if you or your child need emergency ID. It's a simple solution that's visible, or easily hidden....but something emergency responders will be able to find. Perfect for daycamps, a day out at the park with friends, a friend's birthday party when you can't be there...

They are waterproof and last for a couple days...currently the pricing is $25 for a pack of 18.

Movies and a Book

2009-05-19T16:16:18Z

It's been a full week for me when it comes to entertainment. We took off last week and headed to the shore. It was part work, mostly play for us. During the week, I was able to catch up on some movies, books and TV. Don't worry....NO spoilers....

Here's what I enjoyed:

Water for Elephants - what a great book! I actually listened to the audio version, and LOVED the narrator.

The Soloist - loved it, and could tell I would. It's been one of the few movie trailers that brought tears to my eyes. Excellent story and character study...sad, based on a true story

Star Trek - It was an entertaining movie. I can't jump up and down and go, wow, that was GREAT...because honestly, it just wasn't my type of movie. It was good, but jumped around too much. It seemed to want to do too much in a short period of time. Either way, I enjoyed it, and my guys said it WAS great.

I'm about to start a new book, with it's sequel...can't wait to get started. I even have a 7 book series on deck for my July trip! I love finally having time to fit these in.

Kite Surfing Video

2009-05-14T17:45:41Z

I found this kite surfing video for you to check out...the music is a little intense, so I'd turn your speaker volume down a little, especially if you're at work! LOL Check out this awesome kite surfing video!

Kite Surfing is So Cool

2009-05-14T17:34:23Z

Have you ever watched kite surfing? It's amazing!!!

We're down the shore for a few days, and today is one of thoes windy, choppy ocean days. Rain and showers will be passing through on and off today. We've had great weather all week, so i really can't complain.

We were sitting at the table doing some work, and we saw the coolest thing. I wasn't exactly sure what it was at first. It was a combination of surfing and parasailing-- really the only way I can explain it.

There were 3 people out on the waves cruising along, jumping, catching air, just gliding...it was so cool to watch! I finally had to look it up because it really held our attention. This was one of the coolest things I'd ever seen...and they looked like they were having a blast! They were going so fast riding the ways up, down, sideways, backwards...just anyway they wanted, then they'd stop and turn on a dime, and start going the other direction.

The use a parasailing type kite and catch the wind, and between the two elements of wind and water, it was an amazing site to see.

My husband and I sat there with our jaws dropping, just amazed at this fun experience we were watching. Today is the perfect day for it with the choppy waves and wind going in all different directions. It was grea tsince they were the only ones in the water, they had tons of space to themselves.

If you haven't seen kite surfing before, check out wikpedia or something, maybe there are youtube clips of it...all i know is it was awesome!

Kelly Rouba and Juvenile Arthritis

2009-05-01T15:29:41Z

May is Arthritis Awareness month. Did you know that Juvenile Arthritis affects over 300,000 children in the United States?

Kelly Rouba was diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis at the age of 2. Kelly decided to write a book on arthritis that kid would read, and features teens with arthritis. The book includes resources, and gives perspective from multiple individuals who are faced with the disease.

You can visit Kelly’s blog here: http://kellyrouba.blogspot.com/
You can find Kelly’s book here: http://www.amazon.com/Juvenile-Arthritis-Kelly-Rouba/dp/0810860554

Meet Kelly and other people featured in her book:
Arthritis Walk on Sunday May 3rd at the Princeton Forrestal Village.

You can help out be participating in the annual Arthritis Walk across New Jersey:
http://www.arthritis.org/chapters/new-jersey/arthritis-walk.php

There will be walks all through out the garden state during the month of May. Full details for your area can be found on the above website.

Clever Advertising

2009-04-27T12:30:06Z

We went over to Whole Foods yesterday in Quakerbridge. It takes us an hour to get there, so we don't go often...also while they have a neat selection- they do tend to be a little pricey.

Anyway, we're shopping at the store, and I have to use the ladies room. I go into the little stall and close the door. Advertising on the back of the door was pinned up right at my eye level!

Now, on the toilet, rather reading graffiti you'd see at some places, I see a well placed advertisement for an all natural shampoo brand. It's smack in front of my face-- of course I'm reading it.

Now THAT is clever advertising....

I Keep Saying...

2009-04-22T13:55:27Z

...I'm going to stop. I'm like an addict and keep adding more....more what? More work that is! I am inching up close to 80 websites now, and I think I've finally decided I'll cap myself at 100. It's a nice rounded number. I think I've got my fill, but many will be set and forget sites. Once they are built and content is added, they are mostly complete. I only have to then go in and maintain them once every few months.

On the other hand, during this set up phase, I seem to keep taking on more projects. What the heck is wrong with me? Don't I know I'm all ready overflowing with content and ideas? Why do I possibly need to add just a few more? It's like some sickness where I can't stop!

Okay, I have a five year plan working, and I figure if I push harder now, many of these sites will continue to work for me down the road.

I guess time will tell. About once every 6 months, I'll evaluation the group of them, and decide what to keep, what to sell, and where I think it's heading. The thing with many sites is that they really take time. Sure you can create a post and get traffic now, but as they mature, the dance in the search engines isn't as drastic, and you'll see more of a steady stream. When it comes to this stuff, so many people get out when they don't see quick results.....this isn't a quick game...time is on your side, and if you have the patience to wait it out, along with continuing to build, you can win....I plan on winning.

Flashback Friday and Pinball

2009-04-11T12:37:09Z

I went to an arcade with my son last night. There's a place right outside of Flemington that sells arcade machines. Every Friday night they open up and have a play all night for $10 event. My son goes for the arcade machines, and I go for the pinball. Last time I was there, they had 3 pinball machines in the front. I was thrilled to see they'd added 4 more machines in the back. I had 7 different pinball machines to play with.

What was really cool was the age range they were. Hot Line is a 1966 pinball machine, and the bumper points were worth a tiny 10 points. There was even a small bumper worth 1 point! Newer machines went electronic, and the latest machines go microchip. It was really neat to see the transition in things like artwork on the machines, the point values of bumpers and such. On Hot Line and a Bowling pinball machine from 1973, you were lucky to score a few thousand. Heck on Hotline-- I'd get maybe 6,000 points, while on the bowling one I'd see closer to 60,000. On the newer machines like Dracula, I was scoring 10 million point bonuses! See how point ranges keep going up too?

If you're in the area, you need to check out RichieKnucklez.com

I'm going to be adding them to my Hunterdon County site this week, so be sure to check that out too.

Mammory Thursday

2009-04-09T20:14:11Z

My mammogram and ultrasound were today. Crossing my fingers....they can't really say much, but it would seem that my problem from the last few years hasn't changed size, so hopefully this year it's labeled a cyst and I get the come back in 6 months to a year letter.

As I'm walking out the door, my husband says..."have fun"...not even really aware of what he's saying. I think to myself, oh yeah-- we're having a party with the mammogram machine. Wish you could be there...blah

Relaxed and Rested

2009-04-03T13:58:12Z

I just got back from Florida yesterday evening. It's amazing how a few days away can really help clear your head. For me, it's really hard to turn off work. Since, I am self-employed, I can sometimes obsess and easily put 10-12 hours in each day. Even on vacation, a few times my sister had to remind me to "turn it off". I did fit in reading a great marketing book, but otherwise, I said NO to the laptop- no to an internet connection, and no to work in general. No brainstorming, nothing...

What I got in return is a clear, blank mind. Wow, I'm not overwhelmed with what needs to be done, and honestly...it's a reality check to realize that 3 or 4 days will not make or break me. In fact, it was a nice surprise to see my sites were making money while I was kicked back at the pool bar with my feet up. Gotta love that passive income baby!

Either way, I'm recharged and ready to go. I'm looking forward to starting fresh today, rather than starting my day with a list of I should do this or that, and I need to do this....I'll make a list of priorities for the week- and there's no rush. I learned this week, there's no rush! I also learned I have a lot of fun in Florida, ha...okay, I all ready knew that.

Lots of sunshine, lots of laughter, mix in some shopping, some heart to heart talking, some more sunshine, some more shopping, and well....you get the picture. While the dreary weather met me in New Jersey...Monday I spent about 12 hours from 10 to 10 outside under palm trees at a par and then moved to the pool bar....man, it just has me itching for spring here. So, this Jersey girl is rested and relaxed and ready to head back to work. Signing off on this NJ blog for now....be back soon. ;)

Heading to Florida

2009-03-28T15:15:55Z

It's time for a spring fling. My sister and I are booked to fly out to Florida. I'm good and ready to put my feet up and take a break. I'll be honest, during the winter I have been swamped in work, and I am READY to turn it all off...

My feet will be up, my laptop will stay HOME, and I'll be soaking in the sun and leisure.

I'll see you on the flip side. I'm happy that by about May 1st, my workload will be back to normal, and I won't be quite so busy. Don't get me wrong, I took it on myself, and it's work that will absolutely pay for itself...it's just that it was A LOT! PHew....i'm good and ready for that break.