Saturday, February 28, 2009

Six Word Saturday: Do I look like I'm 1929?

I'm getting a little sick of Blogger and Google Gone Wild. When will the madness end?! Blogger has my age listed as 1929! And I can't change it! I have the correct age when I edit my profile, but it is still listing me 1900 years older than I really am. What are your Blogger/Google woes? Vent here....
~Joan

Read more...

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Freestyle Friday: I Heart NY!

It's Freestyle Friday which means I'm writing about whatever. I've been traveling back and forth to NY for work, and I am now on my second trip. Here are some pics from my first trip. Enjoy!


So I'm looking up at this sign on the subway car that says, "Sexual harrassment is a crime on the subway too. Just because the subway is crowded does not mean it's okay to be touched inappropriately. Please report any sexual harrassment to the MTA police." Wow! It never dawned on me that people would be trying to get cheap feels on the subway, but I guess it is kinda convenient for a pervert when everybody's all scrunched up on the train butt to butt and butt to--well anyway, you get the picture. It's just sad that's all because it must be a pretty common problem if they had to put signs up about it.

Times Square subway station is huge! I had to walk from one side to the other to get to work every day.


New York subways make me want to take a shower immediately!


Nobody seems to care about the sign that tells you not to push the doors open. Doors close on you and you just tough it out. Pushing is perfectly normal in the NY subway.



Here's a picture of Times Square at night. This is the only day I got to do something besides work.


Times Square

Here's NY's finest on horse patrol. You can't see it, but this horse was foaming and slobbering at the mouth something terrible! This lady just kept petting away ignoring the nasty horse spit.



I decided to take a trip to NY's Hell's Kitchen since I'm such a fan of the show. However, I was not aware that there is a whole neighborhood in NY called Hell's Kitchen. When I arrived at what I thought should have been the restaurant, imagine my dismay when I saw this hardware store. I was so upset because I thought I had been deceived by my internet search. The man inside the stor assured me the restaurant was down the street.......and it was. Every store on that street is called Hell's Kitchen something or other.


Sorry, I was so hungry that my greedy behind started eating before I could take a picture. Those are scallops on tostada chips with sweet potato puree with guacamole (sounds strange I know, but it was delicious). In front of that plate are some cornbread thingies and a really good black bean dip.


This butternut squash soup with chile and marscapone cheese warmed my heart!


OMG! I almost died and went to pumpkin heave after eating this pumpkin bread pudding topped with cinnamon ice cream with strawberries, blueberries, and a dulce de leche sauce. Delectable! Did I ever tell you how much I love pumpkin and it's the only reason I can live through the winter?


This is the Louis Vuitton store inside of Bloomingdales.


You can't tell from this picture, but Bloomingdales has 10 floors! I'm glad I don't like to shop because I would have lost my mind. I even had to fight the urge......it just seemed like the right thing to do with all these great stores surrounding me.


H&M


All of these people were standing outside of Vickie's so that they could get autographs from some of the models inside. I decided to pass since it was cold and I had never heard of any of the models anyway. I stayed just a couple of blocks away from all of these stores in the heart of Midtown Manhattan in a fabulous apartment. I so wish I could show you pictures, but since it's not my apartment I can't. Stay tuned for more adventures in New York!

~Joan

Read more...

Thankful Thursday: Your Comments

I first want to give a BIG THANK YOU to all 20 of my followers (well at least it was 20 before he Google Gone Wild fiasco. #20 I know you're out there somewhere. COME BACK!)! It may not seem like a lot to those of you who have 100+ followers, but I am super excited about having 20. So thank you for your continued support.

On to the comments.........This is my response to last Saturday's Comment Replies post. Thank you all for your insight into comment etiquette. I got varying comments that encompassed all 4 of my comment reply options. Based on my evaluation of your comments I've decided on the following rules for myself:

1. When I get a large number of comments that have questions and topics that warrant the continuation of a conversation (such as in this post), I will write a new post to answer questions and continue the conversation.
2. When people ask me individual questions, I will respond via email or through commenting on their blog.
3. I will not reply to comments in the comment section of my own post because it seems like people aren't really coming back to check.

Thanks again for all of your ideas and expertise. I love bouncing things off of my bloggy buddies. You guys rock!

~Joan

Read more...

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Wordless Wednesday: Would you want this person serving your food?

Yep! That's a belly hanging out from the bottom of that t-shirt. Am I the only one that sees something wrong with this picture?


~Joan

Read more...

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Timeout Tuesday: Haunted Hotel?


Last week I was staying at a Hampton Inn Hotel for work. I woke up in the morning and got into the shower. When I finished my shower, I opened the curtain and this is what I saw written on the mirror:

Jeffery,
Love you!
Love,
Your Wife

This picture is not what I saw, but it's very similar.

TIMEOUT! This was some stuff straight out of a horror flick. I was so freaked out by this. My heart started racing. I started praying and talking to myself out loud. I had to resist the temptation to go running into the hall naked and screaming for help. I am such a scaredy cat! I'm afraid of the dark and terrified of horror movies. This had to be some kind of a sick joke. Was I being punk'd?

I wiped the mirror off with a towel and got ready as fast as I could. I went down to the lobby still spooked. I told the lady at the front desk what happened and asked her to have someone Windex the hell out of that mirror. I told my co-worker who was staying there as well that if I got out of the shower the next day with another love letter on that mirror that I was getting the heck out of dodge and never coming back.

Thank God there was nothing there the next day! I wonder who Jeffery is and if he ever got to see his love letter. So weird......

~Joan

Read more...

Monday, February 23, 2009

Mr. and Mrs. Murphy Monday: Driving Mr. and Mrs. Daisy

My family has nicknamed me and my hubby Mr. and Mrs. Murphy because of the random stuff that always seems to be happening to us. You know Murphy's Law; "Whatever can go wrong will go wrong, and at the worst possible time, in the worst possible way." I don't look at myself as cursed, but as someone who is very blessed. Weird things just happen to me, that's all. This Monday I'll share a story that happened to us a couple of years ago when we were still living in Maryland:


We were at our favorite restaurant, Timpano's in Rockville, MD. It had just begun to snow and we left the restaurant. We got into the car and closed the door. In my car, the dome light goes off when you close the door. This time was no different until...........we hear a click and suddenly the light pops back on. I'm just sitting there wondering why the light came back on, but my hubby begins to yell:


Turning head to the backseat



Hubby: Hey! Hey! Get outta here! Go!

Me: What tha?



I turned around to see an elderly couple sitting in our backseat looking like deer in headlights . They said nothing and just got out of the car and closed the door. My husband and I just stared at each other and laughed. Neither one of us remembered driving Mr. and Mrs. Daisy to the restaurant that night, so we could not figure out for the life of us why or how they ended up in our backseat. Didn't they see us get in the car first? I mean they got in like 2 seconds after we did. I think those old people had too much to drink or something. The look on their faces (like, "you aren't our drivers") was so hilarious. But the funniest part was my husband screaming at those poor old people like they were trying to rob us or something. This is a true testament to why you should lock your doors immediately when you get in the car. Just a day in the life of Mr. and Mrs. Murphy.

~Joan

Read more...

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Comment Replies

Okay blogsperts......I have a burning question. Often times when people comment they ask questions about something said in a post. There are several ways to go about replying to the questions:
1. Send an email to the person.
2. Answer the question in a comment you leave on the questioner's blog.
3. Leave a comment on your own blog answering any questions that were posed.
4. Write a new post answering questions.

I normally do number 1 or 2 (heads out of the gutter folks). I see a lot of people doing number 2, but do you all really go back to see if someone answered your question in their comments? I go back and check sometimes. What are your thoughts? Is there some sort of blog etiquette I'm suppose to follow? Please help!

~Joan

Read more...

Friday, February 20, 2009

Tagmania: 100 Things

Got this game from Ryan Ashley at Optimistic Cynicism who got it from Megan over at INfertile Myrtle. Anyone can play along, just BOLD the things you have done.


1. Started your own blog.


2. Slept under the stars.


3. Played in a band.


4. Visited Hawaii.


5. Watched a meteor shower.


6. Given more than you can afford to charity.


7. Been to Disneyland.


8. Climbed a mountain.


9. Held a praying mantis.


10. Sang a solo.


11. Bungee jumped.


12. Visited Paris.


13. Watched a lightning storm at sea.


14. Taught yourself an art from scratch.


15. Adopted a child.


16. Had food poisoning.


17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty.


18. Grown your own vegetables.


19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France.


20. Slept on an overnight train.


21. Had a pillow fight.


22. Hitch hiked.


23. Taken a sick day when you're not sick.


24. Built a snow fort.


25. Held a lamb.


26. Gone skinny dipping.


27. Run a marathon.


28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice.


29. Seen a total eclipse.


30. Watched a sunrise or sunset.


31. Hit a home run.


32. Been on a cruise.


33. Seen Niagra Falls in person.


34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors.


35. Seen and Amish community.


36. Taught yourself a new language.


37. Had enough money to truly be satisfied.


38. Seen the leaning tower of Pisa in person.


39. Gone rock climbing.


40. Seen Michelangelo's David.


41. Sung karaoke.


42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt.


43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant.


44. Visited Africa.


45. Walked on a beach by moonlight.


46. Been transported in an ambulance.


47. Had your portrait painted.


48. Gone deep sea fishing.


49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person.


50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.


51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling.


52. Kissed in the rain.


53. Played in the mud.


54. Gone to a drive-in theater.


55. Been in a movie.


56. Visited the Great Wall of China.


57. Started a business.


58. Taken a martial arts class.


59. Visited Russia.


60. Served in a soup kitchen.


61. Sold Girl Scout cookies.


62. Gone whale watching.


63. Gotten flowers for no reason.


64. Donated blood, platelets, or plasma.


65. Gone sky diving.


66. Visited a Nazi concentration camp.


67. Bounced a check.


68. Flown in a helicopter.


69. Saved a favorite childhood toy.


70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial.


71. Eaten caviar.


72. Pieced a quilt.


73. Stood in Times Square.


74. Toured the Everglades.


75. Been fired from a job.


76. Seen the changing of the guards in London.


77. Broken a bone.


78. Been on a speeding motorcycle.


79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person.


80. Published a book.


81. Been to the Vatican.


82. Bought a brand new car.


83. Walked in Jerusalem.


84. Had your picture in the paper.


85. Read the entire Bible.


86. Visited the White House.


87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating.


88. Had Chicken pox.


89. Saved someone's life.


90. Sat on a jury.


91. Met someone famous.


92. Joined a book club.


93. Lost a loved one.


94. Had a baby.


95. Seen the Alamo in person.


96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake.


97. Been involved in a lawsuit.


98. Owned a cell phone.


99. Been stung by a bee.


100. Read an entire book in one day.

~Joan

Read more...

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Thankful Thursday: Shameless Plug






This Thursday I am thankful for my other blog (did you even know I had another one) because it's my first love in the blog world. I started DiverCity, USA because I am passionate about all things diverse. I've kind of been neglecting my diversity blog since I've created my alter ego Joan (nope, Joan is not my real name). I have not lost the passion, and I'd like to start posting over there a little more often, so here's my shameless plug for you all to go over and check out my other blog. Enjoy!








~Joan

Read more...

Wordless Wednesday: Improvisation at its Best




This is what happens when you ask me to babysit and don't leave me I forget to ask you for the stroller to feed your child in. Yes, that is a belt around his waist.

~Joan

Read more...

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Spiritual Sunday on Monday: Heart Songs

I'm a little late, but I just had to share yesterday's worship experience with you. At Impact Church, our motto is "Doing Church Differently," and that's exactly what we did yesterday. Each pastor chose their favorite love song, and the praise and worship team sang all of the favorite songs. The pastors all explained why they chose the songs and how their love songs can be applied to their love for God. It was truly an awesome experience, and my video below does not give it justice. They sang everything from Stevie Wonder's "All I Do" to LL Cool J's "I Need Love." I apologize for the horrible quality of the video, but I took it from my phone. Hope you enjoy anyway!

~Joan

Read more...

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Six Word Saturday: Happy Valentine's Day


MY HUSBAND PROPOSED ON VALENTINE'S DAY!

~Joan

Read more...

Friday, February 13, 2009

Freebie Friday

It's February and I'm in the mood for spreading the love! In addition to my occasional freebies, I would like to host your giveaways/freebies on my blog. Please contact me if you would like to host your giveaway/freebie on my blog on Fridays.

Who has already taken advantage:
*eBookGuru.org--Click here to receive free ebooks!
*Jaydee at Life in the Lost World--Click here to win a $25 Gift Card to Ideal Poultry!

and as always...

This Week's Friday Freebie:
The first person who leaves a comment expressing interest wins a $10 off coupon for any editing service. This coupon will expire February 13, 2010.

Don't forget to tell your friends and stop by next Friday for another freebie!

~Joan

Read more...

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Wordless Wednesday: Who Knew?


Who knew the president would be so appreciative of my shout outs to him that he would meet me in Time Square for a fist bump?!


~Joan

Read more...

Monday, February 9, 2009

Grammy's Gossip

I apologize for my absence in the blog world, but I'm working in NY and my apartment has no internet! I promise I'll be around later to give some comment love and catch up with all of my faithful readers. I normally don't do this but, okay, here's my Grammy's Gossip:
• Poor Whitney is still acting like a crack head. Why do they keep letting her speak?
• I am so happy for Jennifer Hudson, but her 1st dress was a hot mess. Her 2nd one was much better and she did a wonderful tribute to all of those who supported her through her time of mourning.
• I bet Boyz II Men never thought they’d be singing back up for Al Green and Justin Timberlake.
• Jay-Z and Cold Play collabo…….what?! I liked the performance, but what’s up with the lead singer’s high waters?
• Al B Sure’s son is the spitting image of him, yet he’s always with Diddy. What’s up with that? I know he’s Kim Porter’s son, but I find it peculiar that that he’s always with Diddy and not his own Daddy.
• Carrie Underwood ripped it. You go girl!
• Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrrus sounded horrible! Ouch! My ears are still ringing!
• Who the hell is Robert Plant and Alison Krauss (Best Collaboration w/ Vocals and Album of the year)?
• I don’t get the craze over the Jonas Brothers. Are they like the modern day New Kids on the Block or New Edition? Maybe not because they play instruments. They strike me as boys who would have otherwise been geeks, but now that they’re famous, they’re super cool and cute.
• Kissed a girl chick didn’t seem to do so well live.
• I can’t stand Kanye West’s new look. He looks like a fricken clown! The 1982 look is so not cute.
• Who is Adele? She seems interesting. She should have combed her hair though and she definitely should not have been smacking on that gum. How tacky! I like the song she performed.
• MIA’s “Swagger Like Us”……..um eww! She was like 9 months pregnant and half naked. Was I the only one who was frightened by this performance? All I could think of was her water breaking on Lil Wayne’s Air Force Ones.
• What—no Beyonce? What’s a Grammy’s without Beyonce? Did her album not make the cut-off date or something?
• Sugarland is really growing on me. I really like their song “Stay”.
• I liked Radiohead’s performance even though I couldn’t understand what the hell he was saying.
• J.T and T.I…..loved it!
• Was it just me or did they give out like 10 lifetime achievement awards?
• Nice tribute to the Fours Tops.
• I must admit I had no idea that Neil Diamond was singing “Sweet Caroline” until he got to the chorus.
• Lil Wayne and Robin Thicke’s Hurricane Katrina song and the tribute to NO music was awesome!
• Stevie Wonder shows up everywhere and I never get tired of him. He’s timeless!

Overall, I really enjoyed the Grammy’s. I actually watched the whole thing. I don’t think I’ve ever done that before. What are your thoughts on this year’s Grammy Awards?

~Joan

Read more...

Friday, February 6, 2009

FABULOUS AT 50!

No, it's not my birthday........IT'S MY 50TH POST DAY! Here are 50 reasons why I'm glad I started this blog:

1. Christie at My Life-A Work in Progress and Funeral for My Fat Pants and Chatterbox Reviews
2. Stesha at Hot Chocolate Caramel Mocha
3. From the desk of me...at How Full is Your Bucket?
4. Pecanglo at Help! I really want to blog!
5. Puanani at Luscious Deals
6. Pamela at Aunt Pam's Closet
7. Ryan Ashley at Optimistic Cynicism
8. Alicia at More Than Words
9. Kel at Girl with the Glasses and Girl with Books
10. Francesca at 3 Bay B Chicks
11. Angela at Hanging with Mrs. Cooper
12. Juls at Every Day is a Crazee Day
13. T. Allen Mercado at Tea and Honey Bread
14. Janet Gephart at Ella Scott Jewels
15. Felicia at I Complete Me
16. Denise at Motivation Mama
17. Denene at My Brown Baby
18. Renee at Cutie Booty Cakes
19. Penny Pinching Diva
20. TBS at The Broke Socialite

These 20 wonderful ladies have been showing me love and have made me laugh, smile, cry, shout, rethink, write, and move. Check these fabulous sisters out and show them some love!

21. I write and you actually read it. Thanks!
22. I am able to offer my editing services.
23. Freebies and Contests
24. Getting Tagged
25. Receiving blog awards
26. It's fun!
27. Twitter
28. I'm motivated.
29. It's nice to see that "it's not just me" sometimes
30. I get to observe the limitless talent of others.
31. I can fill someone's bucket everyday (see #3).
32. Comments! (nuff said)
33. Followers (If you're not following me, what are you waiting for?)
34. SITS
35. I love looking at people's cool blog designs.
36. I can show other people love.
37. I can pretty much say whatever I want.
38. I've found causes to support.
39. It gives me a reason and a platform to get my thoughts out of my head.
40. I can share my latest Wii shenanigans and have everyone up in arms.
41. Keep it Classy Jen at The Classy Closet BTR Show

42. It's an obsession I don't mind.
43. I love getting ideas for new memes.
44. Motivational Monday
45. Thankful Thursday
46. Time Out Tuesday
47. Spiritual Sunday
48. Wordless Wednesday
49. Six Word Saturday
50. I can celebrate me and you!

Thanks for supporting me on my journey through the blogosphere! Why are you glad you started your blog?

~Joan

Read more...

Freebie Friday: Host Your Giveaway on My Blog!

It's February and I'm in the mood for spreading the love! In addition to my occasional freebies, I would like to host your giveaways/freebies on my blog. Please contact me if you would like to host your giveaway/freebie on my blog on Fridays.

Who has already taken advantage:
*eBookGuru.org--Click here to receive free ebooks!
*Juls at Every Day is a Crazee Day--Click here for a surprise giveaway!
*Janet at Ella Scott Jewels--Click here to win some cute earrings! Hurry, contest ends at 8pm EST!
*Jaydee at Life in the Lost World--Click here to win a $25 Gift Card to Ideal Poultry!
*Pat at The World of Within--Click here to receive free teleclasses on Self/Body Acceptance (classes start Monday) and here to download some inspiration!

and as always...

This Week's Friday Freebie:
The first person who leaves a comment expressing interest wins a $10 off coupon for any editing service. This coupon will expire February 6, 2010.

Don't forget to tell your friends and stop by next Friday for another freebie!

~Joan

Read more...

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Three Word Thursday

I am at a total loss for what to post about today, so I decided to start a new meme--Three Word Thursday. I managed to pull my greatest number of comments this past Saturday for Six Word Saturday, and I only wrote 6 words. Do you all want less from me? Well here it goes:

I HAVE NOTHING!

~Joan

Read more...

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Wii Wednesday: Unfit Parent Part II

A lot of readers were a little frightened by last week's Wii Wednesday: Unfit Parent post. Apparently you weren't the only ones. I'm kind of on both sides of the fence with this one. On one hand, it seems that Wii Fit was intended for adults even though it's rated E for everyone. On the other hand, Grand Theft Auto is rated M for mature and you see who is playing that game. The Wii Fit is a little spirit crushing when it plumps you out due to being overweight or obese. However, I think the positive elements like the personal trainer, progress tracking, and the workouts far outweigh the not-so-pretty wittiness of the Wii. I'm sure Nintendo will hear the cries of the people and modify the game. If the Wii Fit can tell me that I am not paying enough attention to my niece, I'm sure it can come up with a way to go easy on the kiddies when they step on the Wii Fit Board. Don't give up on Wii Fit folks. I still think it's a must-have!

~Joan

Read more...

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Timeout Tuesday: Are You Inspired 2 Write?



Christie at My life-A Work in Progress a.k.a. Chatterboxcgc a.k.a. my wonderful sister has just launched her newest venture as a Creativity Coach:
Inspired 2 Write
A Division of CGC Connections - Life Empowerment for Women

A support and resource center for personal and professional writers

Bloggers / Authors / Freelancers / Screenwriters
Anyone who has a passion for putting pen to paper or fingers to keys is Inspired 2 Write! Whether you have been published already or you haven't even gotten started, this is the place for you to gain the support and resources to start, finish, and even sell your work! Click here for more information.
Christie has a passion for inspiring people and helping them cultivate their authentic selves. If you haven't been to Christie's blogs or listened to her BTR show (see right sidebar) or followed her on twitter yet, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? This woman's talent is endless, and I'm not just saying this because I'm her sister (Check out my comments on yesterday's post where other bloggers shouted her out without my prompting.).

~Joan

Read more...

Monday, February 2, 2009

Motivational Monday: Who's in your Fave 5?

This week's Motivational Monday Fave 5 is my top 5 speakers who motivate me:


1. President Barack Obama (Duh!)--This remarkable man has not only captured the attention of our nation, but he has the attention of the whole world!



2. Olu Brown (Lead Pastor at Impact Church)--Olu is the pastor at my church and has a way of reaching all audiences when he preaches. If you click on the link you can listen to his sermons.



3. Maya Angelou--Maya Angelou is my favorite author and poet. She has so much wisdom and such a peace about her.



4. Michael Eric Dyson--M.E.D. is a dynamic speaker, and I often find myself grabbing for a dictionary when he speaks. His oration is just so eloquent and intelligent, yet down to earth. He makes you want to step up your game.


5. Joel Osteen--Joel Osteen is the famous pastor of Lakewood church in Texas. I love the positive messages he sends through his sermons. He has a calmness about him that just makes you want to listen when he speaks.

Who's in your Fave 5?

~Joan

Read more...

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Saucy Sunday: In case you haven't heard...



...MY BLOG IS SAUCY!

I must say that I am shocked, yet pleasantly surprised. I left the house at 6am yesterday, and checked my email from my phone. My inbox was full of people telling me that I'm saucy. I was thinking, what's going on? It never occured to me that my blog might have be chosen as saucy on SITS! Thank you for all of your congratulations and sweet comments. I am truly honored, and I really appreciate all of my followers and faithful commenters. Thanks for the bloggy love...right back at cha!

Since February is the month of love, I'd like to show some love to my followers. If you are following me as of February 1, 2009, you are eligible for 20% off of any of my
editing services for the month of February. Just send me an email with your service request.
~Joan

Read more...
I took the 43 Things Personality Quiz and found out I'm a
Self-Improving Money Managing Extrovert

  © Blogger templates Psi by Ourblogtemplates.com 2008

Back to TOP