The MOST Wonderful time

Shopping to make everyone happy on your list? Making sure you don't forget anyone on your Christmas Card list? Deciding who will be cooking what for the holidays? Wondering what to wear for the annual night out for the end of the year party?

Forget the stress. Or at least try, I think after 42 years I finally got it right, its like someone (my lovey) shook me real hard and said, " honey, I will let you know when to press the panic button." The only man that knows how to handle this candy cane. I have to hand it to him, he had NO clue what he was getting in to when he entered my world. There is no real reason for panic during the most wonderful time of the year, or get excited about the stress of the shopping and cleaning and cooking.

Take your stockings and hang them with care, take a better look around this year.
Capture a silent night and listen to your heart.
but the shopping and spending....where does one start???

A deep breath, a glass of wine, the warmth of a hug, the good health of our children, my dear friends, my supportive family, the laughter of children sleigh riding, a fire on a cold night, they are all FREE. Count your many blessings and step back to enjoy The Most Wonderful Time of the Year .

See you later FACEBOOK

December 31st I will not say good-bye, but just a farewell to my Facebook Friends and Family. So I am able to give fair warning  and prepare myself for the many hours of FB rehab I will have to endure.

I have chosen to let go of FB for one year. I am so easy to find. jackie@wrfy.com is your instant connection to me.

I have found FB to be time consuming, fun, a way to make people smile, piss people off, spy on my kids, erase people from my personal life with one click of  a delete button and add a friend to enjoy my daily experiences and let me in on theirs.

My husband doubts me that I can make it an entire 24 hours let alone a year without facebook. This is where I find enjoyment in proving him wrong but yet making time on the couch a little cozier for him because my hands wont be on my blackberry checking Greg Millers status. Or Rebecca Hollands check in. I will miss Heather Steinbergers workouts, sister you gave me alot of motivation. I will miss pictures being posted and invites.

I intend to Read more, Pray more, and eat less...focus on my well being, My awesome husband, and my mini adults..( my kids that are growing way to fast)

Its time. long overdue...but  I will be back...and I intend to have FACEBOOK FUN until DECEMBER 31st

The Power of Coaching.

Lately I have been "moved" by the soccer coaching staff at Muhlenberg high school. I have seen changes in my son on the field, in his school work and at home. I know they are more than coaches to these kids, they have formed a bond of trust, and determination to become respectful and hard working  young men as they approach the end of their high school season as seniors.  Coaches are never given enough credit.

Remember when you were a kid growing up and you had to do yet another drill, or run another mile, or swim another lap. You wished the coach called off practice, you wished the season would end. Then we look back on the fun we had, the friends we met and the coach that we respected and learned to believe that all of our hard work would one day pay off.

I had the opportunity to coach Junior high track for a few years at Muhlenberg .  It was last weekend I was at Subway and ran into one of the kids who has since graduated, is now in the Marines and was so happy to see me and tell me how well he was doing and I listened as he told me how proud he is to be a United States Marine. I still remember him "goofing off" and never wanting to take things seriously. It reminded me.......of me.

Today I came home from a four mile run, I opened my email, and there it was, a letter from my Cross Country Coach who taught me that hiding in bushes while training for my next race would get me no where 25 years ago at Pottsville Area High School. Let me share:

Jackie,

You made my day this morning when you told Scott that you were "going for a run" later today. I once watched an outstanding Blue Mt. runner in the last 2mile race of his senior year. He ran the first 6 laps at the front of the pack and then just about walked the last 2 laps. I later found that there was nothing wrong with the kid, he had just had enough. This convinced me that a coaches job is to push his athletes to do their best but always let them enjoy what they are doing. When I see someone on the road who ran for me in the past I feel like I did my job all those years ago. Thanks for allowing me to feel good.

John Liddle
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

I have goosebumps right now as I read it over and over again, I'm going to send Mr. Liddle a note just to say "Thank You" and I will encourage my son to do the same with his coaches. Mr. Liddle certainly made a difference in my life, He never gave up on me. No matter how poor I did, he always told me, there will always be a "next time" Its never to late to say Thank you. even if its 25 years later.

LOOKING AHEAD: FITTING IN YOUR HOLIDAY BEST

Ok, I admit its been awhile...The soccer season has been quite busy and very proud to say, NOT over yet! So, here it is, we are in the middle of October...start thinking HOLIDAYS. No, not the shopping, not the baking......The SQUEEZING into your holiday best! You know those jeans that scream...."yea that's right, look at me" But you know damn well you had to lay down on your bed and you saw stars when you buttoned them.

I have the answer, I have the solution. You can all thank me later. You hear me talking about running, working out, my new diet I start every Monday, my "cleansing" ( which by the way taught me ALOT)
However, there is someone so very near and dear to me I must share her with you, for as much as I dont want to share , I will because she is truly amazing. STACY BROWN.

Stacy owns SUNSHINE WELLNESS RESOURCES where I work out when the time allows, otherwise these days I have really taken up and am reliving my love of running. Stacy gives Berks County a whole new meaning to keeping fit, and being in control of you. The really good news is coming....

At Sunshine Wellness Stacy is NOW offering ONLY 99.00 FOR THREE MONTHS. TWO CLASSES A WEEK. Listen to me...This is a GIFT. From the TRX classes I talk about, to SPIN, to Willpower and Grace, to Yoga Sweat. You have to see for yourself and if you do the timing, you will see that before the new year is here, you will have a new you. 99.00 is NOTHING. For THREE months!!!!

I have been to numerous gyms, I have taken numerous classes, I have met alot of instructors, There is no one that compares to Stacy and her staff at SUNSHINE WELLNESS RESOURCES. You will start to hold your head high and your negative becomes positive, you cant wait until your next class.

just do me a favor , take a look www.sunshinewellnessresources.com

And guess what. That fancy little holiday party you are going to? You WILL be able to fit into the fancy little number!

Trust me, I wont go anywhere else. There are no blown up egos, or attitudes. They are your friends from the moment you walk through the SUNSHINE door!

I would never steer you in the wrong direction.  Be happy Berks County has a Stacy Brown, because no one else does.

My Friends RUN!!

It goes back to when I first moved to Berks County.....I needed something to keep me sane..it had been a few years, but I missed running. Not racing, just going out for a jog to make me feel as though I had accomplished something and get my juices flowing. It did a little more than that, and for those of you that run, trot, jog...whatever, you know what I'm talking about. My endorphins go WILD. My husband enjoys every little bit of it and encourages me to run, whenever the time lets me and my body says "go"

I trained for a half marathon in Bermuda with Team in Training for the Leukemia and Lymphoma society. It was one of the greatest things I had ever done on my own.

I introduced running to my friend Dena...she took the bull by the horns and was determined to run her own half marathon in Virginia with my other friend Kim..I was supposed to Run with them, however a week prior to the race I gave blood and no one told me that you could not donate blood and run, ( I let out the fact that I passed out while giving blood)  Dena's knee gave out but she continued the race and finished, a half hour later we had her at the hospital in Va. and she came home on crutches..but had that medal around her neck. She ended up having knee surgery. Her running days were numbered. Kim continued meeting me at Grings Mill.

Grings Mill...the perfect spot to run with my husband while we dated...we didn't get much running in because we would stop at every tree to kiss. So, we turned over to bike riding instead!

Through the years I have had many different running partners. Michelle Dallago..It seemed every time we got into the groove she would tell me that her and Rich were having a baby!
Kim ...some days we have it, some days we don't!

2 of my friends who I never in a billion years thought would lace up their sneakers and RUN....Heather Smith, and Becky Holland.

Heather and Becky will be doing their very first 5k with me in October..Its so exciting to encourage one another. I have a nice little pack of runners for that day, yes we will all have our different paces. Its going to be fun and we are running the KYLE PAGERLY MEMORIAL 5k  Colette, Kim, Becky, Heather...Good Luck, wait for me at the finish line.

Mike Coyle.. Thank you for always encouraging me, Mike Dicello..seeing you run in Pottsville for the past 40 years is always a great incentive  and Joe Muldowny your book  RUNNING SHORTS  kicks ass. Beth Franco, for years you have been such great support and have always made me envy the way you take such pride in all of your runs and races. You are a blessing!!!!

You don't have to run fast...or run marathons..but trust me the minute you start "jogging" you will ask yourself why you haven't done it sooner!

Hey Becky...are you ready to run tonight???

BIG CHANGES

A Bigger chest...perky and firm. whiter teeth, a flat belly, hair extensions, colored contacts, and how can I forget...a little botox .  Oh yes please wave a magic wand and turn me into Kate Gosslin. Seriously? NO Thank You. She has NO personality, no friends and doesn't speak to her family. hmmmm.

Tonight her show comes to an end. I never met her personally, I have only seen the scowl on her face a few times on Penn Avenue. Does she have a body I would  LOVE to have at 42? Hell yes. Would I buy her book? Hell no! I do know of a person who bought her book and admires her. WHY? I have NO idea. In the time she has had her show, I gave her a chance...tried to get her on the morning show, but she didn't bite.

I feel for her 8 children and for the Nannies and her bodyguards, when you erase the perfection she is just like you and I. If I took advantage of all her perks. I would probably be just like Kate. I occasionally look at women with perfect nails and perfect hair....my problem is, I cant sit still long enough for a manicure...Thats my own battle.

I will say, I would like a one on one with kate, just so I could give her a fair chance because I dont really know her to judge her, only by what I see of her on TV.  She just has a certain bitch factor about her.  I need to know if she really has a good heart. I mean she has to with 8 kids right?

So, I will watch her final episode and this wont be the last we see or hear of her.  She should welcome her audience a bit more and maybe ask for help and not TAKE all the time, I want to tell her how to find balance. I would buy her a drink...something called an alligator bite, or go for a run. something, anything, I am dying to know if she is really the bitch she portrays, everyone deserves a fair shot. Im willing to let you all know. I wonder if she will change her hairstlye? start biting her nails? get a muffintop? grow wrinkles from staying awake for her teenagers one day? start sagging and wear a 18 hour bra, drink so much coffee your teeth start tinting?  If so.....you will then be just like me Kate! Maybe then you will grant me an interview, but if you dont. Remember I gave you a fair shot before you go and make another change.

End of a weekend...

The day begins with a prayer, just something simple so we may never have to go through the devistation as some did on 9/11 ten years ago. It begins with giving those who had lost their lives a thumbs up for being our heros and never being forgotten. It begins with watching all of those recordings from friends and family members who knew those individuals who were on the planes and New York  10 years ago.

I woke up for an early cup of coffee for a reason...to reflect. In silence, but also to get some distraction.

I did just that with a 40 minute ride to Pottsville, to run a race with one of my closest high school friends. Michelle Dallago.  We made plans to run the Sol-Lipton race. A 5k. We had not run together in 25 years. It was awesome. i got to see alot of great people there and have some good laughs...even brought home some hardware.

In closing, for those of you who took part in the status about the situation at church (not mine) yesterday.  thank you for your opinions. The Church is GOD's house, a priest or Monsignor are not GOD. I applaud my parents, my husband, Aunt Ellenor, my children and my friends for understanding how I felt. what it comes down to is there are people in my life who pick me up when Im down , listen when I need friend, have supported my marriage, gave me strength when I needed it no  matter what was going on. In other words you dont just sit around and WAIT to attack.  But when you dont have too much more in life to do, I suppose you feel the need to make someone as miserable as you must be.


There is so much more to the story...but in light of what we all remember for today I shall give more moments of silence where silence is deserved. I don't really enjoy the attack, on anyone. ever. Life is too short. Try and be happy, or at least happy for others.

Peace be with you.

jackie

September

I have no idea where the time has gone.....I already have Christmas parties on my calender! I have been busy dealing with back to school, teenage issues that sometimes have me thinking I am going crazy, but in the end it turns out other moms and dads are going through some of the same things...that's where I count on the support of family and close friends.

I have learned to let go of certain toxic friends in the past month, and that is a huge plus for me , I have a tendency to hold onto things that have no reason to be in my life.

Now, onward an upward!  Lets take things one week at a time.

Thursday night.....  Sept 8 Come out to The Goodwill Fashion Show Second hand chic 3rd Floor Designers Place at the VF outlet center. 4:30 happy hour, show begins at 6:30
I am so excited to show off the fashions that some of the clothes I already have first dibs on!! This is name brand clothing at a LOW LOW price.

visit  www.yourgoodwill.org for more information

Friday Sept 9  5-7pm  Happy Hour at Goodnights Lounge . Join Y-102 as we host a most excellent Thank Goodnights its Friday office party.

Sunday 9-11 A day to remember....and I will be at the Sol-Lipton 5k in Pottsville with a best friend of mine, we haven't run together since her ARMY days! Michelle Anthony Dallago!

Have a peaceful September, hope to you along the way.

Earthquakes, Hurricanes, and back to school... oh my!

The month of August was hands down a month to go down in history for most of us. We  ( you) experienced a bit of Shake, Rattle and Roll. I didnt. I was on the deck with my dogs...my daughter came out yelling , "did you feel that?"  "Feel what, Katie?" At this point she realizes I am truly not all together there. I rarely miss a thing, let alone an earthquake. I dont miss when my kids are a minute late, I never miss one of their tear drops, their fears, or their concerns. An earthquake is minor to what I see and feel with my kids.

A hurricane....the thought of much needed rain was a blessing, the wind, the damage, the flooding, not so much. It has been scary to say the least, we are experiencing well....the unexpected. We are however getting through the storm, whether its your own personal battles or that of someone else that you may be carrying around...you somehow get through all of the elements. But you'll never have to be alone.

Back to school! One of my Bff's sends her twins off to kindergarden today, she is a mess. I send my senior off for his last year of high school. I am a mess. If I start typing about Eric I am going to cry. Instead I will pray he has the best year of his high school days. I hope he walk tall, and knows that no matter what. I will be his biggest cheerleader..( not the kind he likes either) the one that will yell and scream when he knows he can do better, the one that will stand up and yell, "way to go eric!" at his soccer and basketball games louder than anyone else..the one that will continue to cheer when I know he can study a little more, the one that will always be there. Eric, I love you. I know he doesnt read this. But again, my blog bleeds from my heart.

To Eric and Alex my favorite seniors of 2012, this is it. Make us proud. Shine on...and on.

 First day of Senior year Eric :)

TEXT MESSAGE

My parents don't text, but I have found it's the best way to communicate with my teenagers. My co-workers know I would much rather text than talk when I am away from the radio station, and my husband and I still exchange at the very LEAST ....50 text messages a day.

Today was classic, It was 7:21am and the 9th text message of the morning from lovey read "OMG, the poodle ladies are standing out front pointing at our house"

My response  " maybe we need new siding" 

This will have my husband paranoid for the next few weeks.

The poodle ladies live a block away. These are BIG poodles, they rarely talk to us, our dogs cannot stand their dogs and whenever Bo gets the chance he will run out of the house and run after them. Isn't it funny how you can piss off the neighbors with one little encounter like that?
We refer to them as the Poodle ladies because that is all they will ever be, I have never had conversation with them, I don't personally like their dogs and they think that Their dogs are better than mine which irritates me even more.

So......I have to get back to sexting, texting my adorable husband this morning!

Text on.....

BEST FRIENDS....and the winner is

Today is Best Friends day..If I had to sit down and put them in order...I couldn't. I have been blessed with so many great friends, I consider alot of them best friends.

The person who took the title and is the winner of "Jackie's best friend" as it should be is my incredible husband. I married my best friend. I love you honey.

I have the girls I grew up with who will ALWAYS be the closest friends
I have a super great cousin
I consider my mom one of my best friends (my how times have changed since I was 16!)
My co-workers are more than "just co-workers"
My morning show partner ( he is required to know me inside and out)
and the women that I have met since moving to Berks County.
and how do I ever forget my facebook friends!!??
and of course my four legged pals :)

That is in NO particular order either!!!!

Friends aren't just there when you need something...they are there at all hours of the day and night, to listen, to laugh, to cry with you, or just "hang out" to keep your secrets, never judging you. I have lost some friends and gained some. I could not ask for more.

And so my Best Friend, I never thought I would be so lucky to marry you. I'm glad you found me. I was lost.

Happy Best Friends day to all of you.

Here I go again.....

It seems like a year ago I was in this same sad scenario. I got the call...."Jackie, you can come pick up your package" It was then my heart S A N K.

The package was Katie's Senior pictures. In exactly one hour I am headed to Purdon Photography to pick up Eric's Senior portraits. As I type this, the keys on the keyboard are touched by tears of every emotion I could have.  Sadness, Happiness, and uncertainty.

Eric has always been my baby. Regardless of his height. He looks down at me most of the time like I am crazy, which...I am. For those of you who know me.

Eric is a very private, keep to himself young man, he NEVER boasts or brags about anything. He has his share of misfortunes, but his heart speaks volumes. And as a mom, you just know...even when they are going through these awkward and stressful teenage years with hormones raging, girlfriend problems and a future that isn't mapped out just yet, its scary as hell. But I can hear his heart and see right through his disguise of "Mr. Tough Guy" 

You know we all want to be the mom and dad that stands up and says " My kids are the best"
There isn't one child exactly like the other. But we all know, no matter what. Our kids are the best.

I can guarantee I will sit in my car and cry like a baby. But first I have to fix my black eyes from my first application of mascara that has already smeared down my face.

Thank GOD for my 4:00 therapy run with BECKY today!

Tonight I have a date with my Kate...we are going to make Chinese for supper....some sort of beef lo mein with shrimp and snow peas. Then Tandy cakes for dessert. (thank you pampered chef Becky and Erica!)  And then off to First Energy Stadium to see MR HAND THE 80's band!!! Katie loves the 80's

Perhaps Someday Eric will think I'm cool. Or at least someone he can be around that I wont embarrass...its funny he used to hang on me for dear life...I would give anything to have him cling to me like that for a day.

Time to C U T the strings. SAd sad sad...

Thoughts ?

Sesame Street has been on the air for 42 years, I grew up with them, my kids loved the show. I have videos. I sang with Oscar the Grouch, learned how to Count with the Count, I wanted Mr Snuffleufagess to come to my house. Granny would  watch it with me faithfully and loved BURT AND ERNIE.....which brings me to this.


I Now Pronounce You Bert and Ernie: Chicagoan Lair Scott has started a petition to get Bert and Ernie to marry. She posted a message saying:
"In this horrific age of LGBT kids taking their own lives, they need to know that they ARE BEAUTIFUL and their lives are worth living. Aside from those that are committing suicide, the bullies that facilitate these tragedies need to learn that homophobia is NOT okay. They need to know that acceptance of their fellow human beings would indeed plant a seed of peace that will reverberate throughout the world. We are not asking that Sesame Street do anything crude or disrespectful. Only that they allow Bert & Ernie to marry or even add a transgender character to the show. It can be done in a tasteful way. Let us teach tolerance of those that are different. Let Sesame Street and PBS Kids be a big part in saving many worthy lives."

Honestly, I want you to know, I have NO problem with this. Is that wrong of me?
Website:

http://www.facebook.com/BertAndErnieMarriage?sk=wall
Petition: http://www.change.org/petitions/let-bert-ernie-get-married-on-sesame-street#signatures

What are your thoughts? I need to know.

True confessions for Monday

1.  I had a really C R A Z Y weekend! however, my husband was with me, so that makes it ok!
2.  I have not been for a run in a really long time
3.  We had a meeting at work today on HOW to get more male listeners on the morning show...(I have my own ideas) but then that snappy, perky, innocent me would be gone for good.
4.  I have been cleaning up shop on facebook and "ridding" myself of pollution that I really don't need or care to be a part of my daily activity.

I suppose those are enough confessions for now!

Now, there are two things you can do for me, Knowing I have not run in FOREVER..I am asking you to join me in one of two runs...or BOTH...

take a  look at them, set some goals for yourself and take pride in the person you are, or the person you have become. I can say that I am finally the person I WANT to be, not the person everyone ELSE wants me to be. My husband is a big part of letting me....be me. He is my everything. But the change has to start within. No one should walk around with unnecessary stress and feeling so sad and depressed. NO ONE. start with number one. That's YOU.

http://www.run4sam.net/

http://www.kylepagerly5k.com/

The first one is in less than 2 weeks, the second is in October.
If you want to "trot" with me, please contact me via facebook or email at jackie@wrfy.com

Have a good week friends!

Month of August

Its back to  school month, hurry up and squeeze another trip to the beach in month, tan those legs month, and alas....gear up for soccer season, football games..and the final hoorah of neighborhood cookouts! So far it has been a very busy summer, the GOOD news...it isn't over yet.

Today at 2pm I am out of here. We get our station ratings today, with any luck the numbers will be good and when I return on Friday I will have a job. If not I still believe there are many options available to me. Things that would make me money and happy:

1.  A phone sex operator
2.  Airline Stewardess
3.  A 911 dispatcher
4.  Narrator of Children's books
5.  Travel Agent

Oh, the opportunities are endless.

I have not a care in the world for the next few days....Just me and the man that matter the most to me. How ever did I get so lucky? I will stop asking myself and just accept the goodness in every little minute. The most clean-cut, masculine, giving man in the world. Every day gets better.

I will be back to reality Friday. The mountains, peace...quiet, the beauty of all the gifts we are given...the best thing is...we are both in sync with our beliefs of why and how we are together.

Happy August.
xo
j

Time to DOWNSIZE

It's Monday!! and we have Five months til Christmas!  I can hardly believe it! The heatwave sucked the life right out of me. This past weekend I totally relaxed. I never do that. Stayed on the couch, watched lifetime movies, had  lovey totally wait on me...it was quiet, our X's had the kids. It was nice.  I put all my worries under the rug for another day.

And then another work week approaches. I love my job, really I do... but sometimes that alarm at 4:30 pisses me off occasionally. The perk, my work day ends early!

John and I realized it is time to cut back on a few things...one of them, our gas tank. The Chevy Uplander I have been driving as "soccer mom" over the past 8 years is ready for another home. While I still call myself a soccer mom for one more year, the size of the vehicle is totally unnecessary. I am looking forward to shopping around for new wheels, and a much cheaper gas tank. Is it another milestone? Hell yes. I wont be driving a Mustang or a sporty, sassy vehicle. But, I will be driving something much smaller. 3 of the five teenagers have their license, this gives me a little breathing room, but less sleep at night when they are behind the wheel.

I always felt proud to drive kids around in my family van, it was never embarrassing, I like putting the kids sports equipment in there, and having the five kids crammed in the 7 passenger vehicle until Eric's legs got so long we thought we would have to put his head through a make shift sunroof. Its ideal with a DVD player in it, and a stereo system that plays my Barry Mannilow CD's. Yes, I even went "parking" in it occasionally with my husband. So what, when you have a house full of kids and you want OUT, a trip to the food store turns into a detour. Never a dull moment.

Downsizing...its a good thing. I'm going to say good-bye to the mileage on that Uplander with a smile. Lots of memories go along with it. Good ones. It has grown with my kids. Its been good to me. I am going to embrace this downsize. I'm looking forward to it actually. Its just "shopping around for the RIGHT wheels" that will be time consuming. let the fun begin!

Christmas in July! If we just THINK cool....we might just start feeling a little better. Its so hot out there, its not even worth complaining about. Its safe to say that this entire week after working in the morning and a workout at Sunshine Wellness Center ( yes I am back on track after a month long vacation) I go home, eat something and do NOTHING. Yes, nothing. If you know me, you know its very difficult to sit still.

This summer has been a bit stressful. Nothing I cant handle. Alot of my friends who are in their 40's or are just welcoming the big 4 0 have begun taking depression medicine. Can I just say I am NOT a believer of those types of medication, BUT  if you just cant seem to get by...take it, do what you need to do. Knock that demon out of your system and climb the mountain. 40 is just saying you have 40 more good years left. If things got really bad for me and I could not dress myself in the morning with my smile...then yes I would take what the doctor ordered and I am guilty of taking an anti-depressant about 8 years ago for about a year. I will stand by my friends through their most difficult times, it makes me realize that we all have certain things that catch us "off guard" and things may come to a halt when you least expect it. Let me tell you what I have learned in the past 5 years of my life...perhaps my friends will read this because they know how far I have come and maybe in their own times of being caught "off guard" with life's many detours...this might help.

No one is perfect
It is possible to have your own fairy tale.
The people who do not know you, don't really matter or do their opinions
I have become a much better listener
When your kids make the wrong choice, its NOT your fault
ALWAYS tell your loved ones that you love them
keep yourself healthy....obesity is your own choice
pray everyday but give thanks first.

Have a great weekend everyone. I will be relaxing. And I wont feel guilty!

6 More Months until Christmas :)

Summer Vacation 2011

Oh the things you will see, the things you will do, when you travel with me....two by two!

What a great time I had. I hope I speak for the 6 other individuals that came along! We began last Saturday on our 1 year anniversary. Everyone boarded the plane. The flight was smooth. We arrived at the vacation home in Kissimmee, and ordered pizza. That night we all went food shopping. The girls were so kind to make us an anniversary cake. It was extra special and thoughtful!

My husband has more patience than a saint!  We have 49 more years to go baby.

Sunday we took off to Miami
Monday Daytona
Tuesday relaxed and shopped at the outlets
Wednesday Sea World
Thursday Universal
Friday Cocoa Beach
Saturday back home to Pa.

There was one huge fight....(Michael  and Alex)
nothing was lost or misplaced
The topless beaches in Miami came as a surprise to all of us
Michael made everyone breakfast.
Holly and Katie got their Harry Potter Wands
Eric had his dream of visiting NASA Kennedy Space Center...and wanted so badly to fly to the moon
Alex missed his girlfriend :)

We took advantage of every last minute....including being paged at the airport on Saturday night...we were the last ones on the airplane...

My life is so very rich and blessed!

HAPPY ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY !!!!!

Tomorrow will be our ONE year Anniversary. I have married my best friend. He knows every button to push and completes every sentence that I cant. I know how very blessed I am to be with an amazing man.

It is a fairytale without a doubt. We have been through alot...and it took a marathon to get where we are. Blending a family is not an easy task. It will take another marathon to continue growing and learning about each other. Everytime I look at my husband, he doesn't have to speak, we just "know" how much love, trust and patience we have for one another.

The kids amaze me everytime we are together. They have accepted our happiness..for as hard as it was. They now get it. They "get" us.

Tomorrow is our ONE year Anniversary. Its not just to be celebrated between John and I , but all of us....all 7 of us are celebrating the anniversary together. We take off For the beauty of beaches in Miami, Daytona, visit Orlando, Sea World, Universal and Coco Beach.

Its the last BIG vacation, until they ask us to go vacations with their families one day!

I look forward to growing old with this family. We may not be the perfect family...no one is. But we are dedicated to each other, and look out for one another. That's all I could ask for. That.....and a whole lot of laughter.

Thank God for an amazing husband. Thank God for supportive children, parents that stood beside me through my drama, a mother  in law who anyone would wish for, and a brother-in-law who keeps me on my toes!!

Rest In Peace

You can't help hearing, reading and seeing the sadness the Kyle Pagerly family is feeling. Today Kyle will be laid to rest. Since I have lived here in Berks County There have been 2 police officers shot and killed and most recently Kyle, a Canine Deputy Sheriff with the Berks County Sheriff's Department since 2006 had been killed in the line of duty with his best friend Jynx by his side. 28 years old. Such a short life. But a good life. I did not know Kyle other than an on air interview with him and how proud he was of his Canine friend.

My heart breaks for his wife and unborn child. For his parents and siblings. My husband is in Law Enforcement. There isn't a day that he is working that I don't think "what if", he is very brave and and loves his job. His reply to me is "Jackie, you can walk out the front door and be hit by car" None of us know Why things happen to good people, and it really isn't worth spending hours questioning our God.

Today there will be thousands of people saying their final goodbyes to a hero. To all of our "lifesavers" Thank you.  You lay your life on the line everyday. Rest In Peace Kyle. You are in the hands of a hero now.

Unfaithful and inconsistant.

Ok, I must admit I have been inconsistent with my 365 days. I was solely using my blog for therapy, and to share some of my fears, my problems, my joys and concerns.  Somehow the minute someone read into my writings the wrong way...I had a person (who is since deleted) from my facebook write me some very nasty things. She has her own facebook page now, and I know exactly who it was.

Aside from all of that NONSENSE and child play. I am doing just fine, on the outside. My shell has had to become very strong. And of course with the support of friends and family it makes my world a much better place. I think about how I have been tested with my relationship with God lately too. No matter what he is throwing at us, or how the devil tempts us we have to remain faithful to him AMEN.

I suppose I have learned not to be so "open" about everything. and Believe me there are things I am keeping in a private place to be brought out for my reality show one day and one thing I can promise is it wont be the CBS after school special.

I really don't think I have had this many challenges in my 42 years as I have had this year. one thing I can say is that its really not That bad, someone always has it worse. My favorite line from the most wonderful man in the world ( next to my dad) comes from my husband. He says , "Jackie, I will let you know when to push the PANIC button" It has taken me 42 years to put my complete trust in anyone. He has it. In five short days we celebrate our one year wedding anniversary. He keeps me in check and shows me how to be "Army Strong" even when I feel like a failure of a mother to my kids, or have a really bad day, or say things I shouldn't. Aside from all of the frustrating things that may be revolving around my world lately, I know it will get better, and that is the bottom line, there is no room for things getting worse....turn the page and hold your head up. Being a parent is the toughest job in the world. The worries, the ups and downs, trying to "let go" and watching them fall. Someday they will be all grown up. Someday.

Truth be told...

Believe it or not there are actually people who have asked why I have not been blogging. let me give you the most honest answers I can without sounding too emotional or angry.

My blog was meant to inspire, not hurt people, it was meant to let you know that I have a heart, I am human, and I have faults.

In that short time of 130 days give or take a few since Feb 22nd when I started my blog, I have had people stop talking to me, I have had people cry with me over my blog, I have had my kids say "please dont tell people EVERYTHING"  which, trust me, I DONT or else Dr. Phil would be begging me for a show for his ratings, as of now, he ony had his producers call me once.

Last week some nut case (obviously someone very jealous) has caused me to become  cautious and a bit more private.

I enjoyed sharing  things, happy, sad and real.

I am not going to end my blogging by any stretch, if anything I will use it for my own mental health.

Since my lastest blog I have spent some time with my dear friend jess who I met through special olympics, I have found such a caring soul in Jess, I love her strength and courage.

I am getting ready for some well deserved time time away. Its the BEACH BLAST  Soccer tournament in WildwoodNJ. My son and step-son are on different teams, I love watching them play soccer, every year it gets a bit more physical, and the boys have all grown into some pretty neat young men.
My son has been going through some changes of his  own lately and I am VERY very proud of him.  Working everyday in the summer for 8 hours, going through his own struggles, he has moved forward and I hope he continues this marathon and puts the sprinters shoes away, it really doesnt matter when he crosses the finish line, it just matters he gets there..
Katie is researching some tattoo art. She is a very art oriendted person, her nose is  pierced , she lovesher music, her concerts, her friends....there is NOTHING wrong with that.

In closing, I am going up a little mountain, nothing that I cant climb, Im just asking for a few prayers...I am hoping for some good news soon, I dont want to get into it right now. Im not afraid, I know I have guidance and I trust in the Lord.

My husband tells me he reads my blogs, Baby,you have given the world, you light up my everyday and my smile is REAL, and genuine, you have made my every dream come true. I love you.

I am so very much in need of just "getting away"

To be continued.....

xo
j

The day Before

Tomorrow is SUMMER 2011

How many of you have summer plans you are willing to share? I would LOVE to hear about your trips, your events, your parties. I'm super excited. This weekend its off to Wildwood NJ. Its so bittersweet. The very last Soccer beach blast my son and step-son will be involved with. For 4 days the other soccer moms relax, laugh, catch up on where the years went....etc..

I will spending the day in Hershey tomorrow  with my super great friend Jess who I met through Special Olympics this year. We are going to watch plenty of shows, eat kit kats, and visit the animals in the zoo :)

Also have that trip to Florida planned in July and in August the hubby and I get away for a few days ALONE. Im not telling ANYWHERE where we will be, so it might even be in my wreckroom with the blinds closed and a full cooler of refreshments. Either way it will be ALONE and QUIET.

So plenty of time away from work, which I think is well deserved. 

Let me know all about your plans......I love new ideas!

I also have another special birthday in the Family my little guy who is 6'2 turns 17 July 1.....I dont care, he is still the "baby" my little guy, E, "buddy"  Eric the red. The most important man in the world. My husband and my dad are a close second place.

xo
j

Last weekend before Summer

Another weekend here....and gone.
The weather held out for a beautiful graduation party for Katie, I look at her and still can't get over the fact that all of those years have passed me by.
I saw my dad yesterday and I asked him what he wanted to do today. (Because last year I took him Kayaking) He said, " I want to relax."  Since I was with him on Saturday and truly believe everyday is Fathers Day I was ok with that.
I know alot of wonderful dads. I salute all of them. Step-Dads I commend you for the part that you have taken.
Today I spent relaxing and cleaning up the "after party!"
Tomorrow, Monday....a 3 day work week. Tuesday its off To Herseypark with my buddy Jess, and my daughter and her friend. FRIDAY...off to BEACH BLAST in Wildwood for the Final soccer beach blast our sons will be playing in.

Alot of emotions riding high with these kids growing up so quickly.

have a great week.

xo
j

I got this!

Up at 4:30...off to work, then to Lowes, Sams club, the bank, the liquer store, Weis Markets, home to eat lunch, unload groceries.

Take a shower, off to Sunshine Wellness where TEAM TWO MORE wins the challenge. It was so great, Some of the best people I have ever met go there, I would not want to be anywhere else in this world.
I skipped out around 9, home to make pasta salad, a ham ball, cucumber salad, bar-b-que, and do some dishes for katies Graduation party is tomorrow.

I don't have another ounce of energy to type! I work tomorrow at Cabelas with Koby, Smokin Koby! Its a weekend of entertainment, food and a contest plus a live remote broadcast from 10am -12 noon.

Did I mention the afternoon cup of coffee helped ALOT?

xo
j

a new style

I am sitting Indian style on  my 18 year old daughters bed in her lime green room blogging from her laptop since mine needs a new battery. Maybe I will wait a few weeks until I feel like making a purchase.

I am extremly happy that these two days are OVER. I made a comment today that I would rather be pregnant than go through PMS, Seriously. I know they make medicine for people like me, however I will pass. Alot gets under my skin, I get very very very emotional. I was chatting with a few friends who are going through menopause already. It sounds like PURE hell. The joys of being a woman.

I did workout today. I did get to talk to my mom today. One of my best friends Becky is away, My friend Jen and I keep missing one another for lunch and I am very grateful for my pedicure tonight at Salon Lora. She is so awesome. My feet are happy :)

I am trying really hard to take lessons from my husband in "letting go" "cutting the ties" and letting my kids become who they want. Its not easy. Its going to be a struggle. I have to start being more demanding. Asking them to do some chores. They arent spoiled, they are just loved, I have to make some changes and they arent going to be easy.

As Lora said tonight, this is why we have faith, lora, thank you for listening. Thank you for sharing. thank you for being a friend.

xo
j

Bark at the MOON!

I didn't get to blog last night, it was an insane kind of day. Complete with some jerk who knew a little too much about me on facebook, and then suddenly deleted their entire profile. It could have been anyone. But, it was someone who knew alot about me.....things I do NOT talk about on my blog or facebook.  Today is a new day.

I am struggling with "letting go" of my kids right  now. I'm being accused of being controlling, that was  the environment I grew up with, maybe that's why. This Teenage thing is taking its toll. BIG TIME.
I need to give my kids air to breathe. I get that, but the world is a scary place, we try and shield them from all the scum and dirt, and when things go wrong I blame myself. Either way, I have to learn to move my energy around and relax a little. I am so high strung.

Constant prayer is what is going to help me. That and good glass of scotch, or bourbon, or a Yuengling Lager.

Full Moon, thank you for being beautiful, but for Heavens sake....stop making my energy source get off whack.

Friends, thanks for your posts...I truly do see facebook fizzling by the years end for me.

Have a great day.  2 blogs for me today!! My battery died in our laptop last night.

xo
j

The Night Before

I warned you on Sunday this is Doctor week for me, Tomorrow is the worst...my WORST fear, I fear this Doctor more than a colonoscopy in 8 more years.

I have a stupid dentist appointment. Now Understand this is just a cleaning and check-up, the thing is, I DON'T like when I am poked in my mouth, my gums or my oh so sensitive teeth.  You see when I was younger my parents took me to a dentist, you know the one.....the one that has been the family friend, lives a few blocks away,and goes to the same church. The one that refuses to give any Novocaine. That's right, I can close my eyes, say DRILL and feel it.

When I moved out of Pottsville away from Dr. Fellows...I found a nice dentist. And then my root canals began. It was then I realized  perhaps it just wasn't Dr Fellows. It is ANY Dentist. After 2 root canals that had gone bad and had to have them re-done again by an oral surgeon, I then had a cavity on my FRONT tooth which had to DRILLED , with a white filling of course. As years went by it started bothering  me and I wanted veneers....they had to SAW them down to the ROOT, I could feel the air hit them and I screamed. really, I did.

Currently I have a crack in the back of one of my veneers. I don't want anyone touching them, cleaning them, jabbing at them. I suppose the alternative is false teeth, I cant have that.

I love my smile. However when its time to sit in the lovey Dr Gurskis chair tomorrow I will get sick, have to go the bathroom, begin sweating and move around in the chair like a five year old.

Honestly giving birth was less stressful and easier on me.

I'm going to brush my pearly whites stained with thousands of cups of coffee.

xo
j

Fingerprints

Today was a excellent day....I went to work, did my "thing" went for my annual mammogram...( keeping my fingers crossed) all you need is one abnormal mammogram in your life and it makes you shakey everytime you go again. Last time it was just a biopsy and "in and out" Thank -God.

Speaking of God, I dont ever push the big man on anyone, but there are times I feel the need to share in some pretty neat stories. When I got home today I realized it was the perfect weather for a run, while I was running I started to think about a bike ride too...and then I started to look around me and that  is when I feel it...I feel the grace of God almost all the time, today I happened to check out my I-heart radio on blackberry and I hit scan...a song from George Straight came on, (I am not a fan of Country music) however as I saw a red-tailed hawk on the trail, I listened to the words in this song that captured every little thing I was feeling, the song was called God is Everywhere. And the line "his fingerprints are everywhere" stuck with me. What a glorious feeling and beautiful day.

I trimmed down my rose bushes, and had a quick sandwich, for now its off to my sons summer league in Oley. His final year playing with these guys, Eric is keeping busy playing on a summer basketball league too. I am counting my blessings today and looking at everyone of God's fingerprints.

j
xo

BROWN OUT

I truly apologize for the non-blogging Saturday. By the Time I got home from my dear Friend Maria's house yesterday who lives on Beacon Hill.....I could tell something was eerie. Very eerie, to my surprise I drove into the Muhlenberg area and all the street lights were out. It was completely dark and looked scary. I knew my husband wasn't due home for another 2 hours, but our big watch dogs will eat someone if they even walk by the house. So.....needless to say, I was still scared to go in my house, I lit some candles, called the neighbors..just like I was a 10 year old home alone for the first time. And I was told it was a BROWN out, the lights were dim, not completely out, but I was told its not good to keep power on in those situations. So, I learned a new phrase BROWN OUT, all of sudden the lights get dimmer and dimmer and finally BAM,,,they are OUT.

By the time lovey returned home, all was normal. Go figure. he set the microwave, clocks, air conditioning and boiler back to good.


It was really a nice weekend, alot of bonding time, went to church, out to eat, food shopped...our bill is so insane for a family of 7, I seriously have to tell you...Its THREE DIGITS beginning with the number THREE. Let me say, next year I am planting a garden, buying a cow, a goat a few hens and they can shop for themselves outside.

We went for an enjoyable bike ride, and now I'm watching some basketball.

This week is Dr Appointment week, I get the girls checked tomorrow, save the ta-ta;s and save a friend.

Its back to Sunshine wellness.....doesn't matter if the challenge is over, obviously mine is just beginning and I am WINNING!!!

Here's to a great week,
enjoy and be safe.

xo
j

7-10-11 END OF THE CHALLENGE

Well now aside from the heat, Graduation, Weiners being texted,  NBA, and Hockey....what else do we have to remember this week by?

Well, lets see. I still have my job, my house, my health, my family. It's all good, I am NOT big on change at ALL. So here is the thing. The Ultimate Spring Challenge has come to close. Those 8 weeks or so....were difficult...it wasn't about wings and beer, rather, which class will I take, how many push ups can I do? And what will the final end result be.

Today was weigh in and measurements...Son of a B*$@h  I lose 3 pounds. THREE POUNDS....next measurements............................... I LOST .....9 1/2 inches...DIG IT. NINE AND A HALF INCHES. I like that. I am so not happy with the way my body tortures me, no....I'm not fat, I just have to become a little more secure. I am shaped like a PEAR. I suppose its better than a banana or eggplant. So I was feeling so cocky I went bathing suit shopping...Why is it genetics play such an important role in a woman over the age of 40? WHY? This is how I feel....... I feel SOLID, its no better way to explain it. SOLID. I feel like if I were to kick someone in the face it would flip them upside down, I'm serious, I can do 400 squats on any given day. I am strong, My endurance is like its never been, and my appetite is HUGE. I just cant count calories. I am not OCD, I am ADD. I like to know I eat healthy.

So will I stop working out? Yea right. Its my medicine. Will I stop eating? No! Does my husband love my body? absolutely. So I am now going on a date... To EAT. I will not be watching what I eat tonight , or tomorrow. But Sunday, my own challenge is back on, maybe a goal of a few more inches lost.

Have a great weekend. Keep those graduates in your prayers always.

A special hello to an old and very good friend who I lost touch with Brandie Meng. 4 beautiful Children later and a wonderful husband, and a job where I got MY start. I have always admired and respected your work ethic.   We have so much catching up my friend. It was great seeing you today.

Im starving....

xo
j

Here is hoping everyone has a great weekend as we approach some cooler weather. 

Just like that...its over

I took off  today for a good reason...to page through all 18 years of my daughters life and wonder how it went so fast!  Only to remember Eric graduates next year.....

Graduation is here and gone. It was perfect. It was nice to be with my husband, my son, my parents, my x-husband, and my x-inlaws. It was nice to maintain adult actions throughout the evening and be so civil to one another. Actually it was great. It was for Katie, it was her night. I pray in the future things can remain just like that.

I looked at photos of katies first day of school and put it next to her senior picture. Such torture. I cleaned a little, I worried alot, I cried a bit, and at the end of my afternoon I went for my workout at Sunshine wellness.

Next its onto Summer vactions....I need one. Eric Started his full time job today...actually his first job ever.....in 100 degree weather outside. WHEW! and no complaints, he came home and played basketball!!! Oh, to be young again.

Im looking forward to the weekend, I have a lovey date night planned for tomorrow with Lovey :) see how exciting!? And we are EXACTLY ONE MONTH AWAY FROM OUR ONE YEAR WEDDING ANNIVERSARY!  The love of my life, the man of my dreams! baby I love you.

Class of 2011

http://youtu.be/sTJ7AzBIJoI

I am blogging ultra early today. My daughter Katie will be graduating  this evening, next year my son graduates. To them this is the end of high school, not quite understanding it will be the beginning of their future.
I played a song this morning called Everybody's free to wear sunscreen from 1999.

The lyrics to this song are so very powerful, you may or may not have time to read all of it, but every single sentence, every word...makes so much sense. It could be a little manual of life for your Graduate.

It's emotional. To all Graduates of 2011. My best wishes for a bright future. Congrats.



Lyrics to Everybody's free to wear Sunscreen.


If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be
it. The long term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by
scientists whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable
than my own meandering
experience…I will dispense this advice now. Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth; oh nevermind; you will not
understand the power and beauty of your youth until they have faded.
But trust me, in 20 years you’ll look back at photos of yourself and
recall in a way you can’t grasp now how much possibility lay before
you and how fabulous you really looked….You’re not as fat as you
imagine. Don’t worry about the future; or worry, but know that worrying is as
effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing
bubblegum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that
never crossed your worried mind; the kind that blindside you at 4pm
on some idle Tuesday. Do one thing everyday that scares you Sing Don’t be reckless with other people’s hearts, don’t put up with
people who are reckless with yours. Floss Don’t waste your time on jealousy; sometimes you’re ahead, sometimes
you’re behind…the race is long, and in the end, it’s only with
yourself. Remember the compliments you receive, forget the insults; if you
succeed in doing this, tell me how. Keep your old love letters, throw away your old bank statements. Stretch Don’t feel guilty if you don’t know what you want to do with your
life…the most interesting people I know didn’t know at 22 what they
wanted to do with their lives, some of the most interesting 40 year
olds I know still don’t. Get plenty of calcium. Be kind to your knees, you’ll miss them when they’re gone. Maybe you’ll marry, maybe you won’t, maybe you’ll have children,maybe
you won’t, maybe you’ll divorce at 40, maybe you’ll dance the funky
chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary…what ever you do, don’t
congratulate yourself too much or berate yourself either – your
choices are half chance, so are everybody else’s. Enjoy your body,
use it every way you can…don’t be afraid of it, or what other people
think of it, it’s the greatest instrument you’ll ever
own.. Dance…even if you have nowhere to do it but in your own living room. Read the directions, even if you don’t follow them. Do NOT read beauty magazines, they will only make you feel ugly. Get to know your parents, you never know when they’ll be gone for
good. Be nice to your siblings; they are the best link to your past and the
people most likely to stick with you in the future. Understand that friends come and go,but for the precious few you
should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and
lifestyle because the older you get, the more you need the people you
knew when you were young. Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard; live
in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft. Travel. Accept certain inalienable truths, prices will rise, politicians will
philander, you too will get old, and when you do you’ll fantasize
that when you were young prices were reasonable, politicians were
noble and children respected their elders. Respect your elders. Don’t expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund,
maybe you have a wealthy spouse; but you never know when either one
might run out. Don’t mess too much with your hair, or by the time you're 40, it will
look 85. Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who
supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of
fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the
ugly parts and recycling it for more than
it’s worth. But trust me on the sunscreen…

YOU are invited!!!!!

This Friday I invite all of you to visit Sunshine Wellness Resources. You hear me talk about it, you hear of my workouts, the great people I have met, and above all the difference Sunshine can make in your life. Located at 511 Reading Avenue West Reading.

Owner Stacy Brown is giving you a day of working out FREE...all day, all classes, try a little of each or try just one.

log onto www.sunshinewellnessresources.com  and click events to find out the schedule of events. I will be there at noon for one of my favorite classes.

Anyone who knows me "gets" the fact that I like to give back, Stacy is ALWAYS giving back to the community and asking for you gracious hand at the same time so we as a community can help others in need.

Think about making a monetary donation when you stop in at Sunshine Wellness to help aid in relief support for those affected by the tornadoes.

This is what we do, and you can help others by becoming a part of Sunshine Wellness one of the greatest  centers to find people who truly care about your body, spirit, mind and health. All the rest is just a bonus.

For any questions call 610-406-5036

Emotional Rescue

What I am about to type is either going to flow freely or I will be that choked up I will have to stop a few times.

Graduation time has come upon us and for anyone who has ever had their child graduate or who will in the near future then I know we have such a common bond.

None of this hit me until 6:30am this morning when I was on the air, all of a sudden when Katie text me, I realized it was her last full day of high school...Thank God for such an awesome co-worker as Scott who helped me turn my tears into laughter. He's good like that. We are such a great balance together.

I am writing this freely for Katie my Graduate of 2011


We wonder how long til her first step
When will she say  "Mommy"
Will her hair be curly?
how about a lefty like me?

I cant wait til she starts school
Does she like to read or draw                                                
Perhaps she will sing or dance
Play the piano, study law?

The dreams we have as parents
its like molding the perfect creature
UNTIL they know it ALL...... Everything
They believe THEY are the teacher.

I can't wait until she gets her liscence
running here, going there, she has no clue
I would make time stand still right now
for the driving age to be 22.

I cannot wait until she graduates and moves on
Did I ever say that? I honestly didn't mean it
I meant I want every little thing to be right
and her magical beautiful glass slipper to fit.

As you enter the real world,
you will see real and fake
there is selfish and giving
the Journey is that of what you make

I cannot wait to see you succeed in life
to calm the storms, to cool the heat,
you have the treasured worldly tools
standing oh so strong on your feet

My love for life I give to you
its abundant, Forever and free
take it where ever you go with you smile
someday you will understand me.

Your smile lights up my everyday
You are a mighty strong young lady.
I am so proud of  what you have become
best of everything to you my Katie.

xo
j

Good night everyone








.

Excellent day

I made a promise and I kept it. today was MY day of doing nothing....except food shopping, cooking and cleaning two bathrooms. It had to be done.

the day started by CRAWLING out of bed. My knees were a bit creeky from yesterdays bike ride, but my knees  carried me to the shower and off to church where Katie got herself a nice scholarship from Rosedale UCC. That will go straight towards her books! This week is go to be exciting, emotional and above all very happy. My baby. All grown up into a young lady. How can I possibly have a child graduating? I suppose its better than being in my 70's when she graduates!

After church we went to lunch, and then I came home to walk the dogs , the World War 2 air show continued so I could see them on our walk path near River Road and Bo took a dip to cool off.. Then to food shop, do you know WHY I actually LOVED food shopping today? Because of al the FRESH FRUITS and veggies. Tomorrow its fruit salad making day. YUM

Have a great week my friends. Be safe

xo
j

Life is Good

A special THANK YOU to all the folks who were a part of today from Sunshine Wellness! And......to my great friends at SPOKES BIKE SHOP!!!!  hugs all around.


I can't say much more than today was perfect. A perfect group with one thing in common, loving building up a little sweat, racking up some mileage on your legs and your bike, enjoying the beauty of the outdoors, the sun, the trees, the water, the life of this earth. Yes, even in Philadelphia where there are every kind of people everywhere. 50 miles is here and gone.

The group was from Sunshine Wellness Resources, as you all know this is where I love to be mostly every weekday, its part of my day, and this is how I know every person I went with today.

Kristen Fell, David almost ran over a rabbit and a  rabid raccoon, I was swarmed with a group of young men from Italy who were riding getting ready for a National race in Philly tomorrow, they came up behind me so soft and quiet, and of course I yelled, "you could have given me warning!"  His response, "you handled it magnificently!"

We drove to Valley Forge, went to Conshahocken and off to Philly. Then back. I would do again in a heart beat, of course we are talking about  horseback riding, a big hike, and maybe even a weekend at the beach, IF Michelle decides to invite any of us.

Life is what you make it, Im not going to turn these great opportunities in life away, not when it deals with my health, being surrounded with some of the best people I ever met, and thinking about my next adventure.

Have a great weekend!!!!

xo
j

World War ll Update

If you have the chance this weekend GO! It was such a great time.  There were representatives from all branches of the armed services. Old and young. Female and male.  We saw reenactments.  There were people dressed in uniforms from different countries such as Germany, Russia, Canada, Great Britain...they had little villages. There were men and women in tents, showers made out of olive drab colored canvas with three gallon blister bags filled with cold water to soldiers to shower with. And  yes, there was a man taking a shower!

Airplane rides, Cargo planes, fighter planes, passenger planes...Tanks, jeeps, troop carriers. You could see how they would wash their dishes. There was a man from the infantry giving grenade throwing demonstrations. All of them willing to answer your questions and quick to give you plenty of information.  The American Flags waving all around you.

The music from the Andrew Sisters and the big sound of swing brought the dancers dressed from the 40's. I wanted to get up and learn the jitterbug, but watching and taking pictures was very cool.

My husband is a proud Veteran of The US ARMY, as is my dad, my brother and my nephew.
It's really a neat thing to see, to watch to try and put yourself in the era.

I suggest going in the early evening.
After 5:30 the tickets were only 10 bucks, during the day 22.00 
Its worth it. Every penny.

All weekend at Reading Airport. I loved it.


 

Bad habits

What's going on Friends? I took today off from working out. I was "spent" for real!

Started out at the Reading Phillies for the morning game and we broadcast live from First energy Stadium, Reading is very lucky to have such a cool ballpark topped with endless entertainment.

Speaking of ENTERTAINMENT

By mid-morning I could not take another person spitting while they talked to me, seriously, do you know people like this? "spitters. Or what about the people who have "stuff" around the corners of their mouth, and I have no idea what it is...it's "stuff" and it makes me ill.  We forever have the "crackers" you know people who half their cracks out for the world to see, and then there are the folks who have HUGE bellies and shirts not big enough to cover them. Come on now. It was truly a morning where I needed to have my usual 2 cups of coffee with cream, a banana and some oatmeal with fruit. Instead I ended up with a bagel, OJ, bacon, and scrambled eggs.

My worst habit is nail biting, I dont like close talkers, spitters, or crackers. 

Tell me what is the bad habit that drives YOU crazy in others?

The Sun Shine :)

So many of you hear me talk about Sunshine Wellness Resources.  It's where I get my energy, I have no other answer. Today was another great ride...the second 90 minute non-stop spin class burning over 1000 calories.. Since when did I think I would ever hear anyone say, "maybe you're not eating enough" I love that.

The thing is, the more I work out, the less I want to put that crap in my body. Don't get me wrong, I like to have cold beers occasionally and eat my weakness OREOS and WINGS. I like cheese too. And Pasta, I can go on forever.

Today there were 10 lovely ladies and our fearless leader David, a 90 minute spin class....climbs, sprints, you name it we did it, and we burned over 1000 calories....( 20 Oreo cookies)

The awesome thing.....we motivate one another...you can work out by yourself....OR meet some incredible ladies and men who WANT to make a difference in their health and their journey in life.
Whatever the reason, we were there today for each other....love all of you ladies and so very glad Sunshine is cool even on a 95 degree day !

It's so hot.

It's so HOT I saw squirrels fanning their nuts.  See...... this is what the heat does to people. Seriously, people are so impatient and the sweat trickles down their back. Their faces bright red, and their temper, enough to set the world on fire.

But not me, I have decided during these record breaking temperatures to play it so cool. Cool as a Cucumber, what are my ideas for staying cool?

1.  REMAIN CALM...even when the dogs are barking, its time to make dinner, and my phone is ringing. CHILL

2.  GET NAKED , what really makes a difference is when you have a house full of kids. seriously, I don't know why there is so much shame when Eve used a fig leaf. I go to my room, lock the door and that is a signal its my time. GO AWAY, I am "chilling out"

3.  STAY HYDRATED. My favorite...and there is nothing like it...ICE COLD WATER , with a mint tea leaf and lemon. Here is the problem, our ice maker is broke. So is the oven door, our shower drain, and our dining room window...but relax...keep cool DRINK.

4.  THE MAGICAL SCENT.  Bath and Body Works Coconut lime Verbena body splash....kind of reminds me of Grannys Jean nate , remember that stuff? OMG.

5. FRUIT...and lots of it, watermelon, blueberries, cantaloupe...I could live on fruit salad, its so refreshing and fills the spot.


See....you are so cool with these ideas right now , you don't know where to begin. take it from me. I have some secrets I am willing to share, even during the heat wave, I didn't even mention the obvious cold shower because you just get naked first.  Enjoy.

xo
j

"dating"

It felt like a few years ago...It felt like a date, and I felt like a school girl, when kids are flying in every direction and both of our jobs so very busy. We take every little chance we get to have a date.

This morning we slept til 8am, (after that neighborhood block party) had a nice breakfast together and some coffee in bed, then some cleaning up from last night, watering the garden, pack a lunch and off to Kayak at blue Marsh, I thought for sure it would be packed. Nope, so we watched kids jump off the bridge (thankful they weren't ours) and then watched a kid climb a tree and jump from the top of it, my heart was RACING for these kids.  We relaxed, talked, laughed, slept and yes even paddled. It was beautiful.  FOUR quiet, peaceful hours.

Next stop, we were looking for a COLD beer after that, stopped at the Reading Airport, but they weren't open, (the bar that is) so a cold bottle of water worked instead!!

To top off the night, just got home from IMAX theaters and laughed out loud more than once at THE HANGOVER 2, I highly recommend it.

That was such a great day, my date is over, and I actually get to stay the night with my date where as in high school your dates would always have to end and you go your separate ways.....some days I wonder if I will ever grow up.  Nah, my kids ask me all the time. I like me, just the way I am .
And I love my best friend and husband. I nailed the perfect mate. (no pun intended)

And now.....let the fun begin......Graduate # 1 Its going to be a busy 2 weeks.  I really needed today.

And last, bless our soldiers and heroes .  May the rest in peace and never be forgotten.  Thank you for Everything.

Block Party 2011

It was our first annual block party...and it was fun, let me say the "older neighbors" proved me WRONG...the ones that I thought would be ready for the night to end at 7:30, ended up staying until 10:30. Its always nice to feel as though you can count on your neighbors for anything.  I have truly found a superb neighborhood of great folks.  Did I mention I am the youngest. (unless we count Laura)

At times there are neighbors we just wave hello and goodbye to, or see what kind of car they drive, or what the secret to their perfect lawn is, Not in this neighborhood, its perfect just the way it is. We bonded a bit more yesterday afternoon, played games, talked about our kids, were entertained by Mr.Fisher.....there is always one in the bunch.

Its nice to feel safe, cared for, and loved by thy neighbor. Its not Wisteria Lane by any stretch, but we have a real nice group of neighbors who are also friends. To laugh with, smile at, count on when you need them for a cup of sugar, an egg, (barbara and Donnie) a swimming pool (billie and Randy) Kayak ( Lori and bob) help with paper work for your college bound student (laura and Linda)  answers to ANY question imaginable(bill) a Wheelbarrow (Joan and Ralph) a good joke (Mr. Fisher)  and then there are neighbors I am saving up favors for....Lynn and Mike, your time will come!

So, I go in a little late to blog last night, today we remember our soldiers and pray for peace on this memorial day, whatever it is you do today, make time to pause, reflect and pray for our heroes.

Lovey and I are going to the Lake today to Kayak, should be a very calming, relaxing time, unless we "rock the boat" .

xo
j

Enjoying your weekend?

I must say today was a beautiful day , the breeze was a constant reminder to me of the tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes the rest of the world has been dealing with, some friends having destroyed property less that 40 minutes away in Schuylkill County.  We hear the stories, see the photos, and watch the news, and we constantly say, "what's next?"

It's out of our hands, and at any given moment life can change. I have slowly started to learn how precious life is, tell your neighbors what they mean, reach out to a stranger in need, try and mend with your enemy. And tell your kids you love them even when you are ready to snap your lid. Trust me, it happens often.. I'm going to text mine right now.

Lovey and I picked out some onions, peppers, a watermelon, tomatoes and cucumbers and made ourselves a nice little garden. He even put a fence around it to make sure our bunny friends don't start taking advantage of us.

From there, a great little run on my river road....I can see for miles on that stretch. Its perfect.

Made my share of goodies tonight, black bottom cupcakes, (you know the ones with chocolate chips and cream cheese. ) some buffalo chicken win dip, and pasta salad. We are having our neighborhood block party tomorrow...love my neighbors, there will be about 20 of us if everyone comes. We all bring a little something :)

so far, so good....still waiting for that text back from my teenagers.

xo
j

NOT your typical Friday.

I was so "jacked" up for the weekend! Wheeeeee....a couple days off and let's get this party started.  Went to work, ate some oatmeal and blueberries, picked Katie up for an Eye Doctor appointment, filled up the tank, grabbed a quick grilled chicken sandwich at Chick-fil-a  and back home again to get ready for THE KICKOFF TO SUMMER PARTY at Beverly Hills.

So let's rewind....The kickoff to summer party. I wasn't working there....my husband couldn't be with me because he was working at his uncle's cabin all day...and it was home to the kids from there.  I really don't like going places without him..things are so much different now. So, I thought...hmmmm, I really should workout today. I knew Rosalie would be going to Sunshine Wellness for a private session with David. We are both on the same team in the Ultimate Spring Challenge, so I called Rose and asked if I could "join in" first of all, she was hesitant because I laugh and carry on when I work out, but I still get the job done, and if I'm not laughing and carrying on, I'm complaining and almost crying. So....she finally agreed to let me join in!
One hour of pure leg workout , some cardio and a touch of abs. very nice. Workout in. No complaining and no tears.

I came home, went Food shopping and home to make myself a TURKEY BURGER. Took Michael to a night swim, holly is at dance, Alex is here chatting about life's lessons (and SAT scores tomorrow) Katie is working and Eric is with his friends.   what has gotten in to me? Seriously? A Friday night, a chance to go out, and I chose what matters most. So, from now on, This WILL be a TYPICAL Friday, at home....with my husband. What matters most to me.

Some days I need it to be about me.

Tomorrow I have a live remote broadcast so maybe I will see you there! SLEEPYS MATRESS SALE, now that's a party, we can jump on beds and have a pillow fight. Broadcasting Road.

A Very Happy Life

Today I said Good-bye to my Great Aunt Esther. It was a little over a week or so ago, I went to Pottsville to the nursing home where were she stayed .I visited with her twin sister Aunt  Ruth, at 97 years old, they amaze me.

Little did I know I would be going back so soon to say Good-bye to Aunt Esther. I saw cousins I have not seen in ages, I saw My Kindergarden teacher Mrs Alban, I ran into one of my very first Sunday School teachers Mrs Shuman. Funny how time passes us by.

I sat with my husband, my mom and my dad. It was more of a celebration of life. When you live a very long healthy life surrounded by friends and family what more can you ask for. There is no amount of money in the bank that can give you those riches.  As the service went on, I just could not help but think about all of the family members Aunt Ruth had to say good bye to in her time. She is the very last of 11 brothers and sisters. My grandfather was one of her brothers.

I tried to sit back and just observe how one lets go.. when it was time to close the casket and bid farewell, its when Aunt Ruth could not grab hold of her twin sister who she would no longer see everyday, who she would no longer have breakfast lunch and dinner with. 97 years is a long time.
Aunt Ruth still moves like she is in her 60's she remembers things that I don't, she loves life. Saying goodbye is never an easy thing to do, but much more happiness lies ahead. Fear no evil.

I leaned over to my dad, knowing our time line in our family people live to 100, 101, 105....I said "dad, you have another 30 years to live life to the fullest" and trust me, he does. And then without hesitation, he leaned over and said, " I don't want this sappy music at my funeral, I want ELVIS and his gospel music. And then it was time for for the twenty third Psalm, he knew it by heart, every word, didn't miss a beat. That man that I will look up to forever. My mom and I sang the songs side by side, and the service was beautiful.

Aunt Esther, you will certainly be missed. Aunt Ruth, continue to carry on as the Wind beneath her wings.

"In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return."

xo
j

Shared Custody

Good Morning!

I know this sounds a little crazy, however my x-husband.(I hate using X as much as I HATE saying Step, for step children) anyway, my first husband and I , (that just does not sound right either) The father of my children and I share custody of our lovely border collie Bo who I adopted from the Hillside SPCA in Pottsville. He has such a great personality, he is more human than most individuals that I have come across. He loves being with both of us, he enjoys being where the kids are. So, we share custody of Bo.

Mind you , this is the second time this has happened  and I am grateful it wasn't 30 below or pouring down rain, but at about 3am my husband and I heard something at the door, it woke me up, it wasn't a bark, or a knock, but it was SOMETHING at the door. My heart was pounding because I feared after all these years in radio someone would get really pissed off at me for not playing their 1 year anniversary request and come and hunt me down. Lovey, (my superhero with superpowers) shot up out of bed, gathered his thoughts with no fears, and headed towards the door, turned on the light, and said , "it's Bo" opened the door and there Bo ran under the bed and off to sleep. Glenn and I live literally one mile away from one another.

Now, I just need to know, when your dog takes off do you:

A.  GO to sleep
B.   Drive around until you find him/her
C.   hope they are meeting new friends in the neighborhood.

Bo is like my child. We go for walks, I talk he listens, we watch movies together, I share my chicken with him, he greets me when I come home, we snuggle.

I might have to re-think this shared custody thing.....If only Bo could speak.

xo
j

keeping silent. Rising to the top

(All names have been changed to protect their families...and me.)

With my job I meet alot of people, if not daily, most likely every other day. Today was no different. 3 gentleman had come to the radio station, one whom I knew from Schuylkill County. I said, "Bob, I'm worried about you, you need to start taking better care of yourself", he said, "you know jackie I gained the weight when I quit smoking." So, I said to Bob, you can start by taking a WALK, a simple walk every night. He is only in his late 50's, he spoke about having a valve replaced in his heart, which went on to his rotator cuff being torn, to getting hearing aids. I said, Bob,"You're a HOT mess". He proceeded to tell me he only has another 20 years. do you know why? Because his dad died young and his mom had Cancer.

                                                       SCENE 2

The Second Gentleman sat quietly listening to Bob, I noticed a scar on his blad head. From one side of his temple, across to the other side. I was wondering to myself what had happened? Why isn't he down on his luck? Why isn't he saying, "take a look at me" So, I had to ask....this person I had never met. "Tom, what happened?" and without blinking an eye he simply said, "I had to have an 8 hour brain surgery last year" just like that. Like so matter of fact. I had to know more. I said, " how did you know?" he said.........now pay attention here, he said, "because I lost my sense of smell, I knew something wasn't right" So, I went to the the ENT, they took some pix, and sent them directly to Johns Hopkins, and I ended up there for 2 days, and back home again" There he sat, so matter of factly, but still understanding how close he came to death, or some sort of complications during the surgery. He had a brain tumor which could have killed him.

The whole story here, and I actually LEARNED something.  Keep silent, no one needs to know about your own struggles or pains or problems because they all have their own, rise to the top and become better listeners. Bob spoke in volumes to me today and wasn't even speaking loud. All his senses are clearly functioning and his heart speaks for him.

There you are another, blessing, another lesson. God is Good.