Last day of APRIL

It was really a great day, filled with plenty of sunshine..a little visit with some very dear friends in Pottsville who were celebrating a  perfect 10 years with Perception Training. A dream a friend of mine had for many years and had no idea where to begin....named after Mary Montessori , Montessori education is characterized by an emphasis on independence, freedom within limits, and respect for a child’s natural psychological development, Michelle Dallago grabbed the bull by the horns...and continues to GROW. So very proud of her. And her husband Rich...her biggest fan, who stands by her side. The band MIXX performed for the adults and kids....Rich has been playing drums literally....FOREVER...and guess who stands by him and lets him enjoy his love for those drums? you guessed it Michelle. Three lovely daughters, 2 puppies, and plenty of work to be done in the Dallago house...but they have the "right stuff" and balance to make it work.

from there, it was a quick visit with my parents...better than no visit at all. Upon leaving my dad took my hand and held on to it tight...he tends to be goofy sometimes, but there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about how I would ever make it through without my mom and dad. So, I let him be goofy while my husband was trying to back the car out of the driveway and my dad was still holding my hand. HARD. He's a funny man, but a good man. I married a man that would do anything for me, go anywhere with me, and  makes sure I'm ok everyday. He always says. You will never be alone, I will never leave you. My dad never left me, he raised me, he always wanted to protect me until he couldn't anymore. I had the strictest upbringing, but I know he had good reason. He knows how happy I truly am, I married a man who treats me alot like my dad does. He's funny, abides by the rules, puts me first, Is always a leader, picks me up when I fall or fail, encourages me to do the best I can, and loves me unconditionally. Of course there were rocky times in my family as there is in any family. Was I spoiled?  uhm, I tend to think not. Am I now? You better believe it.

April was a good month, and today was a great day. Tomorrow....March for Babies at Reading Area Community College. see you there.

Kiss Kiss

Alas Lads and Lassies the Weekend is here and started with a beautiful wedding. This particular royal wedding reminded me so much of two people who are very dear to me.....I hope to someday have them understand who they are and why I feel the way I do :)

We really don't get to see too many Royal Weddings in our lifetime, this was so elegant and classy.  I could not pull myself away from the television this morning while I was at work, her gown was so simple and her smile reminded me of exactly how I felt on my wedding day which was indeed fit for a princess.

I suppose the nightmare of Lady Diana passing away in a horrific car accident lives over in my mind, watching her two young sons grow into men before our eyes, the love they had for their mum and the way their father raised them to be so giving of themselves. A little sneaky sometimes? A little slick? Of course, its a BOY thing, even if you live in a castle.  William is still someones son. I am sure Diana looked down on their wedding and shed tears of joy for her offspring married a true gem.

Happy Endings come few and far between. For William & Kate I see their future being bright and I sense the happily Ever after.

I may not have had Elton John or Victoria Beckham at my wedding. But it was certainly fit for a Queen, everything was perfect. Including my King.

Another Pound GONE!

Well, it was a VERY successful day for me! Yay another pound GONE in the Sunshine Wellness Spring makeover Challenge.
I weighed in before spin class and there it was 149....lovely another pound.....whisked away. I jumped up and down, and busted my way through class with the help of Ann, Rosalie, Barbara and Tracy. Oh and without David and Eminem we could not have climbed that hill.
Came home ate some lunch and had Lovey rub some BIOFREEZE on my shoulder. I am pretty sure I have a pinched nerve the pain goes up my neck to the side of my head.
I felt better at 5, and off to another class...TRX, then dinner at GOOD EATZ cafe....an incredible vegetable wrap with humus.

I also want to make mention I had an incredible massage at the open house of The Spine & Wellness Center in Exeter.Acupunture,Chiropractic needs, body wraps,Massages,Counseling,Laser services, tanning, you name it, they have it  and I met Dr Borja who was very kind and took some time to talk with me.

So in closing it was a SUPER great day, I am going into this weekend feeling good about my workouts, and my eating habits.

Watching American Idol and dancing to Bruno Mars....yep, life is good and I am so ready for summer to get here.

Best wishes to the Lovely William & Kate

A very Special day

The sky was a bit gray, but I made sure the rains held off at Kutztown University for The Special Olympics. I was honored to run the track with 4 different athletes and have them carry the torch . I was amazed by the athlete who sang the National Anthem and Jess who took that microphone and said the oath. 

"Let me win. But if I cannot win, let be brave in the attempt."  Let me be brave....and brave those athletes are. Running, throwing a softball, jumping, playing basketball, hockey, they do it with a smile and give their 100%

I started to get a little overwhelmed by the crowd, the volunteers, the teachers, and the coaches. It was amazing. It was so special. The real fun was watching them win their medals and their ribbons. They appreciate what they are given and they don't take for granted what they have.

Today was special, I will never forget it, I think choosing Special Olympics as a charity to help has its perks. I met some really neat people. Joey, Jess, Katie, Nick...you are all stealing my heart.

If you have the time to volunteer, throw some love their way.  Its so rewarding. But don't be surprised when you start feeling as though they are family.

Let your light shine in someone else's darkness.

My FAB FINDS OF APRIL

I love trying new things and I just want to share some of them with you!

log onto http://www.redenvelope.com/

First of all if you are planning for a great Mothers Day Gift..this is a great idea!! This website has jewelry, home decor, and unique gifts. This week only www.redenvelope.com is giving MY listeners 20% off your entire order. PLUS a free signature red gift box so you don't have to wrap a thing! go to www.redenvelope.com and click the microphone and type in Jackie and Scott. Because I love photos so much I ordered this AMAZING picture frame!

Second, with the Royal Wedding coming on FRIDAY...I will be saddened that Williams Mum cannot be here, but she is looking with her WEDDING CAKE martini, and I will watching with a toast just for Will and Kate even if it is at 6am!
No Worries : here is your recipe!
2 oz cranberry juice
1tsp sugar
0.5 tsp of vanilla extract
1 oz of vodka
YUMMY

Third on my list of FAB FINDS for April...

Bathing Suit weather almost here!!! It gets harder every year. I like to use the Newport News catalog to put me in the right direction, every year they never fail!!! I love this one.

Its still two pieces right?? It  just hides a bit more. and the strapless part I LOVE! Come and get me summer time!
http://www.newport-news.com/

Fourth , oh how I love my sweet smells of spring....from PURE ROMANCE.

This is called BODY DEW! it makes your skin feel touchable all day long and the scent of Berry, Mandarin,and grapefruit...(my favorite)  You cant find this in a store, visit http://michellewoods.pureromance.com/   Michelle Woods is my "go-to" girl for my exotic passions:)

And Finally Fifth ...FOOD.

Thank you Tony for dropping off some goodies this morning. From Two -Can Catering and Kettle corn
CINNAMON KETTLE CORN  (YUMMY)
APPLE PIE KETTLE CORN (DELISH)
CHILE PEPPER KETTLE CORN! ( I will wait until lunch to  try that one!)

TOW-CAN CATERING 610-693-5984

Day Off!

What a GREAT day! I didnt have to be anywhere, or do anything! I woke up at 7:30am, Ann picked me up and we headed to Sunshine Wellness...The challange continues and another weigh in for me on Wednesday! It was an exceptional TRX class...I did not complain once and did not disrupt the class.

Came home, the kids were just rolling out of bed at 10:30-11:00...4 ate breakfast, one stayed the night at his Mam-Mams.

Walked the dogs and talked to every retired neighbor on the block (Ronald, Bill,Richard and Donald) My husband cannot wait to be retired and have that "afternoon time" with the boys, only problem is they have a few extra years on him as you can imagine. But, lovey and I and the dogs kept a steady beat on our hike.

Came home and now we prepare the game, WHO IS EATING HERE TONIGHT? its a burgers on the grill night, I made potato salad, and we'll have french fries....I have to do a check list, Alex just told us he has plans to go play hockey, Michael just got back from eating at Burger King, Holly is at the park with her friends, Eric is hooking up his buddies X-box, but claims he will be home, and katie will be here because she loves my homemade potato salad, WHICH I WILL NOT BE EATING! Sometimes its a full house, other nights its so quiet. I prefer the noise. I like when everyone is here, there is no clock watching, no worrying, they know at our table, all are welcome!

Today was a great day! Back to Work tomorrow!

xo
j

Sunny Easter!

JOY, what a great day, It was BEAUTIFUL!

It was a first for me.......the very first holiday I  decided I would take some "me" time in the morning and go for a run. No one expected the sun to shine today did they?! It was humid but it felt great.

I want to Thank my facebook friend Dan Wade for posting the video for Jesus Chirst has  risen today, because while I was in bed with my blackberry posting my facebook status I turned it up and sang real loud!

My love worked until 3pm and then we went North to visit his famliy, his mom who comes from a very large Italian famliy (Greco) had a rotating door, and more food than you could ever imagine, I have a brother, and my dad is an only child. So after awhile. I am ready for some silence. But all of them are so full of love, and great stories from the past.   On the way home we stopped at my parents.

I can stay up a little late tonight....Im off tomorrow!!! Woo Hoo.

BUT, my friends Ann and Rosalie already have plans for me....tomorrow TRX 9:30am ugh, team two more, lets do this!!!

It was a great Easter...minus the fact that katie had to work.

Easter Eve

Friends, Family,  Listeners,

Wishing all of you an egg-ceptional Easter, I get the greatest feeling of waking up on Easter morning! I love it.

Last night had a really nice dinner with my parents, I am so grateful to have both of my parents so full of life , healthy and happy ( for the most part I think)  We went to my church and you cant help but feel so saddened for what our God did for us. Tomorrow we rejoice!  I rejoiced with that Strawberry Labamba dessert too!

I worked today, sent my 16 year old a text that read "want to come home and dye Easter eggs" poor kid, I of course was kidding around because I know he will think I'm nuts. but he kindly wrote back, "I am at the mall, and then going to buy a car battery." I text back, "I was kidding"

I slept in until 10am, no workout, but I plan on running and praising tomorrow with a run, rain or shine and its off to my mother-in-laws. She's awesome!

Have a HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!

xo
j

GOOD FRIDAY

I feel as though I have been "preaching" alot lately. So, today I won't, however I WILL say he certainly does work in mysterious ways.

We connect with people who know someone else, who know someone else and so on and so forth. It has been a tremendous week of not just giving back but seeing others pay forward.

This Morning on the show Breyer Construction ran a contest with us and we actually gave someone a brand new deck, chairs, some free landscaping and lawn care,  a brand new grill,a visa gift card, and a barb-b-Que for 30 people. Just awesome, turns out the woman who won has cancer for the fourth time. Can you imagine? When I was off the air, there stood Dee-Dee in our office....It was great to meet her, but even greater to hear her story of being so brave and looking so healthy. 
She said she entered the contest for her husband who is a truck driver and has taken up alot of his time as "Nurse" He was so surprised! I asked Dee-Dee some questions because I really like to meet new people and hear their stories. She said, "every morning I wake up and look in the mirror and say, CANCER you are NOT going to win" She said, one day she hopes to look in the mirror and hear the words "Alright "bit*h, you win!"
She has a good heart and a great outlook on life.

A few weeks ago we had the Holly Heilman cancer fund in our studio (Heidi) to talk about the great things they do in Berks county for folks who have trouble paying their Doctor bills while undergoing treatment and beyond. They contacted Dee-Dee after reading her story on our web page at www.wrfy.com  I just find it so rewarding to connect all different kinds of people. 

Have a great Easter Weekend. Tonight my parents are coming for dinner and we all head to church this evening...a very humbling service.

Do you really have to JUDGE?

Today was simply awesome. Holy Thursday indeed. The day before Good Friday.

Today my husband had a Doctors appointment scheduled for another shot in his back because of a herniated disc.  There is a nerve against the bone and the shot will decrease the swelling. So at the moment he is laid up, but already starting to feel relief.  I do not envy anyone with back pain.

But let me back up a little after my air-shift ended I was in full "OPRAH" swing. Yesterday at about 6am one of our more faithful listeners called the show. His name.....BULLET. That's right, no last name, no real first name, we only know him as bullet.  He has to tell us a few jokes, and always makes us repeat the early morning mind bender. Yesterday he was sad. His pet rabbit passed away. He doesn't drive, and his wife has MS. From there, I was on a mission. I called my Best Male friend, Donald from Boyertown, he has been with me from the start here in Berks County, he was my wedding planner, my therapist. The one who helped me move, (numerous times) The man that would do anything for anyone, There is nothing Donald cant find, there is nothing he cant do. I asked him in a pinch....please find me a rabbit, a baby rabbit.  Three hours later , a bunny was found!!!!!

I called Bullet this morning, told him I would be over...I had no idea where he lived, or what to expect. So, he gave me directions to a little bungalow of a home in kenhorst.  I got out of my vehicle with the white rabbit with blue eyes that was all of 6 weeks old. adorable. I could not wait to make someone so happy. "bullet"
stuck his head out of the door and invited me in, I have to admit I was a little scared. he had long hair, barefoot with dirty toenails, tattoos, his eyes were glassy, and he spoke very slurred. He was so anxious to have his wife see the surprise that he had planned.   He walked me into the next room and there sat his wife. She had a walker in front of her and she looked so sad. He introduced us, gave his wife the box and said, "Happy Easter" it was priceless. She cried, picked the bunny up in her arms and they just clicked. It was truly awesome. I get more fulfilled with that than ANYTHING in the world.

As I continued talking to bullet while his wife made friends with her new little bunny. I learned that he was in Vietnam, A true Hero. Right before me, and I had judged him for the way he spoke on the phone, the way his house looked, the way he appeared. I learned he was a paratrooper in the ARMY, a sniper. LERP. Long Range something Patrol.  Pretty soon I was almost in tears, I probably couldve stayed longer however, my husband needed his nurse.

I learned alot about judging books by their covers today. I never stop learning.

Please do something nice for someone this weekend.

peace and love!
j

ONE WEEK

Well, it's Wednesday! Exactly one week from the last time I weighed in. I went to an evening class at SUNSHINE WELLNESS.  It's called TRX 2 . I knew I had to weigh in BEFORE class. So, I did, and I was anxious. I have not been counting calories. I have not eaten anything that I shouldn't. Cakes, cookies, fats...etc. Alot of healthy eats and protein. I passed up Becky's peanut butter eggs, I passed up sweet streets desserts, I passed up some chocolate coated oreos with cream cheese. I did it all and I managed to take classes, and run.
Are you ready? I went from 151 to 150 in a week. Now, I could have very well gained. I could've stayed the same. So, I am making progress. The REAL six week make-over challenge begins on Monday. I feel as though I am ahead of the game already I needed to do this for me mentally, I had to prove to myself I could.
 Which now makes it another 10 pounds to shed. Can I do it in 6 weeks. I better.

My two cheerleaders:

David (my team leader) said tonight and I quote. " Nice job tonight, way to kick it out. very impressed"
that's right blog readers. I did kick it out, then came home and made a cauliflower and cucumber salad, squash and garlic encrusted salmon. MMmmmmmm.

Heather (my BFF) said and I quote " You are down a pound from last week, I am telling you not to underestimate weighing in now-you've eaten, fluids have shifted , etc. stay strong and focused its a marathon, not a sprint."
This is why I love her.

Now, I may cut corners on the weekend. I'm just saying, I will have one pb egg and that Strawberry Labamba dessert I bought ate Sweet Streets dessert, I will have some bottle caps and razzles. I wont eat peeps. (hate them)  My mother in law is busy with a blueberry pie....mmmmm

next week should be a better weigh in too....dont cha think??

Thank you Salon Lora, for making me feel at home, and putting a little "pep" into the "DO"

much love,
its late, I look tired and I smell....must shower.
xo

Thou shall be tempted

Tempted by the fruit of another....ah yes, Holy week continues and my prayers get stronger while my Willpower gets weaker.



OUR LUNCH ROOM AT WORK

It's amazing how our brain reacts to food, the opposite sex, and yes even alcohol. They are called addictions. The harm caused by addiction is particularly difficult to recognize when the addiction is the person’s main way of coping with the other problems they have.  Is one addiction better than another? Sex, Smoking, Drinking, gambling, shopping, cleaning.....EXERCISING...(I like that one) An addict is an addict no matter what.
Can they get help? Sure, just like I can stop thinking of what it would be like to be 20 years younger, 20 pounds lighter and have the 20 year old hard body working out in front of me.

Look, we can be leaders or followers. I was always a leader. Others peoples addictions didn't bother me. I didn't care what everyone else did. So go motivate someone to be a leader. I have addictions...we all do. We are human.  Just watch what you replace those addictions with, example. I shoved an apple in my mouth when all the desserts arrived today.

Enjoy your day, we are getting closer to the BIG day.
xo
j

Holy peanut butter eggs batman

Good Morning Readers!  Its Holy week so we start with those catchy titles got it?

Have I mentioned a simple "thank you" for taking the time to be involved in my therapy? I suggest everyone try it. This blog is good stuff.

The morning started with a ride into work with the moon watching me for the duration of the ride. Smooth sailing. BIG FAT FULL MOON...or close to it.

A guest brought  two dozen dunkin doughnuts speaking of big, fat and full  (why do people do this?) Tomorrow Sweet Streets Desserts will be here...I cant wait to smell them.  I just ate two hard boiled eggs and put the shells in the garbage can of the studio here at work. They should be golden by tomorrow morning and the ripe smell of rotten eggs in the building will show my enthusiasm for waking up so early every morning!

I wanted to share my flowers with you from the front of our home, They  just scream "WELCOME" don't they?

I love Spring, I love the waiting of the Good news  this  Sunday.  I love the beauty of beginning another new week.

Today I am pulling a first. I'm taking two classes at Sunshine Wellness! I'm not playin...the challenge has begun for me...I'm excited.

Tomorrow we choose 3 winners for the Spring Make-over Challenge. Good Luck, you still have time to enter. In 100 words or less explain why you want the make-over.

Enjoy.  And.....some good news. Eric is touring Thaddeus Stevens trade school in May for drafting...Can I hear an AMEN? Plus, they have a basketball team! I have to keep the kids fairly private because they HATE me face booking, blogging, and talking. They are VERY private....I think they are my kids anyway.
I just keep praying for their safety and success in life every day. I wonder if he gets tired of me up there? I believe my prayers are pretty simple in comparison to others....I always remember to say thank you first...Thank you for letting me wake up to another day in my busy world:)

Prepare for the sadness on Friday, get excited for the Praise on Sunday. My favorite hymn as a little girl was Jesus Christ has risen today> My dad would sing so loud next to me in church on Easter Sundays I would always fill up with tears. he never knew it. But I never forgot it.

xo and hello to my dear friend Beth F. you make me smile.

Palm Sunday

We got our palms last night at Holy Guardian Angels, so I could sleep in just a little while longer, coffee and multi-grain Cheerios with a banana. Perfect while I get bathing suit body ready. The weather worked in my favor as I left the house, my first visual note was the beauty of the tulips in my front yard. Then to crank up my music, I was In a bit of an eminem mood as usual, and wanted to study the sounds of one Wiz Khalifa that all the kids listen to. Next visual note on my run as the beat picked up was how high the river was and the way the flow was increasing all the way down the road.....as I was jamming to Black and Yellow...The Wiz song, I was trying to pay attention to the road because of all of the sticks that had fallen last night with the tornado watch. I though I was paying attention when out of no where my ankle decided it was time to twist. I caught myself, but it was one of those things where you know you are ready to WIPEOUT and you look insane trying to prevent it, I heard cars coming behind me and in front of me....but I kept focused and would not let my hands or knees touch the ground. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

Came home, had lunch. Did laundry, watched a lifetime movie, cleaned out the fireplace, and found Howard Sterns book from 1995 which I started to read....

Tonight its a mini-date night with Loveypants. Mini-date means there are no kids here this evening, I may have a beverage, we will go for a walk, and we will do what we do best....enjoy every minute. He's the greatest. And...as I tell my parents..."I've never been so happy" honest.

Lets all have a blesssed week going into Holy Week , lets remember the cross he carried.

Holy Wind Batman !

No, I have not forgotten to blog. I just had a busy day! All is forgiven right? Good. I am in the midst of stirring the pot on Facebook with an exceptional status. You can see it for yourself. 

I started my morning with my usual coffee and Fox and Friends...then it was off to Work at a live remote broadcast for three hours. I went through the assembly line at Ashley Furniture and they had applications being filled out all afternoon.  Really nice people there. Then it was off to Holy Guardian Angels Church. My husband and children are all catholic...me, not so much. I was raised Lutheran and we went every Sunday, my parents were and are very active in Church, we attended Sunday School before Church every week. Loved it there, so when I moved to Berks county, it was extremely difficult to lose myself in another religion, but we went...and I proceeded to find my own church where I would feel accepted. ( even though I helped out with Spaghetti dinners, volunteered as the schools track coach when they had none, and made sure the kids completed their every CCD classses at HGA. ) Couple of  things I just don't understand and never will as a non-catholic is Confession, annulment and communion.

As I am writing this my husband just said, "please stay off the religion topic"
ok, ok, I love that man to pieces. So I will stop.....Just not right now.

I am going to continue reading, and researching the Catholic religion, I may never have the answers I want to hear, and I know damn well that you never win with politics or religion.

I love my God and my Church, the way Barb and Jack raised me. I respect all of you and your religions
Remember, my blog is just to chit chat, my therapy. You understand.
Peace be with you, all of you.

We had a great supper tonight, broiled chicken, asparagus with a touch of lemon, butter, and capers, corn on the cob and salad with my own house special dressing. The winds are a whippin out there. Lots of kids fill the house, and I'm surrounded by happiness...

I'm not a preacher, just sharing. Lets all remember Holy week. remember the cross Jesus carried. remember the cross we all carry. We are all Gods People.

I'm getting deeper, I know!

Also, a special shout out to Maria Wonder, Julie, and Jill, we had a really nice time last night. I love meeting new people, I enjoy REAL people, with real problems. The conversation always ends with a little "keep the faith sign" and a positive outlook on the day.

Thank you to David At Sunshine Wellness for letting me put on the boxing gloves yesterday and spar. (is that the right word) You have no idea how conversation and a good workout can be. There is so much power and strength from everyone at Sunshine Wellness...I kid you not.

Tomorrow is catch-up day...on my laundry and bills, and to prepare for the week ahead. I have to go to the attic and get my Easter baskets now:)

F R I D A Y = A N A L Y Z E

Yay for Fridays!!!   We live our every week for the weekend! What would we do without them?   Today was a day that if I didn't come to work, I would spend the day thinking...and thinking too much is never a good thing. I am an OVER analyzer. It drives people crazy...Its one thing that will age me 10 years. I stress about things that are unnecessary. I know, they make medicine for people like me.

Let's take a look at the first four letters of the word analyzer. ANAL , that's right.

Don’t let your self-doubt keep you from making timely decisions. Make yourself stop over-analyzing and worrying about consequences. Make yourself stop obsessing about making a perfect decision. Concentrate instead on just doing SOMETHING… moving ahead and taking action will make a decision easier.
And it may help to remember that decision-making is just like any other skill… it gets easier with practice!

See why I write this blog? Because its actually self help for me!!

I constantly stress and analyze everything. My job, my kids, my parenting skills, my relationship with my X. My friends and their choices. The school, ugh....I don't smoke to take the edge off either, or take pills.  I think I eat. So.....exercise it is. Its my drug, of course I analyze which exercise I will chose and if I worked out hard enough.

This weekend is the last QUIET weekend for awhile. As it should be, Palm Sunday as Donald From Boyertown explains "It;s sort of a meet and greet in Jerusalem when Jesus rolled in on the Donkey and folks layed down their coats and waved their palms like lighters at a Grateful Dead concert . NOW THAT'S FUNNY.

Tonight I'm spending a little time with a very good friend Maria Wonder....tomorrow I work, come see Donald and I at Ashley Furniture in Leesport from 12-3 for a JOB!!!!!, Bring food for us, anything from the produce section for me:)  Sunday...peace and quiet.. Have a blessed weekend my friends, be safe. Less Analyzing K?

WEIGH IN

Ugh....I drove to Sunshine Wellness Resources last night for the launch of the six week spring make-over challenge.  Now relax because Stacy is still in search of THREE  individuals who are in need of the Ultimate 6 weeks Spring Make-over challenge from SUNSHINE WELLNESS RESOURCES in West Reading. Simple in 100 words or less why do YOU desire to participate and why haven't you been able to be a part of a program? Message me now you have until 4/19.

We received a manual, I ate some garlic roasted humus, some fruit, chatted with Rosalie, Kelly, Mark, Amanda, Michelle and some others....are you waiting for me to reveal that number on the scale?  We all have problem areas. Mine lies in my belly. Its where my oreos, cheese, wine, and chocolate prefer to sit. I could do sit-ups until pigs fly, it still sits there. I suppose its because I like to eat. SO.

Oh alright....one hundred fifty one pounds. I liked spelling it out. it looks better than 151 pounds. Holy Junk in the Trunk, that is the most I have weighed, No actually I was 175 pounds while pregnant with Eric. Goal weight is 140. That is being realistic. I was 135 in high school, so I will take 140. Six weeks.

Stacy Brown

Fist Bump. High Five. Handshake. Lets do this.
Every week my numbers will get better. I promise myself. I love my team.
Keep sending your letters. I would love to see you at Sunshine Wellness.

David (Team Two More)

Jason Kelly

Two Awesome Team Captains....David and Jason are waiting for you.

I found the SUNSHINE !!!!

Well, because my dear friend Lisa asked where my blog was today...I better not be late with it anymore! I was actually going to wait until tonight. I was going to post all of those measurements and my weight in order to stick with the six week make-over challenge at Sunshine Wellness Resources.

I have such great news to share with you.....Stacy Brown owner of Sunshine Wellness has decided to award 3 deserving people six weeks FREE of the Spring Make-over challenge! How cool is that?  WIN The Ultimate 6 weeks Spring Make-over challenge from SUNSHINE WELLNESS RESOURCES in West Reading. Simple in 100 words or less why do YOU desire to participate and why havin't you been able to be a part of a program? Message me now you have until 4/19.

If you want to see WHY I rave on about such an awesome place , join me tonight for the Launch to learn more about it before you make a final decision. There will be some weigh ins and measurements taken tonight for me.....should I eat some more peanut butter eggs?   Anyway, tonight from 6:30-8:00 lite refreshments will be served, Stacy will answer any questions you may have, and you can tour the beautiful facility.

I have made some really cool friends, filled with big hearts, who want to see a change in you , for the better, for your spouse, your children, for life. Learn more and log onto www.sunshinewellnessresources.com

This is David. From Team Two More. Gentle, yet Demanding. It works. I want nothing more than for you to follow us on this journey, and change your life. Its not a gym, Its not a club, from the minute you meet Stacy, David, Jason, Kelly, Kristen, Susan, Amber...and more. You will see it's really rather quite magical in a sense that the "something" you have been searching for all along is in the "Sunshine"
I hope to see you all soon!

CHECK LIST

I will be the  first person to say I'm NOT perfect, I have had my share of stupid choices I made, I have had a difficult time with the way some things in my  life have gone down. But the one thing I put first is my faith. Sometimes its really difficult when you read the newspaper, or watch the news and hear of all the heartache. You hear "Everything happens for a reason" or the famous line of "God will only give you what you can handle" or What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger" you hear of your family and friends health scares. Tragic Accidents. war, family feuds, etc

A couple things you just don't touch as a radio host. Number one is Politics. Number 2 is Religion.

I'm not preaching, I'm just telling you that without a little faith, you have to be pretty empty. First thing in the morning when I drive to work,  I have a check list.

1.  Pack my apple, yogurt and banana
2. check  my gas tank ( I'm usually on E)
3.  text Scott (morning show host)
4.  embrace the wheel for dear life and Thank God for another day. I include the safety of my children, my husband, and my family.
5. park in the lot at work in the City
6. Make sure the can of mace is pointed in the proper direction in the case of an attack.
7. look around me, run in the building and turn off the alarm.

Everyone needs a check list, everyone needs priorities. Put JC on your check list. Going to Church every Saturday or Sunday does not make you a saint, not even close. There is no ladder to climb to get you closer to your savior. But you need faith on your check list....and then forgiveness.

I truly believe I have the best life right now, there are so many ups and downs with my teenagers, so much stress, and anxiety...my favorite line from my 16 year old son the other night at supper was "why are you so paranoid" ARE YOU KIDDING ME????? backed up by my 18 year old  daughter laughing at his question!
So , I answered with the best educated answer I could come up with as the parent of teenagers. "DUH" that was it, that ended that. There are going to be many challenges before they are adults, but no matter what those difficult challenges will be coated with faith. No matter what I will love them for life....unconditionally.

I am just hoping as adults their checklist will include "check-in with mom"


                                                                               

I think I can...I know I can

So the weather man says 80 degrees today.  yes! It's 9am and I don't see any sunshine just yet....I will wait.

Today I have decided will be the day I begin my Spring Challenge, I will boost up my workouts to 100%, I will not have any junk food. That's it. No hard core calorie counting, no fancy protein shakes. My kids are constantly saying ...."On another diet?" I am not calling this a diet kids...just don't look for OREOS in the cabinet, and the MOOSETRACKS ice cream...I ate the last of it last night.

Now....because you all think I don't need to lose weight or get in shape..... HA! Think again. The numbers will surprise you, trust me. I'm doing this for me.
Wednesday is weigh in and measurement day. I will put it here in BLACK AND WHITE. All the numbers and every week that weight better go DOWN.

I think I can get to where I want to be...and with the help of TEAM TWO MORE..it will happen. Most of my workouts are filled with laughs and about 70%...I know I can...kick it up. 100% 6 days a week.
Best part about this Spring challenge at Sunshine Wellness Resources is you don't even have to be a member!

take a look and trust me when I say they have THE VERY best trainers anywhere! The classes are awesome.
http://www.sunshinewellnessresources.com/

What the heck will I do without Becky's peanut butter eggs this year????

Confessional

Ok, here it goes...someone was not feeling good last night, up a few times, and a few more times....I think it was passed on to me somehow in the middle of the night, or maybe 2 hours of ZUMBA did me in on a Friday night.  I looked at the clock, it was 10:50am. Who sleeps that late anymore? I am up on weekends at 6:30am. Something went terribly wrong. My body just shut down, and it wanst ready to wake up I suppose.

So, I missed Church which really got me mad, then I was really crabby when I woke up. It was off to Michaels soccer game, I was so busy this weekend I left my work for a fairy Godmother to do.....except she never showed up. So, it was on to cleaning kitchen and dining room floors, vacuumimg, laundry etc. I feel like a ran a half marathon.

Sleeping in doesn't always do a body good. Im extremley excited about the weather tomorrow and if you are as excited as I am about making a change for summer 2011....The challenge begins at sunshine wellness resources!  The cool thing is you don't even need to be a member! weigh in and measurements this week. I will keep you all updated...I promise, weight and all. http://www.sunshinewellnessresources.com/  be on my team!!


I made a promise, so I'm good for it. By the way, my husband tells me this morning "by the way honey, I lost 6 pounds since last week"  oh great,  I am the die hard work-out individual and you eat ice cream cones everyday, how does this work??

I'm going to watch Meet the Little Fockers for some laughs now:)

late blog!

Hello Friends!

Glorious day. Woke up, coffee, a great breakfast and I decided to put my dinner in the crock to slowly cook my roast. I put in on low. My hubby and I did some yard work, and then he had to leave for work early, they were short staffed.

I went grocery shopping, before I left I turned my crock on high, and was gone for an hour or so, came home unloaded the groceries, made mashed potatoes( because my 6 week challenge doesn't start till Wednesday!) Called Eric ( he was playing basketball all day) and Katie ( at her friends) so as Katie is setting the table, I go to take my meat out of the crock pot, slice it...and its RED! What the hell? I realized I had put it on WARM instead of HIGH. So I called the Trooper, he said "no fear, slice her up, lay her on the broiler and put her in for 15 minutes. HER. My roast is a SHE. anyway, it was perfect. I also marinated some mozzarella balls and tomatoes in olive oil, fresh garlic, oregano, some salt and pepper (thanks BECKY)

Then it was off to ZUMBA! loved the class. ALL 2 hours of it. YES, I did sweat! I saw a lot of facebook friends there! Some of them are so nice, others look at me like I have 2 heads .....WHY?

Tonight's Zumba class was to help out the American Cancer Society and The American Diabetes Association. I could not follow all of the moves, and you must be coordinated, I loved moving my hips and dancing around, it was  a cool workout, I would do it again, with my friends :)

Gnight for now, I can continue to EAT, until Wednesday!

much love,
j

Entertaining.

I had such a great time last night! My lovely husband and I met friends at The World Famous Pike Cafe. I had my favorite drink (just one) whipped vodka and cranberry, My darling hubby tells the waiter "make it a double".  We met Eddie and Jolyn for a great dinner, I had Chicken, asparagus and fries.. Time was running out as I had to be on stage for 7:30!! I jumped a ride in the Limo with our grand prize winners. (Thanks Greg and Josie!) I made it!

The Trans-Siberian Orchestra was just awesome, my mom and dad had a great time, I really enjoying spending time with them, They adore my husband, he and my dad get along great (BIG PLUS WITH JACK HOFFMAN) anyway, it was a deep show, great lighting, awesome music. The reviews were outta this world! And to top it off $1.00 from tickets sales went back to the March of Dimes.

I am so glad its Friday! great show today, we chatted with Clayton Morris of Fox and Friends from the Fox news channel which is ALWAYS on at my house. Clayton is a berks county boy. LOVE HIM I wake up on Saturday mornings at 6am just so I don't miss his antics.

Looking for something to do this weekend??? I am headed to school. Muhlenberg High school to see CATS, I cant wait, a long awaited date my Kate !

Have a very safe and blessed weekend.

WHERE I LIKE MY KIDS :)

GIRLS RULE

Turns out one big happy family equals two parents and two daughters.  Thats the winning formula for domestic bliss, according to a new survey which talked to thousands of parents with children under the age of 16.  Two daughters are not likely to fight and tend to get along well.  They are generally quiet and rarely annoy their parents, and keep each other occupied.  Daughters are also most likely to honestly confide in their parents.  Families with two girls also reported that their daughters help out around the house and are easy to reason with.  Double really is trouble, though- parents with four daughters reported being the least happy with their home life, and suffer through an average of four fights every day.  And the more girls a family has, the more of a handful they become- even more so than boys.  It seems that two is the magic number any way you slice it- the second most favorable family formula is one girl and one boy, followed by two boys.

That right there is a crock! Just sayin. Its called Genetic make-up. Some say Girls are easier, some say boys, some say when they get to a certain age things change. Personally, oh nevermind, Im not even going there with who is easier to raise, because it always bites me in the behind!   Let me just say, is there really a PERFECT family out there. I think not.

Let me tell you exactly where I like my kids. Let me show you:

Weed Team

So when I come to work, I have my coffee....first things first. Second, I try and scan the front page of my favorite local newspaper, ( I miss the Pottsville Republican) its so low key, no shootings, no gangs, no stabbings....anyway I was "scanning" the Berks and Beyond section and to my surprise there it is " 17 more pounds of weed finds its way to Reading" before being intercepted by The Drug task Force. The couple drove to Georgia to pick it up, and hid it in the toolbox in the bed of the truck.

I read a little more for my show prep on-line here is what I find :

Marijuana State University: Ray Logan has opened a new Portland, Maine school called Marijuana State University. He teaches a three hour long class that focuses on how to grow marijuana plants. Ray uses powerpoints and plant demonstrations to train students.
Website: http://marijuanastateuniversity.com/default.aspx

Are you serious??

I never smoked weed. I just didnt, I obeyed the law, I followed the rules. Kids today think pot is going to be legal. They say its not addicting. Tell me...Is it? Its everywhere. Its scary. It makes me sick.  Im going to start my own task force. I always wanted to wear a badge anyway.

Mr. Sandman

Last night on facebook  I posted, "please Mr Sandman, let me get some sleep tonight"

I fell asleep at 10pm and woke up to look at my phone at 4am to check the time and saw I had a text... It was my daughter texting me at 12:22 last night to let me know she was sick and throwing up. Isn't it great, she is right across the hallway and she TEXTS messages me, little did I know, Mr. Sandman let me sleep so well my husband was up with her.

So I walked into her room, felt her head, and saw her clinging to her stuffed animal. I almost cried, just when you think they are growing up and you miss that innocence of their childhood...you realize your baby will be 19 this year but its still ok to hold a stuffed animal for comfort. I don't care how old she is, she will always remain my first born. She was a good baby, she is a good kid. She makes me laugh, she comforts others, loves her family, and realizes I am an overbearing, overprotective, sometimes really strict parent, guess what.....I don't care.

So as she recovers on this "sick day" I wish I could be with her instead of at work, no matter how old they are, how many headaches they give us, how many times we yell, how much stress they throw our way, they are still in their "learning" process until they are parents themselves. (which better not be for another 10 years)

Thanks Mr Sandman for a great night of sleep. I wish SOMEONE would have woke me up when all of this was taking place! Baby, you are the best step-father to my children. Katie, no more midnight texts! throw cold water on my face. PLEASE? and feel better. I love you.

shhhhh!

Its been a quiet day, I had a scheduled day off. I woke up at 7am...3 cups of coffee, breakfast.

My love and I took Clara for a nice little walk, tried to visit BECKY.....(home from Disney) but, no one home!

The phone is quiet, there are no texts, no important emails. Working on some loan applications for katie for school.

We made some Italian sausage stuffed shells by the request of Alex for supper.

This has to be one of the quietest days I ever had. I am rejoicing in this.

In about 30 minutes....everyone comes home, doors banging, kids all talking at the same time, meetings, typical teenage drama, radios , Televisions, Loud noises.

I enjoyed today. Its not over yet. Tomorrow its back to normal.

how to know you are getting old

You plan a birthday party with your two best friends from childhood. Debbie is now 43.

You can never have too many friends, but best friends, the one who know you better than anyone from Kindergarten all the way up....they are the BEST. We never lose touch. ever. They know my secrets.

We are certainly getting older.

Years ago, a birthday celebration would consist of an ALL NIGHTER. Dancing, shots, karaoke.
(last night we went to bed by 10:30pm)

We stayed at heather and Steve's home in the Poconos, it is BEAUTIFUL, many more trips back there!

We went to Wegmans....I was never there before!

We came home, I cooked a pasta favorite with shrimp, chicken, capers, (debbie never ate them before, she doesn't know they are really frog eyes) olive oil, tomatoes, and broccoli and fresh garlic. mmmmmm

Heather and debbie drank wine, I had my mix of whipped vodka and cranberry. yummy!

Afterwards, we watched my wedding video, I cried...alot. I am so blessed to have such a loving husband. I cried when I watched my dance with my son. (I'm crying now too) I laughed at dancing with my dad, watching my mom dance, watching the kids and their actions during the ceremony, I laughed til I cried watching debbie sing YOU RAISE ME UP while john and his mom danced. It was perfect.

We laughed at stories about our children, we talked about how truly thankful we are for the health of our children and how we were raised. We listened to each others daily struggles. and drank a little more.

We went to bed at 10:30, debbie insisted on telling me a ghost story and I woke up in the middle of the night hearing noises. Yes, we are getting older. Be we always have each other forever. We called on our kids, checked on our husbands, and woke up at 7am.  From there, we had coffee, did Heathers insanity workout, HEATHER IS SO FIT.....she;s my idol! I ended up ALMOST finishing the damn video....two minutes left and I started feeling sick, really sick, then I cried. AGAIN!

I drank some water, ate a bagel. and it was 10:30....there sat debbie pouring a class of wine. AT 10:30 in the morning! whatever, its her birthday. and we had a blast. I like getting older. I love having my best friends. and I cant wait for another celebration to take place. no matter what, we have each other and we always will.

Girls, I love you.

APRIL FOOLS

Chris Malleo Reading Express Football  (WANTED FOR AN APRIL FOOLS JOKE)

I can dish it out, but I cant take it:) Always. A great joke yesterday on air. Chris Malleo for the Reading Express Indoor football team stopped by and wanted to prank his dad on the air, so he had me call him and say I was from the International  Olympic committee. (his sister is on the Olympic bob-sled team) anyway, I am set up to tell his dad that his sister has just tested positive for controlled substances. He was Driving, I got nervous. He thought I was for real. I asked him if he knew of any steroids she may be taking. And then to make it funny, I asked if he ever found any "rolling papers" in her room.  He was stressing, Then I proceed to ask him if Chris is his son, and does he live in Reading. He asks  me how I know, I tell him he is in my radio studio....he then starts laughing, Chris gives it up and says APRIL FOOLS, and I am shaking because I am so nervous for this guy. I'm not sure I'm going to be playing anymore pranks on people anytime soon. I don't even like it when my husband sneaks up on me, but he says he is testing my reflexes. My boss HATED the joke, and I started feeling bad, from there I cant say my day got better.

Michelle Dallago and me

Had a great night visiting Mic & Rich Dallago in Pottsville, Mic was a great friend in high school and beyond, we had some great times and plenty of laughs, Rich remains the best drummer in the world to me! love you guys, and your beautiful daughters and new twin babies with four legs! They are sweet! Rich, your drinks were topshelf! Palermos is always a plus, the garlic knots I can still taste. Thank you for making me laugh when I needed it most. It was a perfect double date. Mic, we truly have the best husbands  in the world don't we?

Yesterday was just not a good day for me personally, for two months I have had this overnight trip to the Poconos with my two best friends planned . Debbie and Heather. There is nothing in the world that I need more than to talk..and laugh, talk some more and laugh. We all have our own personal mountains to climb, I'm at the bottom right now, I never claimed to have a perfect life, but you see, I'm not giving up, on me or anyone else, so I keep on climbing another day and we will get to the top. Before rumors start about my marriage or my job or my family. Everything there is just fine. Its just another detour, and part of life.

I didn't feel like blogging, but oddly enough, I feel better :) enjoy the sunshine! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEBBIE!!! and lets get ready for GIRL time, a pajama party, good food, and yes, Heather said a workout tomorrow morning is a must! GREAT. Plenty of pictures to follow.

Weekend Fun!!

What a great weekend of plans. I suppose my weekend started last night , a great date with loveypants at Third and Spruce, awesome dinner and some good quality time together, with our busy schedules it is nice "catching up"

Tonight its off to Pottsville to meet up with Mic and Rich Dallago :) we just don't spend enough time together! So, you know it will be the battle of Palermos or Roma, its always a tough choice to make!

And tomorrow Its Little Debbies Birthday!!! woo hoo. A pajama party in the Poconos! With 2 of my best friends since I am five!

I had a great time today on the air, alot of practical  jokes. LOVE IT!

Everyone have a super weekend and be good.