Back into the swing of things...

So I've realized it's almost been a year since I posted anything. It's been a hell of a the year, I've had some of my best and worst times yet.

Worst -
Losing family members
Parents separated
Being laid off

Best-
Getting engaged!!!!
Becoming a nanny for about 10 months
Starting a new job with good people & growth potential

I've been quite the busy girl, so attempting to get back into the swing of blogging...

Whirlwind

For someone who has no job, I haven't been home too much. That's a wonderful thing!

We just attended our 3rd wedding of the summer, congrats to Lori & Ryan. This one took place down the shore on a Friday. Needless to say we were racing against traffic and construction to make it on time which is no easy task. Luckily, I don't have a job so taking off a day from work doesn't apply for all these Friday afternoon weddings, bonus for me. Attention NY drivers, the left lane is NOT the slow lane and God invented Easy Pass so you do NOT have to come to a complete stop, thanks. That subject is a whole other can of worms.

The church was nice and ceremony was short and sweet. The weather for the day was ungodly humidity, not a good look for me. Luckily the time in between the church and reception was about 2 hours giving me time to change and fix myself. Reception was fun, I def. drank too much and paid for it the next day. No more bottles of wine for me!

Later that weekend Brian and I headed to Ocean City, MD. We had a great couple of beach days, played mini golf, walked the boardwalk, and enjoyed some time together. Did I mention that hes been working til at least 8pm lately, some days not home til 10 or 11?? That company does not pay him enough to be working 12 hour days. This is another factor in why I feel guilty and terrible for being home when he is leaving at 7am to work and coming home at 10pm, almost 5 days a week.

Back to the beach, on the way home we were able to stop at Bethany Beach, DE for few hours. I LOVE this town. Since I was little my family has traveled here for summer vacations and I have lots of wonderful memories from it. Truly is one of my favorite places to be and I fully intend of taking my kids (so in like 5 years or so) here as well.

Until the next adventure...

Back into the swing of things

I realize that it's been quite some time since the last time I posted. In the middle of June I was laid off from the only company I have ever enjoyed working for. I felt so ashamed and embarrassed. I felt like I let down the people I love. I could care less that the employment was the highest it's been in 26 years in June. While my family and friends have been absolutely amazing and reassuring; I still felt miserable.

It's uncanny how hopeless and disconnected you feel. It's taken a few weeks to look on the bright side. Instead of enjoying some time off, I felt guilty for being home or having fun. It's taken a lot of coaxing from Brian and friends to think otherwise. Doesn't mean I don't slip back into that mindframe at times.

So I spend my days looking for jobs, which so far has resulted in nothing. It's really frustrating at times.

I don't want to completely whine for this blog, but sometimes that's really all I want to do. Struggling is not something I want to do and I'll be grateful when this is over.

In the meantime going to get back into the swing of things with this blog.

Bus Etiquette

As many of you know, NJ Transit Bus Route 126 and I are likethis. While I love that I don't have to drive, deal with traffic, and basically get dropped off next work (disclaimer - til the end of the week since I've been laid off - but that's neither here nor there and a whole other post); there is one huge disadvantage: the other people.

It's the weird, annoying, oblivious, ignorant people that test my patience. I'd thought I would share my experiences and pet peeves and maybe, just maybe, enlighten someone how to handle Route 126.

Somehow I always get stuck with an aisle seat next to the Bad Aisle Standers. BASers are so annoyed that they are standing they become oblivious to the people below. Examples - bags/purses in my face - literally a jerky stop away from a black eye or a dripping umbrella on my leg. I pay attention - so should you or wait til a bus comes with empty seats.

Now, Hoboken ALWAYS has a line to go home. It's a rare event otherwise. The people who obviously don't take the bus daily stand out immediately. They start getting out of line a bit (like a car stuck in traffic), they start stamping their feet as they shift their weight, and check their phones/watches every 30 seconds. All of this will not, I repeat, will not make the line go any faster. If it's imperative to move quickly, walk yourself down to Penn Sation or Herald Sq. and take the train/path.

Back to the line - there are also Stand Up Your Ass people. Everyone gets its a line - no need to stand on top of me. If you are touching me or my purse; if you keep clipping the heel of my shoe; if I can feel you breathing on me - BACK UP. Truely loathe these people.

We've finally made it to the bus! About to board and the first timers have a wave of relief wash over them. Then someone please explain to me WHY their $2.55 is not ready!? After all that huffing and puffing he/she/they have neglected to get their act together and are now holding up the line. It's maddening.

Helpful hint - shut up in the A.M. - get off your cell. No exceptions. It's too early to turn the iPod up to a volume of 500 and on one wants to hear your irritiating voice. Thanks.

Those are the most prominent pet peeves I have of bus riders. So until the next public transporation fiasco...

Bye LC...

Sunday was LC's final appearance in The Hills. *Tear* She's done (for now) with reality TV and is off pursuing other fun things - like her book: L.A. Candy due out June 16th.

Silly me - I thought Lauren's last episode should have been more about her then it was. I guess introducing the awful - ihateher - Kristen Cavalleri was more important. The previews for next season don't make me sway my stance one bit. Maybe one day Kristen can land a show without taking Lauren's spot. Witch.

Moving on...Spencer & Heidi finally tied the knot after numerous attempts. To Spencer's credit - he seemed like he was making an effort to not suck at life. I even sided with him (much to my distaste) and thought he handled himself well when Holly began acting like a country bumpkin at the rehersal dinner.

Overall it comes down to the fact I'm going to terribly miss someone who doesn't even know I exsist.

Doesn't matter - I always be Team Lauren.

Whoops

I've realized it's been a few weeks since I've posted. The past two weeks have been a blur and emotionally exhausting. Brian lost his uncle and I lost my aunt all within a week. My car got towed (F U Hoboken parking authority), and my credit card was stolen. Thanks to scumbag who talked to India for $800.

To say I did not feel like writing or being cheery is an understatement. All I could do was try to focus at work and be there for my family. I hate the feeling of helplessness and not being able to fix a problem.

With all this going on, Memorial Day Weekend crept up and for the first time since I was probably 12, I didn't rush down the shore to play. I couldn't bring myself to go out and party. Towards the end of weekend, we did start to BBQ and become social. On the plus side, I can fit a chair out my back window and tan on the roof. Getting out the window could look a bit more graceful though. Beggars can't be choosers, I know.

So here's life, love, family, friends, and tanning.

I'm Just a Girl

This past weekend was the annual Bamboozle festival in NJ. One of my birthday gifts from Brian was tickets to Sunday's show. No Doubt was headlining and they are one of my absolute all time favorite bands.

The music fest was set to start at 11:30am and go until about 10:30pm - which inevitably got behind. There were about 6-7 stages with 30 plus bands playing. Bri & I strategically chose which bands we wanted to see and mapped out our day.

Naturally it rained all day. Did I mention this whole fest was outside - rain or shine? We came up with best rain gear and ventured towards the tunes.

We actually didn't get too wet and were having such a great time. One my new fav bands is the White Tie Affair - you should check them out. One of the biggest disappointments of the day was Owl City. I had anticipated a Hello Goodbye experience with them and was pretty bored during their show.

At one point I was laughing because at one show I was one of the tallest people there. I'm not that tall - 5'5" at best - however the crowd was so young I could see right over them. Good stuff.

I learned that I am too old to be anywhere near a moshpit. That's just no fun - especially when you can see it's about to break out and you know you're going right down with it. I'd also like to thank Rise Against for creating a competition between the concert goers. "Who can have a bigger circle - the right or left side?!" Yea! My side won!

Finally - after hours of standing, singing, and bopping around - No Doubt was coming on! Don't you jut love when you are so excited you can't stand it?! And they did not disappoint. They played a bunch of my favorites and were absolutely fantastic. So much so I am most likely buying tickets to another stop on their tour this summer.

Even though I was exhusted and sore from the whole adventure on Monday - I loved it. Such a good gift & much enjoyed. The rain couldn't stop us from having a wonderful time.

"I'm walking into spiderwebs, leave a message and I'll call you back.."