I'm Still Here

I haven't posted in a while so here goes. I'm warning you, I will be rambling.

So what's new with me? Not too much. Christmas is nearing and I'm almost done with shopping. I'm not going overboard with spending this year, I just can't. I don't know what it is but I just don't have as much expendable money as I used to. I often feel like I should get a second job, but my schedule albeit it better than it used to be, still isn't constant. Occasionally there are school events at night or on Saturdays which would interfere with most part-time gigs. I'd really like to build up a collection of homemade crafts to sell at local craft fairs. I enjoy making things and it would be a bonus to make some extra money on the side. I already have some great ideas. Things that people might actually be interested in buying!

In other news, I have rejoined my local theater group - The Bergen County Players. While I have not done anything with them just yet, except pay dues, I will soon. I auditioned for a show about a month ago, but didn't get in. It's just as well, I'd like to get my backstage requirements for the year overwith early. That is what did me in the last time. The first year as an associate member there are a specific number of work days and backstage assignments you must complete. Once this trial year is over, you can get voted into regular membership. That is my goal. So maybe in the fall of 2008, I'll  be hitting the stage again as a performer. Stay tuned.

My sister-in-law Randi got engaged last Friday in front of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree! I'm, soooo happy for her!! Congratulations Randi & Jim! Randi has already "hired" me as her wedding coordinator. Here we go again!

 

Tags: life, christmas, acting, family

Lost Dog

On Sunday night, Jay and I were driving down our street, almost home when we saw this small dog running past us in the middle of the road. It was pretty late so luckily not a lot of cars around. I immediately reached for the door as we were slowing towards a light and told Jay I wanted to get out and help it. He said I'd never catch up to it - it was going to fast, and he also pointed out that it seemed like there was a car already following it. I looked back and saw it was and it turned down a side-street with the dog. So home we went.

Yesterday morning, there are flyers all up and down the street with a picture of the dog we saw. It reads, "LOST DOG- Kids devastated." My heart sank when I read that and right now, I just want to cry. We could've helped.

My mom's dachshund ran away twice and thanks to the kindness of strangers he was found both times quickly. Here was my chance to return the favor. I prayed for the dog's safe return last night. So sad :-(

Tags: life, dogs

Happy Brithday to Me...

....and Britney Spears! What a claim to fame!

 

Tags: life, birthday

aoljurlAdd, aoljurlAdd_1

What a Difference 10 Years Makes

Last night was quite a fun and interesting night. It was the night of my high school class's 10 year reunion. I along with my former classmate Gary planned the event from start to finish and it couldn't have turned out better I'm proud to report.

 

We knew from the get-go that even though we were a small graduating class of only 66, it would be challenging to get everyone together. Luckily, through the law of six degrees of separation, we were able to track down about 2/3 of the class. We utilized sites like MySpace, Friendster, Facebook and good ol' networking to obtain email address so I could send out an Evite. Can't beat technology I tell ya. I even emailed some old teachers who were all touched to be thought of but, unfortunately, none made it out. Perhaps they were skeptical as was I that this would actually happen. But it did, and it was great.

 

Our class was one for the record books. The Park Ridge High School class of 1997 didn't have the most gleaming reputation and rightly so. We had a bomb scare, made teachers cry and threw stools, books, and reams of paper out of the front windows on the second floor. I of course did not partake in any of these antics myself, but we were all in it together. Looking back, it was fun, stupid, and nothing short of memorable.

 

A lot's happened in 10 years it seems. Everyone's either married or engaged. Some have children or are expecting. Some are doctors, some own their own business, and many now teach themselves!

 

While I wasn't the most popular and I wasn't the least. I was picked on by the "cool kids" often enough that it stung. But last night, it felt like we were all on a level playing field and there were no grudges. I thinkit took 10 years for everyone to grow up and learn how to be respectful. It's so much nicer to be nice than to be outright cruel.

 

Apparently, one fellow classmate has yet to grow up. Probably the worst offender of bullying, "the" bad-ass of the grade is still the same. He showed up last night and old fearful memories returned as he looked exactly the same to me. However, he did not stay long. The manager told him to get out and that he was not allowed there. Wow. I have to say, I relished that moment. He got his come-uppance. The sympathetic side of me feels sad for him though. It's a shame that 10 years later, nothing's changed for the positive.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Close to hell and far from heaven, we're the class of '97!" -our senior year pep rally chant!

 

 

 

 

Tags: life, school, friends

Bzzzz

Somehow I got invited with 4 guests to a Friends & Family screening of Bee Movie in NYC this weekend. I took Jay, June, (my mother-in-law), and our friends Mike and Chris.

In addition to getting to see the movie for free, we got popcorn soda, and a goodie bag with a bee antennae headband, 2 Bee Movie books, honey, and playing cards. My favorite part though was star gazing! Jerry Seinfeld and his family were there as was Sarah Jessica Parker with her son - she was a row in front of us. It was cute seeing her with her son and clapping for daddy - Matthew Broderick. I also could see Jerry during the movie too so it was fun to see his reactions to things.

We finished up the day with awesome greasy burgers at Nick's Pizza & Burger joint on the Upper West Side :-)

Tags: life, movies, celebs

What I Came Home To!

I came home to find our driveway sealed and we have NO IDEA who did it!! I spoke to the neighbor, called both sides of the family... no friggin clue! I'm guessing someone else in the neighborhood "ordered" it and is ticked off right now while I'm loving the way our new driveway looks!!!

I told Jay about it already but I can't wait for him to see it himself!

Tags: life

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes....

No more commuting to and from New York City everyday for me! I got a new job at a private Montessori school in New Jersey, just a few towns away - only 15 min. from my house! I will be the Assistant Director of Development - the group that handles fundraising and such. While it will be sad to leave HBO, I'll be so much happier with my new hours and lots of days off! I'll be working 8am-4pm and during the school year I'll get all the school breaks, holidays and snow days! The summertime schedule is very flexible too. As they put it, "in the summer we like to have Mondays and Fridays off. As you can probably tell, I'm pretty excited about it!

 

Tags: life, happiness, work

Signed, Sealed & Almost Delivered!

I 'm getting a new (well new to me!) car! It's a 2006 Ford Escape with only 12,000 miles on it. It was a company car.                                               

                                                                 It's in Blazing Copper which is a little crazy but at least it'll stand out in a crowded parking lot!

Tags: cars, life, happiness

Can I Just Win the Lotto for $3000?

Looked at a beautiful car last night. A Chevy Equinox with all the bells and whistles. It's less money than a new one - it has 6,000 miles on it. I definitely would've taken it but the $3000 I have left on my current car loan is really standing in the way of making it affordable. I'm so bummed. Couldn't stop thinking about that beautiful car all night. I think I even dreamt about it.

It's silver, leather seats - front ones heated, all-wheel drive, sunroof. So roomy and comfy. Almost luxurious. <sigh>

Tags: life, cars

Our Wedding Album!!!

Here it is! http://www.jasminephoto.com/album/wedding/flush_album/lesley_jason/index.html

 

 

Thanks Vito Kwan and Jasmine Photography! www.jasminephoto.com Tell them, Lesley & Jason sent ya!!

Tags: wedding, love

Padme'

 

 

 

 

 

Tags: Pets

Bitter/Sweet

My brother and I took my family's cat Opie to the vet in Emerson on Friday night. The vet said she looked good for an old cat (approx. 18) but agreed she had a bad wheeze and breathing a bit labored. She recommended some meds to see if it would help. She gave her 3 injections. We took Opie home and she collapsed on the floor, laid in her own vomit, began foaming at the mouth and was struggling to breathe. We called the vet right away and were told that everyone had already left for the night and were unreachable by phone. Our cat was dying! Her tongue was turning deeper shades of purple. Twice she tried to run off and hide. My brother and I picked her up and sped her completely limp body to Oradell Animal Hospital. She was dying in his arms. They immediately took her in and put her on oxygen. We were told she was not getting any better, maybe worse. We had no choice but to put her down. Jay showed up at the hospital on the way home from work and we three stood by her while she was being put to sleep. It kills me that she had to suffer needlessly like that. She was devoted to me. My poor girl.
In other news, on Saturday, Jay and I adopted a kitten from RBARI (www.rbari.org). We had been planning to but now it's like we ended a life and then saved one right after. Meet Padme'.

 

Tags: Pets, Life

Jay's BIG 3-0!

Last weekend we had a big Star Wars party for Jay's 30th! As promised, there was plenty of food, folks, and fun! We were worried for a while because there were storms brewing but then ended just as the party got going! I took lots of pictures but here are some of the highlights.

 

 

 

 

 

Tags: love, birthdays, parties, home

My boss is famous

My boss got promoted yesterday. It was a crazy day by myself! Phones off the hook!! He's the tan one in the picture below.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/06/business/media/06hbo.html?_r=1&ref=television&oref=slogin

Tags: job

Shopping = FUN

I got a new LeSportSac purse today!!! It's a little crazy but I love it!! This was my most fun purchase on my shopping trip today! I've been inspired by the show "What Not to Wear" on TLC and want to start dressing better. I had fun clearing out a bunch of old, ill-fitting clothes from my wardrobe this morning! After that, my mom and I went to the mall and I got lots of new things for work like pants, tops, a jacket.... I done good! I didn't spend a lot either thanks to giftcards, coupons, and sales! Go me!

Post-Wedding Chop!

Woo hoo!!! I love it! I feel liberated!!


BEFORE (still damp from shower):
AFTER:


BACK:

Wedding Pictures!!!!

We just got back last night from our honeymoon in paradise (Ti Kaye in St. Lucia www.tikaye.com to be exact!) and my mom informs me our photographer already posted pictures from out wedding! Please feel free to check them out!! We are so thrilled with them so far!

Go to www.jasminephoto.com

 

click on "Weddings," then click on "Lesley & Jason"

Tags: wedding, love, life

I'm Married!!!

The wedding was absolutely PERFECT!! Even better than I ever imagined. Everyone had so much fun and many said it was the best wedding they've ever been too!!!! I can't wait to get some pictures to show you guys!!!!!!!!

I'm Getting Married TOMORROW!

Just poppin' in while I have a spare millisecond!

Tags: wedding, love

Greatest Bachelorette Party EVER Had!

Last night was my bachelorette party. It was me, Randi, Kristine, Tammy, Diana, and Christine. It was 100% PERFECT. We had such an incredibly fun time! I even got on stage and sang and danced with my favorite band everrrrrrrrr (also our wedding band - BRIAN KIRK AND THE JIRKS!!!)We went to Chubby's in Red Bank - had a really good dinner before hand, and stayed at the Marriot. This morning we had a yummy big breakfast at a great diner! I can't wait to share pics SOON!!!

Tags: friends, wedding

ONE MONTH FROM TODAY!!!!!!!!

Yikes!!!

My Shower was TODAY!!!

Such an overwhelming and wonderful day! The girls did such an amazing job! Everything was just perfect. I was so shaky for the first 10 minutes. It's so touching to see a room full of people all there just for you, not to mention seeing people from all different parts of your life together in one place. Such a heart-tugging, emotional feeling. Here are just a sampling of pictures that I took. Many more to come! Everyone rifling through their purse for a game :-) That's my mom in the yellow in front. My loot :-) Jay holding my bow-quet and about to open his sour patch kids that he registered for! This was at the end of the shower. Excuse his funny face :-)

2 Months to Go!

Unbelievable!

Tags: life, love, wedding

Out of My Hands

My invites that is!! I dropped them off at the post office this morning before work! I can't wait to start getting replies!!

Tags: love, wedding

Me & My Girl

 Here's a recent pic of me with newly highlighted and low-lighted hair and Kayla!

Ask A Make-Up Artist

I just tried this thing on maccosmetics.com called Ask a MAC Make-Up Artist.

 

Ever do this? It's pretty cool. You just fill out a form on their website and they email you their advice. This is what they sent me:

Hello Lesley:

Thank you for taking the time to email us at M·A·C Cosmetics Online. I would be
delighted to assist you today.  Congratulations on your upcoming wedding too!

To bring out your green eyes, apply STILIFE Paint (shimmery champagne) as a base
over your entire lid using brush #252. Next, apply GLEAM Lustre Eye Shadow (a
barely pinked gold) over your lower lids (lash to crease) using brush #242. This
brightens the eye area. In the outer lid area use TRAX Velvet Eye Shadow (a
medium burgundy plum with bronze metallic glitter) sweeping it into the crease
with brush #224 for contour.  Line your upper lashline with PRUNELLA Eye Kohl
Pencil (rich smoky eggplant), smudging it upwards onto your eyelid with brush
#266.  Line the inner rim of your lower lashline with this shade as well for
definition.  Finish with ALL BLACK Fibre Rich Lash Mascara applied to your upper
and lower lashes.

To give your cheeks a hint of fresh colour, sweep MELBA Matte Blush (a soft warm
peachy brown) over your cheekbones with brush #129 and blend well.

Finish this look with glossy, nude lips.  Line your lips with SPICE Lip Pencil
(nude) and and fill them in with HUG ME Lustre Lipstick (a nude beige-pink)
using brush #321. Layer FLORABUNDANCE Lipglass (a soft pinky peach) on top for a beautiful shine on the lips.
 

Tags: wedding

Just Call Me Chipmunk Cheeks

I had my bottom 2 impacted wisdom teeth removed Friday. I'm still in a lot of pain and pretty swollen.

It's our YEAR!

I cannot believe it is finally here!!!! 101 days to go!