Starlet's Semi-Charmed Kinda Life

Let It Snow!

2010-12-27T05:01:00.000-08:00

This is what I woke up to this morning-

We Won!!

2010-12-27T05:00:00.001-08:00

Thanks for the votes! Can't wait for our night out!

I'm a Finalist - Vote for Me!

2010-12-21T20:12:00.000-08:00

We've had an insanely rough year, and while I'm not alone in this, I took the opportunity to make lemonade out of lemons and enter this contest-

Please take a moment to read my story and click a vote for me! Thanks!!

http://alifeunexpected-jtm.blogspot.com/

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

2010-11-28T19:17:00.000-08:00

The Christmas season is something I look forward to every year (and now we can add our daughter's Christmas Eve birthday to the equation). Despite the commercialism that folks whine about, there's something you can't deny about that special feeling in your heart knowing that Christmas will soon be here. The lights going up on the houses, candy canes in your hot cocoa and of course, picking out the perfect gifts for friends and family. I love it all. I love driving from home to home on Christmas and how quiet the local roads are, especially if there is snow. Snow covers everything in a soft white blanket and seems to muffle out all other noises that we usually hear at other times of the year.

To get ready for the holiday season, I've been taking pictures of Elizabeth for our Christmas cards. Last year, I had them done professionally but since this year we're feeling a little bit strapped for cash, I decided to give it a shot. I'm going to use shutterfly.com: http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/holiday-cards. I've ordered photo books from them before and they came out awesome. I figure I can't go wrong with them and there are always great promotions going on....

I have two photos to choose from - they came out the best. In one she has a pretty smile, in the other a cheesy, exaggerated one. I think I'll go with the latter. I'll show you them both. What do you think?

Halloween Cuteness

2010-11-20T05:01:00.000-08:00

Check out our little Minnie. She got the hang of the whole trick-or-treating thing right away!

Professional Family Photo Shoot in the Park

2010-09-14T06:26:00.001-07:00

Check us out!!

http://capturedbyerikaphotography.blogspot.com/

My Beautiful Girl - 17 Months

2010-06-08T05:47:00.000-07:00

Blue-Eyed Girl

2010-03-22T07:32:00.001-07:00

Almost 15 months!

Elizabeth is One!!

2010-01-06T07:56:00.001-08:00

I know I've neglected my blog terribly so here is a recent picture of our little girl! This was taken on the day of her birthday party. It snowed so a few people couldn't come. The party was on December 20th but her birthday is actually Christmas Eve, December 24th.

In Other Baby News...

2009-02-12T05:59:00.000-08:00

I'm just so excited I have to share. My fellow pregnant co-worker had her girl last night. Her name is Sabrina Jane and her and Elizabeth are exactly 7 weeks a part! When my co-worker comes back from maternity leave she'll be bringing Sabrina with her so my daughter will have an in-office first friend. We're so lucky to be able to have our girls here with us!

Elizabeth, One Month

2009-01-31T14:20:00.000-08:00

Dumb

2009-01-26T13:36:00.001-08:00

I just answered the door with Elizabeth and it was the annoying Verizon Fios salespeople. The woman says, "Is your mom or dad home?" I said, "No... I AM the mom and I'm not a teenager either, I'm 30." She apologized and I basically sent them on their way, that it wasn't a good time.

I said we didn't want to switch from Optimum because we want Howard Stern On Demand. They claimed Fios does. I just looked online and nope, they don't.
They were also confused because supposedly, they thought we were already Verizon customers at first. I'm so sick of them coming around! It's like the 4th time!

The Greatest Gift of All

2009-01-01T07:33:00.001-08:00

My baby came early! On Christmas Eve at 2:49pm my beautiful baby GIRL, Elizabeth June came into the world!

She weighed in at 6 lbs., 15 oz. and was 19 1/4" long.

Jay and I are in LOVE.

It was a bit strange being in the hospital on Christmas but it was the best Christmas I ever had.

I Did It!

2008-12-10T07:25:00.000-08:00

I performed in a show with the Bergen County Players in Oradell when I was still in college but never got past associate membership. You have a year to complete various tasks, jobs, etc... to become a full permanent member. I didn't have the time then to do it. It was always a lost dream to me, especially when they got more strict over the years. Now you can't audition for a show unless you're a regular member and you only have 2 chances to complete the requirements. This was it.

I just got this email last night:

I am pleased to inform you that the Exec Bd has approved your going forward to regular membership. This momentous occasion will happen tomorrow night. I hope you can make the meeting. It starts @ 8:30pm.

Congrats!

Yay!!

BIG 3-0!

2008-12-02T05:53:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe a lot of things these days - that Christmas is around the corner, 2008 is almost over, and my baby's almost here! Even more unbelievable? I'm a whopping 30 years old today! It isn't that being 30 is so bad, it's that I know how fast age 20 to age 30 went so that could only mean that 40 will get here even faster!

Britney Spears is also celebrating her birthday today only she's 27. She's having a big performance on Good Morning America to celebrate. Go her! I think this is finally the comeback we've been waiting for.

Tonight Jay and I are going to The Melting Pot for dinner - can't wait. I hope my sore throat feels better by then. I'm literally on my 4th cold in 2 months time!

Shower of Happiness

2008-11-10T06:21:00.000-08:00

Even though I was extremely nervous at first, it was a really great time. SO many gifts, great food, and most of my family and friends were there. Jay was great when we finally lugged everything home. He right away hung things up and ran out for baby-friendly laundry detergent. We went through all the clothes, bedding and blankets and started washing them. So right now, we just have the biggest boxes stacked around the living room.

Everyone was so generous and we received many of the items on our registry but there's still more to get. My main priority is my glider :-) We have the perfect place for it in the room. We may go to Babies 'R' Us tonight to exchange some duplicate gifts in order to get it.

I should have some pictures to share soon!

Just wanted to give a shout-out to Kristine and Diana. Two of the greatest friends anyone could ever have. They did SO much to make the shower beautiful and fun! And the theme, "A Star is Born" was genius!

And of course a huge THANK YOU to my mom for insisting on the place and for picking up the tab. It was a wonderful, wonderful day.

My Shower's Tomorrow!!!!

2008-11-08T04:28:00.000-08:00

I seriously hope my back feels better by then. I might've cracked a rib from coughing hard this week. Docs say there is no way to tell right now, all I can do is rest and take some pain meds. I've had to sleep sitting up on my couch for the last 2 nights! Hurts too much to lay down!

But even if all I can do is sit in a chair, it will be freakin' awesome! It's so exciting to know when your shower is!

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-29T07:44:00.001-07:00

Belly Update!

2008-10-17T12:58:00.000-07:00

I thought y'all deserved a current belly shot! I'm at just about 28 weeks! Not the greatest pic but I took it myself!

Less Than 100 Days to Go!

2008-10-03T11:09:00.000-07:00

It's just unbelievable! Only 99 days until my estimated due date!

Tags: life, baby, family

Juno!

2008-09-26T05:20:00.000-07:00

I look like Juno today and I didn't even do it on purpose!

It was an accident! I'm wearing an orange and white striped t-shirtwith a hooded sweater open over it and blue jeans. I almost feel likeI'm dressed for Halloween! All I need is the skirt and funny shoes. Ithink I'll have Jay take a picture of me later with a ponytail.

Whoa-ohh, We're Halfway There!

2008-08-21T11:45:00.000-07:00

Long time, no update-- what else is new, really...

I'm right between 19 and 20 weeks along which makes me at the halfway point. That is just so hard to fathom! The baby's size is between that of a mango and a cantaloupe. Just nuts right?

I can now officially state that I feel the baby bouncin' around from time to time. That is just totally weird too. My bladder is already working overtime and the lil' kicks to it aren't helping matters!

Besides the constant bathroom trips, getting tired early, and heartburn, I have to say I'm feeling pretty good. I guess I should enjoy these little nuisances while they last!

Last night we finally put our beautiful stroller together the way it will be for the baby. I say 'finally' as if the baby will be here tomorrow or something, lol. Ah well. It's just exciting stuff.

Here's a picture of my belly and a picture of what our stroller looks like right now - except ours is black with light gray detailing.

Enjoy :-)

Tags: baby, family, life

Not Much to Say

2008-08-07T12:26:00.000-07:00

I'm finally starting to look like I'm pregnant instead of just chubbier :-)

I am currently 17 weeks along, closer to 18 weeks! I will have to post a belly pic on here eventually I guess...

Tomorrow I am visiting my old cronies at HBO. It's always a little weird to go back, but I just love meeting up with my girl Nicole and having lunch at our fav Chinese buffet place. Mmm mmm good! I hope they have my dumplings tomorrow!

Then, tomorrow night Jay and I are heading down the shore for a little getaway. Our friends Mike & Tammy will be joining from Mon-Wed as well. That should be cool. I'm really looking forward to some quality beach time, assuming there are no evil biting flies this time!! There were last week when I went with my mom...

Sorry about being a Debbie-downer in my last post. I think there are just some people, even if you didn't know them personally, whose death can really have an impact on you. With Heath, I think it's a culmination of things. We were very close in age, his death was untimely and accidental, and he just seemed like a genuine, sweet person. For now, he lives on through his daughter, who looks just like him. In one of his last interviews, he said this about having her:

“You’re forced into, kind of, respecting yourself more,” he said. “You learn more about yourself through your child, I guess. I think you also look at death differently. It’s like a Catch-22: I feel good about dying now because I feel like I’m alive in her, you know, but at the same hand, you don’t want to die because you want to be around for the rest of her life.”

Tags: life, baby, beach, heath ledger

Delayed Reaction

2008-07-29T19:16:00.000-07:00

I've been having a delayed reaction to Heath Ledger's tragic death. While I was completely shocked and saddened when he passed away this January, seeing him as the Joker in The Dark Knight really had an impact on me. I also saw Brokeback Mountain yesterday for the first time. What an incredible talent he was. It's just so sad that his life ended so soon and that he left his daughter behind. It all seems like it didn't have to happen. Here's one of my favorite scenes from The Dark Knight. I think it really gives you a taste of how great he was. Prepare to be a little scared if you haven't seen this yet!

Tags: heath ledger

Neighbor News

2008-07-29T07:44:00.000-07:00

Great news about my annoying neigbors!

I spoke to a friend of mine who is friendly with zoning/property maintenance manager in town about our situation. So he talked to him for me. Apparently the guy thought this was worth looking into because he sat outside their house for 2 hours and observed all their shenanigans!

The owner was slapped with a notice stating that they needed to get their act together in 30 days or they'd be issued a summons. They got in trouble for the number of cars in the yard, the bicycles up against our fence, running a moped repair business, among other things. Apparently, this was kind of a big deal. The town doesn't take kindly to these situations especially when there are many people living in one house. It's just unsafe.

So, this is why for the past almost two weeks, it has been so peaceful and quiet! Only 1-2 cars in the driveway, no mopeds, and like no people at all. They still need to move the bikes but this is a great start.

Tags: life, house

Surreal Life

2008-07-23T08:47:00.000-07:00

Jay has a very good relationship with his ex landscaping boss, Fred (Jay did landscaping for about 10 years with him during HS and college.) Fred is like a father to him and Jay is like the son he never had.

On Jay's birthday, Fred's mother passed away. Several people commented on the connection because Jay was also close to her. When they landscaped, Jay and Fred with have lunch with her everyday and Jay has kept in touch with her ever since.

Fred was the sole heir to her estate. Her house is about a mile from ours and in the same town as my in-law's. It's a great house with great features like an in-ground pool, cabana, fireplace, formal dining room, 2 car garage, super private property etc..

All Fred talks about lately, and it seems we talk to him daily, is that he wants us to have the house and that he'll do whatever he has to do. He shows us around and says "This is the baby's room, this is your pool. You might want to get new cabinets..." etc.

Tonight we're having our realtor look at our house since we did lots of work to it. We want to get an idea of what it could sell for. Fred wants to be sure we get we what deserve on our place. What baffles us is that he's said that he's made his decision and he doesn't want strangers in his mother's house and that nothing would've made her happier. He's already told the neighbor's about us!

This all just seems like a dream because our current house and this one are in completely different leagues. In fact, our lot is only 1/3 of the size of his house!

We know how much he loves Jay and that he is very wealthy, so maybe he really is being THAT generous as to let us have the house for very little money. He knows that we are just starting out and don't have an excess...

It's so very weird. June, my mother-in-law, thinks he's going to surprise us somehow or maybe he'll tell us that his mother left Jay the house...

Jay and I keep trying to not get our hopes up but Fred makes it very hard!

He's constantly "selling" us on the house by telling us how great it is and jokes that are mail is already coming there. He apologizes for some of the junk that's still there, assuring us that he'll clear it all out and that "his guys" will do all the landscaping before we move in and that he'll get a new pool cover! He had a neighbor that's a flipper approach him and it pissed him off. He knows Jay and I would take care of the place and not just tear it down.

I think his father had this home custom built in the 50's and this is all very emotionally driven.

Kudos to you for reading all that!

Tags: life, family, blessings, house

Neighbors Break Good Fences

2008-07-02T07:16:00.000-07:00

We live in a great town and neighborhood. We never thought we'd get our own little place there, but somehow we did.

The only problem I have is our back neighbors. Their entire large backyard is gravel and they park like 5 cars back there, one of which is always right next to the back of our fence. Why? I have no idea. And they like to work on it while it's parked there and they always have their music blasting. These folks are classy. They have an indoor style leather couch out back and on the front porch and they stay outside all year long and as well as a full size refrigerator. They have a dirt bike that they ride around on in circles back there because it's probably illegal, but most of the time they just rev the engine for an hour at a time. This is incredibly loud and when my windows are open, my house smells like gasoline. I've almost called the police on them for that and you can bet your butt that I will when the baby comes.

My biggest gripe of late is their encroachment on our property. The car being so close to the fence and the fact that when they grill, they have the grill next to our fence. Why?? They recently put up a clothesline that they actually use back there as well. One of the ends of it is tied on our tree. I've noticed for a while that our fencing is leaning in towards our yard and it's been a cause of concern. I just discovered why. They have tires and 3-4 bikes leaning up against it! Now I'm pissed.

They have zero concern for their own property let alone ours. Their fence on the other side has missing pieces so obviously wrecking ours doesn't seem to bother them.

What rights do I have? Especially now that they could be ruining our fence? They don't speak english so I can't even talk to them. The fence isn't super high and we step down to the yard from the house so I always see what crap they are pulling. There's no avoiding it.

Tags: house

Plum's the Word

2008-07-01T07:37:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to give a quick update on our plum. That's right, plum. According to the million websites and books I've been reading, week 12 = plum. That's the size that the baby is. The first time we saw the baby it was the size of a blueberry but more resembled a jellybean that just sat there.
Jay and I got to see the little plum for ourselves on Friday. I had an ultrasound done and it was just amazing. This little baby was bouncy and rolling all around. It's hard to believe that that's going on in my belly right now and I don't feel a thing. It'll be even more exciting when I do. We also heard the heartbeat. It was good and strong; 158 beats a minute. So, all looks good so far and thankfully I'm at the end of the first trimester which is a good thing.

Tags: baby, family

Timing is Everything

2008-06-24T09:17:00.000-07:00

For months I stressed about planning my pregnancy around work.

Well, my co-worker and I run our department ourselves so I've been concerned about telling her my news since it could affect our big annual auction that happens every March.

She pulled me into an empty office last Thursday and told me SHE'S pregnant!!!!!!! I couldn't contain myself and so my face must've given it away and she said, "You're pregnant too?!" I said, "Yeah!" She said, "When are you due?" I said, "Jan. 11th, how about you?" She said, "Feb. 14th!" We just could not stop cracking up!!! It's just the craziest, funniest, thing! We decided to tell our boss, the school director, together.

As I expected/hoped, she was SO happy and excited for us that she screamed, "You're both pregnant!" Then everyone in the office came in. It was so funny. We all laughed about how the baby room will be crowded and my director had the idea that we could empty out one of our offices temporarily and have 2 cribs in there! How cool is that!

What a relief! I'm so glad this is over with and that we were able to tell her at the same time.

Tags: baby, life, work

Silly Me

2008-06-19T05:53:00.000-07:00

Haha.... I feel dumb

I work in a school office and every single day someone in here is running to get coffee or lunch or something and whenever they ask me if I want anything, I decline. I do because I'm overly thrifty and I bring lunch and waters everyday.

Well, this morning, the office manager called and said she was going to Starbucks because she had lots of giftcards from parents and she asked if I wanted something. So I said, "Sure, a small iced passion tea."

She just brought it in and said, "I think it was like $2, whenever you have it, you don't have to give it to me now." I only have 2 sad dollars in my wallet right now!

I totally thought this was a freebie since she was using her supply of giftcards!

BIG News!

2008-06-12T17:10:00.000-07:00

Jay and I are expecting!

You heard right, Jay and I are looking forward to meeting our own little one in January, 2009.

I'm only now posting because we've been telling friends and family little by little and didn't want anyone super close to read this here first!

So far so good. I haven't thrown up but get nauseous if I let myself get hungry. We had one ultrasound and saw the heartbeat -- that really made it real. The doctor says all is well as well.

I'll keep you posted!

Tags: family, baby, love

Tune in TOMORROW!

2008-06-05T08:25:00.000-07:00

Tune in TOMORROW between 5-7am and see my school, The Village School in Waldwick on NBC's Today in New York (channel 4)! Meteorologist, Chris Cimino will be broadcasting the weather from here with our 3rd year, elementary students all morning long!!

We are so excited! The only thing I'm NOT excited about is getting here at 4am!

Tags: work, tv

Pretty!

2008-05-01T08:26:00.000-07:00

Our school had a spring concert last night and flowers were borrowed from a local nursery for it. Afterwards, we were allowed to purchase them if we wanted. I bought this azalea topiary to plant in our front yard. I hope we don't kill it! PS: Yes, That's my messy office!

Tags: home, work, life

Happy Spring!

2008-04-16T15:38:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to pop on and acknowledge this lovely weather we finally are enjoying and to say, Happy Anniversary to us!! It's been a year as of April 13th. I can't even believe it! We're officially an old married couple. To celebrate, we went out to dinner at the same restaurant we had our rehearsal dinner. When we got home, we attempted to eat our cake. It was pretty gross although it looked alright amazingly. The frosting still tasted good but the cannoli filling and actual cake left much to be desired. It truly did because I wanted nothing more than a satisying slice of cake! They had a great looking carrot cake at the restaurant but I declined it because we had the wedding cake to dig into!
Tags: life, love, wedding

Before & After

2008-04-11T06:21:00.000-07:00

I decided that I needed a color change. I've done the chunky blonde highlights for too long-

Then:

Now:

Tags: beauty

Vote for Me!

2008-03-13T18:33:00.000-07:00

View my Real Wedding Awards Nominee!

Hung Jury

2008-02-25T17:11:00.000-08:00

After nearly a month of trial and 3 days of deliberations, we the jury could not come to a conclusion. I am extremely saddened that this experience ended this way. These people waited 4 years to get this case to court and they still don't have a resolution. The wind has been knocked out of my sails and I feel burned out and just plain sad. When one of the lawyers said, "Thank you for trying," that was it for me. I couldn't exit that courtroom fast enough, my eyes just filled up in an instant.

This experience was so interesting to me, as you've read. I looked forward to coming everyday until we reached deliberations. Things got ugly and tense right away. The only positive thing I can say about the outcome (or lack thereof) is that everyone truly stuck to their guns. No one was willing to waver from their beliefs. At least both sides of this case can know that we battled until the bitter end and really gave this a great deal of thought and effort. They didn't get a jury that was willing to just do whatever needed to be done to get the heck outta there. We wanted to do what was right.

I can't help but think however, about the fact that they have to go through this process all over again. I'd love to know what the new jury thinks. I wonder if I'll ever know.

Tags: life, law

Juror #3

2008-02-10T19:24:00.000-08:00

That's me. Juror #3. And this has been my home away from home for the last 2 weeks-
You guessed it, I'm on jury duty. And I have to be honest. I'm loving it! In fact, I will even go so far as to say that I will miss it when it ends. I'm sure my boss won't. I feel like being a juror IS my job. I have pretty much the same hours, same lunch break, similar commute length. But the pay is definitely not the same. As a juror, we get paid $5 a day. Fortunately, I hope, my real job will pay me for performing my civic duty. I always knew I'd like jury duty and I was right. It's just so exciting! And I have the best seat in the house! All the sidebars, objections, and evidence! To be a part of all this is really incredible. Along with it however comes a major responsibility. This trial was years and many dollars in the making. And many more dollars are on the line. I have been taking copious notes - 45 pages so far. I want to be 100% sure when deliberation time comes that I'm making the right decision. The trial will probably end in a week or so and I'll return to my normal life. I hope to stay in touch with some of the jurors, we've already become like a little family. So many different ages and personalities thrown together by chance. I've learned a lot from them and this experience as a whole. So should you get that dreaded jury duty notice in the mail, look at is as an opportunity to learn new things, meet new people, and to make a difference. I have enjoyed this more than most of the classes I took in college!

The End of an Era

2008-01-01T08:30:00.000-08:00

Well here it is, 2008. Gone is the year of our wedding. Wow.

2007 brought many changes - an end to singlehood, a new job, a new car, and a new kitten. Can't ask for anything more that in a single year. It's amazing how quickly it went too.

This year, I vow to have a healthier lifestyle. This goes for Jay too ;-) Of course my kitchen is packed with snacks and cookies from holiday parties right now, so there will be a slight delay. I can't afford to just throw it away, but we'll consume it in moderation so it won't be so bad. I'm feeling very motivated right now and I've been planning this for weeks. I have lots of good ideas running around in my head. I also spend a great deal of time on a particular message board, so I know I have a lot of support from those gals too.

Here's to you all, a Happy 2008! Oh and congrats to Jay's cousin Jodi and her new husband Nick. We just found out last night that they are expecting!!! Oh and Diana & Drew, (Jersey Girl in Chicago,) it's YOUR wedding year now! Time is going to fly!!

Tags: family, life, love, health, friends

I'm Still Here

2007-12-14T07:21:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-05T05:42:00.000-08:00

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...

2007-12-02T07:55:00.000-08:00

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

Tags: life, birthday

What a Difference 10 Years Makes

2007-11-25T17:03:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-05T06:22:00.000-08:00

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!

2007-10-04T14:46:00.000-07:00

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....

2007-08-18T23:12:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-08-10T09:02:00.000-07:00

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?

2007-08-08T07:53:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2007-07-25T14:12:00.000-07:00

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'

2007-06-30T15:46:00.000-07:00

Tags: Pets

Bitter/Sweet

2007-06-25T14:26:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-06-24T06:13:00.000-07:00

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

2007-06-06T06:35:00.000-07:00

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

2007-05-19T12:36:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-04-29T15:43:00.000-07:00

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

BEFORE (still damp from shower):
AFTER:

BACK:

Wedding Pictures!!!!

2007-04-23T05:44:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2007-04-14T15:50:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-04-12T07:33:00.000-07:00

Just poppin' in while I have a spare millisecond!

Tags: wedding, love

Greatest Bachelorette Party EVER Had!

2007-04-01T13:26:00.000-07:00

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!!!!!!!!

2007-03-13T06:25:00.000-07:00

Yikes!!!

My Shower was TODAY!!!

2007-03-03T20:26:00.000-08:00

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!

2007-02-13T06:15:00.000-08:00

Unbelievable!

Tags: life, love, wedding

Out of My Hands

2007-02-08T13:50:00.000-08:00

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

2007-01-22T18:23:00.000-08:00

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

Ask A Make-Up Artist

2007-01-22T06:10:00.000-08:00

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

2007-01-08T08:29:00.000-08:00

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!

2007-01-01T14:45:00.000-08:00

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

Putting it Together...

2006-12-28T18:40:00.000-08:00

....bit by bit!

I just ordered our invites!!!!!!!!!

I know it's hard to see, but it's pink hearts and swirls. Our ink color is dark pink and the font is less "scripty."

Holiday Spirit

2006-12-19T06:52:00.000-08:00

Jay put the lights on our tree yesterday afternoon, after working all night, and did a perfect job.

Last night, getting ready for bed, there's a santa hat on the dresser. I ask him why it's there, he said, " I wore it while I was putting on the lights."

Priceless.

Tags: love, x-mas

Today is my birthday

2006-12-02T04:56:00.000-08:00

Can't say it feels like it though. But I did become famous overnight. Check me out on my favorite gossip site! Scroll past Britney on Us Magazine:

http://bricksandstones.blogspot.com/

By the way, Britney and I share the same birthday!

: (

2006-12-01T06:06:00.000-08:00

My grandpa died at approx. 4:20 this morning. The wake will be Monday, funeral Tuesday.

I'm so thankful that I've been with him these last few days, by his side. Even though, it's for the best at this point. I am just so very sad.

Vigil

2006-11-29T20:58:00.000-08:00

My grandpa is still hanging on, but most likely, not for much longer. The most important thing is that is resting peacefully and comfortably. We've been spending most of our time sitting beside him talking to him, stroking his arm, holding his hand... So many people are there taking care of him and looking out for him. It has been so touching to see staff members come in to see him. They all say such wonderful things about grandpa and how funny he is and how much he loves the Yankees : ) Warms my heart.

Jay has been so great through all of this. He takes care of me and has been right there with me always. I am truly blessed.

The Latest

2006-11-27T10:43:00.000-08:00

My grandpa is under hospice now, on morphine. He will likely be gone in a matter of days. It's all too real now. It had to be done though, he was in agony. I looked awful yesterday. His brother and nephew are visting today, along with my family. I was a basketcase last night. Thankfully had Jay and Tylenol PM to help me calm down and get some sleep.

: (

Grandpa Status

2006-11-20T11:57:00.000-08:00

Not so sure how he is today yet, but he's "home." He got brought back to Sunrise today so at the very least, he's in comfortable surroundings which we are all happy about. My parents are going to visit him this afternoon then fill me in. He didn't look so great on Saturday when I saw him. I think his lack of eating and drinking is really taking its toll on his body. Yesterday, Jay and I went to church and I lit a candle for him. I feel good about doing that, but it did make me tear up a few times when I looked over at it during mass. I felt like it represented him still holding onto life - the candle holding onto its flickering flame.

Cried Myself Awake

2006-11-16T06:14:00.000-08:00

Early this morning, around 4:30, I woke up crying. My pillow and face were wet with tears. I had somewhat of a nightmare, but sadly, this nightmare is real. My grandfather is in very bad shape. For the past few months, he has been shipped back and forth between the hospital and a nursing home, and a couple days at home (Sunrise Assisted Living) in between. He has been plagued with an ulcer that required surgery, bouts of pneumonia, bladder infections, bed sores and has fallen several times. His biggest problem however is self-inflicted, or so it seems. My grandfather is suffering from malnutrition and dehydration. He absolutely refuses to eat or drink much of anything. He has refused a feeding tube, twice. He has already been rushed to the hospital in an ambulance for severely low blood pressure and low blood oxygen levels attributed to his lack of nourishment. His doctor has prescribed him 3-4 different appetite stimulants to little avail. The few small bites of food and tiny sips of juice he has daily aren't enough to sustain him. I've brought him Dairy Queen - he always loved vanilla ice cream- but he only had a few spoonfuls. My parents brought him the ultimate "grandpa" meal - meat loaf and mashed potatoes with extra gravy and creamed spinach. He wouldn't even TRY any of it.

Last night, my brother Chris, Jay, and I went to see him. His eyes were glassy and sad. Looking at him made my eyes fill up so I had to look away several times. I didn't want him to see me upset. He was hooked up to an IV and oxygen and sitting in a chair. He kept wincing in pain from the bed sores on his backside. He's not supposed to be in any pain. The doctor wanted him to be as comfortable as possible. My brother and I ask about a cushion for him to sit on and they tell us he can't use it because when he does, he slides off - it's extremely slick for some stupid reason.

We asked him if anything appealed to him, what kind of juice he likes. He said orange. They've been giving him cranberry which he hates. While we were there, a nurse walked in with a small container of chocolate pudding and said, "Here you go Ralph," then promptly took it away! Apparently, it wasn't meant for him. But my God, this frail little man is starving, shouldn't he always have food in front of him?! Pudding is easy enough to get down and he actually likes it! That made my blood boil.

While we were there, Jay made a run to a local convenience store to try and get some things he likes. He picked up his old favorite, Frosted Flakes. He also got orange juice and a soft chocolate chip cookie. We actually got him to eat 2-3 small pieces of cookie and he washed it down with a couple sips of orange juice.

The nurse claims she gives him Frosted Flakes every morning but he won't eat them. She also tries giving him hard-boiled eggs which he specifically mentioned liking last night. She said he won't eat them either. I told her that he must have salt on them, that he LOVES salt. She nodded and smiled but I don't believe her. She told us that the only thing he likes is rice pudding. Well then for heaven sakes, shouldn't he always have it on his tray available for him! His days are numbered! I understand it may be too late, or too little to make any real difference, but my goodness, why is his tray EVER empty??!

These are all the thoughts that ran through my mind as I slept. I woke up crying from them. This is just so hard. My grandpa is still there! He's still talking about the college football games and how our dogs are doing. We all just feel so helpless right now. This is just pure agony. And if it's this bad for us, how must my poor grandpa feel?

6 Months from NOW...

2006-10-13T13:26:00.000-07:00

Jay and I will be married!!! AAaaacckk!! I can't believe how fast time is going by!

Double Anniversary!

2006-10-12T06:11:00.000-07:00

Jay and I are together 10 YEARS as of today! AND, it's been 1 year since we got engaged!!! It's scary sometimes how time flies!

My Life in Pictures

2006-09-17T19:26:00.000-07:00

I am LONG overdue for a worthwhile journal entry. It just seems I am always so gosh darn busy. This has been a truly eventful summer and I've taken a great deal of photographs which I will now share with you all. This summer, we finally got into our house, although, we aren't 100% yet. We need to put lots of molding up still. At least it's painted and ready to go. My kingdom for some blinds and curtains! Right now we have framed posters blocking out the sunshine in our room - not very effective I might add.

Besides our move and the big open house/housewarming that followed, we had our niece Ava's christening and Jay's Aunt Jean's wedding. It seemed like every weekend was something going on, but at least it was all good. Time spent with family and friends is the best time of all.

We didn't have any sort of vacation this summer but we are taking off this week to relax and take a few day trips - the Bronx Zoo, Jay, his dad, and his brother are going deep-sea fishing and I HOPE Jay and I make it to the Cloisters ( http://www.metmuseum.org/Works_of_art/introduction.asp?dep=7 ) I went here in high school and really enjoyed it. I went with the choir and we sang there. It is a beautiful place and I know that Jay would appreciate it. He's into medieval sort of stuff and the place is like an old castle with authentic medieval style garden and famous tapestries.

In a few weeks I will be having a garage sale. Kristine is going to help me because Jay wants no part of it, haha. It should be fun and we have lots of junk we truly don't need. I hope we get some donations too, to pad our inventory. I hope to make enough money to pay for invitations : )

Which brings me to my next subject - our wedding plans. Since I last wrote on this topic we have booked our honeymoon! We will be staying 7 nights at Ti Kaye in St. Lucia - www.tikaye.com . The place looks gorgeous and we will have our own oceanfront cottage with our own little pool. I cannot wait! We've also begun our registries with Macy*s and Bed, Bath, & Beyond. We need to add things to them but it's still early yet. It was fun although the woman at BB&B was not very nice. I could definitely write an entertaining entry about her. I plan on writing a letter of complaint to the company if I actually ever get around to it.

So, I've really been hating my job lately I'm sad to report. I've just been so overwhelmed that I start to feel completely stressed and depressed. I have so much on my shoulders and when I can't get everything done in a timely manner, I can't help but feel like a bad employee. I haven't even been able to take my lunch break or go to the gym there for weeks because of it. New Jersey is looking more and more appealing as I hate coming home around 8:15 on nights I get stuck there late.

GRANDPA update: After being in the hospital for a couple weeks with bilateral pneumonia, he is now in a rehabilition center for 2 more weeks to regain his strength and mobility. You can do it grandpa!

Well I've rambled on and on long enough. Sit back and enjoy the plentiful pics and be sure to "view larger" for best results!

Day of Remembrance

2006-09-11T11:41:00.000-07:00

So True

2006-09-11T10:03:00.000-07:00

Dear Lesley,
Here is your horoscope
for Monday, September 11:

There's a time to stand and fight, and that time is now. This endless cycle of push-me-pull-you was fine for a while, but now you need a resolution -- and fast. State your demands and then take action.

I HATE MY JOB

The Crocodile Hunter Died!

2006-09-04T04:49:00.000-07:00

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060904/ap_on_en_tv/obit_irwin

Sneak Peek!

2006-09-02T04:51:00.000-07:00

Here is our living room right now! The 2 chairs are only temporary, and yes I know we need molding around the windows!

Never a Dull Moment

2006-08-31T07:15:00.000-07:00

My grandpa is in the hospital. His doctor called late last night and told my parents that he had over 102 temp and bronchitis. He really wanted him to go to the hospital but my grandpa kept refusing. Dr. feared it could develop into pneumonia. My dad had to get a prescription antibiotic and bring it to him like 11pm. When my dad got there, my grandpa was nauseous and throwing up. It was then decided to get him to Valley Hospital. My dad didn't get home until 4am.

So Much To Say!

2006-08-02T06:29:00.000-07:00

The big news right now is that our house is close to being finished, but we'll be moving in before it's 100%.

Jay and I took off last week and spent every day from morning til' night working our butts off! We ended the week feeling like we needed a vacation from our vacation! We managed to pack up most of Jay's things and schlep them over with the help of family and friends. It was exciting seeing the place finally starting to look like a home! We also went out and put on the closet materials and over the last 2 days, Jay and his sister Randi assembled all the shelving. This weekend we picked up a refrigerator from Kristine's parents' house and spent hours cleaning it only to have it only blow hot air - ugh. We are having a repair come check it out this week so hopefully it's not an expensive fix.

Let's see, what else, what else...Jay moved his large, corner aquarium over to the house and set it up with the help of Scott. It looks great! And finally people will be able to enjoy it since it's in a better location than it was before.

I got a few hydrangea stems and stuck them in a basket of ivy in the bathroom. This is truly exciting to me as it adds to the whole hydrangea theme I'm trying to work in there!

This Friday we are getting cable, telephone, and internet set up - this is THE reason we aren't living there yet! We can't live without those necessities - primarily the TV, LOL! We already got our phone number and while it kinda sucks, I was able to make a word out of some of the numbers, so that should make it easier to remember.

OH YEAH!

I almost forgot! I got my wedding dress!!! On Saturday, July 24th, Kristine, my mom, and I went to Macy's Bridal Salon in Wayne because there was a specific dress I wanted to try on and when we saw it in person, it was hideous!! That was a disappointment but even more so than that was when I tried on the most gorgeous dress ever. Here it is, but the roses were a delicate pink: http://www.demetriosbride.com/us/collections/couture_05/highres/1273A.jpg WELL, after trying it on 2x and deciding it was "the one," Kristine looked at the price tag and her jaw dropped. It was OVER $4000!! I was dejected. I would never spend that much on a dress even if my parents were willing too. The saleslady felt bad and said she'd take 20% off and throw in a veil, but still, it wasn't doable.

We went to TGIF's for lunch and I mentioned that there was a David's bridal across the street somewhere, according to someone I spoke to on theknot.com. I called them and asked if we could come by and we did. I didn't like the greeter at the store and she instantly made me want to turn around and leave. GOOD THING I DIDN'T!

We asked for anything with pink and I tried a couple dresses on but wasn't happy - I was still bummed about the other $$$ dress. My mom asked me to just try on one more so I reluctantly agreed. I loved it! After I put it on, I didn't want to take it off! I asked for a bridesmaid dress that would match and they pulled one that we admired when we first walked in! Camps tried it on and looked great! I really felt like a bride then : ) We found shoes for the girls too!

Later in the week Diana ordered hers all the way from Tennessee! She's having it come to the Wayne, NJ store and her mom will pick it up. Last Friday, I went with Randi and Shara and they ordered theirs too! It's so nice to have another big thing DONE! And well done I might add! ; )

Phew... that was a lot of writing early in the morning!

Still Shaken Up

2006-07-14T09:05:00.000-07:00

New details came out about the suicide/murders. The father pressed the gun to the heads of his children. Unspeakable. He didn't kill himself until a couple hours later. Unbelievable. It is just so unthinkable, unjustifiable. Just plain awful.

Last night my bus had to detour just before my stop because the main road the funeral home was on was closed off by police. I can't imagine what it was like to be there. The father there too?!? I keep thinking about this tragedy, can't get it out of my head. That poor mother and daughter who have to live with this the rest of their lives. The girlfriend. It's just so sad. Those boys never knew just a few days ago that this is how they'd "spend their summer vacation."

This article appeared in today's paper:

Hundreds attend wake for father, two sons he killed
Friday, July 14, 2006

By JEAN RIMBACH and GIOVANNA FABIANO
STAFF WRITERS

WESTWOOD -- Hundreds of mourners -- many of them stunned teenagers in tears -- paid their respects Thursday to two young men and the father who chose to end their lives.

By evening, a line of red-eyed adults and shaken adolescents had wrapped around the Becker Funeral Home, three days after Thomas Frazza of Washington Township shot his sons, John, 20, and Kevin, 14, in their beds before turning the gun on himself.

Some sobbed and embraced as they stood before the bodies of John and Kevin, which lay in open caskets.

FUNERAL IS TODAY

The funeral for Kevin, John and Thomas Frazza is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. today at the Church of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Washington Township.

Burial is to follow in Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington.

The cafeteria of Westwood Regional Junior and Senior High School will be open after the funeral for parents and children, with professional counselors and staff members on hand to offer support.

Kevin's casket held a stuffed teddy bear, a Rosary Novena and the jersey of his favorite New Jersey Nets player, Jason Kidd. A Toronto Blue Jays jersey and a heart-framed picture of John with his girlfriend of two years, Theresa Finnelli, were in the older brother's casket.

To the left of the boys in the same room was the closed coffin of their father, the polished wood adorned with a spray of red flowers.

Young girls and boys hugged, at times collapsing in tears. Some left the viewing with their hands over their mouths.

"To deal with death at this age -- and one of their own ..." one mourner said.

"It's just so unimaginable," said another.

Investigators have been stumped for clues as to what prompted the killings. Those who knew Thomas Frazza well said he'd become increasingly distressed the past year by his failing pay telephone business. He was also upset over having to sell the family's home at the New Jersey Shore.

"No one knew he was in trouble," someone at the wake said. "He hid it very well."

Throughout the day, Beatrice "Betty" Frazza and her 19-year-old daughter, Jacqueline, accepted -- and at times delivered -- words of comfort as they embraced friends and neighbors. Both were at the Shore house when the shootings occurred early Monday at their Washington Township home.

"How are you guys? You guys doing all right?" Betty asked a group of shaken young girls.

Slideshows playing on two televisions, framed pictures and various collages in the funeral parlor belied the tragedy. They showed a happy family and smiling children at different stages of their lives -- at the beach, on holidays, at birthday parties.

In one, Kevin as a baby is dressed as a jack-o'-lantern for Halloween. Another shows Betty and Thomas on their wedding day. Another has them holding each other and laughing years later at the Shore. There was also a photo of Kevin and John together in a frame with the words "Me and My Little Brother."

Finnelli, John's girlfriend, had apparently assembled candid shots of him for one of the collages, each with a handwritten message or memory. Comic strips she drew for him were on display on another. At one point, she stood before it and broke down sobbing.

"I just don't understand this," she said, "and I never will."

The comics had a special note to John, telling him that someday, when her comic strip gets published, it will feature the character she created for him: "The Pirate."

"You will continue to live on in my heart forever," she also wrote.

Photos of John showed the outgoing Ramapo College student at pool parties, the ice skating rink and what friends called his favorite place on earth -- the Pascack Theatre, where he worked as a projectionist.

Theater owner Spiros Papas said he respected John not only as an employee but as a friend.

When he gave his condolences to Betty at the wake, she told him, "Are you Mr. Papas? John spoke very highly of you."

"I was happy to hear that because I worked with John for 4½ years, and I treated him like my son," Papas said.

Papas said he and John had a Monday lunch ritual.

"I would say, 'John, you hungry?' And he always said yes. So we would go out for Greek food sometimes and other times cheeseburgers."

A few nights before he died, Papas gave John a ride home after a late showing of "Superman Returns."

John appeared depressed that night, Papas said.

"He said, 'I'm having a little problem with my father. He doesn't want me to go to school,' " Papas recalled. "I asked him if a raise would help and he said, 'Yes, Mr. Papas.' "

Murder/Suicide in a Small Town

2006-07-11T06:09:00.000-07:00

A father killed his 14 and 20 yr old sons then himself. This was in my Jay's town, Washington Township, NJ,where he still lives with his family and is only a couple blocks behind him. We pass this creepy looking house all the time in the car, on our bikes... Its all wood with no windows seen from the street at all - only on the back facing the lake. The wife and 19 yr old daughter were in South Jersey at the time.

So tragic. Why did he have to take those boys with him???

Article and news footage here: http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=local&id=4353999

This is a quiet lil' suburban town. Things like this just don't happen here..

EDIT: The older boy's myspace page. He last logged on on Sunday : (

MySpace URL:

http://www.myspace.com/fubar69418

EDIT:

Another longer article:

http://tinyurl.com/lvuhm

Say it Ain't So!

2006-06-29T15:30:00.000-07:00

Gawker Stalker

Tom Hanks was near me today. He was actually right down the block at 1pm but I was chained to my desk. I just read this on Gawker Stalker. Link above to their site:

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson

4 TIMES SQ

Jun 29th, 2006 @ 1pm

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson in the Conde Nast Cafeteria. He looks just as puffy as I expected (meanie!). She is actually really pretty. I had so hoped for a celeb spotting when I finally got invited to lunch there!

Dave & Christine's Wedding

2006-06-18T08:19:00.000-07:00

Our dear friend Dave and his lovely bride Christine were married on Saturday, June 17th. Here are some pictures from the happy day. We all had a really really great time. Christine looked gorgeous. And Dave didn't look so bad himself ; )

Jay was the best man. It was exciting to think that we are under 300 days away from our special day! I can't wait!!!

2nd Proposal

2006-06-14T06:08:00.000-07:00

Last night was great. Jay and I went out to dinner for his birthday and when we got back to his house I gave him a stack of gifts. He was feeling all bad that I spent money on him on so many gifts. Little did he know one of them cost me like $800!! When he got to the box with his wedding ring, he had no clue what could be in it. He said, "is this a tie?" Cause that's the kind of box it was. He pushed aside the jeweler paperwork and polishing cloth and when he saw the ring he just stared at it completely speechless. I sorta got down on one knee and took his hand and said "will you marry me?" I was kind of laughing because I was feeling so nervous and excited. He really was in shock that I actually got it. He kept saying things like, "Honey, wow. I can't believe you did that." He was very happy and I was even more happy because it actually fit!

It was a very good and happy night : )

house VENT

2006-06-13T10:50:00.000-07:00

We should be coming down to the wire but we're having some really friggin' annoying issues right now.

Baseboard heatig should be the next step, however, the plumber won't do it until the carpeting is in the 2 bedrooms. FFIL (future-father-in-law) says carpeting should go last, he's a contractor, says you don't want someone soldering over new carpet. Also, FFIL wants to put in baseboard molding but can't until heat is in so he knows where it ends.We also need HW floor to be finished. Arrrgh. It's like we're at a standstill.

We've had this house since August. I thought we'd be living there MONTHS ago. All my summer clothes and shoes are packed up and over there.

I just want to be done already!

Housey House House

2006-06-09T10:50:00.000-07:00

Ahh the house. We need wood floor finished - will just take a phone call, carpet installed - another simple phonecall. And the rest of the molding installed. Jay's brother might finish tile in shower tomorrow. Coming down to the wire!!

We Got a floor!

2006-05-23T14:33:00.000-07:00

Well in the living room and hallway at least!

Taking Shape...and Color!

2006-05-21T19:13:00.000-07:00

See for yourself!!

DA VINCI CODE!!!

2006-05-19T07:45:00.000-07:00

I have 25 pages left. I'm timing the completion of the book with the beginning of the movie soooo precisely! I hate hate hate all the bad reviews I'm hearing. ESPECIALLY when they talk smack about Tom. How dare they! I saw him on Regis this morning. Ahhhhhhhh : )

Things Are Happening Fast!

2006-05-10T06:55:00.000-07:00

Boy oh boy. Where do I begin?

The entire house has been painted inside. Hardwood floor wood should be delivered this week. The floor has been leveled to prepare it for the hardwood installation. All the doors have been ordered. We have lights up and working in the living room, bedrooms, master closet, and over the shower. Our bathroom vanity is in the garage along with our bathroom cabinet. The rest of the bathroom fixtures have been ordered. The tile has be laid and grouted in the bathroom.

Today, I believe Jay wants to do another coat on the kitchen ceiling. The kitchen looks amazing by the way. Bright white pain makes a huge difference. He might also put the sealer on the bathroom tile.

So much progress in so little time. Thank you Joe, Brian, Bill, Randi, June, Shara, and Jim for all of your time and hard work!!!

Productive Weekend!

2006-05-01T06:32:00.000-07:00

We primed the entire house on Saturday and then painted all the ceilings and closets yesterday and even painted the bathroom and spare room. And oh yeah, Jay painted the kitchen ceiling too! Productive weekend for sure!!

I think the wood is being delivered for the hardwood floor this week!

Very special thanks to Randi, Shara, Joe, and June for all of your help!! We got soooo much more done than I could've ever imagined in just 2 days. Thank you for giving us your time, energy, and talents!

My bio on thenest.com

2006-04-20T07:10:00.000-07:00

This is our non-pro engagement pic.
X-mas '05 - We did a little decorating even though we don't live here yet!

Our first house! Closed on it Aug. 24, 2005!
***THE FOLLOWING ARE “BEFORE” PICS, PROGRESS PICS FOLLOW***

Other pics of the house
garage
View from the front porch (that tree is my fav part of the house!)
Backyard...small but not TOO small
steps in back leading to mudroom/bathroom/kitchen

current kitchen cabinets. recommendations? (that's my best friend Kristine in there snooping)
kitchen sink
view from kitchen. living room doorway - far left, bsmt door - middle, encl. porch door - far right.
LR/DR BEFORE

AFTER: Jay, drop ceiling removed.

panelling gone too and we found a window under it! see last window on left side? it was under the panelling!

Me, getting into the act!

This is fun!
Jay taking down wall and closets between the 2 bedrooms
View from Master BR into 2nd BR. Is Jay not the neatest demolition man or what?!

View from original 2nd BR into living room. We are turning it into a hall and new full bath.
View from living room into 2nd bedroom.
"New" free front door salvaged by a family member for us from a job site!
New main beam going up since we moved walls-
Jay holding up this house : )
The guys raising the new second bedroom wall
All the walls framed out!!!!

New view from front door!

View from living room into kitchen-

Living room looking into 2 bedrooms

Last living room shot

New second bedroom

Master bedroom

Bathroom so far

picture for new bathroom once we have one!

bathroom accessories for new bathroom too! got these from eBay for only $26.00!

Mirror for the living room from Pier 1

picture for over our bed from art.com

Jay and I

Our new baby niece Ava Rose (2-23-06)

Notblushing's version of our backyard -- I love it!!

Sit back & enjoy the view

2006-04-15T19:25:00.000-07:00

In One Year From Today...

2006-04-13T06:07:00.000-07:00

Jay and I will be getting married!!!!!!!!

I cannot wait!!

Stuff

2006-04-12T05:53:00.000-07:00

The spackler (if there is such a word) is coming this morning to start - he might already be there! Jay is meeting him at the house! Woo hoo! Jay's off today so he goes to work on the front flower beds. He did SUCH a nice job with the side beds that I can't wait to see how the front will look!

I have more pictures to post between my mom's camera and Jay's. I hope I get to it soon.

I won a complete Sherwin-Williams paint color fan deck on eBay and I'm obsessed with looking at all the color possibilities! Everyone in the fam wants to lend us a hand when painting time comes so it should go fast! June and I have been getting all excited talking about it and how we can finally break in the new grill and she'll bring over her huge picnic table! It really will be a painting party like everyone says! Randi is also going to sand and seal our front door - I think! Everyone is pitching in - good times, good times.

Kristine is at her new job and so we don't talk anymore!!! We always emailed back and forth but she can't at work. She can't even access her personal email because they block it! EVIL. I hate this because I don't want to grow apart because she's in CT for work and her home. Diana (my bridesmaid and dear friend) moved out to TN but at least we can email all day long and keep each other abreast of things... Ah well. We both have to just make an effort to stay in touch...