Blog challenge day three....

Blog challenge day three: Write a blog post on the same topic as one of my most popular posts. I think I have received more feedback on Deep Fried Anything, my first blog post. After writing this blog post, it came to me that people just are addicted to frying things. Why? Because it tastes so dang good! (Yeah I said dang its a southern thing! ) Anywho...So besides deep fried pickles, oreos and twinkies, there is the Monte Cristo.

The Monte Cristo I discovered when I worked at the Marriott in Charleston, WV. All I can say is Oh My Goodness, so good. You have turkey, ham, american, swiss cheeses and bread. You build your sandwich in layers then dip in a batter, drop in and fry to a sinful goodness! After its golden brown, you take out, sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve with a side of raspberry preserves! My mouth is watering just thinking about it but reality is poking me saying" take a look at your hips, that's where it would go"!

Another sinful delight that is s good when you don't really know what you want, but hits the spot is cheese curds. Yep, and not many places have them so when I find them, ahhhh its heaven beyond heaven.  Right along side with a nice cold root beer, no ice, and you have the perfect hit the spot snack.

I am sure you arteries are hardening while you read this, but I am from the south and this is what I know. Fried is divine, however the older you get the more real eating healthier becomes. So eat healthy, but still live a little. Have that deep fried yummy every once and a while, but enjoy :)

Blog challenge day two.

Answer one question I think people visiting my blog may have is the topic of day two of the seven day challenge.  Well let me think.... I believe that question would be what prompted me to write my blog? Well to be honest there really isn't just one answer. I have many reasons as to why I wanted to write. I have said before, I am unique, I am me. Writing my blog gives me a way to vent or to put into words what rattles along in my thoughts.

Writing my blog is a way for me to share what I can not speak. I can share my ideas on my writing or what I cook. I can share with people my passion for photography, or how I feel about current events or maybe something in history. I could never have been a speaker. I am feel to much in my writing that I would get frustrated in speaking and trying to get my point across to where someone would be able to understand what I mean. I completely admire song writers, musicians and the passion that they put into their music. I am not talking about modern day rap and a lot of crap they call music now, call me old school, but I mean when music actually meant something.

Musicians like Rob Thomas, Jewel, musicians from the 70's and 80's. They sing their music and I appreciate and understand, that is their means of communicating to me. This is how I feel about my blog and my writing. I can along with my thoughts and ideas maybe throw in a picture I took or a recipe link from an awesome dinner I made. I have control over my blog and I can write whatever I think , feel or am inspired to share regardless of what others may think.

Blog Challenge Day one!

A twitter friend has thrown out a challenge to us all and I am taking part, seven day blog challenge and today is my first entry. Today's topic is "What is the purpose of my site, who I am and why my blog is unique". Well the purpose of my site is for me to allow my thoughts to flow, whether it be a crazy idea, to vent or just to simply create. My mind is always going so I think this is the best way for me to let it all out, regardless of  if anyone likes it or not.

Who am I? Maybe in the world no one special but I am me. I am a amateur photographer, a want to be writer, a daughter, a girl friend, a sister and most importantly a mother. I recently turned 37 and am happy with who I have become. Am I famous, no...am I perfect? Not even close, but I am Janet, I am very happy with my life and look forward to enjoying life. I do not need the bells and whistles that most demand, I am just happy to be me.

Last and not least, what makes my blog unique? Me, my thoughts, sometimes my ideas. There is no one else like me in the world. Nobody I know really thinks like me or knows what I might do next. My blog is just my creativity put to words. My blog is me dreaming out loud, expressing my views and feelings in my style. You might say its not so unique, but then again you don't know me too well do you? :) Want to find more about why my blog is unique? Follow me and find out! You might discover something new!

Party hard, 1940's style!

I have been obsessed with the 1940’s since I was young enough to dress myself. People often wonder why since I was born in 1974. It could be due to being exposed to the old classic movies from the 40’s and the music at a very young age. This era to me showed what real men and women were. Men were the hero’s of the day and women were so elegant and beautiful.

The way the people dressed back then has always caught my eye. There were no pants hanging to the knee’s, skirts so short you could see the private parts, and everything was very neat and clean. To me the 1940’s showed respect, confidence, and beauty. It didn’t matter if you were a man, woman, to me it seemed perfect. I know what you’re probably thinking, “each generation had their problems” and you’re correct. Just think about this though, people respected each other more and times seemed a lot happier.

Musicals in the 40’s were entertaining and fun filled. I can sit all day, watch the classics and not be bored. They did not need continued violence, drugs, torture, blood. While little girls were pretending to be Barbie, I was dreaming of being Lauren Bacall. I could listen to Frank Sinatra on my portable record player or watch Casa Blanca. Did technology throw a wrench into the wheel of time that caused all of the chaos? Is it wrong of me to dream of better times where people got along?

In three years, I will be turning 40 and I plan to ring in my 40’s in style, although three years away, I am planning the party of a lifetime. There will be music, dancing, food and elegance. In addition, living in NYC all of these years I have to throw in a bit of a show. Yes, I am going to participate of course being the birthday girl, I will be wearing a 1940’s era gown while the love of my life will be channeling Bogart himself. Big question, will I be singing? The answer is not really! I will learn the words to those songs I love and in Brittany Spears style, lip sync away!

Will this be the party of the Year, party of my life? You bet! So hit up the consignment shops, get to those thrift stores or if your crafty with a sewing machine stitch up a party dress! This is going to be a party you won’t ever forget!

Winter ...How do we survive it?

So we are barely into the beginning of winter and WOW what a start. Just 6 days into winter and we get hit with a blizzard right away. Fun? No not even close, possibly for the kiddies but for us adults no way! So It's cold outside and not too fun to be out in it. What do we do?

I think this is a perfect time to remove the clutter from your closets, drawers, or anywhere else that you stash things during the year. Why wait for spring cleaning? Another thing to do is hop on a exercise bike or tread mill. Most people pack on the pounds since it's just too uncomfortable to be outside all day. Plug in your iPod and start peddling away those pounds before they catch up with you.

There are so many things we can find to do, just put your mind to work. So many people get what they call the winter blues which I completely understand, but refuse to fall into. Do something new like take an online class, or re- arrange your furniture. There are so many ways to keep yourself busy and happy during the winter, you just have to get creative. Pick up those dusters and garbage bags, bag up old clothes and donate them, and save snuggling on the couch in front of the television for later, your behind will thank you in the spring :)

Is our hard work ever rewarded?

 Do you ever sit and wonder if your hard work is noticed or appreciated? Do your good deeds go unrecognized? Does your boss really think your a valuable asset? I know the answer to this question for me and the same applies for others as well.....hard work is never really rewarded.


You would think in NYC of all places that it wouldn't be the case, surely here it would be equal opportunity! Wrong again! I work for a small company and I am the only woman there, however let a man take my idea and re-word it and all the sudden its a genius idea. I am sorry but I really despise people who kiss ass and steal ideas or take credit for work that was not even theirs. The scary thing, it happens far too often and even in places that you would never suspect it.



This doesn't just happen in small companies, this happens in major corporations, government offices, schools and yes even to the men and women who protect us every day, who risk their lives and they go unrewarded because they refuse to join the ass kissers of the world or dare I say; because the color of their skin. I see it all too often and it really makes me angry!


 You do what you have to do day to day, the job you are paid to do and no one says anything, but God help you if you miss one detail. So what can we do about it, do we just sit by and watch the people who don't deserve our stolen glory? Sad to say but yes. Why? Because we are better than those who have to lie, cheat and steal their way up the ladder. We are better than those who just do the work we are paid to do and get hailed the hero of the day, but when we swoop in and solve the big mystery or find the missing piece of the puzzle the higher ups tuck their tales and go hide behind closed doors.


 So what do we do? We do our jobs, we go on with our heads held high and we do what we do best! We continue to kick ass and take names later. We do such a good job that the people who steal our glory know that we are on to them, trust me it will start eating them up inside. What is that called again? Oh yeah, KARMA.


I know I do the best I can do, and I will continue to do so. To all others out there, your doing an awesome job and I appreciate that more than you know, why because we don't have our lips planted permanently on our employers behind! Besides, when we move on to bigger and better things, and that day will come, those who lied and stole to get where they are will be standing there exposed for what they are. They will one day be seen for a fraud because we have moved and are no longer there to be taken for granted!

2011, we have an entire year ahead of us!

Happy New Year! Its 2011 and we have a whole year that is open to just about anything! We all need face it, we aren’t getting any younger. I know this is true for me since I will be 37 on Monday! So what can I do this year? What have I never done before that I want to try, or unfinished things I need to accomplish?

  When I was younger, I use to think the older you get the less opportunities or experiences you have but I now know this is not true. It does not matter if I want to accomplish 1 thing or 100; I know I can do it if I have the want and inspiration. So what will I do this year?

  One thing I know I will do is know my camera inside and out. I purchased a Canon 7D last year and I still don’t know every function, I may still not know them all by this time next year but I will be much closer to becoming the photographer I know I can be! I want to take better photos just for my enjoyment or maybe make a couples wedding photos the better than they ever dreamed they could be.

  Another thing was to start writing again. I was lucky enough to have two of the most amazing teachers in school that inspired me more than I can ever express in words. Mrs. Kaufman, my 5th grade teacher. I moved from West Virginia to Florida away from my family I knew all of my life, my comfort zone. I believe that as a mother she sensed that I needed to be comforted. She was always very kind and caring, very patient and inspired us all in our class just simply by putting all that she was into teaching us and preparing us for things that would be in the years to come. She inspired me to open my imagination and creativity and for that, I owe her more than I can ever imagine.

   I cannot say that my other teachers were bad, but sometimes there are those special people who stand out and she was one of them. I was lucky to find her on Facebook and have visited with her recently. She is still as gracious and beautiful as she was when I was in the 5th grade!

 The other person who was just so amazing and her words and passion for life stuck with me my entire life is Mrs. Unold aka Mama U. I have also reconnected with her on Facebook and got the chance to tell her through Facebook how much she meant to me.

  Mama U is just so full of life. I experienced this in my 11th grade English class. Always so funny and the stories she told us all were just so comical. She was fun but strict, but always an important message through her stories and her teaching. She was as caring as a mother could ever be, informative as a teacher should be and one of the most compassionate human beings I have ever met. I was still a bit shy but she encouraged me. She knew my passion for writing and encouraged me. She always told me that I could achieve the impossible; I just needed to believe in me. Life however takes a turn in the road that you do not plan on and takes you off course, but I believe that destiny leaves you just where you need to be.

  I will be 37 Monday, so who am I what have I accomplished so far? I am an amateur photographer who wants to be the best I can be, I am a mother of three children who I love more than life. I am a personal assistant in a small company who sells photography equipment online. I have not written a best selling novel, but I have added an idea to a great story has been developing for years. I know that one day it will be a blockbuster movie because the inspiration is there J

 I will also brush up on my crochet skills, maybe even start college courses online. Whatever I set my mind to, can and will be done….. You can accomplish anything too; all you need is a little inspiration!

R.I.P Customer Service

 I guess when you talk about customer service, good customer service perhaps we can start it out like a fairy tale. Is it just a child hood fantasy, something that was read to us that we carried in our imaginations? I remember when people smiled when you walked into a business, or they were happy to help and that meant you left a happy customer.

 Today true customer service seems to be dying off and it seems as if the new generations don't care. Where did we go wrong? I remember being in the service industry and knowing if I didn't not give good customer service it meant my job. Now bad service seems to be rewarded. I challenge you to walk into a grocery store, a restaurant, a clothing store or just about any business and find someone who is not on their cell phone, or texting or chatting with their co workers about how drunk they were or what a skank someone is.

 I remember the days when if you did have a bad experience the supervisor or manager were very apologetic. Now days if you have a problem, these people try to turn it on you as if its your problem. I am not saying that its every where, but it sure seems to be the case. Do people not care about their jobs anymore? I mean after all, if there are no customers, there is no business!

 We all have our favorite places whether it be a restaurant, clothing store, electronic store, etc. How do you feel if you continue to have bad experiences over and over? I know me, I get very upset and just send a letter to the corporate office on why I am no longer going to be a paying customer with their company, and to no surprise I never hear a word or get an apology.

Sitting at work sometimes I have witnessed this, and nothing is done. I have to be in the twilight zone, how can anyone treat people the way they do with no type of punishment at all? It makes me sad because now, instead of going to my favorite store, I would much rather sit here at home and make purchases on laptop hoping and praying that I get the correct size. I feel less stressed that some rude little twit isn't pushing up my blood pressure because I am standing in her line and she had to hang up with her boyfriend or her best friend.

 Here is an idea! Why don't these companies wake up and invest in training for their employees, become involved in their company and make sure they are contributing to a successful business. If there is a pleasant environment that means more customers. More customers mean a strong business that supports the economy.  If we are happy customers, that means a happy business. You get more with honey than with vinegar. Yes, I know not all customers are pleasant, however that doesn't mean you carry that attitude and tackle the next helpless person who had nothing to do with what happened before.

Maybe its just me ranting, maybe its just me getting older or just maybe its me remembering how things use to be. Hey why don't we spread the news, the economy is tough and jobs are few in some places. Lets care about our jobs and do the best we can. If your not happy, look for another one. If you are stuck in a company of barbarians who could care less about their employees just wear a graceful smile and breathe while you search for a job that will appreciate all the hard work you do and treat you like someone who wants to be there and to make the customer happy. Have fun but still remember to be professional. Remember no one needs to know your personal business, but you can still carry on a conversation and be pleasant.

This is just something that has been on my mind for a while. I can say all of this because I have worked at a hotel and a bank and a spa, a convenience store and an electronics store. I know that no matter what I do, if I re-enter he service field I can deliver the best customer service just as I was trained to do.

Deep Fried Anything?......

  So its a cold lazy day here  and just really wanting to relax. It's never a surprise that my youngest daughter wants to create in the kitchen. She is an aspiring pastry chef who wants to perfect her craft, and is determined to be the best. I stand behind her 100% so yeah this is gonna cost a pretty penny :).

  First she started out with Chocodiles ( For those who don't know its basically a chocolate covered Twinkie). After tasting those deep fried, I will agree with others, they are NASTY! Then she moved onto deep fried oreos and all I can say is HEAVEN! Her next idea was to fry one of her favorite things and I swore I wold NOT try and didn't care how much she begged! I gave in like I always do, and I have to say, they are very tasty.

  The pickles are sliced up or just into strips and dipped in a simple beer batter, the dropped into either peanut oil or vegetable oil and friend for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown. The pickles are served with a side of spicy ranch dipping sauce that she doesn't care for but I think it gives a nice kick to them.

Growing up in the south, I guess that's just one of the things I missed out on, but I am glad I tried. When it comes to food, I made a promise a long time ago I wouldn't say I didn't like it unless I tried it first and I have kept my word.

I think its going to be a long tasty winter, I hope my cholesterol can handle it!