Cousin Dinners & Get Togethers

Remember how I said, in my last post, I wanted to get together with my cousins more, well I did during a much needed, and called upon cousin dinner. We try and get together as often as we can, especially when my brother is home from college. This time one of them decided a cousin dinner was absolutely necessary because she needed to talk. Of course, we made it happen.

We were able to catch up, and talk about all of the chaos occurring in our lives. What's great is that there is no need to explain when it comes to describing family members, because we all know these individuals, we get each other in a way that friends don't, and in a way that other family members never will. The bond is incredible, and even though we don't get to see each as often as we'd like, we always try and make time to put together a cousin dinner, once every three months or so. IT really makes all the difference, and it helps keep us in the loop. We all get busy, but it's extremely important, in my opinion, to make time for one another.

Sometimes we forget to take a picture, but I always try and take one at the end of the night, and it came out so great, I thought it'd be a good idea to send a copy to my grandmother. She doesn't get to see us very often, even less than us cousins get to see each other, since she lives in Florida. We try and make a trip there once a year, but sometimes it just doesn't happen. Therefore, my mom thought it'd be a great idea to send her a copy, and I had to agree. We do look good, dontcha think?

We may or may not have placed the camera on someone's car.

Margarita Night

A few weekends ago, I was craving margaritas BAD. So Sal, being the man that loves to make me happy any chance he gets, typed margaritas into google, and you'll never guess what popped up! MARGARITAS - The Mexican Restaurant. We invited another couple, and we were on our way. It was decided that quick that that's where we were going, even though none of us had ever been there before. When we walked in, there was a huge fiesta going on. Little did we know that we just walked into the restaurant's 25th anniversary party! We were handed tickets, which immediately entered us into a raffle to win a Margarita's gift card. The music was loud and everyone seemed happy. I was especially happy when our drinks came, and I could sip on that cold margarita all night! Okay, maybe more than one.

We ordered food, a couple of appetizers and we each had a meal. I had the fajitas, and let me just tell you, they were AMAZING. I don't know whether it was the environment, the flavor, or the margarita's influencing my taste buds, but it was just all great. We talked and talked, over the delicious food, which I of course had to take a picture of - and mind you this was food for four people, Sal's meal isn't even shown!

Isn't that insane? I wasn't lying when I said we ate pretty good. Everyone enjoyed their meals, and the drinks were great too. No I am not advertising for Margarita's, nor am I being paid for this post - but really if you have one by you, definitely try it out! 

As we walked out we were each given a sombrero, and well, that just topped the night off pretty well. Afterwards, we headed to Sal's friends house to enjoy the rest of the night before ending it at a bar. Walking into a bar with sombrero's is hysterical by the way, you may want to try it out just to see the reactions of people. It definitely gave me a good laugh, and I surprisingly wasn't embarrassed. Maybe it was because three other people were walking into the bar with them on, or maybe it was because of the margarita's. 

We were a sight to see that night, and I wouldn't have had it any other way. It was absolutely hysterical and I wouldn't have changed a thing. I was hesitant at first about trying a new place, but it was worth it. Try new things, I promise you'll have a good time, and maybe even create a memory that'll last forever.

Good job Sal, I might just listen to your next restaurant suggestion, without hesitation.  

A Fashion Show

When asked if I wanted to attend my cousin's 8th grade Fashion Show, I was extremely excited. I knew I had to intern until 4:30pm, but I knew if I rushed home, I'd be able to make it by 6:00pm. Now I was excited because my cousin's seem to just ignore big events in their life, and don't seem to really invite any family. Okay, maybe they don't ignore them, but it just slips their mind that their family would be interested in attending. It is upsetting to say the least, so when I got this invitation, my mother and I said yes! It turned out my older cousin was invited as well, so we had a great time sitting there and catching up.

It turned out there was a tricky tray and although my mom and I didn't win anything - I had a glass of wine, and her a mixed drink and we enjoyed the night out together, bonding with our family. Tricky trays get a wee bit boring when you don't win anything though, and so we sat there watching the other tables winning the great items, and soon it became dull. We wanted to see my cousin walk out on that stage in her formal and casual wear, shining with that smile on her face, and after dinner, when we saw her, I couldn't believe it.

She looked incredibly beautiful. I'm not just saying this because she's my cousin either. She looked perfect, with her dress and smile so large, it made you smile. In fact, just looking at the picture now, I'm smiling. You can't tell me you aren't either!

Dessert came before they came back out for casual wear, but at that point I just wanted to see my cousin up there on the platform again. Seriously. I know it may be shocking that I didn't want dessert, no matter how good it looked, because I mean really who am I to turn down dessert? Okay, maybe I had the cheesecake, but then I forgot about all of the rest as the 8th graders were walking down the aisle. I kept looking at the brochure, waiting for my cousin's name to be called, and when it was, I was in awe again. The colors she was wearing were incredible together, and I must admit I don't think I would have been able to pull off yellow pants, but she did!

I have to say I am so proud of her for all she has accomplished, and the fact that she's graduating 8th grade, and I'm graduating college in just one month, not even - scares me. It made me think how fast time really does fly. I remember my cousins when they were born, crawling around, crying because they didn't want to do their homework, playing... just being kids - and know they're far from that! I just couldn't believe my eyes. My cousins had grown up, and I just didn't want to believe it. From that point forward, I made it a point to talk to my cousins more often, and see them more often as well. I can't believe I had been so wrapped up in my own world, that I forgot they were growing up too. I always envisioned myself as the cool cousin, who would drive them around and be there whenever they needed me, but I wasn't that cool cousin. They didn't call or hang out as often as I would have liked, but neither did I. I vowed from that day forth that I would try and spend as much time as I could, and see them as often as I could - because I wanted to have the type of relationship with my cousins that my mom had with her cousins, and so far I think it's going better than expected. I hope it continues to move forward, in a positive manner.

Jason Aldean Concert

As most of you should know already I am a country lover. I love love love country music, and hope to one day travel to Tennessee. I'm a country girl at heart with my cowgirl boots and my denim cut off shorts. I know you're probably wondering how I pull that off in New Jersey, but I do... of course, with the help of country concerts! Sal was able to get tickets for the Jason Aldean concert, featuring Luke Bryan and Lauren Alaina.


I was ecstatic, and when we got there I couldn't stop smiling. A few conclusions I've come to by the end of each artists performance:

Lauren Alaina is adorable. I didn't realize she was that young, because she has such a powerful voice! I haven't really watched American Idol, probably since the Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood years, so I didn't know much about Lauren except that she sang country, and sang she did. I would go to a concert if she was headlining it, without a doubt. 


Luke Bryan... well there are a few words I have in mind when I hear his voice, or name - hot. Okay, so maybe just one word comes to mind, but he's one hell of a country artist. I would really recommend anyone to go see him. Not only is he a great country singer, he's a great performer. It's sad to admit that Luke stole Jason's show, but it's true. The way he moves up there on stage and gets the crowd involved - seriously he's amazing. 


Jason Aldean is a great artist, don't get me wrong... but I have to admit I'd see Luke Bryan and many more artists before I see Jason Aldean again. He put on a great show, but I only know a few of his songs, and don't see myself learning any other ones. Maybe that'll change but for now that's how it is.

So the concert was spectacular. At one point, Luke Bryan and Lauren Alaina brought two people on for a 'shake it' dance off, brought a baby on stage, and even gave cups of who knows what [most likely whisky] to fans! I couldn't believe it. Half way through Jason Aldean's set, he came to the middle of the Izod center, along with Luke Bryan and played a few songs together. They were only a few rows ahead of us, and I couldn't believe it!

The lack of good pictures is due to me losing my camera charger and therefore, not being able to bring my camera. These were all taken on the Iphone... some are better than others. Oh I did find my charger though.. it was in the garbage, woops!

While they were performing, everyone got as close as they could. These girls behind Sal and I, had to have been about 10 years old were enjoying the show with their grandparents. They left them to get closer, and when they came back they were in tears. Luke Bryan saw them in the audience, took them backstage and signed everything he could for them, gave them hugs, and I'm sure took pictures with them. Even though they were only 10, I wanted to jump them and steal every single Luke Bryan signature. Okay, okay, I didn't do it, but I was thinking it. I was extremely jealous. I mean I could have pretended I was 10 right? I don't look too much older than that anyways.

I have to thank Sal for taking me to yet another country concert. It was so much fun, and I loved every minute of it. Hopefully this summer is filled with many more country concerts!

New Blog Design

I've been wanting to redesign my blog for the longest time now, and I didn't have the time to sit and learn how to do it myself, and I wasn't about to pay someone to re-do my blog, that I currently just write for myself, and maybe a handful of followers that actually read it. I am currently attending college and just finishing up my internship, so I have zero money to spend on things other than the necessities. So when my friend, Ardiana, over at Miss Ardiana, tweeted that she had just redesigned her blog, I knew I had to check it out!

It's such an adorable and simple layout, so I thought I'd ask her if she could redesign mine. I mean what was the worst that she could say? No? I gave it a shot, and she quickly responded YES! I was so excited. She asked me what colors I'd like it, and of course I said grey, black, white, and light green. She said she wouldn't be able to have it done until sometime next week, and I was fine with that because I wasn't paying her, and I hadn't really been on my blog much to care that it would take a few days. Fortunately for me, she started working on it right away and it's already done! I gave her a few suggestions, but she knew exactly what I'd like because she knows me pretty well! I am so thankful and I absolutely love the transformation of my blog. It's simple, yet elegant.

It has changed, just as I have.

So if you're looking to redesign your blog, head over to Ardiana's page and send her an email or comment  her! I'm sure she'd love to do it for you! Tell her I sent you!

Daddy's Birthday

My daddy's birthday was on March 1st, and we celebrated by going out to dinner with a few of his friends. It was nice to be able to go out as a family, even if my brother wasn't there due to school. We've had a rough couple of months and he deserves to go out and enjoy himself, especially on his birthday. He's not one for celebrations, but we bug him anyways. I was able to get him some lottery tickets, and he even won a few bucks! It's always a better present when the person you got them for, actually wins!

We enjoyed dinner together, and had many many laughs. I didn't want the night to end because we were spending time together, and that's so important to me... especially because I'm graduating college, and will probably soon move out and get a job. 

Happy Birthday Dad. I love you with all of my heart. Here's to another great birthday next year!

Hershey Visit

In February, I went and visited a friend in Pennsylvania. She's currently interning at Hershey's Children's Hospital, and I had to visit another hospital as an assignment, so I thought it'd be perfect! Even though I hate driving, and I'd much rather be in the passenger seat, I grabbed my things for the day and headed to Pennsylvania. The ride wasn't half bad, and when I arrived, we enjoyed a nice lunch in the hospital cafeteria, the cafe that had just been redone. I had brought lunch to save money, so it was quite enjoyable to sit there and catch up!

Afterwards, I met the Child Life Department and I was taken on a tour of the hospital, at least the parts where there are child life specialists, including the E.R, the inpatient floor, and even radiology. It was great because I was able to see them at work in different departments. The hospital I intern at only has child life specialists in the PICU, outpatient hematology/oncology clinic, and on the general inpatient floor.

My friend had to intern for the rest of the day, so I left and explored the town by myself, which is quite unusual for me. I never do things like this by myself, so I was extremely proud. I ended up finding Hershey's Chocolate Factory, so I went inside and bought myself a hot chocolate, which was beyond amazing - seriously the best hot chocolate I've ever had - it even looked pretty too!

I walked around for awhile, debating on doing anything other than shop at the factory, but decided to just shop around because I'd like to go back there with my family and do the actual tour and make my own chocolate! While I was there, I  not only picked up a hot chocolate for myself, but I also bought my dad homemade hershey chocolate for his birthday on [March 1st]. I had them add a little something too! Talk about the best daughter ever right?

He was so thankful, and definitely enjoyed the surprise! When I headed back to the hospital, we went to her apartment to relax and talk about future plans - where we're headed and all that we still have left to do in our internship. We decided to get dinner together before I headed back to Jersey. We couldn't decide on a place at first, but then settled on a local place that she had been to once before. 

It was delicious, and we even had leftovers to take home... which isn't a good idea when you're driving home late at night. The smell made me want to rip open the leftover container and begin eating it while driving, which probably isn't safe! 

I had such a good time, and although I haven't been back there yet, I definitely want to take a trip there this summer with my family. I'll tell ya one thing though, I miss my friend like crazy and can't wait till she gets home from her internship!

Just Wasn't My Month

February that is. I realize it's now April, but I haven't been able to blog in about a month because I haven't had the time.

I had a pretty low month. It started out like any other month, of course... fast and with loads of events and goals to accomplish.

February 7th ... I got into my first accident, ever. I was driving to my internship, and it was just like any other day. Unfortunately, for me, it wasn't like any other day. There was a ton of traffic on one of the highways, and I bumped into the car in front of me. I felt incredibly sorry, and I made sure I apologized a ton of times. Luckily, no one was hurt and everything was taken care of quite fast once the police arrived. I am glad to say that I haven't been in an accident since, and I'm much more aware of the cars that are around me when I'm driving, especially in traffic.

On that Friday, February 10th, I had to call out of my internship sick, because in the middle of the night I woke up and was sick all night, every hour on the hour. I never, ever call out of work and I was extremely upset when I had to. I waited until the morning because I thought I'd be better by then, but I wasn't. What's even worse is that when I'm sick, I pop blood vessels on my face. Yes, I look even worse than you may look when you throw up. Yup .. I said it... I threw up.

Thankfully I also had the whole weekend to rest up, which is exactly what I did. I called out of work on Saturday and relaxed both days with Sal ... watching Breaking Dawn and catching up on Friends episodes, since we've been watching all of the seasons on DVD, even though we've already seen all of the episodes.

You'd think that would be all of it right? Well, no. The next Friday, February 17th, I fainted at the hospital while interning. I was in distracting a patient who was getting a medical procedure done, and I had to excuse myself. I started to feel really hot, and I knew I needed to get fresh air. I walked out of the room and started heading to the office in the back. I was starting to see black spots and I couldn't hear. It sounded like everyone was far away from me. I was afraid and I told my supervisor that I didn't feel good. I literally felt like I was dying, and I was so afraid. She knew it immediately and directed me to a chair, which is where I fainted, for what seemed like a few seconds. Within minutes they had me in a hospital bed, saying how pale I looked, and asking me all medical questions. I was so overwhelmed I began to cry, even though I was so thankful that I had woken up and was being taken care of. I felt fine afterwards, but of course they took me to the ER instead, in a wheelchair, hooked up to oxygen. There, they did a finger stick to check my blood sugar, which I didn't even feel. They did an EKG because I have a heart condition, and they even checked if I was pregnant. All of which came back fine, and I wasn't pregnant. They had me eat lunch in the ER and monitored me for an hour. Thankfully, my friend - the other intern, was able to come and eat lunch with me. Eventually they sent me home, even though I didn't want to leave.

My supervisor was always asking me if I was okay or if I was going to faint, but thankfully that has stopped. It was quite annoying to hear that everyday, because I didn't want them to think that I was going to faint during every medical procedure.

I honestly couldn't wait for February to end. I'm not one to rush time by, but I couldn't stand one more bad thing happening to me in one month, or even two weeks!

So here's to a better year... a much better year.