* * * ALERT * AMBER * * *

2009-11-08T12:05:00.004-05:00

...In case you didn't know...
I have WAAAAAYYYYY
over 1 MILLION VIEWS!
... for like ever

2009-10-18T05:14:00.004-04:00

BK GIRLS NIGHT OUT...

Yo, hOmieZ.... WAD Up?

That's ME, SHARON and RIVKIE in the TOP photo!

HAAAAAAaaaaaa... Sorry. This is one of those 5.18am in the morning blogs ;-)

Thought, I would post some photos from the tonight...

Photo Above- - -> ME and SHARON

2009-09-17T00:28:00.003-04:00

Time is rushing into the New Year... Shana Tova!

Wow... So, things are wayyyyy more busy than expected. I have a manageable amount of things to do but I keep forgetting to do them ;-(

Plus, it is almost my birthday... I will be 26. This is a weird number but--- whatever

Tonight, I went to hear a Rabbi Wallerstein, a popular Brooklyn rabbi. He was extra good tonight. So, it was nice. Plus, after the shur he blessed 200 small jars of honey for people to take home!

Anyway, I hope to get a bunch more done before holiday. This year, I am spending the evenings with with one of my favorite families... the Bitton's. And, I am going to see more friends during the days.

Shana Tova!

2009-09-04T14:15:00.008-04:00

Event Planning...

I am so excited for the ICARE4AUTISM event that is currently in production! It is going to take place on September 22nd... right before my birthday;-)

So, the night before last I went with the organization's event planner, Candice Schaffer, to check out the event space. I also needed to check out the general scene with the type of crowd that the YJP (Young Jewish Professionals) would be bringing in.

So, we went, we conquored, and are closing to wrapping up the details on the upcoming event.

For more information on icare4autism and/or the event please visit www.icare4autism.org

2009-08-31T19:58:00.002-04:00

I said Happy Monday... Now, Bring on the Weekend

So... apparently, my writing at icare4autism comes with a "JOURNALIST" page. Cool. Incase you want to Bookmark it, Stalk it or Check up on it.

Here's the direct link
http://www.icare4autism.org/author/amber-gristak

2009-08-12T21:05:00.008-04:00

2 FULL TIME Jobs

oh, and I am taking college classes

Sometimes, life comes and lands on your head. Meaning- things come in your life that are "good opportunities" so you do them.

For the last couple months, I have been working on a book with a very popular rabbi. And, finishing some college classes. However, I managed to bump into an ad for a position that caught my eye. Flash forward. I have a new position... a second career.

I am now working at I CARE 4 AUTISM... the picture is of me, in my room, before going to my first day of work (8/10/09)

The place is a not for profit and it is amazing. I had never met, barely seen, anyone with autism. Now, I am in the midst of people who are autistic. And, it is also up to me and the rest of the team to pull together an amazing AWARENESS campaign for the blossoming company. My role pertains to writing, interviewing and coming up with innovative online ideas.

To be honest. I feel like I shouldn't have to say much. The concept and the initial framework is very, very impressive. Also, the guy that founded Icare4autism, Joshua Weinstein, seems like such a good person.

BLAH right? ... no. There are certain things he says and does that underline the face that he cares for autistic children and their families--- AND HAS MORALS. I am so blessed to be around good people. So, far I have learned a lot. One thing I learned is that autism affects 1 in 150 children. That is scary!

if you care to find out more about the company go to www.icare4autism.org

...if you don't care then check it out randomly to see if any of my writing is up!

2009-07-31T17:15:00.009-04:00

Mike & Juliet.... Rerun!

Today, I signed on Facebook today and was pretty surprised to see all the Messages and Friend Request, 100+.

Apparently, the show I went on in April, "The Morning Show with Mike & Juliet" played yesterday... from the responses, it seems to be in the San Francisco Bay Area and in Afganistan (where the troops are). Cool!

Anyway. I got some feedback. I figured that I would post a few messages. They are sweet!

MESSAGE - - -> Hello...You don't know me but I just wanted to say that you should take your ex off of your friends list. The damage is already done and keeping him on here will just remind you of the pain from the relationship and I feel it would be easier to get over it rather than have him as a reminder. Just thought I'd give you some feedback. Good luck.

MESSAGE 2 ---> Laying on the couch watching your story on TV. Good riddance to your ex! Good luck!

MESSAGE 3 ----> Hi! Saw you on tv this am, you look so beautiful definitely im your fan now! Lols!

MESSAGE 4 ----> Just saw your story on Mike and Juliet and I wanted to pass along well wishes that you will meet a loving, kind, considerate, trusthworthy man to give you all you deserve in life. Don't let the idiots get you down, hon. You deserve much better and you will certainly find it! :) God bless!

MESSAGE 5 -----> Hey Amber, I was watching you on TV and you are beautiful!!!! I can't believe that any guy would dump you for any reason. Is it possible for you to accept my friendship over facebook, because i would like to get to know you a little better. I am not the cuttest guy in facebook but i am a great man single looking for a beautiful girl like you. By looking at my picture please don't judge a book by it's cover, i am a truly great guy who would like to someday get to know you and just maybe take yoiu out one day. I know yoiu probably would ignore me because you believe i am a "wako" but all i ask is to give me a chance to get to know you little by little and you'll see how you are going to get along with me. lol don't know what else to say to sell my self to you but I am a professional from philly, 35/h/m. hopefully you would answer me.

MESSAGE 6 ----> Wow, you are going to get so many requests now! You are really sweet, you will be fine, I just got dumped by my Ex- finacee on FB too, feel you...

MESSAGE 7 ----> Defriend him Amber!!

MESSAGE 8 ----> hey hey whats up.....no reall rhyme or reason to this note, im just watchin the M&J show lol and decided hey why not see if i can write her and make a new fb friend lol.....im sure u have plenty notes from ppl doin this

MESSAGE 9 ----> First off, not trying to hit on you...lol Very married and very happy. Sorry to hear what that shmuck did to you, not cool. But, he did the rest of the world a favor. He let a beautiful woman go free to the market. You are a very attractive woman with a great smile and sexy eyes. There is someone out there that will appreciate all you have to offer.... his loss... Have a great day!!

MESSAGE 10 -----> I AM MARRIED AND I AM NOT HITTING ON YOU! I saw your story on TV this morning (Bay Area). Sorry that happened to you. Facebook is for the most part a great place and it has enabled me to reconnect with people I otherwise would never had spoken to again. I've been out of high school going on 30 years and it's been a nice ongoing class reunion. It's not about Facebook - it's about character. You will meet someone with character and you will be happy. What he did was childish and petty.

MESSAGE 11 ----> I am currently serving overseas in Afghanistan and while doing a CQ duty, I was channel surfing through all 3 channels:)) and stopped to watch the morning show with you on it.

..... ok... I am far to lazy to keep going with this. Maybe, I will post more later... or after shabbos :-)

To everyone who wrote me messages: I think that is sooo sweet! Thanks so much!

2009-07-29T15:06:00.004-04:00

* * SUPPORT the SETTLEMENTS * *

Typically, I refrain from going too oober serious on this blog. I stay more happy-go-lucky in my online "diary" style.

However, after working in the Jewish News-Media industry for the last 1 yr and a 1/2, I am very, very well-versed on the settlement issue.

I am deeply saddened by the recent LACK of SUPPORT for settlements in ISRAEL. Many charities in the US, which raise money to support these developing areas, are being harassed by the US government via the IRS. Some released documents have even went so far as to say the money collected but the esteemed charities is being used for "terrorist activities."

There are many layers and details pertaining to this issue but ultimately it fundamentally boils down to... Jews and Arabs have settled in an areas that are neither designated for JEWS or ARABS... This is comparable to suburbs popping up on the highway. Neighbors from the east come to live there and so do neighbors from the west.

But, now, because of Investments and Natural Growth (women having children, leading to an increased population in the area) some people and politicians (such as Obama) are opposed to the "settlements."

This is saddening for many reasons...

If you are unfamiliar with this topic please view the following link... http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aSiB6pijo7_I

As a member of the United States, I remember that AMERICAN VOTEs get politicians elected. WE THE PEOPLE are in CHARGE. Remember, OBAMA, you WORK FOR ME, and every other American.

And, to those of you reading this, I know asking you to write your elected officials is a waste of time b/c people ditch this idea quickly.

I ask you to reflect on how much say the UNITED STATES should be allowed to have on other countries. Reccomending things is one thing BUT when does that turn into trying to control another country [ISRAEL]? And when is that too much? Isn't this too much?

2009-07-28T19:33:00.002-04:00

OUT With the Old

As you can tell, I have now retired the old "ALERT AMBER" MASTHEAD... Goodbye, farewell.

2009-07-20T23:22:00.007-04:00

GiRLS LoVE DoUGiE's

Sometimes, a girl just needs to go get her CHICKEN on with some gal-pals. So, that's exactly what my friends (Rivky, Deena and Yael) did tonight. We headed out to Dougie's (in Boro Park) for some Fire Poppers, an Outrageous Onion plus entrees. I had some kind of chicken. It was really good.

Oh- shoot....

I just remembered I brought leftovers home for my dog and left them in the car... Yeah, I will be going downstairs in a minute... Arrrr!

AnywayZ. I snapped a couple quick pic's for your viewing pleasure. Unfortunately, the pic's with one of my friends (Deena) are on HER camera- NOT mine!

FYI...

Rivky is in the Yellow... Yael in in the cream colored shirt with black belt. And I am in white top with brown tube top.

2009-07-19T23:58:00.009-04:00

Who ever coined the phrase "LAZY-SUNDAY" had never met me!

I began the day by trying finish schoolwork...fun. Then I had to leave the BK for the midtown area... After a quick trip through the Battery Tunnel, I was in the city and heading to my meeting.

When I got to the meeting, I had to go over a ton of NEWS related info... I refuse to explain but, there is a possibily of being a news anchor in my future.

However, meeting people on provate roof-top cabanna clubs to rehearse isn't too bad an intro ;-)

After that, I felt like staying on the island so I checked in on my friend and former vocal trainer, Craig Derry. He is such a big deal in the music biz. He developes artists for labels... people like Sean kingston, kevin Lyttle, Backstreet Boys, Marc Anthony and more!

So, I dropped by the studio- sang a few warm-up's then we hit the bar downstairs and I interrogated the bartender so I could have a KOSHER martini.... it was PEACH, actually.

2009-07-16T19:50:00.003-04:00

From BK to Babies...

Last Sunday, I spent time with my friend Yeisha and her 2-month-old son DENNIS.

He is sooo cute!

2009-07-10T14:46:00.002-04:00

Back in BK

OK… SOooooo, I have tried to write this post about 3 times. Yep- seriously! I have been kicked out of my browser a few times and lost the entire thing!

So. Here’s what I have been trying to say. (1) I am back in Brooklyn. Pepper Shaker enjoyed the drive. Even though, at one point I thought was lost. I wasn’t and I made it safely home. Thank G-d. (2) I spent the ending of my Independence day with my roomie Sharon at a jazz-bar-lounge on Coney Island. It was fun (Check out the pic of Sharon). (3) I am working on new projects! I am going to keep them hush-hush for a little while longer but they are rad.

And, following in the footsteps of our forefathers, I have made a declaration: Summer time is my time!

P.S... if you are one of my BK PeopleZ and you are hybernating in DEAL (NJ), Upstate or somewhere other than BY ME... COME BACK. ahora!

2009-06-30T10:36:00.004-04:00

Going Back to BK...

Wow... a road trip doesn't require makeup. Or, does it? Pepper Shaker thinks that I am slaking off by not wearing any :(

BTW... I am expecting the red carpet upon arrival... that means, SHARON (my roommate) has alot of WORK to do to coordinate this :)

I also will need someone to help me get all the stuff I bought out of the car- seriously :)

Also... PAULA & Briseda. I want I do Dunkin with you this week! Roger... you better text me. because you are amazingly entertaining- via text message :) Devoni... I still have the present I got you. Joei... I can't believe you are not coming with me. and the same goes for BRANDON ("EFRON")... except, I didn't just see you.

Also... my darling COMPLICATION of my life....
-------> please remember your JULY 5th Deadline...

2009-06-29T19:03:00.002-04:00

2 OHIO
Again :)

On my post-Chicago trip to Ohio, my good friend Devoni and I explored the usual scene... aka... THE BARN.

Now, NO it does not look like an actual barn that one would find in the middle of a field or a half mile behind your country grandparents main house. It fails to resemble this because it is a restaurant/bar thing.

And, when in Zanesville, one must do as the locals - ---> especially one who was born there (aka, ME). So, that means, I watched the mighty ensemble of current drama unfold as a aspiring rockband played original and cover songs for angst filled folks.

Or as Kayne West would say, "You know what the Midwest is? Young and Restless"

...this is completely TRUE!

2009-06-29T18:41:00.006-04:00

Back to Ohio

Friday
June 26th, 2009

ok... so, Chicago was fun but now it's time to get closer to going back to BK.

Hence, I said "CLOSER."

Here's a random pic from my drive from Chicago, Illinois to Zanesville, Ohio.

2009-06-26T10:48:00.004-04:00

Random Times With Joei & Ber

Recently, while roaming the backstreets of downtown Park Ridge, Illinois, my cousin Johanna aka Joei and myself, learned that you can't "look" for an adventure. You just have to fall into it.

2009-06-25T15:56:00.021-04:00

B-U-R-B-S
I'm 5 minutes away from Chicago
and 1 choice away from relocating

Sometimes, I think I am that Dixie Chicks song, "Ready to Run."

--------> If you are an alien and haven't heard this song, I posted the video at the bottom of the post.

My point...
I know when I need to jump back into life.

For the last year and a half of my life I took less than a hand full of days off work. Two of them were because my publisher thought I had SWINE- FLU because I coughed in the office.

So, now it seems, that I have been long over due for some free, fun and fabulous time. I thought a week in Ohio would do it. But NOOOOOOOO.... the day before I was to leave and go back to Brooklyn, I decided to skip going home and go to visit my Aunt Uncle and cousins (Johanna aka "Joei", Ruth-Ann aka "Lenni"and Micah aka "FICA" ).

Thus far, I have done my fair share of running around. This includes but is not limited to; mani-pedi session with my cousin Joei, seeing the movie "Year One" with my Aunt, reoccuring trips to West Devon Avenue, going to "Old Town" in Chicago to see my longtime friend Lindsay. Plus, I partook in a few of my, now famous, pass-out in the afternoon "naps," of course.

Thus far, all is going well here in the Windy City. Later today, I will be catching up with some more friends who moved to the Chicago area. No idea what we are getting into. With my friends, I am sure it will be entertaining :)

On a similar but side note, my NW of Chicago family got another doggie... It's in ones of these photos. It's the smaller one with the Black and White coloring. They named it CALYPSO and she definitely fits her name. She is very Feisty... the other dog, shown in these pictures, is named TASSY. She has been around a while :)

FYI... these pictures were taken today (6/25/09) in my Aunt & Uncle's backyard. She designed the pond herself a few years ago. It looks nice here but is super-pretty and relaxing in real life!

< ----- Calypso is a super sweet puppy but she likes to jump on me and chew my dresses :(

<----Tassy is in love with playing Frisbee. She has one that is pink and green and torn up from so much play time. However, she still LOVES it. In this picture, she decided to thrown it in the fish pond, then stare at it. In the end, I had to balance on the rocks and dig the Frisbee out of the pond. I am so nice :)

2009-06-21T15:46:00.009-04:00

O - H - I - O

...unseen in the city

My roots may be completely drowned out by my CITIFIED turned BROOKLYN ways. However, before I made my way to the Sunshine State, Big Apple, Jersey Shore and everywhere else- - -> i started out in the Buckeye State aka Ohio. Yes... Many people seem surprised to hear this.

So, with that said, I recently ran away for a week (and I am still in the midst of it) to visit my grandparents. I brought my adorable Chihuahua, Pepper Shaker, with me. She is enjoying the outdoors. She also is enjoying spending time with my 1st chihuahua, Henri Bendel, who decided to move to my grandparents home.

Thus far, my visit home has consisted of: (1) Going to the gym. Which means getting in the sauna for 1-hour at 200 degrees, jumping on the treadmill for 45 minutes and adding a few floor exercises before I call it a day. (2) Shopping. This means hitting up Gabriel brothers, fondly known as GABE's for random shopping steals. Like skirts from THE LOFT for $3. Yes, this place exists. (3) FRIENDS... well, that will begin tonight. And, I am pretty sure it will include going to Devoni's :)

And, about these photos... all these picture's were taken today, by ME, on my grandparents property. Pretty huh?

2009-06-12T10:24:00.008-04:00

If I had a Driveway...

Some days I am reminded of just how annoying living in a city really is. Today has been one of those days. Every Friday (8:30-10 am) is street cleaning day on some streets in my neighborhood.

Every Thursday night I seem to get stuck with the parking spaces in those NO parking spaces. So, on Friday I move my car to another spot. Which means I have to wake up to do it, since I do not work on Fridays :)

Today, that didn't work out as planned. I looked for a parking space for 45 minutes. There were NONE! So, I tried to go get money orders to pay my previous parking tickets (yes, multiple) but when I went to pay they couldn't use my debit because I didn't know my CODE... and they couldn't run it as Debit-check... Why don't I know my card? new card- the last expired.

So, after this, I continued to wonder and waste time. I stopped at Dunkin and then saw a parking space 3 blocks and 1 avenue away. I was tempted... unfortunately, it was directly in front of the home of my EX's mother. He is always over there. And, (1) I don't want to see him (2) I don't want to see her (3) I don't trust him that close to my car.

So, I skipped that space.

In the end, I ended up driving around so long that I was once again allowed to park in front of my bulding... and 1 and 1/2 hours later, I am back home- Weew...

2009-06-07T03:07:00.003-04:00

BK is...

MY FAVORITE WAY!

One of my favorite things about my neighborhood is the random things that happen right outside my window.

I took this picture from my bedroom window, right before the holiday of Shavuot.

It was pretty funny. I was siting at my desk and heard really loud music. I looked out my window and there were Chasidic men dancing down the street.

I loved it and tried to shoot a quick video but my disk was full! So, I grabbed my camera and got a few pic's!

2009-05-19T07:22:00.007-04:00

...Now He's Just a HAS BEEN ;-)

After approximately a month and a half, LIFE Brought Me to BUMP into my EX-BF.

But, ironically, out of all the places to bump into the "FACEBOOK- EX" I bumped into him 2-blocks away from my apartment... standing under the tree we filmed some of the footage for "The Morning Show with Mike & Juliet," on FOX [tv]. Yes, he was standing under the pretty pink tree!

On a positive note... I really felt nothing when I saw him. Actually, that's not true. I felt disguisted.

He stood outside my friends house smoking a cigarette...which, was special since he told me that he DIDN't SMOKE...(Cough) - liar

Then, the moment he saw me, his face went into complete panic. Which may have been caused from the fact that I went on a National Television show to Call him out on his immature B.S.

Regardless, he began to walk away quickly as I walked in his direction. I said "Hey" from about 10 to 15 feet back... he said nothing and sped up his pace... and, I thought WOW- BTL (Big-Time-Loser).

So, I continued to walk to my friends house (who lives across the street from my other friend)... and he was walking in front of me by about 20 feet now. He crossed the street and as soon as he did he turned around and yelled at me. He said, "STOP FOLLOWING ME!"

I was in shock- what a loser. Why would I follow him? He didn't even look good enough to care. I was embarassed for him. So, I called back to him and said... "I'm NOT following You. I'm Going to Jackie's!!!!"

Two seconds later, I opened the gate that leads to Jackie's house , ran up the stairs and proceeded to tell her the story. We talked on the porch and laughed as we watched him walk for a few blocks. The funniest part was that he kept looking back. I wonder if he thought I would chase after him?

After telling like 4 more people in the immediate neighborhood... I continued to get ready for Shabbos. Oh and of course I called one of my rabbi's (yeah, I have like 3). I told him the story and he found it to be hilarious. He especially loved the full-circle part where I saw my EX standing under the beautiful tree we filmed under ;-)

2009-04-25T20:37:00.014-04:00

From Facebook to FOX [tv]

Sometimes life adds in a funny twist. When this happens you can either 'seize the moment' or lose it forever. Recently, I chose to make lemonaid from a big lemon.

a.k.a ----- > When I was offered the chance to go on the "Mike & Juliet Show" on FOX, to discuss my recent "Dumped via Facebook" scenario, I said "ummmm... YES!"

The photos here are a look into the Pre-Recorded session and the LIVE show!

(As shown above) Producer from the show interviews Amber Gristak for the Pre-recorded segment. Filmed on Thursday April 23rd, 2009.

(As shown above) Amber waits to get make-up touched up backstage

(As shown above; L/R) Brett Larson of FOX 5 NY, Amber Gristak (Editor, Jewish Voice) and Donna Barnes (Life & relationship Coach)

Michael Jerrick (Mike) & Amber Gristak pose for a quick shot in the Green Room after the show

Juliet AnnMarie Huddy and Amber Gristak are all smiles after filming the show on Friday April 24th, 2009

To view the Episode SEGMEnT CLICK HERE

2009-04-08T17:35:00.005-04:00

How to Get DUMPED via FACEBOOK

Apparently, there is something that some people decided to not tell me. . . well, there WAS something... because now I know. And, actually, I think I had been told this before but disregarded it. You are wondering what it is????

INTIMIDATION

According to some people, I am very intimidating. Meaning... not, that I am scary, or tough, or seem like I could kick-butt... but, rather that I have "Experianced so much of life" that this is intimidating to those who have not.

Now, to me, this is weird. Considering the fact that I have had to go through so much HELL and GIVE UP so many things (including family & friends) to get to where I am today... which, is a good place - - - but I plan to do even MORE!

Unfortunately, this is my new double-edged sword.

Meaning... I have spoke with alot of people lately... after getting DUMPED via FACEBOOK... yes! I was dumped via FACEBOOK, by a guy who told me he loved me and wanted to spend the next 99 years with me.

AMAZING, eh?

Fortunately, this is only the 2nd time that I have had anyone truly RIP MY SOUL out of my BODY, beat it on the ground, Stomp it silly then HIT me UPSIDE the HEAD with it!

... Thank G-d.

Regardless, I originally thought that it was because of an argument we had about an upleasently- plump failure from L.A (15-years older than him!) repeatedly writting flirty comments on his wall... there is more drama with this but I am ditching it b/c it is soooo lame.

Anyway, when I spoke with him later- - - after being FACEBOOK DUMPED - - - I realized that it wasn't about that... b/c he didn't even mention her in his explaination. All he mentioned was that he wasn't organized "like me" with his work and school... THUS IMPLYING that I am organized and he is not.

I didn't think about it. But, then I spoke to 3 rabbi's, 1 spiritual advisor, 1 spiritual psychologist, all my friends, my grandmother, my mother and many strangers who live in the FLATBUSH area of Brooklyn. And, I learned alot.

Apparently, some people - - - especially GUYS, cannot handle when a female is more established or simply more organized in life than they are. One rabbi said that he most likely feels that he cannot provide for me... and this probably makes him feel very bad! Another, world-renowed rabbi called him "stupid in the head." This made me laugh alot--- but, he was very serious!

EVERYONE- - - except for a few friends - - - said "when he tries to come back, because he will, DITCH IT all together."

He has been trying to talk to me... and I don't know what to say.

Fortunatly, I do know that the man I spend the rest of my life with will be a strong valued MAN who is FAR from SPINLESS... And he will remain grateful for my LOVE and ATTENTION rather than UNGRATEFUL.

2009-03-29T01:40:00.005-04:00

I AM THE BEST GIRLFRIEND...

Yes, I am presenting myself with an award for being the best girlfriend ever... ever.

On that note... I'm not sure if I do or don't have a boyfriend right now. Special I know... details I am keeping quiet until I know WTF is going on...

My only hint to you, as to whats going on, is... jealous middle-aged L.A girls, SUCK!

While uploading photos, organizing my new literary releases that I have decided to GIVE AWAY for FREE (LOVESICK and POSITIVELY MAGIC), and figure out what is going on with Spring Quarter at university I have been jotting random lines down in order to create an amazing poem or blurb or rant about my latest LOVESICK scenario...

here's the lines that have been running in my brain...

You only know what you’ve seen
And you’ve seen nothing

You don’t know me
But, if you did
You would know that
You’re so lucky

Fire is cold compared to my heart

I'm so EMO AMBER tonight, eh?

EMOETRY much?

haha- nothing too profound. Mostly just annoyance and daydreams of the million ways G-d could reimburse a certain unfortunate looking 30-something for causing such bitter chaos in my simply charming yet completely Enchanted life.