It is a Joisey Way of Thinking

Joisey Kayfabe -- Why I Will Not Be at Wrestlemania 29 on April 7, 2013

2012-02-16T22:41:00.004-05:00

It has been a hot minute since I wrote a Joisey Kayfabe blog. Let me explain what this feature is all about first for those that do not remember -- I am a professional wrestling fan. I have been a fan since the tender age of six; watching AWA/NWA/WCW/WWF with my older brother. We still watch professional wrestling today as it is one of the fandoms that has bonded us. The only difference is that I will travel for professional wrestling shows with David, my fiancé' who I also met through the amazement of professional wrestling. i love to talk about professional wrestling; even took photos for some professional wrestling companies and for some of the wrestlers you see today on your television. i had a column in my college newspaper (The Pauw Wow at Saint Peters College located in Jersey City, New Jersey) about professional wrestling. I loved writing it so decided to bring it back in the blogosphere.

So this feature today is about why I vehemently hate the decision to hold Wrestlemania 29 in Metlife Stadium located in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Ever since David and I started dating we have traveled together for Wrestlemania. My first Wrestlemania on the road was Wrestlemania 23 in Detroit, Michigan at lovely Ford Field. Since then I have been to Wrestlemania 24 at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida which was coincided with my birthday so it was an awesome trip; Wrestlemania 25 in Houston, Texas; was supposed to go to Wrestlemania 26 in Phoenix, Arizona but due to being a klutz and breaking my left foot this event does not exist in my mind, and Wrestlemania 27 in one of my favorite cities in all of the United States, Atlanta, Georgia. I am currently working out details for Wrestlemania 28 in Miami, Florida.

When I heard the announcement of Wrestlemania 29 in my fair state of New Jersey, I cringed. Here is why.

1: I like to travel for Wrestlemania. It sort of gives me an excuse to visit every state in the United States which is one of my longtime goals.
2: The Wrestlemanias listed above that I have attended have all been inside of a football stadium with a dome. Metlife Stadium does not have a dome. Weather in April in the tri-state area can be tricky. The phrase "April showers bring May flowers" still applies here. Also who is to say it will not snow? What will happen then? I do not think there are plans to build a dome between now and then; then again I could be wrong.
3: Getting to Metlife Stadium is a BITCH especially if you live in New Jersey and do not drive.
4: The tri-state area should have had Wrestlemania 30. It is the tradition that Wrestlemania 1, 10, and 20 happened in Madison Square Garden where Wrestlemania originated. For Wrestlemania 30 to happen anywhere but MSG it will just not feel right. To use a show title from Ring of Honor -- Tradition Continues. I like traditions.

With these reasons said, I sincerely doubt I will be in attendance for Wrestlemania 29. Hall of Fame ceremony, Charity Art auction, Wrestlemania Axxess plus other various special events -- that is a different story as those events are held indoors. But for this Joisey Girl to sit in the possible cold for my love of professional wrestling? Sorry Vince...you have to do much better than that.

Things I Love Thursday -- February 16th Edition

2012-02-16T15:00:00.002-05:00

Happy Love Week every one! Yes I celebrate Valentines Week, not Day. Better yet I celebrate love all year around so can I just say Happy Love Year? Hehe...anyway with that question posed here is what has made me swoon and gleam with luvre this week

~~Gilmore Girls returning to the daytime lineup on ABCFamily.
~~Being invited to a NYFW pop fashion show.
~~My new Minnie Mouse ears hat courtesy of The Head Said
~~Getting involved in a Photo a Day Challenge
~~Leaving magazines for people to read at Starbucks
~~Having me parties more often.
~~Catching up on my best picture Oscar nominated movies.
~~Thinking of blog posts to write.
~~Wearing a heart every day in the month of February. It is my totem for radical self love!
~~Having a conversation with a 3rd grader about the television show The Big Bang Theory.
~~Getting myself a new iPod.

What are you so much in love with this week?

11 Things/Questions Feature

2012-02-12T18:50:00.001-05:00

A fellow blogger tagged me in her blog listing eleven things about herself plus answering eleven questions...I guess it is time for me to play along...

Anyways, here goes and I am going to break the rules here -- If you read my blog and want to do this on your own blog, feel free. If not it is cool.

The Rules of the Game
1. You must post these rules

2. Each person must post 11 things about themselves on their blog.

3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post and create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.

4. You have to choose 11 people to tag and link them on the post.

5. No tag backs and you legitimately have to tag 11 people. (Eh whatever...I break the rules!)

11 Random Facts About Moi
1: My desk at work has to have some sort of organization or else I will freak out.
2: My favorite band is Queensryche even though their style of music has changed. I have seen them in concert a total of 17 times.
3: Both of my dogs are rescues and I refuse to buy animals.
4: I have taught every grade in my school building in the 8 years I have worked there.
5: I hold two degrees (Bachelors of Arts in Political Science/English, Masters of Arts in Education), hold two teaching certifications (K-5th grade, 6th-8th grade language arts) but yet can not pass a written driving exam.
6: I met my fiancé' David while working at a professional wrestling show back in 1998. He did not ask me for my number until 7 years later (2005).
7: There is a graphic novel and a regular book always in my bag.
8: Cuddles from my dogs are the best way to cure stress.
9: i just learned that I am allergic to soy sauce. Not soy milk or soy beans, just the sauce. Ugh.
10: I do not like to have the same accessories as everyone else.
11: My current style obsession is anything that sparkles.

11 Q’s from Kayte!
1. What’s your computer desktop wallpaper a picture of?
Here is my desktop wallpaper:

2. How many pillows do you sleep with?
I sleep with three pillows and one of them I have to cuddle with.

3. Who was your first love?
My first love was when I was 13 years old. His name was Sidney and he played the tuba in a marching band for a local high school. Tall, lanky, glasses, well read, definitely a geek/nerd. I wonder where he is/what he is up to.

4. If you could fly, where would be the first place you would go?
PARIS, FRANCE.

5. What’s your favorite love song?
This always fluctuates.I am a fan of the power balls Right now I would have to say "Another Rainy Night (Without You) by Queensryche, More than Words by Extreme, or Heavy in Your Arms by Florence + the Machine.

6. Have you ever gone to the movies alone?
I go to the movies alone all the time. It does not bother me.

7. If you could only eat one food for a year, what food would it be?
One food for a year....would have to be either tacos or pasta.

8. Do you have a signature piece of jewelry?
Yes I do -- my engagement ring, my heart bracelet, and my bow ring.

9. What’s the first website you visit every day?
AOL for email.

10. What is your opinion on tattoos?
I love them. I have one myself and I am thinking about getting another one.

11. What’s your favorite charity, and why do you support it?
My favorite charity is The Bowery Mission. I support it because it gives people a second chance and a place to restart their lives. I donate new clothes every three months.

If you decide to do this meme, here are the 11 questions I would love for you to answer. Just put the link so I can read it in the comment section below.

11 Questions from Dani

1: When did you last cry in front of another person? by yourself?
2: Would you be willing to reduce your life expectancy by five years to become extremely attractive?
3: If you could take a one month trip anywhere in the world and money were not a consideration, where would you go and what would you do?
4: Do you have any specific long term goals?
5: Are there people you envy enough to want to trade lives with them? Who are they?
6: When you look back on past romances, do you ever wonder what you saw in a former lover?
7: When was the last time you felt so much in love you were almost overwhelmed by your emotions?
8: How forgiving are you when friends let you down?
9: What do you strive for most in your life?
10: Would you like to be famous? In what way?
11:Who do you admire most? How does that person inspire you?

February Photo a Day Challenge -- Part 2

2012-02-12T12:00:00.004-05:00

Here is Part 2 of the February Photo a Day Challenge! Have you joined me in this? If so leave me a comment below or tweet me the link at www.twitter.com/JoiseyDani . Here we go!

February 6: Dinner

February 7th: Button

February 8th: Sun

February 9th: Front Door

February 10th: Self Portrait

February 11th: Makes you happy

February 12th: Inside your closet

Tune in next week for Part Three!

Joisey Review: The Vow starring Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum

2012-02-08T22:27:00.003-05:00

Today I had the splendid opportunity since I went to a Super Bowl party hosted by the New York Social Network to attend an
advanced screening of The Vow starring Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum. The screening location was the AMC Lincoln Center (68th Street and Broadway) which is steps away from the Hotel Empire and since I was in my purple tights I felt very Gossip Girl. But that is not the point of this post.

Here is the storyline in a nutshell: Paige and Leo are a happy newlywed couple whose lives are changed by a car accident that puts Paige in a coma. Waking up with severe memory loss, Paige has no memory of Leo, a confusing relationship with her parents, and an ex-fiance she may still have feelings for. Despite these complications, Leo endeavors to win her heart again and rebuild their marriage. This movie is inspired by true events.

i will admit -- since it is Love Month, I was in the mood for a romantic drama. What I did not know is that this movie was written by the same people that wrote Never Been Kissed; a movie I loved. But the problem with this movie is that it moves very slow and you can tell there is no chemistry between Channing and Rachel. It seemed that this movie was trying to recreate the spark and magic of The Notebook, which also stars Rachel McAdams, but it just simply falls flat. Plus the ending makes no sense as it abruptly ends. I did enjoy the scenery of Chicago and the formula of snow as the backdrop of a sappy romance with two people who are obviously crazy about one another but it just seemed too manufactured for my taste.

Again since it is coming out in the theater during Valentines Day weekend, it will probably be number 1 in the box office. Does it deserve it? I am not too sure.

Stunning Things About Moi

2012-02-07T21:49:00.003-05:00

Danielle was fairly certain she could list eight wonderful stunning things about herself that others did not know....

Yes yes I am writing in the third person but I did that in a way to get my brain flowing. Here is another exercise for a life filled with radical self love!

1: Journaling is my writing forte'.
2: I am great at Math in my head.
3: I love trashy reality television.
4: I have a very unique laugh
5: i have no problem doing things on my own.
6: i can make small talk with practically anyone.
7: I have an amazing hold of concentration.
8: i am a proud bookworm

What about you? What eight wonderful stunning things do I not know about you?

February Photo A Day Challenge

2012-02-05T12:00:00.004-05:00

For the next 29 days, I will be participating in a February Photo a Day Challenge right here on It is a Joisey Way of Thinking! Each day I have a photo theme as outlined above, and every Sunday I will post seven days worth of themes along with the photos. I will be diligent about this as I would like to get back into photography and well without an iPhone and the fabulous app known as Instagram, my camera will just have to do! Let us get started with this weeks themes!

February 1st: My view today

February 2nd: Words

February 3rd: Hands
(did not say it had to be human hands....)

February 4th: A stranger

February 5th: 10am

Wanna take this challenge with me?

Currently....

2012-02-04T20:27:00.002-05:00

Linking up with The Paper Mama for her Self Photo Challenge!

Obsessing over…

All of the fabulous restaurants I am trying in New York City lately.

Working on…

Finishing "Let the Right One In" by John Ajvide Lindqvist and writing more personal blog posts.

Thinking about…

All the fun things I have planned for this month! From various movies, book signings, seeing my fiancé', having me parties...as well as what I will do with my tax refund once it comes in.

Anticipating…

Spring Break in April!

Listening to…

Florence + The Machine "Ceremonials". Such a great voice and great music.

Eating…

Nothing right now. Just drinking my citrus and cinnamon spices tea from Twinings.

Wishing…

Wishing I could visit Paris, France again in the future and to buy all of the books in The Strand.

Things I Love Thursday -- February 2nd Edition

2012-02-02T17:00:00.004-05:00

HAPPY GROUNDHOG DAY EVERYONE! Which groundhog do you follow -- Punxsutawney Phil or Staten Island Chuck? Do you even follow it at all? In any event it is a fun holiday. Also this is Valentines Month! Love month! Woohoo! Now you should love yourself all year long but maybe this month you will step it up a bit? I know in my own path of radical self love (thanks to Gala Darling) writing gratitude lists makes me feel so so much happier and lovely. So why don't you join me on this little journey of love and positivity? With that let us begin....

Here is what I am so much in love with this week,

~~Wearing my Groundhog Day headband all day and not giving a care what people thought. I called myself New Jersey Danielle and "predicted" an early Spring!
~~The weather lately in NYC! Yesterday I sat in Union Square Park listening to Florence + The Machine over and over for two hours straight and it was the most blissful time.
~~Getting into The Guild.
~~Playing Guitar Hero at work and rocking out all of the words of Epic by Faith No More and The Final Countdown by Europe.
~~Having Zumba class at work; even though it kicked my ass I powered through it the best I could!
~~That it is LOVE MONTH!
~~The Hillywood Show parody of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1. Watch below.

~~Finally joining the website Pinterest! It is addicting though but there are worse things to be addicting too.
What are you so much in love with this week?

Things I Love Thursday -- January 26th Edition

2012-01-26T17:00:00.005-05:00

Hi there fellow readers and writers! Welcome to another week of Things I Love Thursday where I tell you what I am in love with this week. In my pursuit of happiness, one of the things that I have noticed that the more grateful you are, the more happy you are. So have gratitude and be happy! With that said, here is what I am swooning in love with this week:

~~Today is my close friend Michael's birthday! On Twitter his name is Peelman126 -- go wish him a happy birthday please?
~~Getting the stomach flu. Whoa whoa whoa...you are probably saying why in the blue hell would you be so in love about that? Easy -- it caused me to slow down. A lot of times my life is rush rush rush and always busy. This was a way for my body to go "whoa there Dani, we need a break!" Got lots of sleep and rest and honestly feel a lot better.
~~Having Lauren and Veronica sing "Soft Kitty" to me on Facebook and Twitter to make me feel better.
~~Receiving cute e-cards from David when I was not feeling well.
~~Making plans with friend to see the movies that received Best Picture Oscar nominations.
~~This article: 20 Pictures that will make you feel HAPPY

What are you swooning in love with this week?

The Television Watching Routine

2012-01-25T16:41:00.003-05:00

Over on my frien Kelli's blog she wrote a list about what television shows she watches religiously. Now I will admit I probably watch more television than I should but it is also a great way to relax and escape the humdrum life for a little while. With that said here is my television watching list!

Shows I love and watch almost religiously
Sex and the City
Gilmore Girls
Gossip Girl
90210
The Big Bang Theory
WWE Monday Night Raw
WWE Friday Night Smackdown
Supernatural
The Secret Circle
How Do I Look?
Jane By Design
Once Upon a Time
The Walking Dead

Shows I want to start watching.
The Guild
Suburbgatory
How I Met Your Mother

What television shows do you watch?

Doing Things for Others Brings You to the Land of Positivity!

2012-01-24T14:35:00.004-05:00

Sometimes, the best way to feel good about yourself is to invest some time in others.

Some wise words from Megan over at Charade Style. Now I have a little confession to make -- I do a lot of things for others and you know what it makes me feel GOOD. In this day and age it is all about the individual, what can you do to make yourself stand out? Well why not helping others be what sets you apart? You might also attract like minded individuals to your cause. Right now my own individual emphasis is finding happiness. As Megan has asked -- We can choose to be positive life forces or we can choose to be negative life forces; what do you choose? I will admit I did have a relapse last week with David when he invited me to watch the NFC Championship game with his friends. I became over-analytical, overzealous, and over thought everything instead of just saying "you know what? He enjoys sports and wants to share it with me so why not go?" I did go, made the best of the situation as I do not know a lot about sports, and had fun. David's team won too and is off to the Super Bowl and he called me his "good luck charm". He roots for the New York Giants by the way.

Now that I have rambled on...let me outline for you some of the helpful things I do for others and that make me feel good/positive. These things can be small or big. The point is to invest in some time in others. Everyone needs some sort of support group and people like it when you are interested in them. Here we go:

1: Go through your closet and donate some items you know you will never wear again to a shelter. I did that three times for The Bowery Mission and it felt so good.

2: Holding the door open for people. Even if they do not say thank you, you at least know you did something nice.

3: Assisting a lost tourist in NYC or whichever city you might live in. Offer places to go too!

4: Volunteer at a library to help someone learn how to read.

5: If your friends have an interest that you really do not know that much about (for example David is a big sports fan) ask them about it! David loves it when I do this. It shows that you care about their life and what they are into.

6: Making a cup of tea for my mom, brother, or father just the way they like it.

7: Bringing in heavy groceries and helping put them away in my house.

What do you do for others?

I Will Never: Read This Book

2012-01-21T13:53:00.002-05:00

Through the power of TheMarySue.com, which in my opinion is the best website for geek girl culture, I found this website/blog called Being Geek Chic and she had this fantastic blog post called I never: read this book. It got me thinking -- I am a book worm; what books will I never read? Well here it goes..

1: Any book by the lame brains on Jersey Shore. I am talking these titles: A Shore Thing by Snooki, Here's the Situation: A Guide to Creeping on Chicks, Avoiding Grenades, and Getting in Your GTL on the Jersey Shore by Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino, The Rules According to JWOWW: Shore-Tested Secrets on Landing a Mint Guy, Staying Fresh to Death, and Kicking the Competition to the Curb by Jenni Farley, and so on. Here is why: Most of these books I have mentioned are ghost-written meaning they did not put in the grueling work that it takes to write a book. Also, as a New Jerseyian; an Italian-American New Jerseyian at that, these books just put a foul taste in my mouth as now most people view us as these type of people and it is sickening.

2: Dollhouse by Kim Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian and Khloe Kardashian. Ugh. I do not need to know every waking thing about these socialites. Are they smart in the realm of business as they have trademarked themselves? Yes but sometimes you just need privacy in your life. Mystery does go a long way.

3: Stieg Larsson's Millennium Trilogy: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played with Fire, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest, Plus On Stieg Larsson by Stieg Larsson. This selection I might get a lot of flack for. I used the 100 page rule for the first book and I could not get through it. Incredibly boring as well as if anything is overhyped as the flavor of the month, I tend to shy away from it.

4: Jacqueline Kennedy: Historic Conversations on Life with John F. Kennedy by Caroline Kennedy. Another book that falls into the invasion of privacy. Also Caroline Kennedy has done nothing except come out of the right womb and has not had to work for anything in her life. Ugh.

What books fall into your I Will Never Read list?

Things I Love Thursday -- January 19, 2012 Edition

2012-01-19T17:00:00.007-05:00

Why hello there fellow readers and bloggers! Here is what I am in love with this week.

~~Liveblogging on Yahoo for the Golden Globes. Here are my comments that made it on the blog along with the timestamp:
8:43 Comment From Danielle Dadamo Thank you Vera!
8:50 Comment From Danielle Dadamo i do not like her dress. It is too long. (talking about Madonna)
8:51 Comment From Danielle Dadamo Plus what is up with the one glove? Homage to MJ? (still talking about Madonna)
8:57 Comment From Danielle Dadamo I would like to thank all of the panelists for this. This is fun and the fact that I can be part of a live blog for an awards show is amazing!
8:59 Comment From Danielle Dadamo Yeah sure Vera! Just joking with you.
9:12 Comment From Danielle Dadamo Why does George Clooney have a cane?
9:23 Comment From Danielle Dadamo Loved Midnight in Paris!
9:26 Comment From Danielle Dadamo Nice factoid Vera!
9:37 Comment From Danielle Dadamo Daniel: It shows that they are grounded.
9:44 Comment From Danielle Dadamo COME ON JOHNNY GAELICKI!
9:45 Comment From Danielle Dadamo JOHNNY WAS ROBBED!
9:48 Comment From Danielle Dadamo That sounds interesting Vera...
10:07 Comment From Danielle Dadamo The movie was Lean On Me, Rich
10:25 Comment From Danielle Dadamo Show the ring Jessica Biel!
10:58 Comment From Danielle Dadamo This has been a lot of fun! Thank you!

~~Joining Plaent Fitness. I work out three days a week now. Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays.
~~Watching Golden Globes and discussing it with my pal Josy.
~~The television show Jane By Design on ABCFamily. It is a mixture of Clueless with Don't Tell Mom the BabySitters Dead. Love it!
~~Chinese New Year Celebration in 4 days! I can not wait!
~~Thinking of what to get myself for my birthday.
~~The excitement of football playoffs, even though my teams are not in it.
~~Going to a New Orleans Saints bar in NYC and soaking up the experience.
~~Going swimming in the middle of January in a heated pool. It was lovely!
~~Latest salad obsession: Mixed greens with apple, cranberries, feta cheese, and greek dressing. Holy yum!
~~Getting back into studying French.
~~Reading before work.

What are you in love with this week?

Epic First Weekend of 2012

2012-01-08T18:51:00.000-05:00

This weekend was a bunch of firsts -- first visit of a gallery in 2012, first walk in 2012, first donation in 2012, first event in 2012. i am spending a lot of time doing things that I enjoy without the crutch of an excuse and i am so much in love. I feel so lucky that I live in an area that does not get boring and that there is always something new to try, new to go to, new to eat. This weekend the weather was fantastic. Not too cold, not too warm, just PERFECT.

On Friday, I went to TNA Wrestling in Long Island. This has become my New Year tradition apparently. it seems the past three years during the first weekend of January I have wound up at a TNA Wrestling show in Long Island. The show this year sucked in my opinion. It just seemed to go through the motions -- this was the card and that was it. Nothing memorable, nothing exciting. I am glad that David got the mask that Jeff Hardy painted autographed. After the show we were off to Sonic where I got two Chicago dogs and they were quite nummy.

Saturday was all sorts of epic. First I had some donations to give to The Bowery Mission so I went there first; even though my bag ripped! They are always quite appreciative of the donations though. Since the weather was gorgeous with a capital G, I walked to Mulberry Street where I visited the which is an NYC event space. Right now, the latest installation is an indoor pop up park calledPark Here!. Here is the official description: Park Here is Openhouse Gallery's response to frigid winter. It's a pop-up park in the heart of Nolita that's blooming when nothing else is. Park Here has plush grass, beautiful foliage, picnic blankets, oversized bean bags and hammocks. Blazing fast WiFi, morningsexclusively for moms and their kids and kicking off with a Rolling Stone concert series. This park has plenty of
food vendors too. OPEN DAILY 12PM - 8PM DEC 5TH - FEB 15TH.

I figured this would be the perfect time to go because in NYC where something is getting close to its closing date, EVERYONE shows up. This park is located at 201 Mulberry St. between Spring + Kenmare Street and it is quite nice. You do feel like you are in a park but I guess that is the point. i went it, walked around, tried some jam from The Jam Stand as well as enjoyed a ginger ale and some Pop Chips. I will definitely make my way back to this place before February 15th. Check out my pictures below.

After I left Park Here, I decided to get my first dessert of 2012 at Rice to Riches located on Spring Street. This place has had features in a slew of New York magazines as well as Food Network. I could get over the signs on the windows of the place. Here is one of them: After ogling all of the different flavors, I decided to try a hazelnut chocolate bear hug rice pudding. Let me tell you -- this place is expensive. A solo serving will cost you $7 dollars but you do get a nice size portion. No wonder why it is so popular! I think the next time i go there I will try their sex, drugs, and rocky road flavor.

Since rice pudding can be heavy, I decided to take a nice long walk. I walked down to Bowery to find Prince Street and said to myself "wait, I can get the R train on this street!" I walked down the street and took in the crisp warm air. it was such a great weather night on Saturday. Made my way into Brooklyn to watch the New Orleans Saints stomp all over the Detroit Lions and spend quality alone time with David.

Come Sunday it was time to call the weekend the end. I hope all of my weekends in 2012 are like this. One can only hope and since I am a planner as I mentioned in my last post...

Things I Love Thursday -- January 5, 2012 Edition

2012-01-05T17:00:00.002-05:00

First Things I Love Thursday for 2012! This week has been a freezing one as I went back to work but still does not mean that was not filled with the hotness of love. With that said, here is what I am in love with this week:

~~My new graphics from my friend Michael.
~~My new blog design.
~~My Besty Bow Ring to remind me to always be my best. I got the Rebel one and it has not left my right hand since I got it.
~~This adorable video from the Pittsburgh Zoo

~~This remix from Skrillex

~~Not a big fan of Korn but I like this song.

~~Walking through the cold romantic air in NYC.
~~Getting back to my routine.
~~Shopping for Love Month supplies!
~~Dreaming happily.
~~My students and their funny ways. Gee I wonder where they get it from...
~~Getting sudden bursts of muse when it comes to writing.

What are you in love with this week?

True Individuality

2012-01-04T21:01:00.004-05:00

Individual: noun 1.a single human being, as distinguished from a group. verb of, pertaining to, or characteristic of a particular person or thing:

When I saw this particular topic on Charade Style today, my mind exploded. Every day people are inundated with images, songs, news stories and what have you telling you how to be. What to wear, what to read, what to listen to, and so on and if you do not "conform" you are considered evil and an outcast. So to not be bullied in school or in the workforce, a lot of people fall into the trap of the exterior influences and are not happy with who we are. I reiterate verbatim what Megan said: Let’s start channelling our power into making the best of the self we hold in our hands right now and give-up the complaining and the fight to be something else.

Let us all feel happy about who we truly are. Who cares what others think right? We all talk about what others have so let me be materialistic for a second -- The most precious item you have in your entire life is YOUR INDIVIDUALITY. What makes YOU stand out. What makes YOUR LIFE magnificent and delicious. It is all about mental attitude and what makes YOU happy. You are born with your own individuality. Your parents did not give birth to a magazine or a television ad. It is a lot simpler to be yourself and not worry than to try to be the person you think your family, friends, and strangers want you to be. Who really knows what they want anyway? A life of integrity and individuality is one lived as your natural self -- not as some fictional character made up to accommodate and please those around you. So be yourself in all of your glorious quirkiness. You may be surprised how many people like you for just that.

So with this statement, and something I do on a regular basis, I spent a day with myself and figured out what truly makes me, well, me. As the homework that Megan gave on her blog which is linked above--Be aware of your thoughts, your cravings, your talents, your motives, your ambitions, your agendas, your triumphs, your ideas, your thrills and your spills. I then came up with ten truly individual and amazing qualities that define who I am. So without further ado...

My Ten Truly Individual Traits

1. I am always polite and gracious. I believe in the old cliche' "Kill Them With Kindness."

2. I am a planner.

3. I am a bookworm.

4. I am creative with words, photography, and videos.

5. Music, especially heavy metal and punk rock, drive me.

6. I am intelligent.

7. I am a kid at heart.

8. I have a sense of style that leans toward the bright, sparkly, and colorful side of life.

9. I have a deep love for the sport known as professional wrestling.

10. I am intelligent.

Now I ask all of you -- what makes you, well, YOU?

Thought Tuesday #30

2012-01-03T16:17:00.003-05:00

Why hello there feature I forgot about! I am so sorry...this will not happen again. Anyway this little nugget comes from my Happiness Project page-a-day calendar.

SPONTANEOUS TRAIT TRANSFERENCE

In "spontaneous trait transference", people spontaneously and unintentionally associate what you say about the qualities of other people with the qualities of you. If you describe a colleague as hilarious, for example, the listener associates you with that quality. Ever wondered why people want to kill the messenger who brings bad news? Trait transference.

This definitely made me go hmm and realized that I want to be associated with positive traits; not negative ones. What about you?

Happy Two Thousand and Self!

2012-01-01T17:48:00.005-05:00

It is 6pm on Sunday January 1, 2012 and I must say my year has started off well. I went into NYC and hung out at my favorite Starbucks which is located on 14th Street and 6th Avenue. While I was hanging out with my venti Vanilla Chai Latte and book, in walks in Gabrielle from Besty Bow Ring to hand me my ring. I got the Rebel version and it is very much rock and roll. Afterward I walked down to Union Square Park and to The Strand. It was a great day for a walk and reflection.

I have worked on my New Years Goals and they are below. I do not use the word "resolution" as it is a set up for failure. So without further ado..

Dani’s 2012 (Two Thousand and Self!) Goals
Starting: January 1, 2012
Ending: December 31, 2012

1.Read 52 books
2.Watch 100 movies
3.Visit 20 new and different restaurants
4.Go to 10 museums
5.Study French
6.Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
7.Save up for an Alexander McQueen scarf for my birthday.
8.Travel to 3 different states
9.Save at least $X0,000 by December 31, 2012 in savings account.
10.Try 10 foods I have never tried before, barring allergies.
11.Start to write a book using the Writers Toolbox and 21 Days to a Novel CD
12.Limit myself to one dessert a week.
13.Only eat one carb a day.
14. Drink 64oz of water a day.
15. Worry less, love more
16. Be more selfish with my own interests and needs.
17. Write more in my notebook and blog.
18. Participate in 365 Day Photo Project

I will also list events that I have gone to. My first event this year is TNA Wrestling in Westbury, Long Island on Friday January 6th.

What goals do you have for this year?

How I Prepared Myself for 2012

2011-12-31T16:27:00.005-05:00

Today is the last day of 2011 and I have taken the steps below to prepare myself for 2012. I feel it is a magical time for change and clean slates. Much thanks and inspiration to Gala Darling for this feature.

So What Did I Do to Prepare Myself for 2012?

~~Cleaned out all of my email accounts on Yahoo and AOL.
~~Emptied my garbage can.
~~Did laundry, even if there was not a lot of it.
~~Made sure to make my bed so I got that routine down.
~~Got a very sparkly manicure on Wednesday at my favorite nail lounge Blush on East 5th Street.
~~Charged my cellphone.
~~Writing my 2012 Goals List.
~~Asking friends to help set goals for myself; goals they knew I could be capable of achieving.
~~Cleaned out my wallet and handbag.
~~Cleaned out my closet.
~~Thnking of a wish to make at midnight.
~~Started to plan out events I want to go in my Keep Calm and Have a Cupcake planner.
~~Made sure to get at least 8 hours of sleep every night.
~~Got tea light candles for my dinner table
~~Even though this will happen after today, buy myself a bunch of beautiful flowers. Maybe have some delivered to work?
~~Wrote 2011 year in reviews features.

What are you doing to prepare yourself for 2012?

My 2011 Pop Culture Favorites

2011-12-30T14:00:00.009-05:00

With some inspiration from Stephen King, I asked myself this question -- Did I have a great year pop culturally speaking? I would have to say yes; even if some of the things I enjoyed did not appear in 2011 and that is fine. Here is a list of 20 things that made me squee with fandom. Please remember -- I am more interested in entertaining myself than in a OMG this is a great moment/statement. So let us get this ride started.

20: The Secret Circle (television show on the CW Network, Thursdays at 8pm)
--When I found out this series is based on another series written by L.J. Smith, I had my tread lightly shoes on as the CW Network took another series by L.J. Smith and made a televised version of The Twilight Saga. Yes I am talking about The Vampire Diaries. 'The Secret Circle' did not redefine my idea of what a supernatural drama can be or what a program about witches and warlocks can be. But the main pieces of a teen drama are laid out perfectly from the young women learning about their abilities to first loves/crushes to the bad girl troublemaker and the history of a small town. 'The Secret Circle' demonstrates an admirable confidence in its pace and destination, and it also has the excellent Britt Robertson ('Life Unexpected') giving the journey of Cassie Blake an emotional grounding that is likely to make the whole affair satisfying to genre fans and myself.

19: Bye Bye Beautiful by Nightwish (song)
--When I asked a friend to make me some metal mix compact discs as I needed new music, little did I realize this song would hit me so hard. The power chords, the lyrics, the thumping of the drum...love it.

18: The Walking Dead (television show on AMC, Sundays at 9pm)
--My feeling about season 2 of the Walking Dead were summed up by Stephen King. Here is what he said verbatim: No romantic zombies (good), and a terrifying premiere episode set in a traffic jam outside of Atlanta (better). I only wish the survivors weren't quite so talky. In all those weighty conversations about the Meaning of Post-Apocalypse Life, I sense AMC chintzing on the budget.

17. Dork Whore by Iris Bahr (book)
--If you enjoy the type of humor where you want to turn away from the painful embarassment and yet you can't all the while you're in stitches, then you'll like this book.

16. Jenna Marbles (comedian who posts videos on YouTube)
--This girl is hilarious and real. She says things that most people would be afraid to say. I like that.

15. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 (movie)
--For all those that do not know, yes I am a Twilight fan. I am on Team Alice by the way. I can not stand Bella and Edward and I can write up a blog post on just that subject alone but that is not what I am talking about here. This first part of the movie version of Breaking Dawn was done very well and ended at a great point leaving the viewer wanting more.

14. Hack/Slash by Tim Seeley (graphic novel)
--Zombies? Check. A goth heroine? Check. Lots of blood and gore? Check. Great stories that you can somewhat relate to? Check.

13. Zenescope Entertainment (graphic novel publisher)
--I love fairy tales; especially Alice in Wonderland. When I heard that this publisher has writers adding comic style art/retelling of various fairy tales, i was hooked. Thanks to Veronica for turning me on to this company!

12. Gossip Girl (television show on the CW Network, Mondays at 8pm)
--This show is not new by any means. I still love it.

11. I Have Fun Everywhere I Go by Mike Edison (book)
--I love reading sorrid, twisted memoirs as well as an entertaining autobiography. When I found out about Sugar Slam 2011 from Natalie Slater of Bake and Destroy (who is straight-edge and a pro wrestling fan which I found odd that she would have Mike Edison judge this contest as he has no plans on sobering up but then I learned that she is not a preaching straight-edger and since Mike worked in the wrestling industry, well there you go.) and wrote a blog about it, the author of this book was one of the judges. When I looked into his career and his book, I instantly bought it and read it in a week. It is that good. Sharp, powerful writing. Get the book!

10. How Do I Look (television show on Style Network, Mondays at 10pm)
--Here is the show description: Hosted by Jeannie Mai, this show lets two of your closest friends and relatives and a celebrity stylist take turns at dressing you the way that they want to. Each one goes on a shopping adventure in your name to buy three new outfits and chooses a new hair and make up which contribute to the 'new look'! I am all about transformation and change for the better. Yes i do know that looks are not the be all end all but it is the first thing you see in a person and it is usually how first impressions are made. Some of the outfits on this show are classic; some not so but it is fun to watch.

9. Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor (book)
--Let me first give you the description that is on Amazon: Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages--not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out. When one of the strangers--beautiful, haunted Akiva--fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

"Daughter of Smoke and Bone" is a lush, tragic urban fantasy that crafts its own genre, and has a solidly interesting heroine as well....unlike that other vampire romance series. Definitely a must-read.

8. The vocal stylings of Corey Taylor (musician and lead singer of Slipknot and Stone Sour)

7. Worship Music by Anthrax
--I got into heavy metal through the influence of my big brother and Anthrax was one of my favorite bands. Unfortunately, when Joey Belladonna left the band,I felt the essence of the band left as well. Their sound was turned down and their metal sound turned more of a hard rock sound. It wasn't bad, as i enjoy that hard rock sound. but just wasn't the Anthrax that I loved. I pretty much wrote these guys off during the John Bush era. But now that Joey Belladonna is back, so is the thrash metal sound. This is by far their best album since Among the Living, and it's good to have them back. If you're a fan of classic Anthrax thrash, then I think you'll really love this album.

6. The passing of Elizabeth Taylor
--She was an Hollywood industry icon; looked up to by various young actresses; a heart of gold. She will surely be missed and there will be no one else like her.

5 Page by Paige by LauraLee Gulledge (book)
--A graphic novel about a young teen growing up in NYC? Sign me up! According to Gulledge's bio on her website "the story is her journey as an artist and transplant in New York". In the book, Paige is 16 and has moved from VA to NYC with her writer parents. It is a tough time to a teen's life to move and teen readers will resonate with this aspect of the story as well. Despite Paige's many wonderful traits/characteristics, she is filled with myriad of insecurities as well. Through her developing friendships with Gabe, Jules and Longo, as well as with her sketchbook, Paige discovers more about herself and how she fits into the world around her and how others may see her. All of these are themes that will connect with especially female teen readers. As I read this graphic novel; which took me one day; I was throughly impressed how the illustrations perfectly matched the story. Some of the images were just so expressive and vivid which moved the story along and made it relatable. Another book recommendation!

4. Drew Brees surpassing Dan Marino's all time regular season passing record.
--Do I need to say any more than that? WHO DAT!

3. The Big 4 (Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax) concert at Yankees Stadium on September 14, 2011
--My brother and I have always gone to heavy metal concerts together so when I heard that the Big 4 were finally coming to NYC , I had to get tickets. Much thanks to David for helping us with this endeavour! It was a metal good time, even though both my brother and I were very tired at work the next day...

2. The Occupy protests.
--I am all for people who fight for what they belief in. As many of you are aware, I fight for animal rights. At least I have an idea of what I am fighting for. These protests started popping up worldwide without a clear vision of what they were protesting as well as offering any solutions for their issues. Then celebrities started to get involved which in retrospect was a complete conflict of interest since they fall into the spectrum of the rich otherwise known as the 1 percent. All in all this ranks as my #2 pop culture favorite as it will fall into pop culture more due to the entertainment/celebrity influence instead of the history books.

1. The Big Bang Theory (television show on CBS. Thursdays at 8pm, also in syndication on TBS and FOX)
--A show about geeks and their lives? Definitely can relate. This show is well written with humorous lines as well great character acting. I can overdose on this show all week and even if I saw all of the episodes already, they are still hilarious.

So my fellow readers, what are your 2011 pop culture favorites? Why not answer the question in the first paragraph as I did? Remember -- what you enjoyed or were entertained by in 2011 does not have to be from 2011.

Things I Love Thursday -- 12/29 Edition

2011-12-29T16:00:00.006-05:00

Why hello there fellow bloggers! I have been chillin' at home this past week as it is winter break for me. Enjoying the crisp cold air, the stillness of NYC, and just overall relaxation. With that said, here is what I am in love with this week.

~~The website 8 Tracks. It is a website where you can make mixes and share them with your friends. A new form of the mix tape you would make! i love it.

~~This mashup for the best songs of 2011

~~The television show Suburgatory. How did I miss out on this show??

~~Buxom Buxom lash mascara. I usually do not wear mascara as I feel it makes my lashes clump together but this one does not do that. It makes my lashes look so full.

~~Finding some new music, especially this band called Glasnost. Check him out here -- Glasnost Music

~~Cleaning out my closet and donating more items to The Bowery Mission!

~~Thinking of a grand gesture for my 34th Birthday.

~~Getting new calendars.

~~Having my mom comb out all of the tangles in the back of my head

~~Red Velvet cake pops.

~~Having a respect for detail.

~~Being all caught up with my work when I return from winter break.

~~Uncrowded holiday markets.

~~Obsessing over products from LUSH.

~~Random people in Union Square holding signs telling you to smile because you are beautiful.

~~Apple crumb doughnuts.

~~Sincere charity.

~~Using headbands as necklaces

~~Finding joy in everything.

~~Having week long Daria marathons.

~~The sounds of winter in NYC.

~~Having a week off from work.

What are you so much in love with this week?

2011 Christmas Haul

2011-12-25T20:00:00.007-05:00

Rockefeller Center Tree, photo taken by moi.

As I have my own Daria marathon playing on my television in the background, I figured it would be a perfect opportunity to write up my 2011 Christmas Haul. It has been a crazy festive time. Donated clothes to The Bowery Mission, wore an ugly Christmas sweater to work, drank hot chocolate, visited various holiday windows, and wore mistletoe. I think because I work in Kindergarten is the reason why this holiday season for me has been magical. I want to wish you all a festive day! For myself, today is all about my wonderful family, the food that my mom has prepared for us, and enjoying each others' company. I also cannot wait to share the joy! My wish for all of you that read my blog is that you are surrounded by loved ones and have a wonderful, relaxing day. Happiest holiday to you. With all of this being said, here is what I received this year. Please do not think I am rubbing it in -- I do know the true meaning of the season.

From my students
Gift sets from Bath and Body Works
$25 dollar gift cards from American Express and Macy's
Godiva Chocolate assorted truffles gift set.
Russell Stovers chocolate gift set
Scarf/gloves set
A wallet
Makeup case/bag
Red velvet cake pops (!!!!)

From my family
My new Apple MacBook Air. His name is Dr. Dramis Cooper.
Sparkly bracelets
Sparkly flower hair clips
A black shrug
Sparkly sweater
Black pants
New Orleans Saints bed slippers
Obey Your Body salt scrub

From Michael
New boots with a cute bow on the sides.
A bag from Metal Mulisha
Logitech headphones for my computer

From David
$400 dollars for my new computer
The Completed Animated Series dvd set of Daria
The Complete Fourth Season dvd set of The Big Bang Theory
The Complete Second Season dvd set of Gossip Girl
The Complete Third Season dvd set of Gossip Girl
The Complete mini-series dvd set of the original V
Pirate Snoopy doll
A New York Mets plush apple
Zach Ryder "Broski" t-shirt

Tell me what you received in the comments below!

Things I Love Thursday -- 12/22 Edition

2011-12-22T16:00:00.003-05:00

HAPPY CHRISTMAS ALL! HAPPY HANUKAH, FESTIVUS, KWANZAA, BOXING DAY, GOOD RIDDANCE DAY and the many other holidays surrounding us at this time. Here is what I am in love with this week:

~~That my The Rock's speech after Survivor Series is over 100,000 views. Can not believe it!

~~This video from one of my all time favorite wrestlers "Rowdy" Roddy Piper

~~Officially on Winter Break! Oh yeah!

~~The new boots I got from my close friend Michael. So friggin comfy!

~~After making a plea to my Facebook and Twitter for help with iMovie and received no response, i conquered it all on my own!

~~This version of Lady Gaga's song "Marry The Night"

~~My new Metal Mulisha bag also from Michael! Thank you!

What are you in love with this week?

Reflections on Winter Solstice

2011-12-21T18:43:00.004-05:00

As I sit here in my room with my brand new computer on one of the shortest days of the year/longest nights of the year, I think it is perfect time for me to start reflecting on the year that was 2011.

This year for me has been a whirlwind. From traveling to three new states, to attending a lot of sporting events, to reading books, to making YouTube videos and posting photos, to writing in this blog and in my own journal, to opening up my heart to others, to discovering radical self love, and learning to just be. This year has also had a bunch of lows -- from losing friendships, deaths, my dog Sweetums getting sick, to experience loneliness hardcore, to my computer of 6 years finally going kaput (thus getting this awesome MacBook Air!), and my grade assignment being changed for the 8th time in my 8 years at the school i teach at.

But what has this year truly taught me? Time to make a list!

2011 has taught me:

~~That everyone will not like me.
~~That your own company/time with yourself is a special gift.
~~To have a creative imagination
~~That sometimes a hug can really cure all.
~~That sometimes stuff happens that you simply can not control.
~~That not everyone will enjoy your humour or style and that is okay.
~~That i have a pretty good core bunch of people to bounce ideas off of.
~~That my body is a temple and i should treat it as such, even if i detour that path sometimes.
~~That purple Converse sneakers are my favorite mode of transportation.
~~That my love life is still stable and passionate, even though David sometimes drives me batty!
~~That no challenge or risk is too big for me to handle. If I could not handle it, it would not appear!
~~That just listening is a cure all.
~~That I need to slow down in my life and just enjoy the stillness.
~~That i learned the difference between the word friend and the word acquaintance.
~~That it is perfectly okay to say no
~~That it is perfectly okay to be a little bit selfish.
~~That carrying a bubble gun in your purse and shooting it is one of life's simple pleasures.

So I will conclude you with this:

Today is the darkest day AND the beginning of days getting longer.
The darkest day turns into more light.
Dark being about reflecting on what has been this year.
The light opening up to what's to come.

What will your 2012 look like? Next week will be my annual Dani Goals List!

Thanks to Charade Style for the awesome graphic!