Running on Empty, Almost

Thursday, August 12, 2010

And another year gone by....

A few people who follow my photography blog have stumbled upon my personal blog and asked why I have not written. My answer, I don't know. It isn't because I don't have much to say and it isn't that I no longer care to express myself but I simply don't know, I just haven't made the effort.

My last post was July 11,2009 and since then, here is what has transcended:
1. I became a Brooklynite! We moved to Bayridge in November! I absolutely love it and the commute to work is easier.
2. I am still trying to finish school...geez! Why is it taking so long you ask? Well because I can't seem to pass the freaking Math test that is required in order for me to take the last 2 classes!! Argghh!!!
3. We went to Miami again in October and Punta Cana in April. Going to Miami again in 3 weeks. Yes, I love Miami, you think?
4. Have admitted to the fact that I am a reality TV junkie! I love RHONJ, Jersey Shore and all shows Bridal!
5. We finally picked a date and a venue for our Wedding!
6. I upgraded my camera to a Canon 7D and I am in love!!
7. I have been blessed by the photography bookings I have had so far.
8. Although I have neglected this blog, unintentionally of course, I have been updating my photography blog regularly.
9. My son and his beautiful girlfriend have announced that their bundle of joy will be here Nov 19th, therefore making me a G-Ma! Yikes!!
10. I shot my first wedding!
11. Reunited with an old friend and quickly realized that sometimes your past should remain there.
12. Became the proud owner of a Crackberry :-)

Well, so far that is all and it probably sounds like I am rambling on...lol but writing is my outlet and I can honestly say that it has saved me a few times from making crazy decisions because it allows me to see what I am thinking. I don't want to break another promise by stating that I will "promise" to write here everyday, but I can assure you that I will make every effort to do so.
I want to thank everyone who has followed this blog and who currently follows my photoblog. Without you and your kind comments, I wouldn't have the courage to continue. To know that my voice is being heard makes it that much more meaningful!

Cyber hugs to all!!
Judie

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Wow, how time flies.

My last post was in 2007...wow! So much has happened, too much to explain so I will quickly list it:

1. Juan and I moved in together

2. I can proudly say I am almost done with school....two more semesters to go.

3. We went to Miami 4 times since my last post and I got to visit "La Isla del Encanto" last summer for the first time.

4. My dad got married for the 4th time.

5. Went through a huge, uncomfortable phase with my son...I am so glad we got over that hump!

6. Had two scenes in a movie that my best friend wrote.

7. Witness the birth of Sydney Tru Chapman

8. Took part in our nation's history....Voting for Barack Obama!! Our President!!

9. Got engaged to the love of my life on July 26, 2008!! Yay!

10. Dug deep in my heart to find my passion and realized it was there all along....Photography!

11. Bought my first SLR (Canon XSi) and prime lens (EF 50mm f/1.8)

12. Experienced the loss of a true icon....Michael Jackson! Your songs will forever be a part of my life!

13. Created a photo blog to document my journey with Photography.

14. Feeling grateful for making new friends and appreciating those that have always been there.

My life wouldn't be so exciting without all those people in it!! Thank you!

Jaz

Thursday, May 31, 2007

What a year....

There are times when I just want to take a break from everything that is going on in my life and breathe! My last post was almost a year ago. That is one heck of a long break.....but I am back.

A lot has happened during my break from "Blogosphere" and believe me when I tell you that I am happy to be back. Writing is my outlet. It's the only thing I know how to do with out thinking twice or having to use spellcheck. I am not judged on here nor am I limited to what I can or cannot say. How I have missed it.

In a nutshell: the love of my life and I now live together, My son is going to be 17...Can you believe that....geez, and I am officially back in school! I am definitely one happy woman.

I will not go into detail now but I will elaborate some more on what's been going on in future postings. I will say this, it feels great to be back!!

Talk to you all soon!

Our First Dinner Party! January 27th, 2007

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

Puerto Plata

was BEAUTIFUL!!! I should have visited sooner. We had such an amazing time. Not one dull moment. I am dying to post up some pics but for some reason I am having a bit of trouble. I will post up pics as soon as I can. The weather was great every single day. The food was delicious except that I was kind of expecting a more traditional feel but I guess you can't go wrong with a buffet. It was all inclusive....lol.
We ventured on 3 different excursions. One of them took us on a tour of the Brugal Factory. Then we visted a few museums in the "Old Town" before we headed off to Sosua Beach for the rest of the afternoon for some shopping and some sun if you chose to go in the water. Our second excursion took us to "Ocean World" where we got to go snorkling and pet the dolphins and see a variety of sea animal shows. The Sea Lions and the Dolphins were the best encounters but it was a fun day regardless. We even got to lay out on the beach...:-)
Our last excursion was called "Monster Truck" where you ride on an opened hood truck threw the Country side and visit people's homes. It then takes you to a "Rio" where we sun bathed and jumped off cliffs...it was truly amazing. Other small excursions that were unforgettable were the "Funny Bikes" as they call it which are actually quads. It's a 3 hour tour that takes you thru the Sugar Cane fields, up to the country and back. I took tons of pictures and can't wait to share them with you. One of the best gifts that we got out of this trip was definitely enlightenment. The poverty that overwhelms the Domincan Republic is astounding but there is no segregation. Everyone is happy!!! It's what they know ....Can you believe that those people who work for the government only make $95.00 USD a month? People who work in tourism make more money and that's only $150.00 USD a month but it's enough to pay their bills and feed a family of 5. Incredible. It's no wonder Dominican people are so proud. I loved Puerto Plata and look forward to visiting the Island of the Dominican Republic again in the near future.
We are now planning on next summer's vacation....hmmm, the Bahamas, maybe a cruise.

Wednesday, June 07, 2006

Soulful sounds of Frankie J

So I attended the Album Release party for Frankie J's second spanish album debut lastnight at Villa. I had a nice time despite the fact that I had to drink soda water all night. Not for any health reasons but Chivas was sponsoring the event and so the open bar was all Chivas and wine, not even beer. I did not opt for wine because it makes me sleepy so I chased down my appetizers with Club Soda...lol...lol...

Villa is a nice local, very cozy and chic. I have been there several times for other events and parties so I like the atmosphere. The event began at 6pm but by 7pm, the place was packed with industry people. Over 150 people showed up. I got to see many people whom I have lost touch with since I left the business and met knew people who have just come into it. Frankie arrived at about 7:30pm and was lead to the second level for press and pictures. At about 8:15pm, an announcement was made that Frankie was going to head to the podium to speak to the audience and describe the album and what it meant to him to make it. It was short and sweet but the mic should have been louder. I could not get over how rude most of the people were while we has talking. It was as if he had to yell over everyone else voice because some people just wouldn't shut up. I was amazed by that. The lack of respect that he recieved by his own peers threw me off. How self centered can people get to not even give their full attention to the one person who you are there to see. I was annoyed but enjoyed it none the less.

Aside from Frankie J being the only artist, the Barrio Boyz also attended the party. They recorded a track on Frankie's album. I wasn't able to take a pic with them because they were being bombarded by all the press wondering if they were going to get back together and record a new labum so I took this pic while they were doing press. They still look good.

After all the mingling and networking it was time for me to hit the road but not before I approached Frankie and asked him to take this pic with me. He is adorable. Short ofcourse but so cute and very humble. I wished him luck (which I am sure he doesn't need) on the album and declared myself a fan.

I picked up my goodie bag with press kit and cd and was on my way home. While waiting for the 4 train in Grand Central station, it hit me. I really do miss working in the music biz but it's so over bearing. I think maybe I will start my own Event Planning company, something I have been considering for the longest. I thrive in all this, its where I belong but sometimes it just doesn't pay the bills so maybe I will start slow. Rebuild contacts, attend more functions and do some thorough research before I go way in over my head.

Oh well, at least I had fun.

Thursday, June 01, 2006

Summer is here...

Well, not officially but at least now it's starting to feel like it. I have to say, it's been a pretty chilly Spring, don't you think?? Not that I am complaining but just thought I would put it out there. How does the saying go? "April Showers Brings May Flowers" hmmmm, yeah I think that's it. But I don't see many flowers...lol. Oh well, at least we are getting there.

I am so bored at work, I finished all I had to finish and now there is only ½ hour more to go before I head home but it's killing me. The time is just dragging...argh!

I have had alot on my mind lately in regards to my son and work and just everything around me. I don't feel irritated just helpless. I feel like I am stuck somewhere and can't find my way home. I keep myself busy so that I don't have to think so much but then when it comes right down to it, all I do is think. I need to find an extracurricular activity or something. I start school in the fall but what will I do until then to pass time? I try to keep myself busy at home but that doesn't really work because I end up infront of the TV. I guess I will get thru this in due time.

My boyfriend and I are going to have dinner with the kids this evening at Pio Pio. We love that place and it is so inexpensive. They have the best Rotisserie chicken!! It's a small Peruvian spot on the upper Eastside. Tomorrow we have dinner with our co-workers and then we're off to Sequoias for some dancing...that should be fun. Not much will be going on this weekend since we are strapped for cash, paying off our trip has pretty much gotten us for this weekend but at least next weekend we will be more relieved. This is the part I hate about being a grown up, paying bills.....

I saw X-Men last weekend and really liked it despite the bad reviews that some friends gave it. Maybe it's cause I don't get all involved in the comic thing so I don't feel like I have to compare it but then again, I also saw Davinci Code and liked it as well. I did do some comparing to the book there but I don't really have any complaints about it. My boyfriend on the other hand had tons of questions, he even asked one of the protesters on Time Square why they were protesting. It was an interesting 15 min there. Next movie I want to see is "The Breakup" with Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn. I just love Vince. I think he is so sexy...yum!

Well, until next time. Maybe I'll be off this emotional rollercoaster and can post something worth your time but until then, this is all of me right now.

Caio!