Justin’s “Fashionable” Birthday!

       

A tropical escape…ahhhhh!

So my last blog entry was all about the cold weather blahs and I appreciate all of your comments. It made me feel like I wasn’t  alone in this “mood” of mine. Well, I did a story on this wonderful place that’s right here in Cleveland. It’s warm, exotic and unique.

If you need a pick me up, I highly recommend a visit to this tropical treasure. Yes, it really is in Cleveland. Oh, you don’t believe me?? Click the link below to see what I’m talking about!

http://www.newsnet5.com/video/21320667/index.html

Take Care!

Danita

I’m in a mood!

                                                                       

Do you ever have those times when you’re in a “mood”. You’re not necessarily miserable but you’re not jumping for joy either. It’s like you’re one step from being in a funk!  That would pretty much wrap up my attitude so far this week.

It’s weird because I have moments of peace and clarity but they seem to quickly fade away. Could it be………….the cold, grey weather? Yep, sprinkled with a few of life’s quirky challenges.(smile)

The “mood” is the precursor to the winter blahs and I have to fight it. I’m determined to come out of this emotional rut with a smile. So here’s my strategy:

*Wear bright colors…today I pulled my bright pink jacket out of the closet hoping it would lift my spirits. You’re wondering if it worked. Honestly, just a little bit. Let’s move on!

*Add a little nose candy to my life…well I am a huge fan of Airwick plug ins and I burn oils from Bath and Body Works in my house. This really works. When my home smells great I feel a lot better. I wish I could bring some type of aromatherapy to work…nope, not going to happen.

*Get out in the crisp air and do something fun!….Sounds great but the cold air makes me want to stay inside. Sorry!  I know I’m a case!

*Comfort food and drink…now you’re talking my language. Most people don’t know this but I”m really a stay-at-home kind of girl. My home is my sanctuary. I love to eat some really good lasagna, salad, and a glass of sweet tea.  On a cold morning, I wake up and make a pot of hazelnut coffee. Ahhhhh, that hits the spot.  Grab the remote and turn on the Lifetime channel and I’m good for the day. Lifetime is addictive….but it’s sooooo good. (smile)

*Hang out with your “inner circle” friends…these are the people who don’t care that I’m on television, they will tell me my breath stinks and check me when I get out of hand. Not that that happens often of course! (wink) We go out to the mall or movies in our jeans and sweats, no makeup, hair neatly done but nothing special and eat Chik-fil-A  at the food court. That definitely pulls me out of my “mood”!

*Play with Justin….I’m a poster child for Colgate when I play with my dog. I can have the worse day and Justin will run to me and jump in my arms and give me lots of dog kisses. They just wipe all the bad vibes away.  Justin is a true bad mood buster!

So, there it is. My personal guide to beating the blahs. What’s your personal guide to fend off the “mood”. Come on I want to hear from you. I know I’m not alone in this.

Take Care,

Danita

Hot Hollywood Hunks!

                                                          

 

OK, I’m confessing my celebrity crushes.  I’ve actually met and interviewed two of them, the other one….well let’s just say I see him in my dreams every now and then.

Actually, my husband was talking to me recently about his celebrity crushes. He revealed to me that Beyonce, Halle Berry, and Janet Jackson were his Dreamgirls….after me of course!  He put a little extra emphasis on Halle since her hair is short again.

So, that got me to thinking about my Dreamguys!!  LL Cool J, Denzel Washington, and Maxwell are my top celebrity hunks. They’re smart, down-to-earth, talented and oh yeah, super duper sexy!

LL has abs of steel. Denzel just pops on the silver screen. And Maxwell sings like an angel.  They’re just hot!

So, I know I’m not the only one who has celebrity crushes.  Come on, confess your secret dream dates!!!  I want to hear from you!

Take Care,

Danita

p.s. My  husband says he’s hotter than all of them put together!!! And I told him, of course you are dear!(wink)

My dynamic duo!

Let me introduce you to my little friend….Nylan!  Nylan is 3 years old and he is one of my favorite people.  He and his mom are members of our church and he sits with me every Sunday. We have a special relationship and I really enjoy spending time with him.

 Nylan stayed overnight with us recently.  He’s been to our home before, so he’s no stranger to my dog Justin. Nylan loves Justin and Justin loves Nylan. Well this last visit Nylan decided that he wanted to be a superhero named “Tape Man”.  Don’t ask me any questions, I just go along with the program!

So, he took the scotch tape and put some over his mouth, across his nose, on his forehead, and on the tip of his ears. His uniform is an old pajama top and shorts that I had in the back of my drawer that I carefully pinned to fit him…somewhat.  He seemed to enjoy the fact that he couldn’t talk with the tape over his mouth, but he refused to stop trying to talk to me. He thought it was really funny.

I saw Justin look at Nylan as to say, “What in the heck has happened to you?!” But Justin quickly adapted to his role as Tape Man’s sidekick. He followed Nylan all around the house while he was in superhero mode. I just  chuckled and shook my head. But then the lightbulb came on…Ding!  Take a picture of these two characters because no one will believe you.

So here they are, my dynamic duo…..Tape  Man and Justin the Wonderdog. I’m not sure about their “super” powers but I know they can pose for pictures at the drop of a hat! 

They certainly have the power to make me smile…and that’s a good thing!

Hope these pics make you smile too!

Take Care,

Danita

Justin’s World

My little Justin!

I am a total dog lover! As a child I always wanted a dog but my parents bought me goldfish instead. Mom said it was less work!

Well, for the past 7 years I’ve been the proud mommy of Justin Harris. He is a pomeranian-poodle mix or a pom-a-poo for short.  Justin loves taking pictures. He is such a ham!  I wonder where he got that from???  Hmmm.

As a little pup, he made his debut on Good Morning Cleveland. Viewers e-mailed me and said he was such a cutie. I told him this and I think it really stuck with him.  He absolutely loves posing for pictures.

Justin has a way of letting me know when he loves something , but he’ll also let me know when I am not living up to his standards.  When he’s happy he jumps and jumps and just melts in my arms when I pick him up. But when I’m a few seconds late on getting him his treat after his potty break outside he begins to give me a few “choice” barks!

Now, if I were to translate his dog language into English there would probably be phrases like, “Mommy what is taking you so long?”,  “Mommy do you know what time it is? It’s TREAT TIME! ”  “Mommy, I give you love and kisses now what about my needs?!  Basically, I know when Justin means business and I better step to it.

But hey, I love my little dog with all my heart. He is great company and a real member of our family.  He’s truly My little Justin!

Take Care,

Danita

Weird things said in a job interview

 

I was on CNN.COM and saw this headline and was intrigued to click on the link.

The following information comes from carreerbuilder.com and was submitted by hiring managers who wanted to share these unbelievable and sometimes funny responses.

I thought you might enjoy…….

Why did you leave your last job?

“I have a problem with authority.” – Carrie Rocha, COO of HousingLink

Tell us about a problem you had with a co-worker and how you resolved it

“The resolution was we were both fired.”- Jason Shindler, CEO, Curvine Web Solutions

What kind of computer software have you used?

“Computers? Are those the black boxes that sit on the floor next to the desks? My boss has one of those. He uses it. I don’t have one. He just gives me my schedule and I follow it.” – Greg Szymanski, director of human resources, Geonerco Management, Inc

What are your hobbies and interests?

“[He said] ‘Well, as you can see, I’m a young, virile man and I’m single — if you ladies know what I’m saying.’ Then he looked at one of the fair-haired board members and said, ‘I particularly like blondes.’” – Petri R.J. Darby, president, darbyDarnit Public Relations

Why should we hire you?

“I would be a great asset to the events team because I party all the time.” - Bill McGowan, founder, Clarity Media Group

Do you have any questions?

“If you were a fruit, what fruit would you be?” – Megan Garnett, Articulate Leadership Team, Articulate Communications Inc.

“What do you want me to do if I cannot walk to work if it’s raining? Can you pick me up?” – Christine Pechstein, career coach

“I was a Chamber of Commerce Executive once hiring a secretary. [The candidate asked] ‘What does a Chamber of Commerce do?’” – Mary Kurek, Mary Kurek, Inc. Visibility Consulting

“Can we wrap this up fairly quickly? I have someplace I have to go.” - Bruce Campbell, vice president of marketing, Clare Computer Solutions

“What is your company’s policy on Monday absences?” – Campbell

“If this doesn’t work out can I call you to go out sometime?” – Christine Bolzan, founder of Graduate Career Coaching

“How big do the bonuses really get once you make associate? I hear it’s some serious cash.” - Bolzan

“[The candidate asked,] ‘Can my dad call you to talk about the job and the training program? He is really upset I’m not going to medical school and wants someone to explain the Wall Street path to him.’ The dad did call. Then that dad’s friends called and I ended up doing a conference call with a group of concerned parents … long story.”- Bolzan

“If I get an offer, how long do I have before I have to take the drug test?” -Bolzan

“When you do background checks on candidates, do things like public drunkenness arrests come up?” – Bolzan

“Can I get a tour of the breast pumping room? I heard you have a great one here and while I don’t plan on having children for at least 10 or 12 years, I will definitely breast feed and would want to use that room.”- Bolzan

“So, how much do they pay you for doing these interviews?” – Jodi R.R. Smith, Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting

Why are you leaving your current job?

“Because I (expletive) my pants every time I enter the building.” – Abbe Mortimore, Human Resources Manager, True Textiles, Inc.

“I was fired from my last job because they were forcing me to attend anger management classes.” - Smith

Why are you looking for a job?

“Cigarettes are getting more expensive, so I need another job.” -Pechstein

“My parents told me I need to get a job so that is why I’m here.” - McGowan

Why do you want to work for us?

“Just for the benefits.” - Jennifer Juergens, JJ Communications

“My old boss didn’t like me, so one day, I just left and never came back. And here I am!” – Matt Cowall, communications manager, Appia Communications

“I saw the job posted on Twitter and thought, why not?” – Rebecca Gertsmark Oren, Communications Director at The Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity

What are your assets? (as in strengths)

“Well, I do own a bike.” - Pam Venné, principal, The Venné Group

What are your weaknesses?

“I get angry easily and I went to jail for domestic violence. But I won’t get mad at you.”- Pechstein

“I had a job candidate tell me that she often oversleeps and has trouble getting out of bed in the morning.” – Linda Yaffe, certified executive coach

“I am an alcoholic and do not deserve this job.” – Deb Bailey, owner, Power Women Magazine & Radio Show

“I’m really not a big learner. You know … some people love learning and are always picking up new things, but that’s just not me. I’d much rather work at a place where the job is pretty stagnant and doesn’t change a lot.” – Michaele Charles, Voice Communications

When have you demonstrated leadership skills?

“Well my best example would be in the world of online video gaming. I pretty much run the show; it takes a lot to do that.” - Rachel Croce

Is there anything else I should know about you?

“You should probably know I mud wrestle on the weekends.” -Venne

When can you start?

“I need to check with my mom on that one.” - Bolzan

Use three adjectives to describe yourself

“I hate questions like this.” - Katrina Meistering, manager of outreach, National Fatherhood Initiative

Tell of a time you made a mistake and how you dealt with it

“I stole some equipment from my old job, and I had to pay for its replacement.” – Meistering

Have you submitted your two weeks’ notice to your current employer?

“What is two weeks’ notice? I’ve never quit a job before, I’ve always been fired.” – Meistering

I told you it was unbelievable!!!

Send me your comments.

Take Care,

Danita

 

What’s on your mind?

 

I tried this before on my blog and I got some pretty good responses. So, here we go again.

Send me any questions or comments you have about our newscasts, my “uneventful” life(smile), or any topic you want to chat about.

I want to know what’s on your mind.

So start typing! I want to hear from you!

Take Care,

Danita

Michael Jackson…my thoughts

I grew up listening to the Jackson 5.  Songs like ABC, Never Can Say Goodbye, I Want you Back, etc.  are forever etched in my mind. Honestly, it’s still hard for me to believe that Michael Jackson is gone. It’s hard to believe that we’ll never see him moonwalk across a stage again or hear him say “hee-hee”.

The memorial tribute was very well done. All of the participants shared heart-felt sentiments about Jackson and how he touched their lives. I watched because regardless of what Jackson did or didn’t do off the stage, his music is timeless. He knew how to create songs that would make you want to dance or sing even if you didn’t know all the words.

So, as I was watching the tribute and listening to Brooke Shields, I began to get a little emotional. Honestly, I was surprised at my reaction. Shields really humanized Jackson and I could empathize with her feeling of loss. Because to her Michael was her friend and they shared some wonderful times together. I especially liked the part when she referred to him as The Little Prince even though the world labels him the King of Pop. She connected with Michael’s child-like nature because she too was forced into a life of “adultdom”  while she was still a child.

Okay, so Shields is talking and I feel this shift in my emotions. I’m feeling a bit sad. Then, Michael’s brother Jermaine Jackson gets up on stage and sings Michael’s favorite song “Smile”.  That did it. The flood gates opened and the tears started flowing. I’m literally sobbing at this point because I can’t imagine how much inner strength it took for Jermaine to sing at his brother’s funeral. And sing beautifully I might add!

That was truly a powerful moment. By the time I got to work, the whole family was on stage and Marlon was speaking. Then Paris took the mic and said how much she loved her dad and I was a Kleenex mess again!  That little girl said Michael was a great father to her and that’s a memory she will always have.

You’re probably saying I am just a soft, mushy, emotional woman. Well….you’re right I am.  I was moved by his daughter’s words. Let’s face it, those kids lost their dad. That’s tough to deal with at any age, but when you’re a kid it’s extra hard.

Michael Jackson wasn’t perfect. I know this. But his musical legacy is something that millions will treasure for a lifetime. And through all his faults, mishaps, and quirkiness I believe in his heart and mind he really thought he could heal the world through his music.

My prayer now is that his family heals and is able to move on. Hopefully they will be able to continue some of Michael’s humanitarian work so that this world can really be a better place for you and me.

Send me your thoughts!

Take Care,

Danita

Viva Las Vegas!

Just got back from a wonderful vacation in Vegas.  It truly was a great escape for me and the hubby. But I have to confess, the food was super-duper good! I think too good.  The buffets are my weakness and my gut and thighs show it.(lol)

Anyway,  comedian/singer Wayne Brady has a show at the Venetian and it was so hilarious. This is one talented man. His improv is  unbelievable and I enjoyed how he used members of the audience as part of his show. He also sings a few songs from his CD, which garnered a Grammy nomination, and has some pretty slick dance moves. Go Wayne!  My favorite part of the show is when he impersonated Prince and changed the lyrics to Purple Rain. I closed my eyes and I’m telling you, it was like I was at a Prince concert.

We met some really nice couples from Texas, Washington, Nevada, and California. And of course once we said we were from Cleveland, the conversation went straight to the Cavaliers and Lebron James.  You say Cleveland, the world says Lebron. Will he stay or will he go?  I just said I hope he stays.

The weather in Vegas was below normal according to the local weather gurus, which was great for us.  We love low to mid 80’s and sunshine. It was perfect.  We visited the Aquarium, saw the lions at MGM, and braved the roller coaster at Circus Circus. My husband dreaded that decision…I won’t elaborate.

We did have a celebrity sighting…well I didn’t, my husband did. My husband met up with a childhood friend who knows actor Mekhi Phifer.  Phifer stars on NBC’s ER and has done numerous feature films. So of course on the night when I stay in the room and my husband has “guys night out”, that’s the night Phifer shows up and they all hang out together.  Did my husband bring me back an autograph? Did he tell Mekhi I am a fan? Did he call me on my cell and have Mekhi get on the phone so that I could act like a total groupie?

The answer would be NO!! None of the above. He kept the moment in the “testosterone circle”. That’s fine. Because when we go back to Vegas and I’m hanging out with Beyonce, Janet, and Halle I will forget some things too!! LOL!

All jokes aside, we had a great time in Vegas. I’m sure we will return for another fun-filled retreat!

Take Care,

Danita