A Day I'll Never Forget

10 years ago today, I was sitting in my 8th grade Algebra class when the intercom announced that all students were to report to the chapel for an important message. My friends and I were thrilled to get a break from solving for x and y and willingly headed to the chapel auditorium. Our little, self-absorbed 8th grade minds could not have fathomed what we were about to hear that day. 
Our principal announced that the World Trade Center had been hit by an airplane and we weren't sure of the cause. I remember the sheer horror that filled the room. Many students ran out of the chapel in tears fearing that their mother, father, aunt, uncle, sibling, or friend had been harmed. I headed to my Geology class where there was a TV in the classroom. We sat in silence as we watched the Twin Towers fall to the ground, knowing that a second plane had hit the South tower, and this was by no means an accident. The rest of the school day was filled with tears, fear and confusion. I remember not being able to rap my mind around what was really happening. I didn't understand the monstrosity of it all. Not until, however, I saw the missing towers.
That afternoon, my family and I drove to Sandy Hook beach which gives a clear view of the NYC skyline. We sat in silence as we witnessed a very incomplete skyline. I remember feeling helpless. The Hudson River was the only thing separating my family and I from a devastating disaster where so many lives were taken and many in need of help.
That image will never leave my mind. 


During church today, Psalm 23 was read to lead us in silence. I found it very fitting for such a somber day.


      The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
      He makes me lie down in green pastures;
            He leads me beside quiet waters.
              He restores my soul;
    He guides me in the paths of righteousness
              For His name's sake.
  Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
       I fear no evil, for You are with me
   Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

          You have anointed my head with oil;

                  My cup overflows.

Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me

               all the days of my life,

     And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

9.11.01-9.11.11 Never Forget.

Earthquakes, Tornados, and Hurricanes

A lot has happened since my last blog a couple weeks ago. We survived an earthquake, a tornado and a hurricane all in one week. Living in NJ 2 out of 3 of those things are very uncommon. The earthquake was hardly threatening but still pretty scary to have the earth shaking beneath you. Hurricane Irene didn't hit as hard as they said (thank you Lord!) but it did still have some damage. Here is a nearby restaurant completely submerged by water. It's actually the same restaurant where
David and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary. We did think they were a bit overpriced but I still wouldn't wish this upon them. :) 

Today while taking Earl for his walk around the lake, we also experienced some damage of Hurricane Irene but it didn't stop the Earl Pearl from loving himself some walk time. 

This is what happens when it's time to head back to the car.

 Earl may be the most stubborn dog I know. 

But he sure is cute!

Hairs

   As promised, a picture of my oh so short hair.

Random Ramblings

* I'm beginning a new workout regime. My workout schedule was always a bit up in the air, but now I think I've set a schedule that I can keep for the most part. I'm excited because working out is oh so good for my soul.

* When I think about the lifespan of only 10-12 years for most French Bullies, I begin to panic. Then I realize that Earl is only 8 months old and I take a deep breath.

* I'm really itching for a new (certified preowned) car. I'm learning to be patient. God will provide when it's the right time.

* I got my hair chopped off on Friday, as in my hair hasn't been this short since I was in elementary school. I think I like it, but it's still growing on me. (pun intended) Pictures to come..maybe.

* Summer is absolutely my favorite season, but lately I'm finding myself excited for Fall festivities. I don't know what's going on with me.

Restaurant Reviews

This summer David and I have been trying out some new/different restaurants. We decided we want to be those people that say, "Oh we've been there, the food was incredible." Or "The service there was quite terrible." Basically we're trying to be cooler than we are. Thanks to restaurants.com we are able to try new restaurants while still spending the same as we would at a Chipotle. Seriously! Check out the site. Yesterday, we purchased a $25 off coupon when spending $35 for only $2! We spent $18 dollars on a well over $50 dollar meal. BAM! It's one of the greatest secrets ever known. We feel like we've rigged the system and we like it. :)

On to my reviews: 

We'll begin with Max's Hot Dogs. 

Max's has been a well known Hot Dog joint for yearrss. They are known for their great hot dogs but not so great family that runs it. Basically, they're incredibly rude. Normally they are just rude to one another so it doesn't totally ruin your hot dogging experience. However, when David, my sister and brother in law went last month, it was hands down a NIGHTMARE . We were treated as if we didn't belong there with a very rude waitress, there were bugs in mine and David's water, the food was incredibly overpriced and the owner even slammed our credit card down when David asked if we could split the check on 2 cards. This was by far the worst dining experience I've ever had and will never go back, which is sad since it's a place I have grown up going to. Oh well, your hot dogs aren't that good anyway!

Max's I give you 1/2 a star out of 5 stars. The only reason you get a half is for the memories I have going there as a kid.

On to Review # 2 Memphis Pig Out.

My dad received a menu from this restaurant and was drooling over the baby back ribs which included a salad bar, side of baked beans, and fries. It seemed pretty pricey but David and I had a $25 coupon from restaurants.com so we were in.  When we saw the logo, we instantly judged. Being married to a graphic designer, you can't help but judge a place that picks such an awful logo. We tried not to let it sway our stomachs. The salad bar was pretty strange looking. It just didn't seem fresh but again I tried to look forward to my actual meal. I ordered the BBQ shrimp kabobs. They tasted like they were frozen shrimp. David's, Jason's and my dad's ribs were just...ok. The fries were either undercooked on some of our plates or had sat it the fryer for far too long. To wrap it up. The food was not good and we were all hungry after from unsatisfied stomachs. We certainly didn't "pig out."

I give Memphis Pig Out 1.5 out of 5 stars. It was way overpriced for food that was just not good. I did however think the service was friendly and the concept of the place is a good idea, just poorly executed.

I probably won't be returning.

Review # 3 Pazzo

Last night David and I decided to try Pazzo in Red Bank. We had another $25 dollar coupon and decided to give it a try. The inside is really nice and you also have the option of sitting outside, which is equally as appealing. The menu is a bit pricey but not if you listen to me and go to restaurants.com. We spent $18 +tip on a pretty fancy smancy place. Fancy meaning the menu is mostly in Italian. That's when you know. Our food was quite delicious. I ordered the penne vodka and chicken. David had the chicken parmesan. Both equally amazing. Our waitress was also incredibly friendly and knowledgable. 

I give Pazzo 4 out of 5 stars. I thought our meals should have come with a house salad or soup since they were a bit pricey. That would be my only critique. Well, the hostesses were also wearing next to nothing. They should probably have a fingertip length dress code on the dresses they are wearing. Overall, great service, great atmosphere and great food.

Keep checking in for my next review! I'm now off to work out. :) 

and the Worst Blogger Award goes to.....

Yup, that would be me. I want to be a good blogger so badly but let's face it, I'm just not that good. I'll keep at it though!

I'm at work right now so I need to keep this short but I remembered by lonesome blog and thought I would give it some love. Here's a current picture of our love bug, Earl. (aka. Earls Pearls, Early Pearly, or baby boo boo ba choo). Sometimes I wonder, if this is how we are with our dog, I can't imagine what we're going to be like with an actual child.

  Earl with a pig's ear. He picked it out himself at Petsmart.

I'm Back!

I've decided I miss blogging. I think I'll really appreciate being able to look back and read this blog and reflect on newlywed life. A lot has happened in the past 7 months. I'm excited to share!

December: 

We celebrated our first married Christmas together:

Christmas happens to be our favorite holiday, so being married and having our own place to decorate was pretty fantastic.

January:

2011 brought us snow...a ton of it. We had more snow this year than I've ever experienced.


February:

This was a very exciting month in the Yurkanin household! We decided it was time to expand our little family.

Meet our pride and joy, Earl:

This was the first day we met him. David and I just went to "look" at the French Bulldog puppies. As soon as Earl was in David's arms, I knew he was coming home with us. He became a part of our family on February 12th. He was our Valentine's Day present to each other.

Such a baby! This was Earl after playing with his friends. He was a tired pup.

Earl just a couple weeks after having him. 

March:

David and I became an Uncle and Aunt to this cute little guy named Judah Daniel. Technically he was born at the end of February, but not too much happened in March. Isn't he the cutest thing? Gerber Baby watch out!

April:

We learned that Earl can sleep in some strange ways. Just another reason why we love him so much.

May:

Earl experienced the beach for the first time. He may have gotten knocked over by a wave and I may have had to run into the freezing ocean to save him. David watched this all happen and assured me that Earl was fine the whole time and I never needed to run into the ocean to save him. Let it be known, my dog was drowning and I saved him as if he were my child.

Me and my baby boy. This was taken a few minutes before the incident. 

June: 

   Kimberly and Jason got married! The wedding was beautiful and so was the bride. I was the matron of honor and David was the best man. It was pretty fun walking down the same aisle together almost exactly one year later.

The following day, David's grandparents celebrated their 60th anniversary. 60 years! Pretty neat. :)

And the next day:

We celebrated our 1 year anniversary!!

I can't believe it's already been a full year. We both took off that Monday from work and enjoyed a relaxing and romantic day. We went out for brunch, relaxed on the beach, enjoyed some italian ice, and brought Earl to the dog beach (where he swam in the air as I held him. A video will soon follow!) We ended the evening by going out for a romantic dinner. It was the perfect day to celebrate our love. Of course we didn't take any pictures of the day, we were too busy schmoozin. ; ) Here's a picture of that day 1 year ago.

Well, that was our 7 months in recap. I hope to be much better at this whole blogging thing. If you find that I'm posting way too many pictures of our dog, please forgive. We are absolutely smitten with him.

But how can you blame us when you see that face?