Let's Talk: Random Thoughts on the Black Market and The Dark Web

I have just been enlightened! For years I have been joking and asking about the black market. What do they sell? How do you buy from there? How much do things cost? Is there a "store?" Do they sell kidneys? The librarian in me needed to know. I was once quoted saying "How can I answer reference questions without the internet?" Shockingly, I had never googled the black market or anything of the sort. Maybe I was too busy rereading or rewatching some of my favorite books & movies. While having a casual conversation in the office today about current news (which I rarely watch) about hackers sharing private information about websites that are intended for you to find someone to cheat on your spouse with I learned about the "Dark Web." Sounds like something out of Harry Potter if you ask me! 

By no means is this blog post: 
1. Supporting the dark web/black market/deep web or any other thing it may be called.
2. Claiming to know anything accurate about these things. I just did some research on the google and am sharing my opinions.
3. I'm really in the list mood lately, aren't I?

Back to the black market. 

Apparently, the black market is in the dark part of the interwebs. The part that is not cataloged or searchable when we use google or any other search engines. To access this you have to download things, tors? To buy things on there you have to use bitcoins. From what I gather that is some encrypted way of sending money directly to someone else without using a third party. Whew! OK. I have not ventured into the dark interwebs nor do I intend to. I have no desire to hire a hitman, buy drugs, sell drugs or watch some violent happenings.  Here is a chart from theblaze.com that sums this up much easier than I can explain. 

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ATTENTION READERS: Reviews? Do you write them? Read them?

Hi guys! I'm just curious over here. When you read a book how likely are you to write a review on amazon or goodreads? I don't mean a full on review like I do on my blog but just share your thoughts? Do reviews influence your decision to buy a particular book? I love to read reviews especially when I'm not sure what the book is about.

Recently I have learned how important reviews are. By chatting with new authors I have realized that we have some power. I think if we all went and reviewed a book by J.R. Ward it would not really matter. She is already super popular and everyone loves the Brotherhood. I'm sure she would still appreciate it though. :) 
I mean, independent authors, new authors, authors who are not big household names yet. The ones that you can interact with on Facebook or other social media and actually respond to your messages. 

I started my blog to keep track of the books I read and to be my "notebook." For as long as I can remember I have written journals and filled them with thoughts, things to research and things I didn't want to forget. I'd like to think my blog has turned into something a little more than that. If I can help someone else select a book, try a new series or genre out or just show an awesome book some love, I will. 

If you don't already review your purchases on amazon or goodreads I would encourage you to do so. Especially if you are a reading machine-like so many of my friends are! It doesn't have to be a long review. Just honest and mindful of others. Try not to give anything away or review something too harshly if you didn't like something. Goodreads is neat because it keeps count of each book you read. 

Happy Reading and Reviewing!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

It is so easy to get caught up in the commercial aspect of Christmas. The true meaning is often forgotten. During this time of year it is a time to enjoy your family, embrace family traditions-or start new ones, and to show appreciation to those around you for all they do. For me, my family's Christmas tradition was to watch movies while laying in the living room on a big comfy blanket eating yummy food waiting for midnight to open our gifts. Of course, we'd always fall asleep somewhere between the 11pm hour and wake up after midnight. We'd open presents then go back to bed. Rey's family has a different tradition. They celebrate with music, food and with family. They have a much bigger family then I do. It was always just me, my mom and sister and sometimes our grandma. One year, we took a road trip to surprise Rey's sister in Florida. It was the first time I had spent Christmas away from my family. I did not expect to miss my mom, sis and Christmas eve tradition so much. Each time I would speak to them on the phone I would start crying. Each time I was around Rey's family, watching their traditions and being a part of it, I started crying. Rey's family is great with making the moments count. They are always grateful for your presence and always share that. I think that was the Christmas I cried the most. It was not about the gifts but the people and love around you. Although I was not with my mom and sister I still felt loved and realized how much I loved my family.

Today, it's Christmas Eve. My mother is in Florida with my sister. This is the 2nd Christmas we are apart. I didn't think I would be sad. This morning Rey shows me this link: http://news.wgcu.org/post/latino-christmas-traditions#.Urmj1MZjveg.facebook.  It is Rey's sister describing her reaction to our visit that Christmas. Guess what? It made me cry. That year I cried for my family and this year I cried for his. I promise, I don't enjoy crying all the time. :) If you have a minute, click the link above. She narrates the story. It was amazing to hear her thoughts and made us get the warm and fuzzys all over again. 

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all! Especially all of you great people who check out my blog and fb page and support me in various ways! xoxo

16 year old wisdom

Tonight, as usual, I was bothering my stepson about his ever growing hair. "You look like Edward Cullen." He responds, "Nah, I kind of have the Bill Clinton hair going on now." That's not what I expect to hear from a 16 year old. We then get into a conversation about Clinton and his impeachment. Of course he didn't believe me and had to do some pretty intense research aka google. This leads to Obama and how he has aged during his presidency. We both agreed it's due to the stress of the job. His solution to the political stress (democratic president, republicans everywhere else) is this: if he were running for presidency he would simply run as opposite of his beliefs. He would run as a republican, get elected then be the most liberal republican or vice versa. 

As we talk about Democrats and Republicans he compares it to Xbox and Play Station, also known as the console wars. Yes, he managed to compare politics to war raging from xbox and ps lovers worldwide. This then leads to an hour long conversation about his "theories." Apparently, when he takes a 15 minute shower not only is he using up all the hot water in the tank he is pondering the mysteries of the world. This includes religion, beliefs and human interest. My plan for the evening was to write 2 reviews and start reading a book. That plan didn't work so well for me. Instead, I realized how proud I was that this kid that I nag at all the time (SAT"s, College applications, laundry, trash removal) who plays xbox as if it were his full time job and answers most questions with "uh huh, ut uh" or a one word answers was sharing so much information with me. He has always had an expansive vocabulary since he was a child. It's nice to know there is still a working brain in there despite all of the Family Guy episodes and countless hours spent on some sort of video game console. 

Lisa B Salon & Spa

I tried out a new hair salon and had such a great experience I had to share it! I found out about this place on Living Social. They had a deal for $49 bucks for a full highlight, cut and style. I checked out their website and facebook page and made an appointment right away. I was a little skeptical at first. I have been to many salons in CT and have not found a place that I have wanted to come back to. Yes, I visited nice salons, pricey salons, less expensive ones. I have not found the price, service and overall experience combination that has made me want to commit. I did here. I met the owner, Lisa and my stylist, Sarah (OMG I hope I have her name right!). They were super friendly! The salon is so adorable and there are quotes on the wall-one of them from the Notebook! That earns super brownie points in my book. We talked the entire time about movies, Christmas, Groupon... The overall experience was just amazing. I will be returning. The services were great and at reasonable prices! You can't ask for a better combination. If you are looking to try out a new salon-give them a try! 

Phrases that stay with you...

Have you ever read a book or watched a movie that touched you in a way that you took something away from it? Maybe a saying, a thought, a phrase, old sport? Well, it seems the more I read and the more I really enjoy something a little piece of the character stays with me. Some of my favorites are:

1. Twitchy palms- Mr. Christian Grey
2. We aim to please- again, Mr. Grey 
3. Old Sport- Mr. Gatsby (or DiCaprio LOL)
4. Do not disappoint- Mr. Rawlings
5. Appearances are everything- Mr. Rawlings
6. "Butteflying." Will & Lake
7. I love you to the moon and back- OMG, I can't remember which book that is from ! HELP!
8. Soookie- Mr. Bill Compton- you have to say it with the proper accent and exaggerate the O  :)
9. May the odds be ever in your favor- Hunger Games
10. 

What are some of your favorites? Maybe we can compile a pretty good list! 

Anyone remember any sayings from Mr. Cross?

SO EXCITED!!!

Well, I just want to share how excited I am that an author, Aleatha Romig, read and shared my review of her books! And confirmed that yes we are on a first name basis! :) Seriously, it feels really cool to have someone acknowledge your writing about them or their characters or just in general. I write for myself and hopefully my friends and family might read it sometime. Maybe someone else out there with similar interests will read it. BUT when I write and share my thoughts it is with the expectation that it is for me alone. I am beyond excited when my friends read my blog let alone a stranger that doesn't know me or an AUTHOR! 

Hello Sean Connery!

The other morning I woke up and on the TV was an old James Bond movie. In this particular one Sean Connery was playing 007. The thing is, it barely looked like the Sean Connery we know! This man was young, handsome, tall and tanned. But when he opened his mouth a familiar voice came out! Wow, I was surprised. I promptly googled Sean Connery and 007 and checked out images. Did you know Sean Connery is in his 80's?  He was very handsome! Like Gastby handsome. So this is just a Sean Connery acknowledgment post LOL! 

 

What have I been up to???

Well, I know I haven't written in a while. I have not been reading as much lately. Instead, I have been watching shows: Under the Dome, Dexter, Ray Donovan and True Blood. Yeah, pretty busy lol. I just decided to start listening to the Sookie Stackhouse books on audio. I just want to know what is going on in the show. I'm not sure if the show follows the books exactly but, hey, it is worth the try. Also, right now in the show I'm soooo hating Bill, big time. Now, it is the beginning on the audio books and I'm starting to fall in love with him again. UGH! Billith better redeem himself. OK, I'll write more soon. Just wanted to check in. :)

For the ladies interested in makeup...

I know I normally don't write about makeup but lately I have been watching a TON of YouTube videos on makeup....Plus, I always have loved makeup. Just ask my mom and sis, every year for my birthday or for Christmas I always ask for some sort of make up thing that I'm too cheap to buy myself... LOL  Wait until this year...hehehe. I already know what I'm asking for. :) Here is the link to one of my new favorite beauty girls on YouTube, Melissa. At first I was just telling people about some of these products, some of my friends and sister that I know love makeup too. But, that is taking a lot of time to text people or put it on Facebook  So I decided, DUH, put it on my blog! OK, so I wont spend too much time on this but I LOVE these lipsticks: 

Top Row: Revlon Lip Butters (2), Maybeline Vivid

Bottom Row: Wet n Wild Lipsticks

Above: Maybeline Color Whisper

1. They are cheap! (relatively...)

2. All of these are moisturizing-EXCEPT the Wet n Wild ones-BUT the color is SO nice that you can put some gloss over it and BOOM really soft, vivid color.

3. I guess this could go with #1, Wet n Wild was like $2, Target had a sale on Color Whisper $4.99, and Walgreen's had a sale on the lip butter and color vivid's!

SO, if you are interested I suggest you check them out! DON'T try the L'Oreal Lip Balm. It looks like the top pic of Revlon's lip butter. It dried my lips and did nothing for me. I gave it to my mom he he he. :) 

Crossfit Opens 13.2

It is that time of year where Crossfitter's all over the world are competing for the fittest on Earth title. I joined crossfit last March so I never really took part of the WOD's for the opens. Everything was super scaled at that point for me. Today I did 13.2 which is: 
5 shoulder to overhead 75 lbs (I did 45 lbs)
10 deadlifts
15 box jumps (I used the 12' box)

No, I am not competing in the opens. I am not quite ready for that. Maybe next year. However, it was still pretty cool to be doing the same workout of the day (WOD) as hundreds of thousands of people all over the world. While I can do 75 lbs overhead for a few reps I needed to scale it back. Seeing as this WOD is as many rounds as possible with the 75 lbs I would probably make it through 3 rounds if that. So, how did I do? I made it through 6 and a half rounds, 195 reps. I surprised even myself! :)  Now, if we compare my results to the the fittest woman in the world (2012) Annie Thorisdottir, well, let's say she did a hell of a lot more reps than I did. She got to 361. Showoff! :) OK, back to my regularly scheduled program of reading!

My Crossfit Story

I really don't like to share this part of myself much. However, since the following posting will be on my Crossfit box's website I'd thought it'd be only fair to post it on my blog. 

“I joined CFR about a year ago when one of my best friends Carmen dragged me to check it out with her. I was pushing 230 lbs and wearing a size 20 in pants. I was very unhappy and disappointed in myself. I wasn't sure if this was the place for me since I wasn't great at any sports and couldn't do a push-up let alone lift heavy weights. Today I have a different story to share. Since joining I have lost 40 lbs, went from a size 20 to a size 14, from a 35 lb dead lift to a 215 1RM, from a 14:50 min mile to 10:23. But the best thing that has happened is the change in my head. It is no longer about being a certain weight or getting to a certain size.  It is about becoming stronger and being proud of myself. The weight loss is an added bonus. Although I am far from where I’d like to be one day I will show those burpees and wall balls who’s the boss. But until then I will enjoy this journey because it is not the destination that matters as much as the path to get there. It is not easy or pain free but it is worth it. I have become a better person all around. Thank you to the coaches who never let you give up and to all of my fellow box members.”

My Fav Spices and Color Changing Nail Polish

So lately I have noticed that no matter what I'm cooking I'm adding these 2 ingredients. 1) Bay leaves 2) Basil & Garlic Seasoning.  I have been raving about Basil garlic to anyone who would listen to me for the last two years! (maybe longer...) At one point I kept some in my purse...yes I would shamelessly add this to my breakfast sandwich from Jo Jo's... I no longer keep a bottle on my but do add some to everything... sweet potatoes, eggs, all types of meat, you can even add it to rice. As for the bay leaves my mom has been adding them to baked chicken with onions and I love the flavor. When I tried to make the same dish it didn't come out the same that's when she told me about the bay leaves. Similarly now I add them to everything too! Although I recommend for you to remove them before eating your meal since it is a leaf after all and no one wants to eat a leaf with their meal...unless it's salad.

OK, next item on the agenda is color changing gel nail polish. My friend Veronica told me about this and I was super excited. It is like mood nail polish.  When your fingers are hot the polish is one color, when they are cold it turns another. Pretty impressive. The best thing that since it is gel polish the polish will stay on for at least 2 weeks. The photo on the left is when my fingers are hot, baby blue nail polish. (She did a design on one finger from each hand...) The picture on the right is when my fingers are freezing, gray nail polish. Pretty cool huh! I think I will try another of the color changing polish next time I go back. My mom got her nails polished too but wasn't as adventurous as I was. She just got a french manicure.  :)

Five Guys...

Silly me forgot my dinner at home today. I was rushing out the door and forgot my baked chicken and sweet potatoes  Such a bummer- I have been on a sweet potato kick for the last 5 months now.  Thankfully, Lisa had a great idea. She told me about Five Guys. I have never been there. I heard once on the news that their fries were like a thousand calories or something ridiculous. I ordered the bacon cheeseburger....SO YUMMY! I did have a few fries. The burger is so good you don't even need fries. Two thumbs up from me!  Thanks again Lisa, you rock!

Thanks!

Just a quick post to say thanks to my new library coworkers who gave me a very nice welcoming party last week. There were a ton of goodies, flowers and everyone came in to meet me. I'm not going to lie, I kind of felt like a celebrity! :) They really made me feel welcome and have made my transition very smooth! I'm very lucky!

HPL

Can you believe it is Saturday night and I still can't believe that on Monday morning I will be driving to another job? It's like I pushed it aside and am still trying to soak it in. HPL was my first job. Throughout my 12 years here I have made many amazing friends, many of whom I consider my family. Thank you to everyone who made my time there, last few days and each day special. We all know how challenging each day will be yet one thing was sure-we had each other. Thank you for listening to me vent, lending a shoulder to cry on, and being apart of many important moments of my life (both happy and sad). I'm sure Wesleyan will be great but they wont have all of you guys there. I will miss each of you every day! I don't have pics of everyone but that doesn't mean you're not included.

$16 Manicure/Meditation Session/ Wybie Blogging

Tonight, I'd like to share 2 things with you. The first is my blog helper. He just wants to be a part of this blog tonight. Wybie thought it would be very helpful to me if he put his head on the laptop.

On a more blog worthy note: On Friday I went to ghettomart (Flatbush Walmart) to get gel polish on my nails. They are really cheap there $15-16 as opposed to $30-$35 in other salons. The Asian man who did my nails was named Kevin. When I shared my name was Jasmine he said his wife loves the flower and grows it in their kitchen window. I told him how I have a lot of lavendar in my garden. He said you love nature, let me share with you a way to be closer to nature. He goes into a 15 minute talk about the power of meditation. 10 minutes is all you need. To start go on youtube and find some Zen music. Once you have selected your song sit Indian style on the floor with your eyes closed. Clasp your fingers so they create the infinity sign-to be reminded that the knowledge inside of your brain is infinite. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing and on clearing your mind. Thats it. This is the simplicity of meditating. I tried meditating a long time ago but it felt weird. After trying yoga I downloaded a zen song with the intention of meditating or doing yoga to clear my mind. Kevin tells me while he meditated that morning he prayed to be given the chance to share his love of meditation with someone. Since I was his first customer that day and I loved nature he thought it was appropriate. It was a really nice experience which teaches a few things. Sometimes things are set in motion and we have no clue when or why it is happening. I have been so exhausted these past few days and Kevin reminded me to slow down and take some time to clear my mind so I can relax. I was also reminded not to judge a book by its cover. Ghettomart really turned into Meditation 101. I met a genuine person who shared his passion for meditation with me. Although the manicure was $21 bucks after the tip the interaction, knowledge and experience was priceless.

What to read next??

I was so into the last series of books I read that I haven't been able to move on. After rereading all 3 books (recommending them to all of my reading friends) and letting Dankmar and Pagan marinade in my brain (OK maybe my heart) for 2 weeks I feel like I'm ready to move on to something new else.  A part of me wants to reread Hopeless by Cathleen Hoover. It might become my book club selection when it's my turn to choose. I have already started reading The Dark Garden, another possible book club read. Even though it seems to be well written I'm not sure if I'm up for that type of storyline right now (think something like 50 Shades but a little more BDSM). Also on my to be read list is Breathe by Abbi Glines. I'm sure I will like this one because I have been on an Abbi Glines reading kick lately. We'll see where the dice stops and what I read next.

Week 1 down

At 5pm today marks one week into my new job. Although it does not have my favorite HPL people in the entire world...(except for Rey, Channing, Wybie, Mom, etc You get the point)...so far so good! Can you imagine no public service desk hours? Focusing on one task at a time? Being able to use the computer to do your own stuff? Actually taking all of your breaks? Hmmm. Wearing jeans to work! It would be even better if I weren't sick as a dog right now. Chest congestion and PAIN, stupid cough and chills/hot flashes are not a good combo. Also not a good way to start a new job. Anywho, everyone has been super nice and I can't complain. Just wanted to share.

Stowe, Vermont Pics








View from room