Wednesday, December 29, 2004

More Adventure Pics!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just want to share more pictures of our North Carolina adventure. The mountains are beautiful. Coming from the plains of Florida, it was like going to a new country. The view from a mountaintop was just amazing. I felt so small in the scheme of things standing atop a mountain and was mesmerized by the vastness of nature and its breathtaking beauty. Wow! I can't believe I am getting poetic there for a while. I guess the mountain air makes one do that! Too much clean air and oxygen brings back to life those brain cells murdered by polluted city air. 

The mini vacation was great but I am glad to be home. There's no place like home, for sure.

Have a happy and prosperous New Year!!! 

Monday, December 27, 2004

So much to see, so little time!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am glad to say that we made it back to Florida. Our trip to North Carolina and Atlanta had been exciting and wonderful. I have tons of pictures that I have not uploaded yet because hubby saved them in a memory card.

We spent some time with the family while in North Carolina but we were on the road and up the mountains most of the time. We went to Beech Mountain, Grandfather Mountain, Sugar Mountain, Banner Elk, Boone and Linville. The mountain air was fresh and crisp. There was not a trace of snow on the low lying areas and not much fell in the high country areas either. It was cold enough for snow machines to blanket all the ski resorts though. We went up Grandfather Mountain the first day we were there. It was cold and snowing. The snow felt like someone was throwing sand on our exposed flesh.  The hubby and son went on the mile high swinging bridge but only made it up to the bridge's midpoint and had to go back. Snow, high winds, and swinging bridge do not mix very well. (Duh!) I stayed on solid ground pretending to take their pictures and had my phone on 911 speed dial. 

The ski resorts were full of people from Florida and Alabama! Every time we looked at the license plates at the ski resorts' parking lots, we counted an overwhelming number of cars from the two no-ski states. Well, you can tell who were the Floridians and Alabamians on the slopes: they were the ones who seem to be on their behinds more than their feet. Well, I have no room to talk, really. I spent most of the day at the ski lodge taking pictures, eating snacks, and reading my book. Hubby looked funny all bundled up in the rented ski suit, thick gloves and a beanie. Son looked awkward in thick jacket, waterproof pants and gloves, and of course, a beanie! Hubby went skiing and son went snowboarding. Hubby was quite a skier and though this was son's first time snowboarding, he did very well. I myself, had fun taking pictures of people I did not even know and ate several muffins at the lodge.

We also spent a couple of days in Atlanta. We always pass by the city when going up north but we never stopped before. We always hear about it being the "New York of the South" so we were ready to explore it. Maybe it was because of the holidays but Atlanta seemed to have a much slower pace than we expected. We stayed at a hotel downtown by the CNN center. It was walking distance to all the the sights we wanted to see. We went to Hard Rock Cafe, the Underground, World of Coca Cola, the Olympic Park, Fox Theatre, the Rialto, and the Varsity. We dined at a Brazilian restaurant on Piedmont called Fogo de Chao. I recommend this place highly. It was quite pricey but the experience was well worth it. The waiters were dressed as "gauchos"  (Brazilian cowboys) and they fed us Brazilian barbeque served in swordlike skewers. The salad bar was phenomenalartichoke and palm hearts, smoked salmon, proscuitto ham, imported cheeses, sundried tomatoes, and roasted peppers were just to name a few of the luscious spread! We heard that there is another restaurant called " The Abbey," where the setting is a monastery and  the waiters are dressed as monks but we did not have time to go there. We also did not have time to see the Art Museum (it featured paintings of Van Gogh, Picasso, Seurat and Mondrian!) and the Botanical Garden (it had Dale Chiluly's exhibit!). We're definitely going back to Atlanta. I want to see Margaret Mitchell's house and the "Gone with the Wind" museum. Ah, so much to see and photograph, so little time!   

 

Tuesday, December 21, 2004

Snappin' Happy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just want to share some of the pictures I took at the St. Anne's Lights Festival.

St. Anne's of Belleview is a Catholic church in my hometown. Every year, hundreds of volunteers string billions of christmas lights in and around the church. The church and its surroundings look magnificent at night! 

The back of the church has numerous western style buildings that are usually used for the annual St. Anne's Round Up. This time of the year, the buildings are decorated with lights, wreaths, christmas trees and other christmas trimmings.  There is a Santa Booth where kids can tell Santa what they want for christmas and a kiddie train to amuse them. There are also a couple of christmas trains for grown people to ride around in. The best part of the Festival is the free hot cocoa, coffee and cookies building! Oh, did I mention that there is also a Bakery where you can buy all sorts of pastries, cookies, cakes, and all sweets imaginable? 

Enough of the St. Anne's ramblings. I would be out of town for a few days starting tomorrow. We are going to North Carolina to celebrate Christmas with my father-in-law. He lives on Mt. Nebo and the view at his mountain home is spectacular. I am hoping that it will snow while we are there because my hubby and my son are talking about trying the slopes this year. Where will I be while they are out there skiing? Well, I'll be inside the ski lodge, sipping coffee, and reading my new Michael Crichton book. Never been a snow bunny and I'm too old to even try it out. Maybe not old but definitely wiser.

My trusty camera will be with me so I will take pictures while we're there.

Have a good Christmas everyone! 

Monday, December 20, 2004

Lights, Camera, Addiction!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As my subject caption indicates, I am suffering from digital camera addiction. I wonder if someone already discovered and named this affliction. If not, I have first dibs on it. Given the APA and AMA authorization, I'll name this illness after me. Why not? Just like everybody else, I want to be known for something even if it is just a mere cameraitis.

My hubby and I went downtown a couple nights ago. Yup, you all thought I was so sick and in my death bed. I'm sorry but the camera was calling me and telling me all about these lighted houses, the Christmas Tour of Homes, the living nativity, and the downtown nightlife. Yup, I am weak so I succumbed to temptation.

I was also at the St. Anne's Lights Festival last night. Doing what else? Snapping pictures, of course! Well, drinking hot cocoa and eating cookies too. Yup, I am a multi-tasker. I can take pictures while shoving cookies in my mouth. Hubby acted as a cocoa dispenser because I have yet to master the possibility of doing three things at the same time.  

Got a lot more to say but hubby is standing next to me, whining. He wants to go out to get dinner. Gee-whiz! Why can't he learn to cook his dinner so I do not have to get up from my blogging?

Tata for now! 

Sunday, December 19, 2004

Homemade Christmas Card

 I made this christmas card for everyone using my hubby's digital camera program and the picture I took of the living nativity scene at a local church in my hometown. I know the picture needed enhancements because of its poor quality but I am just playing around with the possibilities right now. Just like those popsicle sticks ornaments our kids made during their elementary school days, this card is special because it is my first successful attempt at uploading a pic through FTP.  Yup, I'm trying to use guilt trip. Did it work?

I have more pictures of the christmas lights, living nativity, and christmas scenes from my hometown. I even have a pic of a blue roof house! 

I had someone asked what is the story about the blue roofed houses.  So here goes the story: When Ivan devastated my hometown on September 16, 2004, the Army Corps of Engineers and FEMA teamed up to provide large blue tarps for residents who had roof damages to prevent further damage to their homes. Approximately 80% of homes in my hometown had a blue roof at one time. There are still a lot of homes with blue roofs now because there is a shortage of roofers and some people are still having problems with their homeowners insurance companies. Fortunately, we did not run into the roofer or the reimbursement problems so we have a regular roof!

I am feeling better. I am still congested but I am up and about and spreading chaos! Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Saturday, December 18, 2004

Sweet for the Sweets! Happy Baking!

 

I've been sick for the past two days. I think it is the flu virus. That is all I am going to say because I want to spare your appetite for the wonderful baklava recipe below.

I am just chilling and drinking a lot of fluids. I am well enough this morning to type, so for those of you who want the baklava recipe, I am more than happy to oblige. For those of you who are baking challenged, send me your addresses and if you can ask, you shall recieve!

No, I am not Greek. I have a friend whose origin is the Mediterranian and she introduced me to foods in that part of the globe and I had been addicted to it since then.  

Baklava Recipe

Makes approximately 35 pieces of yummy baklavas!

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb Walnuts - Finely Chopped
  • 1/2 C. Light Brown Sugar
  • 2 tsp Cinnamon
  • 1.5 C. Butter (3 sticks), Melted
  • 1 Package Frozen Phyllo Dough (16 oz) Thawed (refrigerate until needed or it will stick together!)

(***Buy the Phyllo Dough that comes in two half sheet packages so you will not need to cut them in half as this can get tricky because the sheets are very delicate.***) 

  • 1 C. Light Brown Sugar
  • 1 C. Water
  • 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice
  • 1 C. Honey
  • 1/2 tsp Vanilla

Baking Steps:

  1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.
  2. In a bowl, combine and set aside walnuts, 1/2 cup light brown sugar, and cinnamon
  3. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the bottom and sides of a Jelly Roll Pan (15.5" x 10.5" x 1") with melted butter.
  4. Layer 12 half sheets of phyllo dough in the pan, buttering each layer as you go You will have 6 layers when you are done.. (The edges will extend over the side.)
  5. Spread 1 cup of the walnut mixture.
  6. Layer 8 half sheets -- butter each layer. Each sheet will be an inch or so short, so stagger the sheets from corner to corner to cover the whole pan. Spread 1 cup of the walnut mixture.
  7. Repeat 8 sheets and walnut mixture twice. You will end up with 4 layers of nuts.
  8. Layer the remaining half sheets on top -- butter each layer.
  9. Brush the top with the remaining butter.
  10. Trim the edges off.
  11. Cut halfway through the layers using the pattern shown. (Note: Do NOT cut from corner to corner, it will jag the edges.) This is done now since it will be very fragile after it's been baked.

     
  12. Bake 1 hour or until golden brown.
  13. 15 minutes before the baklava should be done, mix 1 cup light brown sugar, water, and lemon juice in a sauce pan.
  14. Cook sauce over a medium heat, stirring occasionally for 15 minutes.
  15. Remove from heat, add the honey and vanilla, and stir until well blended.
  16. Remove the baklava from the oven and finish cutting through the layers.
  17. Pour the sauce over the hot baklava.
  18. Cool. Let it sit for at least 24 hours (lightly covered -- do not refrigerate because the honey mixture need to soak in and evaporate a bit) -- longer if you can stand it!
  19. Put each piece into a muffin cup that has been partially flattened for a great serving presentation.
  20. Enjoy your baklava and Happy Holidays!

Wednesday, December 15, 2004

Joy To The World! (In Enthusiastic, Not Sarcastic Tone!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The baklavas had been baked and delivered. I am making another batch for the family and the baking will be done. Hallelujah!

My hubby is home so I've been using his digital camera to snap some pics to share. I only have limited time to devote to learning the intricacies of editing, resizing and photo enhancements right now so pardon my AOL issue picture album.

As you can see on picture #6, I am done shopping. I only have to exchange a Snow Baby figurine for my hubby's aunt. I was told that someone bought the same figurine for her so I have to go back to where I bought it and exchange it (for another one that she probably have already). I am thinking of exchanging it for a gift card so she can pick her own Snow Baby.

I am going back later to beautify this entry.  I have to choose and upload graphics for it and right now I need to get started on more chores. There's no rest for the wicked, they say. I guess I am the most wicked of all because I seem to have a chore list longer than Santa's.

Monday, December 13, 2004

Holiday Humor After Ivan's Devastation

These articles were copied from our local paper.  A lot of people are still reeling from the aftermath of  Ivan in my hometown. These articles show that having a sense of humor after the devastation can relieve the stresses of living in a temporary housing, chasing the insurance company, lining up contractors, and the other aggravations we all have to go through here on the Gulf Coast.  Luckily, my family and our home were spared from a lot of harm. Our inconveniences were minor compared to other people. We are blessed and we are thankful for that.

Holiday letter with an Ivan twist

Can't find the energy to recount the story of Hurricane Ivan over and over again in your holiday greetings? Let us help you. All you have to do is write in or circle the appropriate answers and send copies of this handy form letter off to your family and friends. (And show them Ivan didn't damage your sense of humor!)

Dear friends and family,

How are you? We hope this letter finds you well and happy. Things are slowly, slowly returning to normal here.

As you know, Hurricane Ivan hit ____________ (our area; our home; the whole of the known universe) on Sept. 16. It was a Category 3 storm, but felt more like ________(a Category 4; a Category 5; riding a Tilt-A-Whirl full of thumbtacks during an earthquake).

We spent the night _____________ (out of town; in the attic; crying hysterically into a flashlight) and when we ventured outside the next morning, it looked like _______________ (all heck had broken loose; an angry giant had stomped through; the Bikini Atoll).

We were without water for _____ days and without power for _____ days. By the end of that stint, we looked like we needed _____________ (a good night's sleep; a stiff drink; an "Extreme Makeover") and smelled like ______________ (onions; rotten onions; a box full of rotten onions).

Sadly, we lost ___________________________ (almost everything; everything that wasn't nailed down, everything that was nailed down "" including the nails). But we managed to save _______________ (our photos; our pets; a pile of random objects not fit for a yard sale). Most importantly, we _________ (have each other; have our faith; are related to a roofer).

We still _____________ (have a blue roof; have trees in the yard; can't flush the toilet), but it is getting a little better all the time. We're living _________ (in a trailer; in my sister's guest room; in fear of the 50 percent rule). We hope by the new year, we'll be ableto _______________ (get the check from the insurance company; move back into the house; throw out the last of the MREs).

To get in the holiday spirit, we strung lights _______ (over our debris pile; on our ROE/right of entry sign; around our insurance adjuster; plugged it in and suspended the whole mess over a full bathtub). For those of you still doing holiday shopping, our wish list includes ________ (clean towels; shingles; that check from the insurance company).

Despite the hardships, Ivan did draw our community together, tearing down the literal and figurative fences that kept us apart -- although we didn't really need to know about the neighbor's __________ (12-foot compost pile; ongoing "project" car; sunbathing habits).

Until next year, wishing you the best,

__________________________________ -- Jahna Jacobson @PensacolaNewsJournal.com
©The Pensacola News Journal December 13, 2004

Ivan flavors family's Christmas cards

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Sharla Gorder is known for her creative Christmas cards -- and this year inspiration wasn't hard to find.
The Gorder family -- Ted, Sharla, and sons Taylor, 10, and Myles, 9 -- is shown jeans-clad and barefoot, twisting in hurricane-force winds and clinging to a palm tree.
"I always try to do something appropriate to where we are and what we're doing," Sharla Gorder said. "There has only been the hurricane, so it just seemed like the thing to do."
She called on friend Monica Hoskins, a photographer with MRH photography in Gulf Breeze, to help bring her vision to life. Hoskins had the family sprawl out on the lawn, then tried several different poses. Later, she and her husband Jim created a composite photo using a shot of a wind-blown palm from Pensacola Beach.
It was fun to be a part of the Gorders' annual tradition, Hoskins said. "I always look forward to her Christmas cards."
Sharla Gorder said she'll send out more than 200 of the laughter-inspiring cards to friends and family, some of whom suffered enormous losses in the storm.
"I was so excited when we pulled it off," she said. "We're trying to have a sense of humor about it."
-- Jahna Jacobson @PensacolaNewsJournal.com

Some give cards in the shade of 'blue'

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Two greeting cards created by local artist Nancy Nesvik are capturing the spirit of a post-Ivan holiday season.
One shows Santa flying over a city dotted by blue roofs; the other is seashell Christmas tree with a reminder that no storm can take away our memories and traditions.
The "blue-roof" artwork was inspired by "the reaction people from out of town had seeing the sea of blue and not knowing what it was as they were flying into town," Nesvik said. "Of course, two months ago none of us knew what a blue roof was."
The cards are a fun way to share the blue-roof experience with out of town family members, said Nesvik, who has been designing her own Christmas cards for about 15 years, tailoring the artwork to the each year's major events.
Scrapdoodle, a Pensacola stationery store, sold out of the designs at the Junior League's Marketbasket holiday sale in November. So far, about 4,000 of the cards have sold throughout Pensacola, said Scrapdoodle owner Joeanne Leuchtman -- and more are on the way.
The cards really hit home for Pensacola resident Michele Carter after she got a bird's-eye view of all the blue roofs on a recent flight into Pensacola.
"I have a lot of friends who live away from Pensacola, so this is something they haven't experienced," Carter said.
Leuchtman said her store's proceeds from the cards will be donated to the United Way. The store also donated 800 cards to local organizations for them to send out or sell as fund-raisers.
-- Jahna Jacobson @PensacolaNewsJournal.com


  http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/life/html/E19343FD-4342-4580-AB8E-3BC5D1BFA7B5.shtml

Sunday, December 12, 2004

Winter Flowers In Sunshine State

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I took a break from all the holiday hustle and bustle. I walked around my garden today to see what survived the cold temperature. I had not been in my garden for a while. I was shopping, decorating, baking, and doing all the holiday related errands. I was surprised to find that a few of my flowering plants are still blooming. It was a spiritually uplifting  experience.  I am glad I took some time to smell the flowers for they will all be gone soon.

I know people were trying to view this entry while I was trying to upload pictures. I had very funny e-mails and some very funny comments about the "very large picture."  Yes, guys, I was trying several ways to upload pics but some of the results were hilarious. I tried using the digital camera's program to cut and paste and I got these grainy humongous pictures. I tried another program and I got these almost grotesque pictures. Oh well, you guys just have to be patient with me sometimes. LOL. Haylee, I thought myself that that entry was mind blowing! I had pictures gone wild! Barb, it's OK, you were not hallucinating. It was my pics that were on acid. LOL. Just remember, I am not laughing AT you, I am laughing WITH you! I had so much fun experimenting with ways on how to put pics on this entry. As you can see, I ended up with the AOL issue. There's always a next time. And next time, I will succeed.   

Happy Holidays To Everyone!

Some Chores Done, Others Not On Priority List!

 

 

I have been real busy. Hubby came home on Friday night so I picked him up at the airport.

I am glad to report that the tree is up and decorated and I even hung some lights outside. I am still working on decorating the inside but I have to rest a while.

Hubby and I spent the whole day running around on Saturday trying to buy the the last of the christmas gifts. I think we have everybody covered. It is just so hard to shop as the holidays approaches, the people out there are frantic. They are everywhere! I am glad I can stay home now to finish baking goodies.

I am baking Baklavas for J's teacher, Mr. S. He can't get enough of them the last time I volunteered to chaperone J's class to the Greek Festival so I  am making him a big batch. I already baked some peanut butter chips and chocolate chips cookies for the neighbors and some of the kids' friends. Some had been delivered with the cards but I need to sit down and write down more names so I can calculate how much I have to bake. 

I also want to thank Lori ( Lori's Laurels) for teaching me how to put graphics on my J.  Lori,  you are a wonderful person! I am indebted to you and your generosity forever!

Thursday, December 9, 2004

Lessons My Mother Taught Me

 

Lessons My Mother Taught Me

My Mother taught me LOGIC...
"If you fall off that swing and break your neck, you can't go to the store with me."

My Mother taught me MEDICINE...
"If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they're going to freeze that way."

My Mother taught me TO THINK AHEAD...
"If you don't pass your spelling test, you'll never get a good job!"

My Mother taught me ESP...
"Put your sweater on; don't you think that I know when you're cold?"

My Mother taught me TO MEET A CHALLENGE...
"What were you thinking? Answer me when I talk to you...Don't talk back to me!"

My Mother taught me HUMOR...
"When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."

My Mother taught me how to BECOME AN ADULT...
"If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up.

My mother taught me ABOUT SEX...
"How do you think you got here?"

My mother taught me about GENETICS...
"You are just like your father!"

My mother taught me about my ROOTS...
"Do you think you were born in a barn?"

My mother taught me about the WISDOM of AGE...
"When you get to be my age, you will understand."

My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION...
"Just wait until your father gets home."

My mother taught me about RECEIVING...
You are going to get it when we get home.

And my all time favorite thing- JUSTICE
"one day you will have kids, and I hope they turn out just like YOU...then you'll see what it's like."

 

***** Hope you enjoyed the above wisdom only a mother can impart to a child. LOL.  I swear I will write something original one of these days. There are just so much distraction at the moment that I need to focus and write something noteworthy ( and journalworthy, of course).

*****I found the christmas decorations and I will decorate the house sometime this week. I have a TO DO list that is getting longer everyday and not a lot have been crossed out of it lately. 

*****Happy Holidays to one and all!

Wednesday, December 8, 2004

Bear with Me...Just Venting

They say that blood is thicker than water. Maybe that's why we battle our own with more energy and gusto than we would ever expend on stranger.  David Assael, Northern Exposure, Family Feud, 1993

 

I am frustrated. Just had an argument with my teenage daughter. The mother-daughter kind of trifle.I wish she'll grow up fast enough so I can rest.  Don't get me wrong, she can be a wonderful girl when she wants to but she is so stubborn and unwilling to compromise that I have to stay away from her until I can collect myself. Grrrrr!!!!!!! This girl is my pride and joy. You will know that she has given me so much to be happy and proud about if you read some of the older entries I wrote about her. I love her dearly but we have our aggravating moments.

         On the happier front, I collected some funny quotes about children to amuse myself and make fun of the child in above paragraph. As they say, humor is the best medicine. Why cry when you can laugh?

          Here they are. Hope you will have a chuckle or two like I did after reading them.

Human beings are the only creatures that allow their children to come back home.    Bill Cosby, US comedian &TV actor

The first half of our lives is ruined by our parents, and the second half by our children.   Clarence Darrow, US defense lawyer

Ask your child what he wants for dinner only if he's buying.  Fran Lebowitz, US writer and humorist

People who say they sleep like a baby usually don't have one.  Leo Burke

The best way to keep children home is to make the home atmosphere pleasant--and let the air out of the tires.  Dorothy Parker, US author, humorist, poet, & wit
 
Humans are the only animals that have children on purpose with the exception of guppies, who like to eat theirs.  P.J. O'Rourke, US humorist & political commentator
Learning to dislike children at an early age saves a lot of expense and aggravation later in life.  Robert Byrne
Never have children, only grandchildren. Gore Vidal, US author & dramatist

I take my children everywhere, but they always find their way back home.  Robert Orben

Never raise your hand to your children; it leaves your midsection unprotected.  Robert Orben

The reason grandparents and grandchildren get along so well is that they have a common enemy.  Sam Levenson
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 

Monday, December 6, 2004

You've Come a Long Way, Baby!

I am posting this here to find out your reactions. I stole the slogan from Virginia Slims for my subject heading. I think it is apropos.

How to be a good wife

The following is from a 1950's Home Economics textbook intended for the High School girls, teaching how to prepare for married life.
************************************************************
1. Have dinner ready: Plan ahead, even the night before, to have
a delicious meal - on time. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him, and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospects of a good meal are part of the warm welcome needed.

2. Prepare yourself: Take 15 minutes to rest so you will be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people. Be a little gay and a little more interesting. His boring day may need a lift.

3. Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives, gathering up school books, toys, paper, etc. Then run a dust cloth over the tables. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift too.

4. Prepare the children: Take a few minutes to wash the children's hands and faces if they are small, comb their hair, and if necessary, change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part.

5. Minimize the noise: At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of washer, dryer, dishwasher, or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet. Be happy to see him. Greet him with a warm smile and be glad to see him.

6. Some DON'TS: Don't greet him with problems or complaints. Don't complain if he's late for dinner. Count this as minor compared with what he might have gone through that day.

7. Make him comfortable: Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or suggest he lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him. Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soft, soothing and pleasant voice. Allow him to relax and unwind.

8. Listen to him: You may have a dozen things to tell him, but the
moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first.

9. Make the evening his: Never complain if he does not take you out to dinner or to other places of entertainment; instead try to understand his world of strain and pressure and his need to be home and relax.

10. The Goal: Try to make your home a place of peace and order where your husband can relax.

Saturday, December 4, 2004

Me, Getting Political?

Been so busy. It was J's birthday on Monday. We took him to his favorite Japanese restaurant for his birthday dinner. We had hibachi style dinner. He likes the chef's show. He had seen it so many times but he still laughs at the chef's jokes. We invited his girlfriend to the dinner. She is very shy. She did not eat a lot. My son said later that she told him that she is very nervous and that she never ate at Japanese restaurant before so she was just observing everybody. 

My son is into music. He has a Fender electric guitar which we bought about a year ago. He also inherited a Yamaha acoustic guitar from his sister. We were not so sure about buying the electric guitar because we were concerned that he will play with it for a few days and it will be forgotten. (His sister went through some musical instruments and sports gears and got tired of them after a few weeks). He still spends at least an hour a day playing his guitar and  looks for guitar tabs on the Internet on a daily basis.

Where am I going with this? He has a bowling/skateboarding birthday party today and I made him a red guitar shaped cake for it. I'll take pictures of it and post them later. I decided to make the cake myself after calling around town and it seems like no one wants to make a made-to-order cake anymore. I also went on the Internet and looked in nearby cities and the nearest place that has the service I am looking for is about 7 hours away from where I live. Mom and Pop bakeries are perishing!

Big chain stores are killing small businesses. I will not name the giant one in my town because I know you know which one I am talking about. I long for the simpler days when there are a number of bakeries in my hometown. I sometimes crave for a real-honest-to-goodness-fresh-baked-bread, the one you get from the neighborhood bakery. There are days I do not want a day old corporate bread. My heart also bleeds for small businesses shut down by corporate giants. 

 

Thursday, December 2, 2004

Appreciation Of The Living

This poem is by an unknown poet. It deeply touched me. I am posting it here to share in hopes that someone will appreciate its sentiments like I did. It is also a tribute to a fellow J'er who lost her friend recently. I am glad she was there for her when she needed to be loved the most.  

 

The Time Is Now

If your are ever going to love me

Love me now, while I can know

The sweet and tender feelings

From which true affection flows

Love me now, while I am living

Do not wait until I am gone

And then it will be chiseled in marble

Sweet words on ice cold stone

If you have tender thoughts of me

Please tell me now

If you wait till I am sleeping

Never to awaken

There will be death between us

And I would not hear you then

So if you love me, even a little bit

Let me know while I am living

So I can treasure it

 

***Life is too short. Love much. Laugh often. Live well***

 

Wednesday, December 1, 2004

Define Happiness

To be stupid, selfish, and have good health are three requirements for happiness, though if stupidity is lacking, all is lost.
Gustave Flaubert
French realist novelist (1821 - 1880)

 

Happiness is a noun. It is defined as follows: 1. a sense of general well being and of everything being right in the world or in your own immediate vicinity  2. a giddy feeling that your heart is lighter than air  3. that toe tappin' energy you get on a perfectly sunny day  4. a deep belly laugh  5. cheerful. 

 

If happiness had been eluding you lately.  Take refuge in Flaubert's quote above.Have a deep belly laugh (rolling on the floor is optional). There you go, at least you were happy for a moment.