Just Checking In

I've been slacking for some time now. I have not forgotten about you all.
I am just busy with my non virtual life.
To update you with what is happening with me: I went back to graduate school and graduated last month! I am now interning at an IT company, studying for an IT certification and applied for more post graduate education for Fall 2009.
I'll try to catch up with everyone as fast as I could and will find time to blog more often.
Just saying "HI" to everyone!

Happy Birthday!

You're an old man but I love you anyway. I love you more as years go by. I want you to survive me because I can't think of ever living without you by my side. I am getting cheese-wizzy in my old age but I mean every word of it.

"Cookies are made of butter and love."
~Norwegian Proverb

It is that time of the year when baking takes precedence over house cleaning in my household. My father in law requested baklava and cookies for Christmas. That signaled the open baking season. I dusted off the baking pans and opened my mother in law's gift. She got us a Kitchen Aid Professional Mixer and said, "Bring it home and use it to make "THE" cookies. You will thank me when you do not have to do all the mixing and kneading." I do not have the heart to tell her that I use my primitive baking implements (bowl and my hands) because that is where LOVE comes from. My mother in law also gave me several pounds of pecans so it will be the main nut this year.

I am sorting out my recipes last night and I thought about all the people I fed my cookies to and their favorites. I was grinning like a fool, reminiscing about my cookie memories. One memory I treasure is when my kids were small and they came home with their friends for milk and cookies after school like clockwork. I used to be a baking maniac on steroids. My cookie jar is always full and kids in the neighborhood knows that they can always get cookies at my house. Now my kids are grown and milk and cookies are not one of their priorities anymore. I only bake now-a-days for the holidays and a few special occasions.

I still get into the "zone" when I bake. It is like meditation. My senses are heightened and I feel blissful. The feel of the batter in my hands is glorious. The buttery aroma wafting from my kitchen is wonderful. The brown cookies and the colorful frosting and sprinkles makes me smile. The products of my labor are delicious. The butter and love reeks from their pores.

An article I just read proclaimed this:" I am not rich but I want for nothing. I am adequately housed and fed. I am well traveled and loved."

What a beautiful passage and how apropos for me and for a lot of people who are worried about the US economy. At least for now, I have a roof over my head and some food. I cry for people on foreclosures and those that are unemployed and hungry.

I listen with heavy heart to stories being told about the 1929 stock crash which precipitated the Great Depression. I do not want to spread gloom and doom but there is a possibility that our present recessionary status could slide to a full depression. I am praying fervently that it will not happen.

I guess what I am doing here is counting my blessings and reflecting on what I can do to help others in dire straits. Tears are good but action is better.

"Use it up. Wear it out. Make it do. Do without."
Jan DeBlieu, Less is More, Southern Journal.

Name Change and Blogspot

I am a tad disconcerted about AOL Journals closing its doors.

Though I am not a frequent journaler, I have met a lot of wonderful people through  J-Land. It is my second home where I can go when I am feeling joyful or sad. It's like that bar on the "Cheers" TV series.

I changed my journal's name in anticipation of the blogspot migration because I know another J-Land journaler also have my old journal name.

I signed up for Google and initiated a blog there. Here is the link if you are interested. http://gulfcoastdeesdiary.blogspot.com/

I am quite confused as to the migration process. I have another blog that I started for my kids with memories and recipes and I do not know if I have to create another blog to have that migrated too.

Here's to one and all: Cheers!

 

                                                        

 

 

TO: You-Know-Who-You-Are

 

"Happiness is that state of consciousness which proceeds from the achievement of one's values. "

 

 

~Ayn Rand, US novelist (1905 - 1982)

                           

 

                                                           

 

I was driving to the airport today and this song came on the radio.  It made made me smile and I thought about you. This is our song, remember? I miss you and I love you.

Dad for 22 Years and Still Kickin' A$$!

 

 

Happy Father's Day to the Best Dad Ever!