..whats too painful to remember, we simply choose to forget.
So it's the laughter, we'll remember...whenever we remember, the way we were....
Showing posts with label memories. Show all posts
Showing posts with label memories. Show all posts
Sunday, October 02, 2011
Saturday, August 27, 2011
I'm a Barbie Girl, in a Barbie World...take two!
This afternoon Princess Petunia and I were playing "hair salon" with all of her Barbie dolls - and as I was restyling their already perfect hair, I found myself commenting on how beautiful their hair is - even when messy, and it triggered the memory of a post I wrote a few years back. Today is a perfectly apropos time to re-share it!
Without further adieu, here's the post and I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!
************************************************************
So, the other day I was playing with my daughter and all of her Barbies. She's only 3.5 yrs old - and already has about 12 Barbie dolls. It's interesting, when I was young I might have only had one or two real Barbie dolls; they were very expensive and so I more often than not had the generic versions. But who knew, right? They're all perfect little people and I was just as thrilled with them as I was with any other trademark brand. But I digress....
As I was saying, we were playing Barbies with her Barbie Dream House - that ugh, takes up 3/4 of her room might I add. Which got me thinking as to all the different reasons why it would be fun to be a Barbie. I thought I'd share a few…
The Barbie Dream House: Um, hello - have you seen that thing? So not the Dream House from when I was a little girl. It's a flipping town house, and about the size of a real life one! The door bell rings, the stove works, the toilet flushes -- there's a washer and dryer in the unit! Three levels, and I'm sorry -- food! Wine glasses, cakes, pizza - just to name a few. And she's got a bedroom that is more like a boudoir with those really fun tuille canopies that ties off on each side. If only she had a good sound system with a little jazz playing and high definition television and an inground pool with an outdoor grill and fireplace it would be perfect! Moving on...
Barbie's Vehicles: Where else can a girl have a Pink Corvette, and still look hot? Between the Corvette, the Horse Drawn Carriage (because what, Barbie doesn't feel like a Princess every now and again??), the Hot Tub Barbie Bus (where she and all the other hot dolls get to hang out), the Beach Jammer, the Jammin' Jeep -- she has got it all. Who wouldn't be envious of that?
Fashion Sense: Barbie is the only girl that can wear teensy tiny short skirts - and not fear anyone calling her a tramp or any other negative name. And let's be honest, she looks adorable no matter what she wears! Barbie has the best girly clothes, the best workout gear, and hello -- her shoes are nothing short of spectacular. Her boots - to die for. And, it all fits her perfectly. Have you seen her hamstrings? She clearly is the more athletic Barbie of the Millenium than the skinny minnie dolls I grew up with ; sure they had a great chest, but really were lacking in the leg area. And let's be honest, a good pair of gams make any skirt and high boots look amazing.
The best hair...ever. I finally figured out why Barbie looks good, no matter how ratty her hair gets after a child has gotten a hold of it. You can twist it, twirl it - cut it even - and she looks gorgeous. You know why? Barbie doesn't need bangs. Even when she has them - they're almost an accessory - she doesn’t need them. She's got a perfect little forehead which makes her hair look amazing no matter what funky hair style you give her. Which is quite a challenge for those of us who are, um....working with an eight-head instead of a forehead. Yes, I guess I am a little bitter about that one....
Ken who? Ken, schmen. Who needs 'em. Barbie is clearly entirely self sufficient, maintaining several positions as either a ballet teacher or dog walker - maybe even an early education teacher playing with Elmo. Which leaves her plenty of money and time to hang out with her friends -- go shopping, take yoga - do whatever. Without having to answer to anyone about anything! I bet you that at some point, Barbie is going to come out with her own line of adopted children! Angelina Jolie has been the pioneer in the world of adoption with out a Daddy - I can so see Barbie jumping on that bandwagon! She's high speed, low drag. When you're a girl that looks like Barbie, and has the attitude that Barbie has -- men just bring you down.
And on that note…this very "un-Barbie" like real girl, is going to put some lip gloss on and prepare to go get herself a smoothie for lunch.
Ahhh but it's fun to dream….!
Without further adieu, here's the post and I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!
************************************************************
So, the other day I was playing with my daughter and all of her Barbies. She's only 3.5 yrs old - and already has about 12 Barbie dolls. It's interesting, when I was young I might have only had one or two real Barbie dolls; they were very expensive and so I more often than not had the generic versions. But who knew, right? They're all perfect little people and I was just as thrilled with them as I was with any other trademark brand. But I digress....
As I was saying, we were playing Barbies with her Barbie Dream House - that ugh, takes up 3/4 of her room might I add. Which got me thinking as to all the different reasons why it would be fun to be a Barbie. I thought I'd share a few…
The Barbie Dream House: Um, hello - have you seen that thing? So not the Dream House from when I was a little girl. It's a flipping town house, and about the size of a real life one! The door bell rings, the stove works, the toilet flushes -- there's a washer and dryer in the unit! Three levels, and I'm sorry -- food! Wine glasses, cakes, pizza - just to name a few. And she's got a bedroom that is more like a boudoir with those really fun tuille canopies that ties off on each side. If only she had a good sound system with a little jazz playing and high definition television and an inground pool with an outdoor grill and fireplace it would be perfect! Moving on...
Barbie's Vehicles: Where else can a girl have a Pink Corvette, and still look hot? Between the Corvette, the Horse Drawn Carriage (because what, Barbie doesn't feel like a Princess every now and again??), the Hot Tub Barbie Bus (where she and all the other hot dolls get to hang out), the Beach Jammer, the Jammin' Jeep -- she has got it all. Who wouldn't be envious of that?
Fashion Sense: Barbie is the only girl that can wear teensy tiny short skirts - and not fear anyone calling her a tramp or any other negative name. And let's be honest, she looks adorable no matter what she wears! Barbie has the best girly clothes, the best workout gear, and hello -- her shoes are nothing short of spectacular. Her boots - to die for. And, it all fits her perfectly. Have you seen her hamstrings? She clearly is the more athletic Barbie of the Millenium than the skinny minnie dolls I grew up with ; sure they had a great chest, but really were lacking in the leg area. And let's be honest, a good pair of gams make any skirt and high boots look amazing.
The best hair...ever. I finally figured out why Barbie looks good, no matter how ratty her hair gets after a child has gotten a hold of it. You can twist it, twirl it - cut it even - and she looks gorgeous. You know why? Barbie doesn't need bangs. Even when she has them - they're almost an accessory - she doesn’t need them. She's got a perfect little forehead which makes her hair look amazing no matter what funky hair style you give her. Which is quite a challenge for those of us who are, um....working with an eight-head instead of a forehead. Yes, I guess I am a little bitter about that one....
Ken who? Ken, schmen. Who needs 'em. Barbie is clearly entirely self sufficient, maintaining several positions as either a ballet teacher or dog walker - maybe even an early education teacher playing with Elmo. Which leaves her plenty of money and time to hang out with her friends -- go shopping, take yoga - do whatever. Without having to answer to anyone about anything! I bet you that at some point, Barbie is going to come out with her own line of adopted children! Angelina Jolie has been the pioneer in the world of adoption with out a Daddy - I can so see Barbie jumping on that bandwagon! She's high speed, low drag. When you're a girl that looks like Barbie, and has the attitude that Barbie has -- men just bring you down.
And on that note…this very "un-Barbie" like real girl, is going to put some lip gloss on and prepare to go get herself a smoothie for lunch.
Ahhh but it's fun to dream….!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
I had the time of my life.....
So while the vacation I was just on was not exotic....it was definitely relaxing. I can't remember the last time I ever wasn't on a schedule - and that in of itself was priceless.
G actually relaxed which was something I don't think I've seen in years....we had no concept of what time of day it was outside of watching the sun in the sky. Great company, good food, fabulous weather, and a perfect seascape.
Ironically, the photo in my previous post actually shows the house we stayed in! Who knew?? It was a random photo of the beach we were at, and yet in retrospect, two of the three houses we were in is in it. How were we in multiple houses you ask? Well, it was a group vacation. Three families, three houses - one beach.
Good times....good times.
G actually relaxed which was something I don't think I've seen in years....we had no concept of what time of day it was outside of watching the sun in the sky. Great company, good food, fabulous weather, and a perfect seascape.
Ironically, the photo in my previous post actually shows the house we stayed in! Who knew?? It was a random photo of the beach we were at, and yet in retrospect, two of the three houses we were in is in it. How were we in multiple houses you ask? Well, it was a group vacation. Three families, three houses - one beach.
Good times....good times.
Friday, July 08, 2011
Well East Coast girls are hip - I really dig those styles they wear...
Beachin' it.
May the Weather Gods be with us.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Something in the way she moves....
So, it's quickly approaching the one year anniversary of my Mother's passing.
Her last few months, she was up in Boston receiving treatment - and spent a good amount of time with me at the store. When I was growing up, she never was much of a drinker - as a matter of fact, I rarely saw my parents take a drink - so when they did, it was sort of a shock for me to see. That being said, once she was diagnosed she sort of indulged in drinking with us at dinner, and sampling with me at the store when my reps would come in.
There were a few wines that were her favorites, and she tended to like lightly oaked Chardonnay.
In the time since she passed, whenever odd things would happen - like wines jumping out of the racks, we would laugh and say it's my Mom visiting.
Yesterday and today, several times - Chardonnays just flew out of the racks. Today, one of them fell so hard that a bottle broke; trust me - wine bottles don't break as easily as you'd think.
The truth of the matter is - because of the way the racks are built, I'm sure some of the more oddly shaped bottles just get jostled and moved because of all the stocking I've done in the last 48 hours to ramp up for Easter. Some of them get pushed forward and then all it takes is a little shake from the back of the rack where another wine might be stocked, to get things moving and shaking and the next thing you know - bottles will fall.
But I'd like to think that isn't the case. I'd rather think that it's my Mother's way of letting me know that she's still here with me, and hanging around the store during my busy time - trying to be a part of it all, even if it's by making a mess with broken wine. I'd rather think that her energy is still with me, and that she's watching us all....taking it all in, and hopefully really enjoying the glass of wine that she probably has in her hand.
I hope that's how it really is anyway.
Her last few months, she was up in Boston receiving treatment - and spent a good amount of time with me at the store. When I was growing up, she never was much of a drinker - as a matter of fact, I rarely saw my parents take a drink - so when they did, it was sort of a shock for me to see. That being said, once she was diagnosed she sort of indulged in drinking with us at dinner, and sampling with me at the store when my reps would come in.
There were a few wines that were her favorites, and she tended to like lightly oaked Chardonnay.
In the time since she passed, whenever odd things would happen - like wines jumping out of the racks, we would laugh and say it's my Mom visiting.
Yesterday and today, several times - Chardonnays just flew out of the racks. Today, one of them fell so hard that a bottle broke; trust me - wine bottles don't break as easily as you'd think.
The truth of the matter is - because of the way the racks are built, I'm sure some of the more oddly shaped bottles just get jostled and moved because of all the stocking I've done in the last 48 hours to ramp up for Easter. Some of them get pushed forward and then all it takes is a little shake from the back of the rack where another wine might be stocked, to get things moving and shaking and the next thing you know - bottles will fall.
But I'd like to think that isn't the case. I'd rather think that it's my Mother's way of letting me know that she's still here with me, and hanging around the store during my busy time - trying to be a part of it all, even if it's by making a mess with broken wine. I'd rather think that her energy is still with me, and that she's watching us all....taking it all in, and hopefully really enjoying the glass of wine that she probably has in her hand.
I hope that's how it really is anyway.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Abcdefghjklmopqrstuvwxyz....
When I was little, I had a Sesame Street album - and on it was a song called "Abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz", but it was pronounced like it was a Polish name. I'll see if I can phonetically lay it out so you can understand how Big Bird sang it: (ab-Kah-def-ghee-jeckly-monooqueer-stu-witses)
Can you believe I still remember the whole song?
No worries, I won't break into song for you.
However, I am going to do a fun little game where I will write down a positive word that comes to mind with each letter of the alphabet. If you decide to do it yourself, let me know!
A: Agreeable
B: Beautiful
C: Cherished
D: Dutiful
E: Excellent
F: Free-Spirited
G: Gregarious
H: Happiness
I: Idealistic
J: Joyful
K: Kindness
L: Loyal
M: Magnificent
N: Nurturing
O: Overjoyed
P: Pleasant
Q: Quintessential
R: Righteous
S: Sensitive
T: Thoughtful
U: Unwavering
V: Vivacious
W: Woman
X: (MMkay, struggling on this one, might have to pass....)
Y: Ying & Yang
Z: Zest
Can you believe I still remember the whole song?
No worries, I won't break into song for you.
However, I am going to do a fun little game where I will write down a positive word that comes to mind with each letter of the alphabet. If you decide to do it yourself, let me know!
A: Agreeable
B: Beautiful
C: Cherished
D: Dutiful
E: Excellent
F: Free-Spirited
G: Gregarious
H: Happiness
I: Idealistic
J: Joyful
K: Kindness
L: Loyal
M: Magnificent
N: Nurturing
O: Overjoyed
P: Pleasant
Q: Quintessential
R: Righteous
S: Sensitive
T: Thoughtful
U: Unwavering
V: Vivacious
W: Woman
X: (MMkay, struggling on this one, might have to pass....)
Y: Ying & Yang
Z: Zest
Thursday, March 17, 2011
I'm shipping off to Boston....
Happy Evacuation Day!
or, as we commonly refer it here in Boston - St. Patrick's Day.
(Wait. Strike that.....reverse it.)
I made a traditional boiled dinner of Corned Beef & Cabbage...it was delicious! I always make it on the stove, but clearly I wasn't about to leave it boiling while I wasn't home - so I broke from the norm and made it in the crock pot instead. You know what? It came out just as good....
It's such a comfort food meal for me. I loved when my Mom made it - and I'd slather it with Grey Poupon mustard. I'd learned as an adult that you can use Smoked Shoulder as well, and add spinach which is delicious too; but the best is to take the left overs, chop it all up -and then fry it in a pan to make hash. Ah yes, the good old days when I ate rich food and fried things on a regular basis....
Speaking of food and good ol' days.... I have to ask.
What is it about foods such as Whoppers, Big Macs and oh yes....Italian subs - that make me absolutely salivate at their smell?
It's like I have to hold myself back from strapping on the feed bag.
or, as we commonly refer it here in Boston - St. Patrick's Day.
(Wait. Strike that.....reverse it.)
I made a traditional boiled dinner of Corned Beef & Cabbage...it was delicious! I always make it on the stove, but clearly I wasn't about to leave it boiling while I wasn't home - so I broke from the norm and made it in the crock pot instead. You know what? It came out just as good....
It's such a comfort food meal for me. I loved when my Mom made it - and I'd slather it with Grey Poupon mustard. I'd learned as an adult that you can use Smoked Shoulder as well, and add spinach which is delicious too; but the best is to take the left overs, chop it all up -and then fry it in a pan to make hash. Ah yes, the good old days when I ate rich food and fried things on a regular basis....
Speaking of food and good ol' days.... I have to ask.
What is it about foods such as Whoppers, Big Macs and oh yes....Italian subs - that make me absolutely salivate at their smell?
It's like I have to hold myself back from strapping on the feed bag.
Friday, February 04, 2011
Love, love, love this - heard it three times today. What are the chances?!?
A man in my shoes runs a light and
All the papers lied tonight
But falling over you
Is the news of the day
Angels fall like rain
And love (love, love)
Is all of heaven away
Inside you
The time moves
And she don't fade
The ghost in you
She don't fade
Inside you
The time moves
And she don't fade
A race is on, I'm on your side and
Here in you my engines die I'm
In a mood for you
Or running away
Stars come down in you
And love (love, love)
You can't give it away
Inside you
The time moves
And she don't fade
The ghost in you
She don't fade
Inside you
The time moves
And she don't fade
Don't you go
It makes no sense when
All your talk and supermen just
Take away the time
And get in the way
Ain't it just like rain?
And love (love, love)
Is only heaven away
Inside you
The time moves
And she don't fade
The ghost in you
She don't fade
Inside you
The time moves
And she don't fade
The ghost in you
She don't fade
Inside you
The time moves
And she don't fade
The ghost in you
She don't fade
All the papers lied tonight
But falling over you
Is the news of the day
Angels fall like rain
And love (love, love)
Is all of heaven away
Inside you
The time moves
And she don't fade
The ghost in you
She don't fade
Inside you
The time moves
And she don't fade
A race is on, I'm on your side and
Here in you my engines die I'm
In a mood for you
Or running away
Stars come down in you
And love (love, love)
You can't give it away
Inside you
The time moves
And she don't fade
The ghost in you
She don't fade
Inside you
The time moves
And she don't fade
Don't you go
It makes no sense when
All your talk and supermen just
Take away the time
And get in the way
Ain't it just like rain?
And love (love, love)
Is only heaven away
Inside you
The time moves
And she don't fade
The ghost in you
She don't fade
Inside you
The time moves
And she don't fade
The ghost in you
She don't fade
Inside you
The time moves
And she don't fade
The ghost in you
She don't fade
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Thursday's Random Thoughts....
1. Zahra Clare Baker, who used hearing aids and a prosthetic leg because of bone cancer, was reported missing over the weekend by her father and stepmother. Except, the authorities are looking for her remains because they believe she is dead. At the hands of her stepmother, and possibly even her father. Can you imagine?!?! Kill, kill, kill....! That's my opinon. Does the death penalty avert crimes like this? Those opposed to capital punishment may suggest that it doesn't - but I'm telling you, make the taking of a life with malice and forethought punishable by death - and people just might think twice before harming others -- especially the young and innocent.
2. It's still rather surreal for me when I think about my Mom. I know that I was rather fortunate in having the ability to say goodbye - but you know, I'm still really haunted by that last day. Really, I am. My daughter talks about her alot - she mentioned her again today, and how that last day was the last time we saw her; about how the last time we took her out, it was out for ice cream, only 10 days or so prior to her passing. It's just a weird, strange feeling when I think about that period of time. I wonder if when she stayed with me, she knew how much of a gift she gave the kids for them to be able to spend time with her. I know I'm certainly not the only person to lose a parent, but trust me when I tell you - it's an unsettling feeling to not have your Mother, at least at this stage in life. Many have lost sooner, I know; but it never is really the right time I suppose.
3. I think I need to make a little time for me soon. The holidays are coming and I'm going to be crazy busy at work -- I've yet to make a Wrentham run (can you imagine?!), I never got that massage I wanted over a year ago now -- and Mommy needs a little R&R. I think the week after next I'm making a Monday Wrentham Run (insert angels choiring HERE), and maybe the week after will be a spa day. My problem is - I really love my job, and I hate not being at the store. It's an extension of who I am, in the best way - so I really don't mind being there during the day, as opposed to being at an office. Now, if only I can stick to the plan of taking a day off....
2. It's still rather surreal for me when I think about my Mom. I know that I was rather fortunate in having the ability to say goodbye - but you know, I'm still really haunted by that last day. Really, I am. My daughter talks about her alot - she mentioned her again today, and how that last day was the last time we saw her; about how the last time we took her out, it was out for ice cream, only 10 days or so prior to her passing. It's just a weird, strange feeling when I think about that period of time. I wonder if when she stayed with me, she knew how much of a gift she gave the kids for them to be able to spend time with her. I know I'm certainly not the only person to lose a parent, but trust me when I tell you - it's an unsettling feeling to not have your Mother, at least at this stage in life. Many have lost sooner, I know; but it never is really the right time I suppose.
3. I think I need to make a little time for me soon. The holidays are coming and I'm going to be crazy busy at work -- I've yet to make a Wrentham run (can you imagine?!), I never got that massage I wanted over a year ago now -- and Mommy needs a little R&R. I think the week after next I'm making a Monday Wrentham Run (insert angels choiring HERE), and maybe the week after will be a spa day. My problem is - I really love my job, and I hate not being at the store. It's an extension of who I am, in the best way - so I really don't mind being there during the day, as opposed to being at an office. Now, if only I can stick to the plan of taking a day off....
Thursday, September 16, 2010
It's the end of the world as we know it..
Okay, so maybe it's not quite that dramatic.
But today is my last day in the.. *ahem* 30's.
Truthfully, I'm sure I'll wake up tomorrow and will feel exactly the same as I felt today....which is exactly the way I felt 10 years ago. Actually I feel better now than I did back then if I think about it. I'm healthier, more fit...more comfortable in my own skin. I think I've actually always been comfortable in my own skin, but I think the difference is today I am okay with growing older and embracing it; whereas maybe in my 20s the thought of turning 40 seemed a little more frightening. Amazing how relative perspective is.... today 40 is the new 20.
I have to say today was not one of the best days in my life. Interestingly enough, last year wasn't so great this day either if I recall. I do believe on my birthday actually - the painter who was supposed to have completed the store quit the job....and it seemed like the opening of the shop was never going to happen. Must be something cyclical to the date...either that, or the moon is in retrograde or something because it seems like everything was off kilter today. I'm looking forward for the day ending and for tomorrow to begin.
Because tomorrow, is the first day of my 40's.
And this girl is going to embrace it - and enjoy every moment of it!
But today is my last day in the.. *ahem* 30's.
Truthfully, I'm sure I'll wake up tomorrow and will feel exactly the same as I felt today....which is exactly the way I felt 10 years ago. Actually I feel better now than I did back then if I think about it. I'm healthier, more fit...more comfortable in my own skin. I think I've actually always been comfortable in my own skin, but I think the difference is today I am okay with growing older and embracing it; whereas maybe in my 20s the thought of turning 40 seemed a little more frightening. Amazing how relative perspective is.... today 40 is the new 20.
I have to say today was not one of the best days in my life. Interestingly enough, last year wasn't so great this day either if I recall. I do believe on my birthday actually - the painter who was supposed to have completed the store quit the job....and it seemed like the opening of the shop was never going to happen. Must be something cyclical to the date...either that, or the moon is in retrograde or something because it seems like everything was off kilter today. I'm looking forward for the day ending and for tomorrow to begin.
Because tomorrow, is the first day of my 40's.
And this girl is going to embrace it - and enjoy every moment of it!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
SURPRISE!!!
Somehow, G managed to surprise me for my big "40". It's not officially until Friday, but he kept hyping up a big present he had planned for me on the 18th of September, and "not to make any plans" for that day.....when in reality, he had a huge surprise party planned for me last night!
I wasn't just surprised...I was shocked. Stunned. Never saw it coming - not even a little.
Everyone from my best girlfriend in the world whom I never get to see....to my fabulous girlfriends (aka the "Aunties"), all our family -- even my Dad who flew in yesterday morning. (that's him peeking in the background.)
I don't have any photos of the actual surprise - these are just a few from my camera once the shock wore off. Definitely was a fabulous way to start this new year in my life. G's right, he keeps saying I had a tough year -- and you know what, he's right - I did. So this was without doubt a step in the right direction for change in the best way.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
"Let's roll..." Todd Beamer
Hard to believe yet another year has gone by since the tragedy of 9/11.
It's true that time heals all wounds; it's not nearly as raw of a remembrance as it was even just a few years ago. But it still has an awing impact on me, whenever I see footage of that morning. It takes my breath away every time.
Fortunately, the American spirit is strong and we bounced back far quicker than I think the perpetrators of our innocence that day had planned on. Though we easily divide on topics and people that govern our country, we always unite when others prey upon us.
I am proud to be an American; and I know that I'm fortunate and blessed to have been born here with all the freedoms and liberties that come with it.
I thought this was a little less than traditional but certainly appropo video to share for today. Budweiser, though no longer an American company - will always stand for Americana and tradition. This commerical which aired only once, was a lovely and simple tribute that I thought everyone might enjoy.
It's true that time heals all wounds; it's not nearly as raw of a remembrance as it was even just a few years ago. But it still has an awing impact on me, whenever I see footage of that morning. It takes my breath away every time.
Fortunately, the American spirit is strong and we bounced back far quicker than I think the perpetrators of our innocence that day had planned on. Though we easily divide on topics and people that govern our country, we always unite when others prey upon us.
I am proud to be an American; and I know that I'm fortunate and blessed to have been born here with all the freedoms and liberties that come with it.
I thought this was a little less than traditional but certainly appropo video to share for today. Budweiser, though no longer an American company - will always stand for Americana and tradition. This commerical which aired only once, was a lovely and simple tribute that I thought everyone might enjoy.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Recharged and Re-energized.....
I feel good.
Vacation, though stressful at times with two kids who tend to like to fight -- was really great.
New York was so much fun and as always, was not a long enough stay. We need to go back again! And Hershey Park....if you've never been, I highly encourage it. It was so much fun - and so clean - and truly, they think of everything when it comes to food. I mean truly, from Falafel to Grilled Chicken Salads to typical carnival fare - they have it all. And then of course...there's the chocolate. I'm personally not a huge chocolate person, but it was hard to resist all the free candy; especially the Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.
Vacation, though stressful at times with two kids who tend to like to fight -- was really great.
New York was so much fun and as always, was not a long enough stay. We need to go back again! And Hershey Park....if you've never been, I highly encourage it. It was so much fun - and so clean - and truly, they think of everything when it comes to food. I mean truly, from Falafel to Grilled Chicken Salads to typical carnival fare - they have it all. And then of course...there's the chocolate. I'm personally not a huge chocolate person, but it was hard to resist all the free candy; especially the Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.
I've got a few rants regarding my travel, but I'll save them for another day. Instead today, I present to you, the pictoral review of the "I'm Just a Girl Family Vacation"....
Saturday, August 07, 2010
Once upon a time, in your wildest dreams....
I've always believed that when you dream of a person who's passed - it's a visit from them.
I'd never had one -but I've always firmly believed that's what it means - and if ever a friend mentioned that they'd had a dream about a loved one, I'd try to reaffirm that belief with them so that they'd feel good about the experience.
I don't typically remember my dreams; and if I do, the funny thing is - they don't typically involve people I know. I mean, I know who they are - but they don't look like the people they're supposed to be. Almost as if it's just representation of who they are; but usually it's almost just so faint, it's like a watercolor painting that wasn't quite dry and someone threw water on it so the images start to melt away.
But this morning, I dreamt of my Mom. She was there... and she was sick, but she wasn't incapacitated; and she was walking along the beach with me - which is rather ironic because she never liked the beach, and I even vaguely recall saying that to her -- but yet there we were. Anyway, there are many details to the dream which I won't get into here - but the way it ended was that she sent me a birthday gift. The last thing before I woke up suddenly was hearing her voice saying "because it's your birthday honey..."
I woke up..... and I cried.
(We all know how infrequently I cry. It just felt so real, I could still smell the ocean.)
I thought maybe today was the 8th -- but it's not; tomorrow is 3 months that she passed; my birthday is next month.
And today.....I had a visit.
Maybe it's an early birthday present.
I'd never had one -but I've always firmly believed that's what it means - and if ever a friend mentioned that they'd had a dream about a loved one, I'd try to reaffirm that belief with them so that they'd feel good about the experience.
I don't typically remember my dreams; and if I do, the funny thing is - they don't typically involve people I know. I mean, I know who they are - but they don't look like the people they're supposed to be. Almost as if it's just representation of who they are; but usually it's almost just so faint, it's like a watercolor painting that wasn't quite dry and someone threw water on it so the images start to melt away.
But this morning, I dreamt of my Mom. She was there... and she was sick, but she wasn't incapacitated; and she was walking along the beach with me - which is rather ironic because she never liked the beach, and I even vaguely recall saying that to her -- but yet there we were. Anyway, there are many details to the dream which I won't get into here - but the way it ended was that she sent me a birthday gift. The last thing before I woke up suddenly was hearing her voice saying "because it's your birthday honey..."
I woke up..... and I cried.
(We all know how infrequently I cry. It just felt so real, I could still smell the ocean.)
I thought maybe today was the 8th -- but it's not; tomorrow is 3 months that she passed; my birthday is next month.
And today.....I had a visit.
Maybe it's an early birthday present.
Monday, July 05, 2010
Bork, Bork, Bork!
I wish I'd gone to culinary school.
Had I known that there was such a thing when I was a child - I might have pursued it. At the same time, I didn't really know how much I love to cook, until I was a quasi adult. When I moved out, I loved cooking. I wasn't really "allowed" in the kitchen as a child; sure, I was able to lick the bowl when making brownies or cake with my Mom, but actually having the freedom to cook in the kitchen alone was not a liberty given to me.
I remember my first culinary experience; I tried to make my mother breakfast in bed for either her birthday or mother's day -- and I fried some eggs. I was young - maybe 8, and unfortunately, the eggs were rotten. The whole house stunk from the smell; not my fault of course, but seriously -- after that effort I was completely forbidden from using the stove. I don't recall us ever having eggs go bad after that either, interestingly enough.
Anyway, cooking is something that definitely became a fascination of mine after the age of 18. And while I may not be an Iron Chef -- I certainly love to come up with my own creations and play with different recipe ideas.
This weekend, I made home made clam chowder that rocked - as well as spiral ham (that doesn't take much effort, outside of the glazes I make on my own);I also made a pretty yummy pasta tossed with chicken sausage, fresh herbs and lemon. and truly - there are few things I do that make me as happy as cooking for my family or friends.
Cooking and eating is purely social for me; if I lived alone, my life would be filled with Rice Krispies. But fortunately, I have a life full of people to cook for -- and if I had the time to attend Johnson and Wales at this juncture in my life, trust me when I tell you - I would.
Had I known that there was such a thing when I was a child - I might have pursued it. At the same time, I didn't really know how much I love to cook, until I was a quasi adult. When I moved out, I loved cooking. I wasn't really "allowed" in the kitchen as a child; sure, I was able to lick the bowl when making brownies or cake with my Mom, but actually having the freedom to cook in the kitchen alone was not a liberty given to me.
I remember my first culinary experience; I tried to make my mother breakfast in bed for either her birthday or mother's day -- and I fried some eggs. I was young - maybe 8, and unfortunately, the eggs were rotten. The whole house stunk from the smell; not my fault of course, but seriously -- after that effort I was completely forbidden from using the stove. I don't recall us ever having eggs go bad after that either, interestingly enough.
Anyway, cooking is something that definitely became a fascination of mine after the age of 18. And while I may not be an Iron Chef -- I certainly love to come up with my own creations and play with different recipe ideas.
This weekend, I made home made clam chowder that rocked - as well as spiral ham (that doesn't take much effort, outside of the glazes I make on my own);I also made a pretty yummy pasta tossed with chicken sausage, fresh herbs and lemon. and truly - there are few things I do that make me as happy as cooking for my family or friends.
Cooking and eating is purely social for me; if I lived alone, my life would be filled with Rice Krispies. But fortunately, I have a life full of people to cook for -- and if I had the time to attend Johnson and Wales at this juncture in my life, trust me when I tell you - I would.
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