BIG Harvests from my TINY Garden

Being the gourmet cook that I am (said tongue in cheek); I absolutely love having fresh herbs on hand to use in my recipes. I have always had a small plot of land to grow my herbs, and also have various small pots of them in my outdoor kitchen. Because the price of food has drastically risen, I have added an additional herb garden, so that my herbs can grow in one place, and I can add more tomato and pepper plants where the herbs used to grow. The additional space is needed now more than ever to grow more tomato plants.

Last year, I was able to harvest enough tomatoes from my tiny garden to make 20 quarts of tomato sauce which helped get us through the cold winter months. And who doesn’t like homemade sauce? This year, with the addition of more tomato plants, I hope to get more quarts made after my fall harvest. I also plan on raiding my brother’s garden, like last year (thankfully he and Heidi love to share their harvest).

The soaring food prices have led many of us to rethink how we buy our food and options in ensuring we have plenty on hand (hopefully). My little garden harvest will provide me with an opportunity to provide not only something extra to have on hand, but something homemade, fresh, and hopefully very delicious to put on the table over the winter months. The work over the summer to ensure a good harvest will make it all worth it in the end.

The Real Meaning of Collections

I have been a collector of various things throughout the years. I have collected bears (this was to date my biggest collection of items), David Winter Cottages, kitchen angels, German lichthauses, Lladros (a collection of three), Kaiser Porcelain, various pieces of Delft pottery from Holland, and most recently, Willow Tree angels. My collecting abilities started at an early age, and have continued as I have aged. However, my tastes have changed (thankfully).

I love each and every piece of all my collections, but the piece I love the most is loved not because of the piece itself, but my adventures in getting the piece. The piece of Kaiser Porcelain (shown) was bought on 1984 during a trip to the Kaiser factory in Staffel Stein, Germany. It was my first bus trip after moving to Mannheim, Germany, and it was on this trip I met our very dear friends John and Mary.

Being new in the area, and a mom of two little ones, I did not have the chance to get out much. This particular bus trip was made possible by my husband’s military unit, the 191st Battalion, as a “get to know one another” event. I was given a day of reprieve from being “mommy” by Jim and climbed aboard the bus in hopes of having not only having a day of rest, but having hopes of meeting new friends. I got that and more.

It was apparently evident that I was the new kid in town, and not more than 5 minutes after boarding that bus did I feel welcomed and a part of what would become a very large and caring family away my home in the states. Mary and John (John was one of the captains of the battalion) took me by the hand and shared their day with me. Mary knew I had two little ones and knew me to be a good mom (I always found it interesting how the wives knew more about things then their husbands), and she assured me I had to have this particular piece of kaiserware. So with her suggestion (more like strong advice), I bought it (and more that day) and brought it home.

Each time I pick up this piece to dust it, or around it, I am taken back to that day, and am reminded of two very dear friends that we remain in contact with today. Most of my pieces in each collection remind me of special people or special times, and that to me is so much more important than collecting things just to collect them.

The Memorial Garden

As long as I can remember, any family pet, no matter the size or species found its final resting spot on the grounds of our family home. Growing up, we had an area under the two gorgeous dogwood trees that served as our sacred grounds. We even had tiny grave markers with the pets names painstakingly chiseled into the stones or rocks. Heaven forbid anyone move them or go near them with the lawn mower.

As kids growing up, our parents always ensured each pet had the ‘casket’ and proper funeral. I can remember my brother John finding a tiny robin that he tried in vain to nurse back to good health, but God had other plans. We buried the bird, and every day, until my mom found out, he went out and dug up the bird, and wondered why it did not go to heaven. Finally, it did make it out of the ground and “up to heaven.”

My kids went through many pet deaths, most of them gerbils, but I always made sure they had the finest of caskets (usually a deodorant box lined with a silk), and a suitable send off. The funerals were never elaborate, but they did help each kid get through the loss. However, the loss of these tiny pets in no way prepared us for the loss of our first family dog, Tyler.

When Tyler died, I had his body cremated and his remains returned to us for burial. When we moved into our current home, I set aside an area in the back, which has come to be known as our “Memorial Garden.” Along with Tyler the remains of Brady and Iggy (Cait’s iguana) are buried here. It’s a place I like to sit in the quiet and think about not only these lost pets, but lots of things. Having a place where have that connection to our pets has proved to be valuable to all of us.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

Positive Life / Career Influence

“When I was just a little girl, I asked my mother what should I be...?” Okay, so I am not Doris Day, but the conversation did take place, and at the time, my mother strongly urged me to become a nurse. The dialogue went something like this:

Me: I think I might want to be like Aunt Lorraine.
Mom: You mean a nurse?
Me: Yes. I like watching her do things at work. (This was something I got to do often as a kid...more later on this)
Mom: Well it is a highly respected profession. It’s got better potential and so much more respect than a secretary or teacher get at their jobs.
Me: Then that’s what I will do.

Over the years I have joked with my mom that those girls who became those ‘nonrespected’ secretaries get to have pretty clothes, better pay, one hour lunches, and they never have to clean up crap (literally). And there are a great many times I have to seek out that respect factor (especially from the doctors). But the truth is, I love what I do. Nursing is in my blood, and very much a part of who I am.

My Aunt Lorraine was an incredible nurse. She was the kind of nurse who held her patient's hands, placed a cool cloth to the forehead, and continually sought to ensure her patients were well cared for, and always comfortable, even those in pain. I can remember visiting relatives as a kid when they were in the hospital, and at the time, it seemed like Aunt Lorraine worked on every unit! I’m sure my memory is fuzzy, but I got to see her in action a great many times, and it was through these times, my desire to become a nurse grew. Her white uniform was always pressed and her nursing cap looked like a little upside-down muffin wrapper. Her smile was contagious and I can still hear her laugh. She was the nurse I wanted to become.

There have been some many times in my nursing career that I wanted to throw in the cap and trade in my uniform (or scrubs) for a more respectable job. But every time I felt this feeling, this urge to quit, my thoughts would turn to my Aunt Lorraine. There have been so many times that I have truly felt her presence in my life, guiding me through my career, as well as the rough times I have had as a nurse (and there have been so many).

I believe that she has been such a positive influence in my life, and nursing career, and I am forever grateful. I only hope that I am the kind of nurse she was, and one that she would want me to be.

“Infants emerge into the world with the help of a nurse's gentle touch. A newborn baby reaches out to her nurse in an instance of this early, reassuring contact across the borders of the human body, personal identity, and generations of time.” (unknown)

They're Baccccckkkk!!

My first hummingbird has arrived back to my yard this am! (It might have been sooner, but this was the first sighting for me) and I am more than thrilled. I have been enjoying these little birds for a few years now, and I wonder each year IF they will return to my yard. My worries are gone.

One of the girls I work with, is also a fan of these cute little creatures, and she recently shared with me that I could put out one of my feeders now and not wait until May. I always assumed I had to wait for warmer weather, but she assured me they follow the flowers, and NOT the migratory patterns of birds. So I listened to her and she was right! Two weeks ago, I put out one feeder filled with the sweet liquid they love to feed on, and I waited. And waited. And waited some more.

I'll keep the one feeder up for now, but by mid May, my yard will have four more feeders. I love watching them each day, especially when they become comfortable enough to dive bomb the dogs, who I am sure, see them as a huge bug they just have to have. Silly birds.

Welcome back!

A Dog Named Brady

Once upon a time there was boy dog named Brady, who had a crappy life, for most of his dog years. He lived with many owners for various reasons, but collectively they had little time or money to care for him. So as it happens to many dogs out there, he was sent to a doggy rescue organization (thank you God) only after several attempts by his owners to end his life prematurely.

We first learned about this sweet boy through Caitlin who was working (thank you God) at the time the owners tried to put him to sleep. The vets decided he was not a candidate and referred him to the Golden Re-Triever Rescue, Inc in New Jersey. Immediately following his placement in a foster home, we contacted the organization and asked permission to provide Brady with a home. Of course, being the great organization they are, this was major process to go through, just to adopt him. But we knew we had to have him, so we filed the paper work, endured the lengthy screening process (home inspection included), and eventually Brady found his way into our home (He had found his way into our hearts long before he had even left his last home).

Brady was an eight year old Golden who had a few health issues and because his last owners could not afford his meds, he came to us in a rather untidy state. His fur was missing in many spots, he had horrible skin which left him itchy and red, not to mention sore, and he did not smell pleasant. So we got him immediate care, got him washed up, and back on the right meds, and on a proper diet (he had more allergies than I could ever list here). We provided him with extra love and soon learned that he loved to be loved.

Within a short time, he was back on track, and was beginning to look a bit more dapper. Unfortunately, within a short time, his health began to fail again, and he started having seizures. After a brief stay in the hospital, he was back at home, and again on track. At his age, we were told that if the seizures returned, the chance of a tumor in the brain was probably the reason. And at that time, we would have to make a major decision as to how to move forward with his health care.

Brady lived with us for six months and in that short amount of time, we came to love him as if he had lived with us a life time. When it was time to make the decision, we knew we would eventually have to make, it was not easy. My heart still aches today for that sweet boy. But I know that we gave him the best six months of his life and when he got to heaven, he looked dapper (his hair had grown back and he had a healthy coat). I know that he and our first Golden, Tyler, are there playing together, and that makes things a little easier for all of us. It’s so easy to love a dog. Always consider a rescue.

The Daily Crossword Puzzle

As we grow older, most of us begin to notice small memory lapses - an unrecognized face, a forgotten name (usually one of the dogs or kids), a missed appointment. We become concerned about our mental health, constantly on the lookout for changes in our memory and reasoning capabilities. I am certainly no different. And with Alsheimer's the "hot disease" out there now, I am more careful.

So every morning, without fail, I complete the crossword puzzle in the daily paper. It’s exercise for my brain and solving crossword puzzles constitutes one of the most delightful, yet powerful ways of pushing my brain and staying sharp. Research has shown that if we challenge our aging brains, we can remain mentally sharp. Intellectually stimulating activity is known to have the potential to stave off Alzheimer's and other brain diseases, and crossword puzzles in particular are well-suited to this purpose, as they involve a daily burst of sustained mental activity. Studies have found that older people who regularly flex their brains almost halved the risk of developing Alzheimer's (the studies are ongoing). I can hope that holds true for my aging brain, because some days I can’t remember where I parked the car or what I ran upstairs to get that I needed.

I used to blame this lack of metal function on menopause, which is a part of the aging process (as you all know) and not my random stupidity. Initially, it annoyed me, but as I watched others struggle with this, I began to find some humor in it. It’s often to fun to run into the supply room at work with other nurses my age, only to stand there together and ask each other what or why we might be in there.

I’m an advocate for using the brain. Lord knows we have to in order to survive. Adding a daily crossword puzzle not only stimulates my brain, but it’s an exercise that provides me with a quiet period of time before I begin what might be a hectic day. It’s like a daily pill; a pill that will help my brain stay as healthy as possible, for as long as possible. And some days I need all the help I can get (just ask my kids).

Sharing Recipes

Apparently if one shares a recipe, it better be their own, or the news media gets involved.

Thankfully, I went back through my blog, and each time I have shared a recipe I did indeed give credit where credit is due, unless it was MY recipe to share. This does the beg question though; at what point does a recipe become your own? Unless I suddenly develop a major ability to come with my own recipes (No one would expect me to suddenly become Julia Child), I normally look for something I like, and then change it to suit my taste preference. My alteration(s) in a recipe might be changing the spice or changing the way it might be served (something over rice versus pasta). Nothing major is ever modified and usually I’m nervous about changing anything, although I have gotten braver over time in the kitchen (It cannot hurt to use cinnamon over nutmeg, could it?)

Personally I find no embarrassment in admitting I have used a cookbook (and I would imagine my family sleeps better knowing I do). I like sharing things I find, and like it when I find something someone shares a dish I might like to try. This is how I have developed in the kitchen, and finding a new recipe I like, and being able to pull it off, is like finding a diamond in the rough. Really. And I don’t care if I’ll ever be as good as Julia was in the kitchen.

Non-cooks think it's silly to invest two hours work in a two minutes enjoyment; but if cooking is evanescent, so is the ballet. ~ Julia Child

Ribbons and Flags

Everywhere I look these days there seems to be a ribbon campaign of some sort. Colors, stripes, patterns, you name it, and there is probably a ribbon to celebrate the cause they represent. The ribbons adorn people’s clothing, book bags, and dirty cars. Some are new, many are dirty and damaged.

I, too, own two such ribbons. The pink one, which should prompt people to remember to support breast cancer research, and the yellow one, which reminds us to support the troops. Now I can proudly say that I have supported breast cancer research monetarily through various ways. Typically it has happened when I have purchased something in which a percentage of the monies go to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. It adds up over time. Believe me. I have also done my part to support our troops by sending items of need to them trhough various local organizations.What I do wonder is how many people are doing their part to support such campaigns or are they simply dressing themselves or the cars up with the ribbons? Are you using the magnet or ribbon because “everyone else does?”

Then there’s the American flag. Think back to the flag waving days Americans experienced after 9/11. We raced to the flag stores buying every flag and yellow ribbon we could get our hands on. We proudly displayed the flags from houses, cars, boats, etc. You couldn’t go anywhere without being reminded you lived in a great country, and that we were truly proud to be living in that great country. Our American Pride swelled. Today, sadly, many of those flags fly tattered and dirty or have become non-exisitent. What happened? Where did those people go who raised those flags?

I do ask though, who really benefited / benefits from the sales of such flags and ribbons? After 9/11, people waited in lines hour longs just to buy a flag. Flag stores and factories in my area worked around the clock, making headlines, just to mass produce such flags. I would imagine the ribbon mass producers of today are making out like bandits, and places outside of the US, like China, are loving our patriotism and “fights for the causes.” Why wouldn’t they? Those ribbon and magnet sales help their economy.

Wave a flag because you feel good and proud about being an American. If you haven’t put up a new flag ion a long time, take the time to do it again. You’re your American pride. Adorn yourself or your dirty car with a ribbon because you are passionate about helping the cause, not because it’s cool to do so. And for Pete’s sake, replace that damaged and dirty flag with a new one. Your dirty ripped flag hanging from your home annoys me. Fix it. Please.

Apron Girls

I just wanted to take this opportunity to let you know that I have been invited to share my journaling with another blog called “Apron Girls.” Their site is an accumulation of people and posts that wish to provide the reader with a “little place to share our homemaking ideas, questions, and fun.” I look forward to sharing with the writers and their readers, hopefully, adding to their site in a positive way.

Please check them out! Thank you.

My Baking Cupboard

I realized this weekend, while looking for a particular spice, that while I am more confident in my baking and cooking skills, my organizational skills of baking and cooking supplies has dwindled. When I lacked self-confidence, my supplies were neat and organized. In fact, all my spices were alphabetized, making me appear more proficient (well except to those who really knew). Now, not so much (the organization).

I love baking, so my supplies are abundant. In fact, I have a whole cupboard devoted to baking supplies (which in itself might be startling to some). I have things that are not found in local markets that I brought back from countries I have visited. I have used them a few times, and now they sit, unused, or used only slightly. Some have even become outdated (how many times can you use Rosewater?). So I found myself in the much needed position to clean and purge this cupboard.

This task was not going to be that easy. I mean, would there be a way to salvage something that might be outdated for a few years? How bad could a spice taste that might be four years old? And could I really part with the 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon that remained in one of the four bottles of cinnamon I have in the cupboard? Did I really have to throw away the three remaining mini size cupcake wrappers? Couldn’t I find something to do with the five party skewers that remained in the damaged package? It wasn’t going to be easy, but it had to be done.

So after an hour of rearranging, and much deliberation in my head (I know, scary), my baking cupboard is clean and tidy and the old is gone. There’s much to be said about a clean, and well organized cupboard. Thankfully I have proven I can bake, so my organized cupboards will not depict a different story. And I have room for more stuff to accumulate!

Now my junk drawer is another story...

Lawn Care Basics: 101

What would spring be without beginning the four step lawn maintenance program, especially if one has an obsession with a green lawn? Not good, I assure you, and if one is late in starting the first step, and the neighbors have already begun, even worse. So begins the season with a lawn nut. I’m not kidding.

The lawn is always priority for Jim. I love a green lawn too, but I would prefer to be standing in cute little straw hat, sipping iced tea, while telling the lawn maintenance people what needs to be done. I have even suggested that to Jim. I tried the “You are older and you work hard all day, so why not let someone else tend to the lawn for us, uh, I mean you.” He didn’t bite. He finds what many call tedious when referring to pulling weeds “very relaxing.” And mowing, while we have a lot, seems to calm him. I don’t get it. But then I find raking calming and he thinks I am nuts. We are even. Almost. I do not wait for leaves to fall.

I can remember several times wondering where he was at 6pm (he usually arrives home by 5pm) only to find him outside, on the front lawn, in a suit and tie, pulling weeds on the front lawn. Apparently when he pulls up in the driveway, he looks out over his lawn hoping not to see any weeds. There simply is not time to get into work clothes with the weed starring him in the eye. It’s like a shoot out in the O.K. Corral. And heaven help the poor little weed just sitting there among the green blades of grass. Most get yanked, while others are sprayed with a killer spray, only to be yanked after suffering for a day or two. (I know they do not feel, but...)

We do have a lot of work around here and at our age (yes, I am aging) it gets to be a chore and not so much fun anymore, but the rewards are good. We do have a lawn that is green and plush and one people can be envious of, except our neighbors who along with Jim have become lawn nuts too. His lawn competitiveness is leaking outward. But that’s ok. One pretty lawn next to another pretty lawn only adds to the neighborhood.

"Signs You've Hired the Wrong Kid to Mow Your Lawn"

10. He shows up with a pair of manicure scissors and a Ziploc
9. Turns a goat loose and says he'll be back in three weeks
8. His nickname: the Unamower
7. On the side of his mower you notice stenciled silhouettes of 13 cats
6. Stops every 15 minutes to smoke some clippings
5. Using your riding mower, leads the local police on a three-hour low-speed chase
4. He's always trying to impress you by stopping the mower blades with his head
3. He somehow manages to mow the hood ornament off your Lexus
2. Every week he tries to match your lawn to Dennis Rodman's hair
1. No toes

The Kid Turns One

The kid made it to age one! As any mother would ask, “Where did time go?” It seems as if we just brought the little darling (said tongue in cheek) home. The truth is, while he has tested every one of us, every day, he has truly added to our little pack.

Happy Birthday Migo!

Thank you Saint Francis for watching over him. (Lord knows he needs extra watching).

My Yang and Yin

Several years ago, Caitlin (and I believe my sister Gidget, although my memory is fuzzy about her), dragged me into the world of Feng Shui. I cannot remember why the subject first came about, but at the time, I was not in a very good Feng Shui way. According to Caitlin’s sources, living any where near a prison, a hospital, a nursing home, cemeteries (and in an Amish community, they are just about on every property), and railroad tracks was not a good thing. We lived within a short distance of all five, which left us surrounded by a vast amount of negative energies (and when I say this is the last thing we needed at that time, I am not kidding).

Even the layout of the house was all wrong. Doors were misplaced allowing the “bad Chi” to enter without knocking. Window placement was off. Our home was not big which did not render me more than one way to place the furniture, which according to the book did not help matters (heaven help you if your chairs are not in the right place). We were in a Feng Shui crisis situation. It also seemed that our Yang and Yin were in a horrific state as well. And even after reading Caitlin’s books on Feng Shui, it seemed there was little I could do to turn the negatives into positives (except blow up the house and start all over, but because we were renting, this was not a viable option). So I surrendered to the bad, and promised myself the next house would be filled with more positive energies (I hoped, I prayed).

Since that time, we have bought our own home, and I (with Caitlin’s education) have made every attempt to ensure a more positive Chi environment. The balance between my Yang and Yin are important, so changes in my home have been ongoing to ensure the positives. For example, the bamboo plant placed in the south eastern most corner of my house promises us good fortune (who doesn’t want that). Our outdoor kitchen which allows us to barbecue was placed facing the east which has helped bring good grades and personal development to Caitlin (or any daughter, she just happens to have filled that spot). (Perhaps building the kitchen got her into vet school and not her hard work?) =) I have tried to arrange furniture in a more positive way, and many of the doors and windows are in a good position (which is good since I am not going to blow up a house I own).

Even my wind chimes are placed accordingly, which is why I am sharing my story. I bought some new wind chimes yesterday and before I placed them, I read my Feng Shui book to validate their position in the yard. I know some of you might not think it important, but I do want to fully enjoy the tinkling of the chimes, and not have to worry that they are pushing bad Chi in our direction. It's also important to place metal chimes in one area and bamboo ones in another. So with that in mind, the chimes are now hung, the tinkling is heard throughout the yard, and positive energy is flowing all around me. And my Yang and Yin are feeling pretty good, and that leaves me feeling good about things.

Laughing in the Face of Cancer

Cancer sucks. It really does. It has affected so many of my family and friends. In fact, I am hard pressed to find anyone whose life has not been affected by it.

My dad died of it when he was only 66. A young 66 at that. He was initially diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and fought a three-year long aggressive battle to defeat it. Unfortunately it won. At the time of his death, he also was diagnosed with TWO other forms of cancer. It seems one kind was not enough. I still wonder why he had to face several cancers. It does not seem fair.

Several years ago I was sitting in my doctor’s office when she found a mass on my thyroid. After many tests and a surgery to remove the right lobe of my thyroid, the cell was identified and although a rare cell, it was not malignant. The time between the initial finding and the final pathology report was rough. During this time, I thought of my dad on daily basis. If it was to be a malignant cancer, would I be as strong as my dad? Thankfully I was not to be tested.

Several months later, a lump was found on my husband’s thyroid. He was not, it seemed, as lucky. His cancer was malignant, and has since had his entire thyroid removed, and gone through radioactive Iodine treatments, which while easy to deal with, are no less annoying. Thyroid cancer is one the easiest cancers to treat so his “prognosis” was good and he is cancer free today. Despite the good news, the whole ordeal did take its emotional toll on all of his, especially my kids. Cancer robs us physically and emotionally. It sucks. And there is no real way to deal with it except day by day, and even hour by hour.

I have a few friends who are dealing with the diagnosis of cancer and potential cancer (they are awaiting tests results) at this time. They are all facing it in different ways. No one way is right. No one way is wrong. But they are different. I have a friend who uses humor to talk about it (and in quite an amusing way I might add). Her strength is admirable. I honestly marvel at how she deals it with it, and humor has been proven to be so effective in dealing with health issues, so she is dealing with it in a healthy way. I do hope that her and all my friends do not have to endure any lengthy battles. I want those who are waiting for test results to get good news, but if not, I hope they all find a way to face it using some form of humor. And for those who have been diagnosed, I hope they can find a way to laugh in the face of cancer. Cancer sucks. I know it first hand, but using humor does help. I know that too. Even my dad laughed along the way from time to time. And that not only helped him, but his family as well.

“The art of medicine consists of keeping the patient amused while nature heals the disease." ~Voltaire

"We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand."
~Randy Pausch

Happy Birthday Caitlin

Happy Birthday Caitlin!

We all miss and love you so much!

Mom, Dad, Dan, Lexy, Luke, Maddie, and

Migo.

Way to Go Jillybean!!

If two of New Jersey paper's (Asbury Park Press and the Star Ledger) have recognized my niece’s softball accomplishments, then I would be remiss if I did not mention her (again) in my blog. The opening game of Howell High School girl’s softball season was nothing short of incredible. It was one of the many exciting softball games I have witnessed, and hope to witness again.

Albeit the freaking cold weather (the wind whipping around was adding to the low temp), we were all having a good time, until they went into that extra inning. Our initial reaction (okay, it might have been only me) was “How much longer do we need to sit out in the cold?”

But then...

It was the bottom of the eighth inning, we were down by one, two men were now on base...JillyBean is now up at bat....one strike....two strikes...a huge amount of determination....one big power hit...the ball goes over the fence...Howell takes the game! There are many words to describe how we felt (her mom, dad, brother, Bubbe, and aunts, friends, and fieldmates) about that moment. However, I will choose to use one of Jilly’s favorite words...AMAZING and I will add AWESOME!!

From the Star Ledger...

“Jillian Friedman, a sophomore designated player, hit a three-run home run over the left field fence with two out in the bottom of the eighth inning to give Howell a 9-7 victory over Freehold Township yesterday in Howell.

After both teams scored twice in the seventh inning, Freehold Township (0-1) took a 7-6 lead in the top of the eighth on a run-scoring single by Brooke Witcher. Howell's uprising in the bottom of the inning began when Kelly Mormino reached on a one-out bunt single. After a second out, a base hit by Taylor Germaine moved Mormino to second base. Friedman, who finished 3-for-5 with four RBI, then delivered the game-ending home run.”

The Truth About Reality TV

I admit it...I am a reality TV show watcher. How could I not be? It seems every time I turn on the TV, there are more and more new versions of reality TV shows to entertain me. (Ok, the word entertain is debatable). If it isn’t stars trying to dance and sing their way into our living rooms, it’s a handful of people having volatile screaming matches at each other, while the cameras monitor their every move. Either way, every single reality show, no matter how dimwitted or intriguing, is a guilty pleasure that the majority of the American population, including me, watches each week.

I do have my favorites, and they are in no particular order:

Big Brother: I love the bitchiness that spews forth from the contestants (and this is one show I share with my niece, Jillian)
Top Chef: It features cooking and the occasional guest judge, Anthony Bourdain (what’s not to love about this?)
Hell’s Kitchen: Again, cooking, and potty mouth Gordon Ramsey (He makes me chuckle as he degrades the wannabe chefs)
American’s Next Top Model: I have no idea what intrigues me so much about this one, except that Tyra serves as good role model for young women (This show helps me to perfect my ‘model’ behavior) =)

I cannot deny it...reality television is like an addictive drug to me. Initially I am curious, so I try it. Then before I know it, I am hooked, and I am taping every episode. No matter how stupid or obnoxious these worthless pieces of drivel are, I watch them. (although I do learn various ways of preparing food, so maybe NOT so worthless) But why?

Perhaps we like reality television because these people on the shows are kind of like us. These shows also give us a means to live vicariously through the "characters" on the show. (I wish I could sing and dance like her...perhaps in my next argument I should add that line) That may be a general aspect of entertainment, but with these reality stars, it hits closer to home. Most of the time, these people are not people we aim to be, but since they are commonplace, their nonfictional significance is more within reach. (I could only dream of looking like Tyra) These people we watch are not celebrities encased in the "holier than thou" bubble of Hollywood. In essence, they are like us. These people are nobodies that have turned into a "somebody," so their dramatic episodes are a bizarre type of voyeurism that we indulge in. They may be irritating as hell, but at the end of the day, reality TV is a form of therapy to escape our own version of reality. And perhaps that isn’t so bad after all.

Batter Up!

Spring means so many things, but for many of us, it means one important thing, the start of baseball season! I have always been a major Yankee fan, simply because I was raised in a family of Yankee fans, so it comes by naturally. My nephew Joshua is a Yankee enthusiast, as is his sister Jillian. Sharing a Yankee tidbit with these two is always a learning experience for me. Just when I think I have a handle on the game or a player, these two are always quick to update or challenge me. So I learn my way through the season every year.

Two years ago, I thought about switching teams. We were down in Baltimore and with the impending move of Fort Monmouth to the Baltimore area (Jim’s job might potentially move there); I thought I might want to consider making the change. Joshua was appalled. How could I do this? Easy. You simply buy an Orioles tee shirt and declare yourself a fan. Isn’t that how it is done? I mean that’s how I became a Roger Clemons fan (although, look where that got me). Stupid Steroids.

Not having any clue to who was who on the Orioles Team, I went into a sports shop in Baltimore (smart, eh?) and found the most popular tee. I was drawn to Rodrigo López; this had to be the player I had to follow. He was their starting pitcher, but has since left the Orioles and now plays for the Colorado Rockies. So much for that short lived following of Lopez. However, I have decided to maintain my following of the Orioles, perhaps because almost everyone around me roots for the Yankees, and I like to be different in a sea of Yankee fans. And they are somewhat a local team (If you drive fast). I know they are considered underdogs, and this season does not look as promising as they might hope to be (their words, not mine), but they are thinking ahead and are hoping the 2009 season might be the one season they shine. I’m going to root for them all the way through the season. Now all I have to do is get a new tee shirt. Hellooo Guthrie!

Clemons who?