Back to School...

The break was nice while it lasted, but it's over and it is time to head towards the next goal...obtaining my Masters in Nursing Education. I'm hopeful the goal will be well worth this long haul. I'm only taking two classes over the next 12 weeks, but after reading the course syllabuses for both classes, I will definitely be very busy and buried in research again! The two classes are as follows: The History of Nursing and Nursing Conflicts. The second seems as if it will be like bringing work home. The first a more enjoyable class. We'll see.

The only good thing about being so busy...less time to think about missing Caitie. Oh who am I kidding?

Surf Taco

This blog entry is merely one in which I promote the new Surf Taco coming to Lacey Township, NJ. Of course, eating at any one of their locations would prove to be a wonderful dining experience. The menu is not overwhelming and items vary. My personal favorite is the Aloha Wrap which contains the following: Teriyaki chicken, sesame seeds, pineapple, jack & cheddar cheeses, lettuce, tomato & red onion. One can add fresh avocado, if they like. I like. =)

That is all. Except this. Try it.

Happy New Year 2008!

The definition of “resolution” is quite in depth. For most people’s purposes, they are simple or major changes, or goals, we have to do at the end of every year in which something good should be the result. Too many of us that might include lose weight, stop smoking, eat better, exercise more, etc. There are those too, who decide that perhaps they need to better themselves in other ways. For example, there are some who feel they need to call mom more, spend more time helping make money for charity, learn to play chess, etc. Consequently resolutions vary.

The common thread for a majority of resolutions is that they are typically broken. Oh sure, we decided that diet was a must and that we finally felt ready to tackle that extra 25 pounds, but by January 3rd, the diet was cast aside. Poof, the resolution to shed those pounds all gone. So are resolutions just rituals?

For most of us, the answer is yes. For others, it truly is a way of taking a good hard look at ourselves and deciding changes have to be made, or should be made (like healthy changes). Whether it is to make a change for the good of our health, or the good of others, resolutions are made.

I used to make resolutions, but after many failures, I decided one year to only make goals. Yes, it’s the same damn thing, but the word “goal" is less threatening to me. In the end it worked. I also decided that my goals had to be more realistic. Making the goal to parachute out of a plane was not realistic. I am afraid of heights. Last year I had the following three goals: 1) read more books, other than what was required for school, 2) learn to knit (nicely), and 3) Finally get that nursing degree. Missions accomplished!

This year my goals are simple again, and realistic.

* Really learn to make homemade pasta and do it make more often.
* Continue on the road to obtaining my Masters in Nursing
* Learn more Spanish
* Organize the basement, once and for all!

I am not an expert on making and keeping resolutions or goals, but I do know that once you have decided you are ready to make that New Year's resolution/goal and stick to it, you need to develop a plan of action and make that plan a priority. One of the most important secrets to keeping those New Year's resolutions/goals is to take the process of change one day at a time. And it is OK to make big changes by taking small steps. If you can do just a little bit to get going, soon you will feel the positive effects of the change. And that little bit of change can lead to long-term healthy habits or new knowledge that can last far beyond New Year's Day.

Happy and Healthy New Year!

"New Year's is the only holiday that celebrates the passage of time. Perhaps that's why,
as the final seconds of the year tick away, we become introspective. Inevitably, that
introspection turns to thoughts of self-improvement and the annual ritual of making
resolutions, which offer the first of many important tools for remaking ourselves!"

~ Gary Ryan Blair

Count Down Until Christmas 2008

The headline of toady’s local paper reads “364 Days until the Next Yuletide”. The premise of the article focuses on the major shopping that is being done because the holiday sales continue to lure people into buying more. I am not sure why the number of the days left until we start all over again is even mentioned. Surely consumers do not need a motive to get a good bargain. Do they? I certainly do not.

I am guilty of being sucked into the potential shopping frenzy. I found myself in Target yesterday by 730 am, along with Caitlin, and together we managed to take home a few bargains. However, what I did not find was any frenzy. In fact, Target and the mall were empty, which made shopping easier and more enjoyable.

We stocked up on the new LED lights in order to help save energy next year. Going green is much easier when you can save on things that help save energy. Thus, our hunting for these new lights. We also managed to get boxes of holiday cards that we liked and not ones we might like, but bought to save money. Even the wrapping paper was a bargain, and we got what we liked and not the ‘leftovers’ that are just ok. Caitlin found a paper mache moose that seemed lonely on the shelf. And I found a really nice wooden countdown to Christmas calendar. Ugh, I am guilty of thinking about the number of days left until Christmas too!

We had a fun, stress-free day of shopping, despite the countdown that looms until next Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

From my front door to yours! Happy and health 2008 to all my friends and family!

Wishing for a White Christmas

I am sure I am not alone. Many people every year wish that a little snow might come their way on Christmas. Why do we yearn for a white Christmas? What is it about snow that adds to the holiday?

I do not remember every Christmas I had as a kid, but I do remember the ones with snow. It seems to me that was the Christmas that we got new sleds, or something that might require a few inches of snow. Of course, I also remember that every snow we had as kids could only be measured in feet and not inches.

We lived on a small hill, and our driveway was an incredible hill for sledding. If the snow was deep enough, and it always was, and the plow did not do a real good job plowing the road that our driveway spilled out on, we could go from the top of our driveway right across the road and down the embankment by the lake. It was a thrill ride and one we would do a million times no matter how cold it was at the time. The ride became more of a thrill and a challenge when the lake was frozen and we could end the ride on the lake. It never mattered what kind of sled we had either. Round ones, plastic ones, or the dependable flexible flyer, each was mastered by my siblings and me.

Perhaps snow reminds me of a time when I had no responsibilities and the only real challenge I had was mastering the sled from the top of the hill to the bottom of it. Childhood and all it had to offer. I also love the quiet of snow. You know that sound. That silent sound you hear when snow is quietly falling and nothing can be heard but the snow itself, as it hits the ground. It’s peaceful. It’s beautiful. It’s always welcomed at Christmas.

Happy Birthday to Me!

I love birthdays....I just dislike getting older! Why can't we just have a birthday without adding another year to our lives?

"The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age." - Lucille Ball

I have nothing more to add to this blog entry, except to say, I'm going out and enjoying the day!

My Own Iron Chef

This month, Daniel, will graduate from the local community college with his degree in Culinary Arts. I could not be more proud of his accomplishments. He has worked very hard to get where he has gotten, and the hard work has paid off. He has been working in various chef roles for some time, and really seems to enjoy the work. Thankfully!

I have so enjoyed watching him go through the culinary program, and have to admit I have learned things along the way. He has been a patient teacher in my kitchen. In fact, his love of cooking has prompted me to do more in the kitchen, something I never used to like to do. My fear of cooking has been put to rest, and my library of cookbooks has grown in abundance.

I love cooking and baking with him at my side. He is my own personal teacher, guiding me through various dishes, providing me with new knowledge and confidence. I hope he never loses his passion for cooking.

Move over Bobby Flay!

Christmas Markets in Germany

The Christmas season is one of the times I miss Germany the most. The “Weihnachtsmarkt”, or Christmas Market, held in downtown Mannheim, was a place that we would often visit during the days leading to Christmas. There is nothing as wonderful as the smell of fresh bread and baked goods wafting through the air. The sights, the smells, the holiday spirit is easily caught and not so easily forgotten.

The kids enjoyed the rides, while Jim and I enjoyed the shopping for home made toys and gift items. If it was snowing while we walked around, all the better! The Mannheim Christmas Market is one of the largest and most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany, and we visited many of them so we can say for sure!

Thousands of lights and spicy scents created a warm and joyful Christmas atmosphere. Typical German "Glühwein", Bratwurst, and assorted sweets made our visit at the Mannheim Christmas Market unforgettable, and a time we will always miss during the holidays.

Mazel Tov Joshua!

At the end of this week my nephew Joshua has his Bar mitzvah. He is excited, yet nervous, but I know he will do a wonderful job. I am so proud of him, as is all his family and friends.

"Bar (or Bat) Mitzvah" literally translates to being "son (daughter) of obligation" -- i.e. the young person becomes fully responsible to observe the commandments of the Torah. It is an honor and a privilege. In Judaism, a mitzvah performed because one is commanded, is considered greater than a mitzvah performed voluntarily. This is because a person has a natural aversion to fulfilling an obligation. Yet overcoming this aversion is a sign of maturity, and this is what the Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrates -- reaching the stage of obligation.

We are so honored to share in this celebration.

Caitlin Heads to Grenada!

And she’s off…in a few weeks to a whole new chapter in her life. Caitlin heads to St. George’s University in Grenada where she will begin her schooling to become a Veterinarian. Her life long goal is within reach…a four-year long reach, but nonetheless, it is visible! She has worked very hard to get to this point and after TWO acceptance letters (St. Matthews in Grand Cayman and St. Georges), she had decided St. George’s best suits her learning goals. One acceptance is wonderful, but two? I am gushing with a certain amount of pride.

I will fly down with her in January to get her settled and to survey the area. What mother could simply send her only daughter off to a strange island some million miles from home? Not me. I am looking forward to Caitlin’s new adventure as much as she is. I have worked hard for this too. I feel as if I have been a huge support to Caitlin as she headed through pre-vet medicine. As has her dad and brother. We are all very proud of her.

We will all miss her, but I know I will miss her the most. I joke that she is my right arm. When in fact she is so much more. I have no idea if she knows how much I will miss her. But I will. I am also very excited for her. I love her. I wish her all the best!

Decking the halls...and more

The tree is up! We were able to find a 12 foot tree for a great price, and right up the street at the local nursery. In fact, it's the cheapest tree we have bought in a very long time. Apparently, the new Home Depot in the neighborhood has the local nurseries readjusting their prices. (Thank you Home Depot!)

Each year we add new ornaments which go along with what's going on in our lives. Daniel's new ornament is a butcher block with tiny chef tools on it. It's cute! Caitlin's new ornament is a female Veterinarian with a Golden Retriever at her side! I have no idea where I found it, but it is perfect! Both kids love their new ornaments.

And of course, each dog has a new ornament. They are ceramic paw prints with their names on them. I have yet to find one that depicts Jim and I. Last year I got Jim a graduate ornament. I need one too! I still have time to shop!

I feel better now that the tree is up. I even managed to bake a few cookies. Life is back on track! Tis the season to be jolly! I am.

Going Green

I'm doing my part. I am making every attempt to take my own shopping bags with me when I head to the grocery store. We all have to get involved. Baby steps lead to bigger steps. The world has to change. We have to change.

I've lost my inner-elf

Tis the season to be jolly, or so the song goes. I'm not feeling so jolly this year and this feeling has rolled over into my kitchen. There were no cookies until this morning. This is so not like me. Anyone who knows me, is well aware that my holiday baking begins in October and is usually done by now. The little baking elf is missing this year. I have no real explanation.

I've decorated the house, and the tree will go up this weekend. The cards and holiday letter are done (not mailed yet), but done and ready to go out next week. I've made a list of items I will make for Christmas evening (held here this year), and have even made a few purchases to ensure my guests are well fed. Yet no real significant amount of cookies are found here.

I will make enough to go in gift baskets for my neighbors, and perhaps a few for a cookie tray to be put out on Christmas Eve. But that's it. I normally make a huge basket for my work mates, but last year, the basket did not empty out completely, and cookies were wasted. I'm not going to let that happen this year. In fact, I have already told them, "No cookies this year. The baking elf is on strike and will not return in time to help me bake."

I hope my inner-elf is not lost. I miss her.

Decorating the Graves at Christmas

One of the many things I do during the holidays is to decorate the family graves. It's genetic, actually. My grandparents always ensured holiday blankets or wreaths were placed at the graves during the holidays, as did my mom, so it's natural that I, too, take on the job.

I have help from my sisters and mom, who tag along to make sure each wreath we place is tastefully done, and appropriately placed. It's one of the many ways we remember those we have lost...those we love. I know in my heart they appreciate our efforts.

Decorating the graves during the holidays is not only something we do here in this country. When I lived in Germany, I remember seeing the locals carry tiny bouquets to their family's graves each Christmas. I can remember vividly the tiny flicker of candles, set in mounds of snow, that were lit each evening. Incredibly beautiful. Incredibly soothing for those left behind.

Not everyone "gets it"; this obsession to ensure the graves are decorated for the holidays. It doesn't matter. I get it. My family gets it. And that's all that matters.

I'm Back!

I missed journaling! So I have returned. Now all I have to do is get the readers back. Thankfully there is email.

Playing catch up will be easy. Life has not always been easy, but it has moved forward and we have all marched to the beat of life the best we knew how.

Since my last entry in 2006, Caitlin has graduated from Rutgers and is on her way to Grenada...Daniel is just about done with college and has just about obtained his culinary degree...I finished the first leg of my goal in becoming a nursing instructor and obtained my BSN this past June...and Jim is still on the road to obtaining his Masters.

We adopted a dog, and lost him after 6 months. We then bought another dog, Meego, and he is settling into life around here. (That's him in the picture)

We finished the outdoor kitchen and have moved onto other projects around the house.

See life goes on and not a whole lot is new.

I'm onto a whole new path....and you are all coming along for the ride.