The May Celebrations Come to an End, Enter June!

Well, as hard as it is to believe, this is the final day of May and the official last celebration of the month.


A quick look back shows May Day, Cinco de Mayo, Mother's Day, my Anniversary, my Birthday and Memorial Day.

I like May not only for the celebrations each year but the weather is typically warm, sunny and not so humid.


Cheerio May, it's been a great month. Howdy June, let the Dads' & Grads' celebration begin and who could forget... School's Out for Summer!

No more pencils, no more books,

No more teacher's dirty looks,

When the teacher rings the bell,

Drop your books and run like hell!

Memorial Day 2010

Happy Memorial Day 2010!

Lots of people believe the Memorial Day holiday weekend is the kick off of the summer season but is that what the holiday is supposed to represent? Simply, no.

I can remember traveling overseas three years ago and my group found ourselves in Hungary on the day that the US celebrated Memorial Day. Part of our itinerary that day included a visit to Heroes' Square where the Hungarian Millennium Memorial is in Budapest.

As we toured the square and prepared to go back to our bus, I asked the group if I could say something. Being given permission, I spoke to the group of young adults and said that today (that day) was being celebrated back home in the US as Memorial Day.


Memorial Day is a day set aside to remember those noble men and women in the military who gave their lives for us to have our freedom because freedom does not come free. Then I asked for everyone to pause a moment and silently thank a soldier and God for that soldier who gave everything so we could live in freedom and give us the opportunity of traveling to Budapest's Heroes' Square to see their Millennium Memorial. (A memorial commemorating the heroes who died for the independence of Hungary.)



Thank you to all soldiers who have made my freedom possible and Happy Memorial Day...btw, what time's the bar-b-que?



Have a safe and happy Memorial Day holiday!

Birthdays

Another birthday has come and gone.

I am one year older today

than I was yesterday,

an additional candle on the cake.

That about sums it up.

Happy Birthday to me.

Word of the Day

Wow, right from the dictionary, the word of the day is....fan·ta·size.

definition or British fan·ta·sise
Pronunciation: /ˈfant-ə-ˌsīz/
Function: vb-sized
Inflected Form: or British -sised ,, -siz·ing
Inflected Form: or British -sis·ing
vi : to indulge in fantasy : create or develop imaginative and often fantastic views or ideas fantasizes about running away from home with me
vt : to portray in the mind by fantasy he likes to fantasize himself with me>

Yet another May celebration!

Greetings and Salutations to my faithful reader(s) HA!

You may recall, I mentioned that May is the Month of Celebrations! Today is yet another day for me to celebrate.

Thirty one years ago today, a teenage me married my husband.

Thirty one years is a long time, at least on paper. I don't feel like I've been married that long but there's four wonderful children that came from this marriage and our first grandbaby is on it's way. So exciting, we're thrilled and can't wait!

Can it be that these words were uttered so long ago? Do the young adults that take these vows understand exactly what they are saying?

I take you to be my wedded spouse,

to have and to hold from this day forward,

for better or for worse,

for richer, for poorer,

in sickness and in health,

to love and to cherish;

from this day forward until death do us part.

Probably not. Many are just caught up in the moment, the day, the celebration to come.

It's been a tough road since my hubby's injury and I have had the opportunity to fully live the half of the vows that everyone hopes never happens... worse, poorer, sickness.

Lost on that July day back in 1991, were the dreams of a young couple raising four young children and found were those life lessons of what really matters. Roles were reversed and this stay-at-home mom became the breadwinner (I use that term L-O-O-S-E-L-Y) while the breadwinner was forced to stop working and eventually became 'Mr. Mom' (again, I use that term L-O-O-S-E-L-Y). Our world was turned upside down...

and still, we are here to celebrate our 31st Anniversary today with Love, Honor and Respect.

Happy 31st Honey!

Hand(s)

Do you ever think about your hands? What comes to mind when you do?

Many of us use our hands without giving them a second thought. Just think about this for a moment... what happens if you

• injure or lose just a single digit?
• injure or lose your thumb?
• injure or lose the hand that you favor?
  

Wow, how inconvenienced we become. I'd like to make today be known as...

NATIONAL APPRECIATION OF HANDS DAY

In honor of this, I'd like everyone to comment on how they used their hands today and how it made you feel.

I'll go first...
Today, I used my hands to type this silly blog post to the world in the hope that someone reads it and comments.

Now it's your turn.

I DID IT - YAY FOR ME!

Today is one of those Yay days!

I did it, I F-I-N-A-L-L-Y did it!

What is it I did? Why I have lessened my debt and finally...

PAID OFF MY STUDENT LOANS

FOR UNDERGRADUTATE STUDIES!

Ten years in the making and finally off my back.

HORRAY FOR ME!

That got me to thinking...

A friend's post about dreams got me to thinking. He said that dreams can be goals and aspirations and gave three things he dreams of, one of which was losing weight.

I was very successful at dropping the weight I put on while working full time and attending classes at night earning my undergraduate degree(s). I packed on the pounds while attending school mostly because the lack of time so it was more or less "grab n' go" for four years.

Not long after graduation in 2000, it was August, I decided I wanted to get off the weight so I joined Weight Watchers with a co-worker. We'd leave the office and do one of those lunch 'express' meetings. We told everyone, and I mean E-V-E-R-Y-O-N-E that we were going to WW. This ensured our success since everyone knew at work and if we 'cheated' someone would say something to us.

I liked going to the meetings for the weigh ins, the lessons and tips. I also found out, I liked having someone to go with me & I can be quite competitive. Each week we'd compare how much weight we both lost. (Apparently, I was told, I have always been competitive.)

Some of the other 'girls' would say, what are you doing, can I see the book, etc... and we said no, join and come with us. Well it wasn't until our 5th week when they realized how well we were doing and our clothes already began to loosen on us. More folks started asking us how we were doing it.

In all, we had a group of 7 people join and each week we'd compare our ('losses') wins.

As luck would have it, in 2006, I decided to head back to school and pursue my MBA. As they say, past behavior is a good predictor of future behavior. Imagine this.... I picked up my old eating habits while working full time and going to school... eating on the go.

Can you already guess what happened? Those 46 lbs I lost over a 5 month period and kept off for six years found me again! I still have them with me, it's harder to lose the weight this time because I've aged since 2000!

My friend's posting about dreaming of losing weight got me to thinking. Dreaming doesn't take the weight off, action does.

I am thinking about heading back to WW to lose this weight permanently. I have already been successful and I already know what I need to do. It takes lots and lots of planning ahead and discipline. Planning meals, cooking from scratch, making the right choices at summer bar-b-ques and exercise. Truly, it's not rocket science.

I think I can succeed once again but it would really boost my weight loss if I had a buddy doing it too. This way we could compare weekly meal plans, weekly weigh-ins, share great recipes and other tips.... so whaddya say? Wanna lose these extra pounds and support each other through the process?

Along the way, when we've reached our mini goals, we could share a celebratory meal to applaud our successes!

Mmm...mmm...mmm.

When You Wish Upon a Star...a cute story I recalled today

True story, it happened about 6 years ago.

My cousin, who lives in South Florida, was getting married and invited all us 'Northerners' to come to the wedding. No sense in just going for the wedding, might as well make a trip out of it.

My brother and his wife decided they'd head down to Disney World with their then 5 year old son. They told me I should take a few days and meet them in Disney. Never having been to Disney World, I jumped at the chance! I had (and still do) Mickey Mouse ears with my name embroidered on the back. They were a present from a Disney freak in the family for my 2000 undergraduate graduation and had been sitting idle for five years. Finally, I get to wear them!

My nephew and I danced and sang our way down the halls of the hotel all the way to the Magic Kingdom. My sister-in-law couldn't figure out who was having more fun; the 5 year old or the 45 year old! She kept her distance... think she was embarrassed or something.... who cares, I was there to have fun.

That evening we returned to the park for the light parade and fireworks over the castle at the park. Even though it was considered 'off season' there were people all over for both of these activities. We winded up on the ramp to Futureland to watch the fireworks and my brother had my nephew up on his shoulders to watch the fireworks.

My brother moved over to me and says, "Listen to Joe when the fireworks shoot over the castle." I said, "Why, what's he saying?" and he replied, "Just listen to him."

The fireworks made beautiful puffs and 'chrysanthemums' in the night sky in every color imaginable. They were spectacular! Then the fireworks shot over the castle; first from left side about seven streamers shot over to the right side of the castle. Then in response to those, seven more steamers shot from right to left. With each shot of streamers over the castle, Joe would bow his head and ever so quietly say, "I wish I had a little baby brother or baby sister."

That's all he'd say then lift his little head and go back to the ooohhhh'ing and aaaahhhh'ing as the spectacular show continued. In all, I heard him say it about five times. So precious, so cute, so innocent, so heartfelt.

When the fireworks were over, I asked him, "What were you saying when the fireworks shot over the castle?" and he responded, "I asked for a little baby brother or baby sister." I asked, "Why did you ask that then?" and he responded as only an innocent child can respond, "Because when you wish upon a star, your dreams come true." He thought they were shooting stars so he was making his wish for a sibling.

I think this is an awesome story. When I was in France for my International Business Graduate class, we had the chance to go to Euro Disney and meet with their CMO, Cheif Marketing Officer among other high level executives. We were taken to where they teach their cast members how to be a Disney character, Disney University. I thought this true story was so awesome that I shared it with the CMO and said how great a marketing campaign this would make. He should use it for a commercial, a real story, from the mouth of babes.

But wait, the story is not over yet... there's more to it and if you thought it was a great story already, continue reading (I promise it's almost over).

Our visit to Disney World was in October of 2004. As does often occur, my family was at a big family gathering in June 2005. My brother & his wife had just picked up a brand new luxury SUV and their son wanted to show it off to his aunts, uncles and grandmother. He came and grabbed my hand and said, "Wanna see Mommy's new car? It's a blah, blah, blah." I said, "Sure, take me to see it."

He then takes me into the living room of the home we were at and says, "It was so noisy out there and I have something to tell you before we see the new car." So I said, "Okay, what is it?"

He said, "My wish came true." I replied, "What wish?" He says, "Remember when we were in Disney and I was wishing on the stars?" I said, "Yeah." And he says, "Well my wish came true, Mommy is pregnant and that means she's having a baby so I will get a little brother or little sister!"

OMG, I still get chills when I recall that story. Children are the best things this world has. They are honest and not jaded yet. They believe in things they have no way of knowing will ever happen. They amaze me every time I have a conversation with one.

Fast forward to little brothers arrival and turning two. My nephew grabs me and says, "I want to go back to Disney World again and my Mom and Dad say no. Do you think you can talk to them and say you want to go again. Maybe they will say yes." So I say, "Well I don't know if they will go because I want to go again but why do you want to go?" and he says, "I want to see if they will take Dan back and if I can get another one. He's always getting into things and being bad and it worked the last time."

BTW, we had a blast at the wedding and had the chance to get all my cousins on my father's side together for a cousins' picture. One of my cousins passed away about a year after the wedding and I cherish that time and picture.

~The End~

Culture and the Arts

I love to surround myself with a variety of activities and tonight I am excited for a night of entertainment at the Kimmel Center. Peter Nero (a Brooklyn native) and the Philly Pops will be performing along with Maureen McGovern as she sings songs from the 60's and 70's.

Not only am I looking forward to the show itself at a venue I've not been to before in the city, I am getting another opportunity to engage in another activity I enjoy and cherish, namely spending time with my mom.

I don't see spending time with my mom as a chore. Au contraire mon amis, I absolutely L-O-V-E spending time with my mom whether it's shopping, sitting in the breakfast nook drinking wine, visiting with family & friends, taking a leisurely drive on a nice day or heading up to the Big Apple for a Broadway show, my mom is the best!

Culture and the Arts are a wonderful thing to share with our parents (and with our children. It's nice to be able to pass along Culture and the Arts to a new generation to grow to learn and appreciate.)

Maestro, we're on our way, entertain us!

Here's a pix. Wanted to upload something for MK, couldn't do it here. Check out my page for your surprise!

I guess I didn't have enough patience OR it was too large to upload...that reminds me of a friend's post - something about patience and sex!

Perplexed Pondering

I have a male friend who refers to me as a g/f. If I am his g/f, does that make him my b/f?

Never thought of myself as his g/f, just a friend that's a girl. I guess it's all in how you define g/f. Our definitions must differ.

So I am putting this question out there to the millions of bloggers in the universe, who may meander upon my blog....what is your definition of a g/f or b/f?

Your thoughts are most appreciated.

For MK - when Jews reign supreme pictures

Triplets LOST AT BIRTH
Fallon - Kagan - Myers

Mondays always arrive so soon

I know time seems to be moving along quicker with each passing year but Mondays have to be the day of the week that seems to arrive sooner and sooner.


This past weekend was alot of fun but flew by so quickly, I wish it had lasted longer. Not only did I get to work on the flower garden (didn't complete it but worked on it - I'm getting old), I got to play with my nephews and be surrounded by family on Mother's Day. Not a bad way to spend one's time.

Based on the three things I accomplished this weekend,

• I am now aching in muscles that have remained hidden since last year's gardening work. I can feel muscles in my back, across my chest and down the back of my legs everytime I move. My hand is sore from digging with the hand shovel. Maybe I should work on these muscles more often, that's a thought (even if it's just a fleeting thought).

• I am tired from playing Hide & Seek, Construction Site, Legos where anything is possible, Tickle me, building puzzles, laughing and listening to silly jokes. If we could bottle the energy of a four year old and sell it to adults how awesome would that be? Even playing can make one tired.

• I am feeling blessed to have my family surround me where we can all gather together, share a meal, talk and laugh at ourselves and each other. This is what memories are made of, those moments shared with family & friends telling stories or recalling funny antics of years gone by. One of my favorite pasttimes is spending time with those I love and hold dear. Afterall, time waits for no one and one day we will have only memories to sustain us.
  
  
  

Now if the weekend would arrive as quickly as Mondays roll around. On second thought, take your time getting here... time passes much too quickly. Enjoy the moments until the next weekend and let's not rush time along.

Looking forward to 'playing' this weekend

I am looking forward to this weekend. Not only is it Mother's Day (of which I am one and I am very fortunate to still have my mother here on earth) but I get to have two of my favorite boys come for a sleep over on Saturday night and an extra man in my bed to boot! Well, at least the last time Dan stayed he cried when he was in the extra bedroom so he climbed in with us... I am expecting the same thing based on past behavior.

It's been awhile since I've 'played'. I remember when I was just a young lass and I'd go 'knock up' for my friends and ask them if they wanted to come outside and play. Some of the best memories I have is playing with friends while growing up.

Knocking up has a totally different connotation today but I digress. You'd think I was trying to smuggle in sex to this post just to gain readership!

Back then, you'd knock up in the morning and go out and play ALL DAY and no one worried about where you were or what you were going to do for all that time.... you used your imagination and played.


Sometimes we'd go to the woods and build a 'secret fort' in the middle of some bushes; get adventurous and blaze trails in the woods and capture 'Plymouth Rock'; travel through the large pipes that went under the road from the 'front' woods to the 'back' woods instead of climbing up to the road. Ah those were the days!

Tomorrow I will have some of that fun... afterall 4 year olds have the BEST imaginations - at least my Godson does. River rocks become cars and buildings and lo and behold you have your own primitive Sim City - Bedrock (no pun intended).


This adult's eyes have lost the ability to distinguish one river rock that's a car from another river rock that's a building but somehow, I believe that I will be taught the difference by someone who still sees the world as a playground. In the eyes of a child...can't wait!

Phew - One down more to go

Well I made it through the first interview. I think it went well but there remains a gap between the wish list and what I bring, namely the category - Healthcare. I lack the experience in the industry, however, I believe I can learn that industry and transfer my skills to be successful. I tried to wow 'em with my intelligence with quantifiable proof of graduation at the top of my class from undergraduate studies... a testiment to my work ethic and how I roll. Let's see if it's enough to bridge that gap and give me the opportunity to leap into the roll and tackle the challenge.

Now that I think of it, I have a world of knowledge and experience in Healthcare but as a patient or the family member of a patient. Different perspective altogether when you are the 'consumer' of the 'product' than when you are trying to be a supplier of the product. There's tons of changes that could be made from the consumer side of the business.

Next round is this afternoon after, if I may add, a marathon two hour meeting just as one starts their 3 o'clock yawns....the challenge here is to remain on target & upbeat and not to give into the yawns...wish me luck!


Why is it that my face feels hot and my hands are cold?

STATUS UPDATE

2nd interview of the day completed. Can't really say how it went but know HC experience was expressed again with the caveat, that it may be more important in sales v. category management.

Either way, other things will take precedence of hiring for this position until at least the week of the 24th. So it will be a wait and see for a bit.

Onward and upward. Stay tuned.

It's a Day to Celebrate!

I've got my first follower today! Never thought I'd see the day but it arrived. Thanks MK for getting it started.

May Celebrations Part Dos - Cinco de Mayo

Well May Day started the month off and we've already gotten to Cinco de Mayo! Geez, there'll be quite a few celebrations this month...after this, Mother's Day! YAY!

Is Cinco de Mayo just another day to promote Dos Equis and Corona? You'd think so in the US. You don't have to be Mexican to celebrate today.

Actually, Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. Sorta the St. Patty's Day for Mexicans. It's nice to see people celebrate their heritage yet remain patriotic to the US. Afterall, we're all Americans first then Irish-American, Mexican-American, African-American, Polish-American, etc...

I wonder what the 'most interesting man in the world' is doing today, hmmmmm....

Ah, who cares, probably celebrating with a few Coronas in the dark corners of a bar!

Death - What lies ahead for all of us

Death, seems I can't escape it lately.

In the past four weeks, I have been to funerals for four friends who have lost their fathers. Then just this past Friday, a friend passed away. Her funeral will be this week. Fifty years old, mother of two and wife of a high school friend. So vibrant and full of life, she brightened up the room when she entered and had you laughing. I will miss her and her craziness but will never forget her. She will live on in my heart.

I am not alone in recently experiencing death of a loved one. A friend recently attended the funeral of his cousin's 9 year old son. How incredibly agonizing this type of death is; to have one's child predecease them. Your mind simply cannot wrap itself around this reversal of the natural order of things. I cannot help but feel a bit sad at such news, not because I knew the family but because I am a parent with children and I cringe at the thought of having to bury one of them.

Death, seems to surround me these past few weeks.

Although we are cognizant of the fact that each of us, from the moment we are conceived, are one day closer to our death, it does not get any easier to accept the death of a loved one. The hurt and pain we experience can be anquishing and transcends all social status, religion, race or nationality.

I guess it's the selfishness within that makes us angry, hurt and sad at the passing of a loved one. Afterall, we are mourning our loss; our lost opportunity to say that one last thing; our opportunity to do that one last thing; our opportunity to let them know we loved them.

We are told to be happy for the time we had with our loved one and that they have gone on to a better place than here on Earth but that only works for those of us who Seize the Day and have no regrets. Is there anyone out there without regrets of one kind or another?

Death, a guaranteed passage of life... Carpe Diem my friends!

Death, what lies ahead for all of us.