Give Thanks #30

I think my 30 day of thanks have been good for me. It has given me a chance to say to people that I am thankful for, that I am thankful for them. Although I think this in my mind and heart, I don't often spell it out to the people close to me.

I trained one of my friends for the swim part of a Triathlon once. A couple of us went to the event and watched. After it was over my friend keep saying how much he tried on the swim part. My friend Kerry told me that she complimented him, but he was really looking for my approval. She told me that I rarely gave compliments and people really valued my opinion because of it. (Kind of a double edge sword). So sometimes my thankful posts might of not been that flowery(just not my style), but the thankfulness did come from within.

So #30 Give Thanks is for the Great Life I have, which is mainly due to the Great People in my life. Sometimes I may forget, but I have carried a card in my purse now for about 25 year that reminds me to be Grateful. (no author on it, but came from Pocket Cross Inc, in Houston, PA)

Don't WHINE

Today I saw a lovely girl with golden hair.

Envied her, and wished I were so fair.

When she rose to go she hobbled down the aisle

She had one leg wore a crutch and a smile.

Oh God forgive me when I whine

I have two legs the world is mine

Then I stopped to buy some sweets

The lad who sold them had such charm

I talked with him, my being late was no harm

As I left he said to me, "Your so kind"

"You see" he said "I am blind"

Oh God forgive me when I whine

I have two eyes the world is mine

Later, I saw a child with eyes of blue

Watching others play, not knowing what to do

"Why don't you join the others dear?"

He stared ahead, he could not hear

Oh God forgive me when I whine

I have two ear, the world is mine

With legs to take me where I go

With eyes to see the sunsets glow

With ears to hear what I would know

O God Forgive me when I whine

I'm blessed indeed, the world is mine

Me celebrating the world is mine!

Give Thanks #29

Today I am giving thanks to the two people who influenced my life the most- my parents. Many of my friends tease me that I grew up in Brady Bunch land, or got to live in a beautiful bubble, because of the memories I have growing up, and all that my parents still do for me today.



I had a very care free up bringing- that did not mean we got everything we wanted. My parents were very frugal, my mom made our clothes, and birthday cakes. My mom taught me how to sew when I was about 8 and tried many times how to teach me how to polka. Which to this day I can not do. Saturday mornings before we could play we had our cleaning chores, but we would do them while listening & dancing to the polkas.

My mom and Michael get along very well. She finds him very amusing, and loves his sense of humor. I think I get my sense of humor from both of my parents- I like that they both enjoy life. My Dad likes Michael too, however he likes everybody.

Although I did not get in trouble that much, my mom new how to dish out creative punishments. Once she did all her Christmas cookie baking early and froze the cookies. Well my sister and I found them and ate them all! We got 100 hours of cleaning for that one. Another time, I can't remember what we did, but it was in the summer time, and mom thought it would do us both good to go to church for a week and repent. I remember mom would sit a couple pews back from us checking that we showed up- thinking we were just coming on our own the priest was most impressed with us.


My dad made our house and our toys. I always remember him having some project or something up. He taught us how to ride horses, and play all sports. He took us fishing, yet I still will not bait my own hook, or take a fish off the hook. My dad would listen to country music when it wasn't the thing to do. He loved to take long drives in the country. As a kid sometimes these drives could end up somewhere fun, other times they were just long drives. My dad to this day when our visits come to an end still tries to give me $20 just in case of emergency. (did I mention I am 44!)

My parents both valued education. My mom took us to the library when we were little. I couldn't wait to read- however to my dismay it came painstakingly slow (due to slight dyslexia). When I was in 9th grade our first day we were reading the book Shane, most people finished 2 1/2 chapters in class, I was still on the first chapter and we were not allowed to bring the book home- I was very scared I was going to fail out of high school. That night my dad and I searched the local bookstores, and we finally found a copy at a small book exchange store for 25 cents. (now this was way before the age of a Boarders and Amazon.com). When I had to read Shakespeare, I could not get through the prose, and my mm read aloud Cesar to me. She also read the Iliad to me. (and I did very well on those tests)

My parents taught me how to be a good Christian person. My mom was actually in the convent for a bit- but never became a full nun. Although my sister went to Catholic school, my mom thought the nuns were way too harsh so I was not sent. Instead my mom taught us CCD at home through us putting on puppet shows. I made my first holy communion at our house. My dad rarely misses church, when I was swimming my dad & I would go to the Fisherman's (6:30 am) service, and if I had a weekend meet he would always find us a church to attend on Sunday. Both of them have given me in there own ways a strong belief in God which I find very comforting.

Both my parents would do anything and everything for me- as they have proved over and over again- I have so many wonderful stories about them, but I will leave them for another blog. But as my 30 days of thanks draws to a close, I wanted to save my biggest thanks til the end. So thank you mom and dad for making me the person I am, accepting who I turned out to be, and always being there. I LOVE YOU!

Give Thanks # 28

Giving Thanks to the 'ol In-Laws today. Now I blogged before that when Michael's mother found out he was dating an older women (by just 4 years) she was not crazy about that idea.

Now the mother-in-law claims that I made a fantastic first impression. I drove up from PA to their Long Island home, most of it straight forward until getting off the freeway in his town. Now Michael, who we loving refer to as "Turn's Wrong Way" (his Indian Name) gave me directions from the freeway, with no names of streets, just counting lights and intersections, and making lefts and rights.

Well when I got to the house that I thought was Michael's , his car was not there (which meant he was still at work-or the wrong house). But brazen as I am, I went up to the front door, knocked and introduced myself to his parents. Michael's mom thought "Wow, she has guts" and liked the fact that I would do such a thing- I just really had to go to the bathroom-or I probably would of sat in the car and waited for Michael.

But sadly first impressions don't last forever, you see Michael had a big party the next day, and all his friends came over, and Michael's Mom welcomed everyone with hugs and a "call me Sheila"--I thought that's funny she didn't give me a "call me Sheila" For years I have teased her about this, until only recently I have broken down and called her Sheila, instead of Michael's Mom (MM)

Luckily second impressions stick, here is what happened the very next day - for this story you need to know I have a good two inches on MM, and being 5'2'' this doesn't happen that often. She also has her hair in a perm (the more observant readers may have already picked up on these facts through the pictures) I digress..

So MM just got out of the shower, hair still wet and a bit poodle-ish. I don't know what possessed me, but I patted her on the head and said, "oooh you're so cute", - and just as fast as I did that, I took my hand away in terror (thinking how could I be so stupid patting MM on the head like she was a dog). MM found this hysterical and we bonded over this incident, and have gotten along, and liked each other ever since!

Now Michael's father is a little tougher to decipher if he likes you or not, there was the time he got me drunk on cheap red wine (guess I didn't rate the good stuff) however I knew I was in when I was on the couch one day and he handed me the vacuum and said, here why don't you vacuum.

Michael's dad is an avid reader, (as shown above), and an advid card player. He taught me how to play pinochle, and we usually always play a game of hearts when we get together.

One of the most memorable times we spent with Michael's parents was on a cruise to Alaska, we had fun doing the jeep excursion together, and sharing our days activities over dinner.

So besides the obvious (they created my blue eyed monster-Michael), today I would like to give thanks to Mike & Shelia for accepting such a brazen older woman into their family with open arms!

Give Thanks # 27

Today I am grateful for my brother-in-law Chris, who is one of the kindest and most generous people I know. In fact my mother (who is a tough judge of character) even commented on how nice and wonderful Michael's brothers are when she first met them.

When the bridal party was posing for the photographer at his own wedding, I was trying to take some pictures too, Chris was the only one smiling in my direction- a fact that I commented on, and he said, "Of course I am going to pose for you- I am just so happy you are here" which was very nice to think of me on his special and very busy day. (Nov-2007)

When Michael decided to do a marathon, Thomas & Linda decided to do the half marathon on the same day, the next thing I knew both Chris and myself were roped into doing the half marathon. Now as I blogged before, I don't run, so I said I do it, but I was going to walk it. Well even though Chris could of gone much faster than me, he stayed with me the whole 13 miles. (picture of Chris & Linda ready to start the 1/2 marathon Jan-2005)

Chris like the rest of the family enjoy outdoor activites, here is a picture of him sailing August 2005.

Chris and I share the right brain thing, and the love of teaching. He teaches the finer points of Physics to high school students. During one summer vacation Chris and I took the tour of JPL laboratory together- he understood more of the tour than I did (August-2001)

Another thing I share with Chris is we both know how to be mellow (August -2000)

As mentioned Chris got married this month, I have never seen him look happier, and I am glad he found the person he was destined to be with. He had his whole family in tears at the wedding, because they were so happy for him.

Chris & Kristen are also wonderful hosts, we always feel very welcomed and comfortable in their home when we come to visit. So for always making me feel welcomed and being so nice thank you Christopher!

Give Thanks #26

Today I am giving thanks to a furry friend, our cat Sam (who I have posted about here and there) We have had Sam since he was a kitten, and he is now 11. Although he can be demanding at times, a simple purr in my direction and I forget about that.

Although he doesn't liked to be picked up, he loves to hang out in any room we are in and lay next to us when watching TV. He has his own special chair to sit on when we are eating dinner and hangs out while we eat. He also greats us at the door when we come home from work.

So today I am grateful for Sam's unconditional love (OK it may have something to do to the fact that I feed him every day :) )

Give Thanks #25

Today I am giving thanks to a kindered spirit- my brother-in law Thomas. We are both the youngest child, love to go barefooted, love spaghetti, and are both pretty happy go lucky. Even though Thomas is ten years younger than me, we have always gotten along really well.

Then again I can't imagine who wouldn't get along with Thomas since he is so full of life... {picture Nov-2003}

Well maybe not always (he he) {picture Jan 2002}

Thomas is a great story teller he can keep you entertained for hours, however sometimes "You just had to be there" for one of his stories. {picture Dec 2004}

Thomas is an incredible percussionist, and has great stage presence. Even though he is so accomplished I find it great that he doesn't mind if I sing off key, or clap off beat. Thomas even let me sing with him once, granted it was karaoke, and we were in a foreign country- but I had a great time, and it was the first time that I did karaoke and got applause! {picture, Nov 2002}

He is a great brother to Michael, he flew to New York to totally surprise Michael for his 40th birthday party- as previously blogged about. {picture- Jan 2007}

When the two of them are together they love to accomplish something, whether it is a epic hike, or some house project, which even though he looks a little bewildered- that is what the tools are for. I also like the face on his wife who looks happy that she will be getting house projects done!

{picture Dec 2003}

Speaking of his wife Linda, he is a great husband to her, and it is amazing how in sync they are. We love playing games with them especialy Pictionary and Cranium. We are always amazed with Thomas's stream of consciousness way of thinking and how he always manages to come up with the answers at the last second. Here is a picture of the two of them at the wedding we just attended, a song came on, and they both screamed- "yeah its Journey" at the same time. {Nov 2007}

Thomas is a father of two, his boundless energy is just one of the reasons he is a fantastic father. He is always taking the boys on a hike, bike ride, to the park, or just playing in their backyard. He is also very patient, and really takes time to talk to his kids and explain things to them. {July 2006}

Thomas loved to tell me I am his favorite sister-in-law (up until two weeks ago I was his only sister-in-law), so this past weekend I turned into one of his favorite sister-in-laws. But I feel the sentiment is still there. We both enjoy each others company, and he too is one of my favorite brother-in-laws!

Photo Hunters & Give Thanks #24

Today's Photo Hunter is HOT and who is hotter than my cute hubby Michael :).

Today I am grateful that after 20 years of knowing him, I still find him very HOT.

(picture taken 11-07)

Target Thursday??? and Give Thanks #22 & 23

Hi All,

In honor of the best eating day of the year there will be no talk of my diet today.

Give Thanks # 22 to Thanksgivings Past.

When I was young we took turns spending Thanksgiving at our house in Delaware, or my Aunt House in West Chester, PA. We really enjoyed the holidays together and there are certain foods that will forever remind me of Thanksgiving like the favorite "The Green Stuff" which is a lime jello mold with cream cheese, whip cream, pineapple and nuts.

Another tradition we had was my 2 cousins, my sister, and myself all lying on top of each other watching the movie of the night, which was always one of three choices, Sound of Music, Gone With the Wind, or Wizard of Oz. When we were older we starting playing Trivia Pursuit, and someone would always come out with a doozie of an answer and we would be double over in laughter.

I loved our Thanksgivings together.

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Give Thanks # 23 To Thanksgiving Present.

Living on the west coast I no longer make the pilgrimage back to Delaware (especially since my parents sold their house). So Michael and I have started a new turkey tradition, of trading Thanksgivings between CA and AZ each year.

We really look forward to spending time with his brother Thomas, and his family (Linda, Ian & Connor). As blogged about previously Linda and I make our Christmas cookies during this time. We also play Pictionary, Cranium, or Charoodles- and always end up cracking each other up.

This year Ian is old enough to start playing games- His game of choice: Chutes and Ladders, and out of the 10 times he played today- he won all ten times! (Picture of the Thomas, Linda, Ian, and Connor-April 2007)

Hope everyone is enjoying their own special Thanksgiving Traditions

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Worldess Wednesday & Give Thanks #21

The Cat has his Ears Back!!!

For those forgot how the cat lost his ears, click here.

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Today I am thankful that we are flying to Arizona and not driving! (Pay up Thomas!)

Enjoy Turkey Eve Everyone!!!

A Tuesday 13 & Giving Thanks #20

Well I am finally caught up on giving thanks, thanks to all of you who bared with me in my blogging frenzy to catch up.

Today I am giving thanks to my hubby Michael for getting me Bruce Springsteen tickets! We tried to get tickets last time he came to California but they sold out too fast.

I have always been a big Springsteen fan in fact his Born to Run Album was the first album in my teenage collection. (picture taken from the following link)

So with concerts in mind it inspired me to do a "Tuesday" 13 of the concerts I have been to.

1. Bruce Springsteen (2 times during his Born in the USA tour in the early 80's-both times saw him in his home state NJ- this was the first concert I ever saw, and it kind of ruined me to other concerts)

2. John Denver (he was quite funny)

3. Rolling Stones

4. Billy Joel & Elton John (together in concert-very fun BJ is also very funny)

5. BB King (just last year- he is quiet amazing)

6. The Ramons (first concert I saw with Michael, they played very fast-only way to know they were playing a different song was they said 1,2,3,4 between each song.)

7. The Stray Cats

8. Van Morrison (Michael & I danced to Crazy Love for our first dance-unfortunately he didn't play it)

9. America

10. James Taylor

11. Travis Tritt

12. Tom Jones

13. Katrina and the Waves

Give Thanks # 19

I always wanted to be a teacher since I was a little kid (mainly a PE teacher). I always loved my teachers and school. My dad was also a teacher who always seemed to love his job.

When I graduated high school in '81 the teaching profession was not doing all that well, so somewhere I lost that dream. In high school I took some accounting classes, and having been born with a math brain I enjoyed them. So I chose accounting to major in college.

I actually got a degree in finance and worked 5 years in a bank eventually rising up to Loan Accounting supervisor-but something was missing. One Friday night when I was already working late, my boss said I would have to come in on Saturday- I told him I had plans- He said change them- I said No (and thought to myself, you don't pay me enough to own me).



So that weekend I had a talk with my mom, and we decided I would go back to school for a math education degree. I excelled at college this time, and really enjoyed learning again.

Sometimes being that poor college student again, when my friends were off living the high life I thought "What have I done?" But when I got my own classroom I knew this was what I was meant to be doing and am so grateful I had this second chance at a career. (picture of my classroom.)



So today I am grateful for having a job I love, and if I do say so myself-am pretty good at. I am also thankful to my parents for paying for two college educations.

Menu Monday? and Giving Thanks #18

Since we are leaving on Wednesday for Arizona for the rest of the week, I decided not to menu plan. I did make a tuna caserole yesterday that we will eat today, and then tomorrow looks like frozen dinners.

However I will be bringing a recipe for a scrumpcious appetizer to make while I there. Although I have had this appetizer many times, I have never made it myself, so I am counting it in the new recipe department. (see below if interested in the recipe)

I chose the recipe for two reasons, one it is from my godmother Aunt Sally and it reminds me of Thanksgiving, since she always made it as finger food, while we were watching the Cowboys and Lions play football on TV. The second reason is I think my nephews will like it, since hot dogs are involved!

So how does this tie in to my thankfullness of the day? I am thankful I am not in charge of Thanksgiving this year after last years debacle. You see it turns out that 8 of the 11 guests got very sick the following Sunday and Monday after Turkey day.

A full investigation followed. Many supects were involved, the cooking, Michael-who noticing there was a lot of food in the fridge thought it should be turned up all the way and turned it all the way to cold- not realizing the other side said colder , and baby Connor- who came sick to the party.

While I was fully cleared of any wrong doing on my cooking part (the baby took the rap) the memory of it all still stings. So yes I am thankful I am not cooking this year.

Give Thanks #17

It is kind of surprising that I blog, since I have never liked sharing my most inner personal thoughts and happenings. When I do confide in people, I have a choice of 4 people I turn to, Michael, my mom, Sue (my best friend), and the person who I am giving thanks to today-my sister-in-law Suzie. (Picture of Suzie, her dad, and me- the night before she became my sister-in-law, June 1994)

I met Suzie near the end of her senior year of high school. And although I was 7 years older than her, I felt a bit geeky around her at first, since she was so beautiful (she was her school's homecoming queen). Now normally I am biased against such beautiful people, but I learned quickly that Suzie was even more beautiful on the inside. {a picture of Michael, Suzie, & Thomas at her high school graduatio 1988}

People say you marry people like your family members, so Michael and I were deciding who we each married, I told him I thought he married his sister Suzie, he just laughed, and said you only wish you were that stylish and cool {See Jeff ,we are both brutally honest with each other!-*side note, Jeff , Suzie's husband, was amazed that after Michael sat down from his best man speech last week, he said, "I blew it" and I said, yup}

Suzie lives in "The City" (according to her there is no other city than NYC), and dresses the part, although I did think at one time she had way too much black in her wardrobe, but she has since seen the light and has many colorful outfits now. Suzie with a splash of red Jan 1, 2003.

Although I am not a big phone person, when we do talk on the phone, it is usaual for about an hour and then my checks are so sore from laughing. Suzie has a great sense of humor, and we always enjoy being in each other company. (Us having fun at the vineyards, May 1998.



We both love the Sound of Music, and knowing she would be in town we got ticket to the Hollywood Bowl where they show Sound of Music and everyone sings to the songs and acts out the parts. Some people even come in character, and Suzie just had to (pick me,pick me!) pose with this set of nuns! (July 2005)

The week before Suzie got married she discovered a lump in her breast, and when she came back from her honeymoon she got the news she had breast cancer at the age of 34.

Suzie was unbelievable strong through this ordeal-I admire her greatly for how she handle the fight against cancer (barring one frying pan incident). Suzie became actively involve helping others in her plight. Always being into health foods, and organic things- she made her own lotions and salves to put on her radiation burns and would share her recipes. She also was a model in a book to show make-up techinques on what women can do when they lose there hair due to the harsh treatments. (August 2004 after treatments)

Suzie is a wonderful Aunt to all her nieces and nephews, the family calls her Super Aunt Suz, a name well fitting. (April 2007)

Michael has always adored his sister, in fact after we saw a broadway show, Suzie left a full subway train with a twirl around one of the pools singing- to which Michael replied I have the coolest sister, and by marriage I have the coolest sister-in-law (Nov. 2007)

Thanks Suz-for your friendship & support!