Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Been Missing You & Blogging
I used to sing this song whenever I was asked to sing at a party. I chose this song mostly because in singing accapella I could change up the tempo and then no one would be able to sing with me.
I heart U John Waite!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Its been a couple of rainy days in NYC as Ida languishes on our coast. I love this kind of weather and was happy to be able to go to the local Science Museum and put together some interesting molecular structures representing the following: animal urea, testosterone and trimethylene. My son and his playmates found it both funny and interesting when I explained in laymen's terms what animal urea was.
Afterwards we went for a snack and I had some Sprite to drink. Unbeknowst to me, my son had swished the bottle a bit before I drank it. He wanted to test a theory that a classmate had shared with him: if you shake the soda slightly and you drink it afterwards you'll burp more. Well, he's happy to report that his mother burped the longest and loudest she's ever burped in her life.
The scene was so funny everyone at our table and the next laughed. I of course was red-faced and embarrassed, and apologies only made everyone laugh harder so I just stopped. All I keep thinking is wait till you're older and have your own children... I will help them pull up the best pranks without them getting caught like you!
Payback's a bitch! I said inwardly, as I shook my head and narrowed my eyes to show my displeasure at being an unwilling experimental victim. Yep, payback's a bitch.
Monday, November 02, 2009
Two Big News Items
Two Big News Items to share w/you if you don't already know:
1) American Corporate Partners is a great organization/resource for military personnel who are ending their military tours and transitioning back into civilian workforce. I'm sharing this with you so you can share it with your battalion. I've just concluded a successful relationship with a woman who not only able to transition successfully back into the workforce, but she was able to leverage her military experience to get her dream job! For more info visit: http://www.acp-usa.org/
2) After intense behind-the-scenes diplomatic activity, Karzai's opponent withdraws from run-off election and Karzai is declared winner for another 5 yr term. Those on the left are crying foul, those on the right see it as an oppty to try & bring economic/political stability to a war torn unstable country. Those stuck in the middle (the Afghan citizens) are simply trying to create a decent existence for their families, out of the challenging conditions they have to deal with.
1) American Corporate Partners is a great organization/resource for military personnel who are ending their military tours and transitioning back into civilian workforce. I'm sharing this with you so you can share it with your battalion. I've just concluded a successful relationship with a woman who not only able to transition successfully back into the workforce, but she was able to leverage her military experience to get her dream job! For more info visit: http://www.acp-usa.org/
2) After intense behind-the-scenes diplomatic activity, Karzai's opponent withdraws from run-off election and Karzai is declared winner for another 5 yr term. Those on the left are crying foul, those on the right see it as an oppty to try & bring economic/political stability to a war torn unstable country. Those stuck in the middle (the Afghan citizens) are simply trying to create a decent existence for their families, out of the challenging conditions they have to deal with.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Fun, Crazy, Busy Weekend
Almost getting to the point of Total exhaustion. But I won't complain because as busy as I am, its nearly not as busy as this incredible guy. It may seem to rival his schedule but not quite. The only difference between him and I, is that his children are older and THEY HAVE TO listen to him. Try reasoning with over a hundred little kids that are super excited and hyped up on sugar on sugar and you get mission Impossible just have them sit down to eat dinner!
The party I helped organize at the Y last night was a huge success. We fed over 100 kids (and their parents) a healthy early dinner consisting of Ghoul-ash, eyes of Newt (I have no idea what that was), green worms (spinach pasta), brains and baby bats salad (sea weed salad & carrots shaped as bats). Afterwards the kids helped us decorate the incredibly delicious deserts, that were made by the parents. There were some incredible pumpkin cupcakes and zucchini bread that the kids went crazy for and decorated with gummy worms, etc. There was more fun & games after they decorated their chosen desserts and ate them. we had a costume contest in 2 categories: one for the best solo child costume, and the best parent child combination costume. Last year, when someone else hosted the party, my son and I won the parent/child costume category. I was a very short Darth Vader and my son was one of my Imperial Guards. Very cool! We won a chess/checker set and a huge bag of candy that was the envy of all the kids. The candy lasted till August of this year. Between the 3 hr prep and the 3 hr. party I was exhausted, but my night was not done yet.
I then had my first meeting with a group of member that we have formed at the Y, The group's focus is to break through our current physical barriers that has kept at a certain plateau or threshold level and has not let us create the incredible hard bodies we want. The meeting was to formalize the group, set goals, create a working format and set ground rules before our first official workout. I've been needing this type of set up for almost 10 yrs now. For me, my set back has been the lack of support & accountability. My entire life I've been involved in team sports and have worked out in a team atmosphere. From volleyball, track & gymnastics in Jr. High & High School to skiing, softball & tennis in college. So when my circle of best friends, workout buddies & cheerleading squad died on 9/11 I was left with a world shattered and torn apart, and with no clue or ability of how to move forward.
Well, this morning was our first workout. It was over 2 hours long. I did the first 75 min with one group had a 30 min break (standing and running around) and 75 min with the 2nd group. We are talking, treadmill, elliptical, spinning, stairmaster, rowing, etc., etc. My knees are feeling it now!! But I FEEL GREAT!!! One of the members of our group is a former Ranger and former personal trainer, whose a bit out of shape for the past few years while raising small kids. He's made a committment to come back into the gym and get back in shape. He had to stop 3 times for about a min each time and slow down 2 other times on the stairmaster because he couldn't keep up with me... wooohooo! Same thing with the rowing. I said nothing because I still have to get to know him to figure out when and how to coax him to finish the exercises as we had planned them. I am just excited that I did everything on our exercise plan and that we did them so well. Woohoo!
Late this afternoon, after attending a noontime parade with some other parents, my son and I went home to rest up for the next event on our schedule, another parade. Parents and kids from our neighborhood participated in a small Halloween Parade sponsored by the Kiwanis Club. There was a nice group of between 80 & 90 kids and parents, all with very unique costumes. My son, who by then was Halloweened out - just wanted to dress up comfortably in jeans and a Yankees tshirt and cap - to help me with car/crowd safety. Unlike my son, I was in the mood to dress up, and I put together a gypsy outfit, much like the one you see below. The only exception was the sleeves, which were just barely off the shoulders. After all, I am a middle-aged mom. I carried a tambourine in my hand to get the kids, parents and driver's attention, when they were inching too close to us (we had to share the road).
We walked for 3 miles in the parade and then ended at the local community center (my feet were killing me by then). There they had a free party for members of the Kiwanis Club, one of the sponsored the parade. We got to go as guests of 2 members who are trying to recruit me as a member. A live band played and there was some great snacks & appetizers donated by local restaurant merchants. It was truly a really well organized and fun event. After the party we all retreated to the home of our party hosts to rest and relax before the next and last event of the day - trick o' treating.
We kept our trick o'treating simple and went only to homes and apartments where we knew the residents. Michael, who helped escort the kids up the steps was surprised to receive candy and money. On the way home he said he was happy with the unexpected loot he got and is looking forward to using the change to buy deeply discounted Halloween candy next weekend.
We just got home, having barely beat the rain, and with our feet perched and resting, we're sitting in front of the tv (a rare thing) eagerly awaiting for the Game 3 between the Yankees/Phillies to start.
I'm looking forward to reading your posts of your own Halloween events or adventures. Hope they were fun! .
The party I helped organize at the Y last night was a huge success. We fed over 100 kids (and their parents) a healthy early dinner consisting of Ghoul-ash, eyes of Newt (I have no idea what that was), green worms (spinach pasta), brains and baby bats salad (sea weed salad & carrots shaped as bats). Afterwards the kids helped us decorate the incredibly delicious deserts, that were made by the parents. There were some incredible pumpkin cupcakes and zucchini bread that the kids went crazy for and decorated with gummy worms, etc. There was more fun & games after they decorated their chosen desserts and ate them. we had a costume contest in 2 categories: one for the best solo child costume, and the best parent child combination costume. Last year, when someone else hosted the party, my son and I won the parent/child costume category. I was a very short Darth Vader and my son was one of my Imperial Guards. Very cool! We won a chess/checker set and a huge bag of candy that was the envy of all the kids. The candy lasted till August of this year. Between the 3 hr prep and the 3 hr. party I was exhausted, but my night was not done yet.
I then had my first meeting with a group of member that we have formed at the Y, The group's focus is to break through our current physical barriers that has kept at a certain plateau or threshold level and has not let us create the incredible hard bodies we want. The meeting was to formalize the group, set goals, create a working format and set ground rules before our first official workout. I've been needing this type of set up for almost 10 yrs now. For me, my set back has been the lack of support & accountability. My entire life I've been involved in team sports and have worked out in a team atmosphere. From volleyball, track & gymnastics in Jr. High & High School to skiing, softball & tennis in college. So when my circle of best friends, workout buddies & cheerleading squad died on 9/11 I was left with a world shattered and torn apart, and with no clue or ability of how to move forward.
Well, this morning was our first workout. It was over 2 hours long. I did the first 75 min with one group had a 30 min break (standing and running around) and 75 min with the 2nd group. We are talking, treadmill, elliptical, spinning, stairmaster, rowing, etc., etc. My knees are feeling it now!! But I FEEL GREAT!!! One of the members of our group is a former Ranger and former personal trainer, whose a bit out of shape for the past few years while raising small kids. He's made a committment to come back into the gym and get back in shape. He had to stop 3 times for about a min each time and slow down 2 other times on the stairmaster because he couldn't keep up with me... wooohooo! Same thing with the rowing. I said nothing because I still have to get to know him to figure out when and how to coax him to finish the exercises as we had planned them. I am just excited that I did everything on our exercise plan and that we did them so well. Woohoo!
Late this afternoon, after attending a noontime parade with some other parents, my son and I went home to rest up for the next event on our schedule, another parade. Parents and kids from our neighborhood participated in a small Halloween Parade sponsored by the Kiwanis Club. There was a nice group of between 80 & 90 kids and parents, all with very unique costumes. My son, who by then was Halloweened out - just wanted to dress up comfortably in jeans and a Yankees tshirt and cap - to help me with car/crowd safety. Unlike my son, I was in the mood to dress up, and I put together a gypsy outfit, much like the one you see below. The only exception was the sleeves, which were just barely off the shoulders. After all, I am a middle-aged mom. I carried a tambourine in my hand to get the kids, parents and driver's attention, when they were inching too close to us (we had to share the road).
We kept our trick o'treating simple and went only to homes and apartments where we knew the residents. Michael, who helped escort the kids up the steps was surprised to receive candy and money. On the way home he said he was happy with the unexpected loot he got and is looking forward to using the change to buy deeply discounted Halloween candy next weekend.
We just got home, having barely beat the rain, and with our feet perched and resting, we're sitting in front of the tv (a rare thing) eagerly awaiting for the Game 3 between the Yankees/Phillies to start.
I'm looking forward to reading your posts of your own Halloween events or adventures. Hope they were fun! .
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
WSJ: The Sex-Housework Link
In The Wall Street Journal today there's an article entitled: The Sex-Housework Link. Provocative title isn't it?
The article is reporting about a study done by two sociological scientist in which they found that the more housework you do, the more often you are likely to have sex with your spouse. Funny, that's not been my experience.
An interesting read and the stats are even more so. I'd like to have a word with both, the scientits who conducted the study and the WSJ writer.
The article is reporting about a study done by two sociological scientist in which they found that the more housework you do, the more often you are likely to have sex with your spouse. Funny, that's not been my experience.
An interesting read and the stats are even more so. I'd like to have a word with both, the scientits who conducted the study and the WSJ writer.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Net Neutrality & Elections
This article from the Wall Street Journal (Facebook & Twitter Join Net-Neutrality War) brings to light the camps entering the Net Neutrality fray on the FCC's proposed rules and proposed legislation. Below is FCC Chairman Genachowski's big announcement along with info on where you can learn more and where you can eventually be able to give your 2cents worth for Congress and the FCC to consider.
Yes, I know, that's 2 min of your life you will never get back, and YES it lacks details and substance despite all the anticipated angst from rumors, and all the hyperbole from business and tech sites. However, its precisely because of that hyperbole and rumor-mongering that we, as free devoted netizens of the cybersphere, need to remain vigilant of what's going on, lest our beloved gov't lose sight of "OUR" interests and succumb to the demands of lobbyists protecting their large corporate clients.
How interesting that the average Joe, or Joe the plumber for that matter, was not in present in the jam packed press room at this announcement. Nope, only reporters,lobbyists and industry execs from telco's, isp's, internet business companies, etc., were present. Which means, we (the netizens of the world) have to ensure that our interests are considered and protected when it comes to any proposed rules.
TO learn more about 'Net Neutrality' you can begin by reading the legislation and tracking its progress as it goes through Congress. If you scroll down at the Tracking link you will be able to see the latest news on it, who publicly supports and opposes the bill. I encourage you to write your local Congressional Representative directly and freely by clicking through the previous link. Let them know how you feel after reading all the material. Our Congressional Representatives do read letters and on occassion use them in their speeches to persuade their peers.
Below you will find some news articles about this from one source. I will be pulling from a few others resources soon and will post them here as I go along. In the meantime, please read what the WSJ has to say about Net-Neutrality:
Net-Neutrality in the Spotlight
Net-Neutrality Speech Draws Strong Reactions
Yes, I know, that's 2 min of your life you will never get back, and YES it lacks details and substance despite all the anticipated angst from rumors, and all the hyperbole from business and tech sites. However, its precisely because of that hyperbole and rumor-mongering that we, as free devoted netizens of the cybersphere, need to remain vigilant of what's going on, lest our beloved gov't lose sight of "OUR" interests and succumb to the demands of lobbyists protecting their large corporate clients.
How interesting that the average Joe, or Joe the plumber for that matter, was not in present in the jam packed press room at this announcement. Nope, only reporters,lobbyists and industry execs from telco's, isp's, internet business companies, etc., were present. Which means, we (the netizens of the world) have to ensure that our interests are considered and protected when it comes to any proposed rules.
TO learn more about 'Net Neutrality' you can begin by reading the legislation and tracking its progress as it goes through Congress. If you scroll down at the Tracking link you will be able to see the latest news on it, who publicly supports and opposes the bill. I encourage you to write your local Congressional Representative directly and freely by clicking through the previous link. Let them know how you feel after reading all the material. Our Congressional Representatives do read letters and on occassion use them in their speeches to persuade their peers.
Below you will find some news articles about this from one source. I will be pulling from a few others resources soon and will post them here as I go along. In the meantime, please read what the WSJ has to say about Net-Neutrality:
Net-Neutrality in the Spotlight
Net-Neutrality Speech Draws Strong Reactions
Gotham Crushing Small Business Dreams?
Apparently this article at the City Journal seems to think so. Now I understand why 20 businesses in a square mile radius of where I live have gone out of business this past year, 10 are hanging on by a thread and 16 more have only 3 to 6 months operating capital left.
I have volunteered with my local Chamber of Commerce to consult one-on-one on how these businesses can create an online presence and also market themselves and their products in order to compete more effectively in their market place. Lets hope I can help!
I have volunteered with my local Chamber of Commerce to consult one-on-one on how these businesses can create an online presence and also market themselves and their products in order to compete more effectively in their market place. Lets hope I can help!
Sunday, October 18, 2009
ALCS @ Yankee Stadium
(NY Daily News)Its game 2 and the score has been tied.since the 7th. We are now in the middle of the 11th inning. My son insisted he wanted to stay up and watch his beloved Yanks but at 9:30pm I prevailed upon a sleepy boy to go to bed and he went without protests as long as I fulfill my obligation of a play by play recount of the games's highlights. .
My son is so looking forward to Monday when I will be leaving work early to pick him up at school and watch the entire game on TV.. I'm looking forward to it too as its an opportunity for us to bond and for him to make some memories.
=====================================================================
Update: After 5 hours and 10 min, and 7 tied innings, the Yankees were finally able to score in the 13th inning on an Angels error. I will take the win however I can get it. I am just grateful the weather in Cali is in the mid 60's. It will be a nice change for them. Okay, must get sleep as I have a full schedule tomorrow. I have the Jets and Giants games to watch. : )
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Lord Vader to you!
This is me last year, killing time at a cafe before a meeting. Sadly, this cafe no longer exists. Its yet another casualty of the severe economic downturn we are experiencing in NYC. Too bad its closed, it was my oasis in the storms during the day at work. My great escape... the place that lured me with the promise of quiet surroundings with soothing music and a great cappuccino, such as the yummy one below.
And how did I manage to drink with a mask on, you might ask? Well, through a straw that was placed through a small hole in my mask, which I covered with black duct tape. I wore that mask all day long and even to two departmental meetings without taking it off. It brought smiles to faces and light chuckles to busy hearts and minds. Me, I had a ball the entire day.
What will I do this halloween? I really don't know. Do you have any suggestions on what I might do? .
Sports in NYC
Ironic, NY has more colleges than any other city in the US. The irony is that unlike the rest of the country, we don't really have a decent college football team to support. Hell, most colleges don't even have a football team so there is nothing to cheer about during football season. Mostly, because there isn't a decent team to be found anywhere within the city limits.
So our entire sports focus & hunger goes onto our professional teams. So when players say the NY fans are the most incredible fans in the world, they're right!
Yay for the Giants, the Yanks & the Rangers!!!
So our entire sports focus & hunger goes onto our professional teams. So when players say the NY fans are the most incredible fans in the world, they're right!
Yay for the Giants, the Yanks & the Rangers!!!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Pics of NYC week of 9/20
An aerial picture of sun bathers in Central Park's Sheep Meadow at noon this past week when temps reached 86F.
The reason I will search far and wide for a hidden oasis in NYC, such as this place....
the oppressive crowds are sometimes just too much to handle!On this particular night it took me 20 min to walk 3 blocks to my subway stop. Is it any wonder we're everyone's favorite target?
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