2006 In Review

2006 was an interesting year. Here's a brief photo review.

Karen and Joe got married Feb. 18 in Jacksonville.

We celebrated 5 years of marriage with champaign and a super chocolatly desert!

We went to Savannah for the day with Greg and Laura.

I saw the Grand Canyon for the first time. Wow.

Saw the lights of Vegas for the first time. A different Wow.

Laura, my sister turned the BIG 30. Don't ask her too much about it, she only remembers parts of it. ;-)

This is my BEAUTIFUL Christmas cactus. I didn't kill it! And more amazing? I left it out all summer and it still did this!

And finally - Laszlo and I get dressed up for Christmas mass. Yes folks, my husband wore a sports coat.

I want to wish everyone a very Happy New Year. May your new year be filled with love, joy, family and friends and lots of laughter!

Love,
Sarah

My own song for Christmas...

Sarah, Sarah,
Sarah, Sarah.

The First Noel
from the Christmas Song Generator.

http://thesurrealist.co.uk/christmas.php" method="get">Get your own song :

So Ok, this song generator is strange...some are just wrong. But I am still trying to get in the Christmas mood. Here's another:

Hark, the herald angels sing,
Christ is born in Sarah.

Hark the Herald Angels Sing
from the Christmas Song Generator.

http://thesurrealist.co.uk/christmas.php" method="get">Get your own song :

I don't even know what to say about that one.

How about....

O Sarah of wonder, Sarah of might,
Sarah of royal beauty bright.

We Three Kings Of Orient Are
from the Christmas Song Generator.

http://thesurrealist.co.uk/christmas.php" method="get">Get your own song :

I do like that one... :-)

Christmas in Florida..

I can't believe Monday is Christmas. It just hasn't been that Christmasy to me. Besides Grandma passing away, and being incredibly busy at work it's been warm here. To the tune of 80 degrees daily. I know, the people snowed in out west would be saying awww...poor baby! Seriously though, it's hard to deck the halls when you're sweating. My neighbors on both sides of me have their air conditioning on. Wimps!

Anyways. I'm trying hard to get myself in the mood. I've worn all my Christmas pins, Christmas socks, listended to Christmas CDs and tried to sing-along to songs on the radio. But it's not working. Maybe now that I'm officially on vacation for the next 11 days that I'll get there.

I've only got three fulls days. I better get to work.

Happy Holidays folks.

Remembering Grandma

My paternal Grandmother died yesterday from cancer. It's a strange feeling hearing those words that a loved one is now permanently gone from your life. Even though we knew it would be soon. And when I saw my parents phone number on the caller-id at work I knew that's what the call was going to be about.

Grandma was a tough lady. She lived with great gusto. And even though I didn't always get along with her I knew that she loved her family greatly. I was/am honored to be her granddaughter.

So as I head north to Ohio this weekend I remember all the Christmas holidays she spent here in Florida with us. Her spaghetti and meatballs that no one could replicate. Her driving every winter, alone until a few years ago to come down here. Her desire to live and to see her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow.

I'll miss you Grandma. You're finally free of the cancer, the pain. Your home. God speed.

Google Envy

I saw a story in the paper last week that Google stock had hit above $500 a share. I had a flashback to my days at the paper when I had a conversation with a customer if he thought the IPO of around $100 or so was overpriced and such. I actually said - "Sir, that stock is overpriced. It's gotta fall. It's only hype." As all Google stock owners are laughing all the way to the bank and I'm not. I hope he didn't listen to me....and bought it rather than Yahoo.

Those were the days...

HAPPY

THANKSGIVING!

Randomness

So Hubby and I were watching a little TV the other night and saw one of the Fruit of the Loom commericals. We were watching the normal purple and white grapes and apple sing. And then there was this leafy thing to which both of us at each other and said..."what the heck kind of a fruit is that?"

So off I went to the company's web site and found out the leafy dude is just that "Leaf" and according to his bio - while he's not technically a fruit, because he is ATTACHED to a fruit he can be a fruit guy. Right.....

What was wrong with a banana? or even a pear? But a leaf? Why aren't the left out fruit pissed at being dissed by a wanna-be fruit?

Anyways...just a thought.

Giving Thanks

I have been thinking on Thanksgiving more these days. And it's not just because I love cranberry's and pie (and believe me, I do!), but because I'm finally really understanding it. And I think it's an overlooked holiday. It's gotten sandwiched between an over-commercialized Halloween and Christmas. And all most are focusing on is a big dinner.

It's called THANKS giving not Turkey Day. I am seeing more and more that I have much to be thankful for. I have more than many in this world ever will. I own a home, I've found true love, I have a challenging but fun job with people I enjoy spending time with, a great family, I can see, walk, and even jog for short distances, I have friends, faith and food in my fridge. Man, I am blessed. It's time I start acting that way more often. Thankful of all that I do have instead of griping about what I think I should have. I think many Americans have lost their way in this regard. And I'm sorry it took me so long to get this Thanksgiving stuff.

Do you get it?

It's Beginning to Look a lot like !Christmas!!?

When I came back from lunch Monday afternoon I noticed they were putting Christmas wreaths on the building where I work. Not that they weren't lovely - they actually were. But I'm just not ready for it yet. I can't think Christmas until the turkey and pumpkin pie have passed my lips. I just can't. It seems wrong. But every year it seems people are decking the halls earlier and earlier. It's not that I don't love the holidays, I do. I love all that stuff that comes with it too. But I don't need it for 2 straight months. I think it takes some of the specialness (is that a word?) out of the holidays. Holidays are special because it's different from the norm. Soon decorations and carols will be the norm. I just don't get it. I know what it all is coming down to is the almighty dollar that the merchants are trying to make. And that's just sad in my mind.

Any ways...I'm just getting used to the idea that Thanksgiving is this coming week. I'm not ready for Christmas.

Chicken Soup For My Hubby's Soul

So I made homemade chicken soup tonight for dinner, for the first time. OK, so I used store bought chicken stock, but hey - who has time to make homemade chicken stock on a work night?

I have to say I am very proud of myself. It was darn good. And how do I know? My husband, the soup connissour, said it was great. Coming from a man who grew up with soup all the time that was a huge compliment. And what was really cool is that when he came home he was kinda down in the dumps and grumpy and by dinners end - he was smiling.

I think there is more soup making in my future.

Happy Birthday to Youuuu!!!

Happy Birthday to yoouuu!
Happy Birthday to You!
Happy Birthday dear Dad.
Happy Birthday to youuu!!

Tuesday is my Dad's birthday and I wanted to be the first to wish him the best. Looking forward to a nice dinner tomorrow night and lots of fun this weekend.

Love,
Sarah

Thank goodness it's Friday

I am really ready for the weekend this week. It's been really busy at work, I haven't felt great, I have a swollen foot and just mentally I am ready to chill.

I am also so glad that the election is almost here. I hate to watch any of the networks because you get bombarded with political ads. And since I read in the paper that the Tampa Bay area is the TV market (in the ENTIRE country that is!) with the most political ads running I know I am not crazy. Well mostly not.

Anyways, I am happy it's Friday.

I'mmm Baaacckk!

Well kinda. I can get here, but I can't seem to get photos to get on here. Keeps locking up. Oye. Well, one thing at a time. At least I can post now. I have a series of photos that I wanna get up...I'll get there. I think.

Made it back from Vegas - the Disney World for adults. See, just like Disney, Vegas is ALL fake. I mean it was kinda cool, but it wasn't my favorite part. For me it was the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park. Awesome! That's the only word I can use that give the experience justice. And I now know I like to hike! Now I wanna go see more lovely places in this country. The Travel channel just keeps my mind turning.

Congrats out to Heather and Corey who were married a few Saturdays back. Congrats kids! We are so happy for you.

And happy belated anniversary to Dave and Britt - I miss you guys but am happy for you.

And Aaron? I'm so happy you are...You deserve only the best.

Well, my foot is throbbing from the heavy box I dropped on it this afternoon so I'm off to find more Advil.
Till later..

Welcome to Vegas?

So my welcome to Vegas wasn't the best. 45 minutes sitting on the tarmack waiting to get a gate at the airport (boy did I have to pee!), luggage that took forever to get (and they kept changing the location it was supposed to come from), obnoxiously loud commercials blaring from large TV's, someone puked at the rent-a-car place, and it was about 4 a.m. (my time) before I slept.
But today's a new day and I got to see Mt. Charleston (pictured from a stock photo I found) in it's full glory. Spectacular! That's the best word I can think of to describe it. And the best part? The leaves were changing colors! (I'll have great photos later!) We did a short hike - whew! - climbing mountains is NOT easy. And I got to see joshua trees...how cool is that? Anyways, tonight we are having dinner with our host Mike and his friend Kim somewhere on the strip in the heart of Vegas. Oh, and the humidity this afternoon? 8%! So it's 95, but the feels like temperature is less.
Well, that's all for now...off to my next adventure.
Oh and Aaron, the faces weren't at this mountain either!

For Everything there is a Season

For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast
away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in their hearts, yet so that man can't find out the work that God has done from the beginning even to the end.

This is one of my favorite passages from the bible. I've been thinking more and
more about it lately. There are so many things happening in my life right now and I do see the purpose, sometimes. And sometimes I can't see far enough to let myself see it, I'm stuck in the why. I know there is a time to die, my Grandmother is coming towards the end of her life. I know that it is her time, she's lived a great life. But understanding this and knowing I probably will never see her alive again is painful. She's been such a part of my families lives. And my brothers death, it was his time according to God, but in my heart I can't understand it nor excepted it.

This coming week is my husband and I our time to heal. He moved away last year for a time, and our trip out west is a reconfirmation of our relationship. It's the honeymoon we never had.

So with every season, it's Fall now, and the seasons of our lives we experience changes. So for a change I'm going on vacation, across the country.

Peace.

Contemplating my Navel

My Mom used to say that, when you would ask her what she was thinking about or if she asked you what you were thinking about "contemplating my/your navel" would pop up. And that's where I'm at today. Contemplating my navel...well, not really, more like contemplating my life.

Things are on the upswing. I have a nice job with upward movement possibilities. I'm going on not one but TWO nice trips in less than five months (Vegas and my first cruise), my husband is around a lot more often and we agree we are ready to put our house in order (yes, I know it's been more than 2 years) and we have a new computer, a front yard I'm pleased with, a brand-spanking new digital camera (photos to come soon) and great family and some awesome friends. I should say I am blessed abundantly.

But when contemplating your navel the negatives always do surface. Such as weight issues, skyrocketing insurance, one car sans air conditioning, I miss my brother and that I'm almost 32 and am still not a Mom.

And today I contemplate the sadness of the loss our country endured 5 years ago and the anxiety that it could happen again as I ready to board a plane tomorrow evening.

So I continue to contemplate my navel and give thanks for all that I do have and consider what I need to do to right the others and I pray for our nation and those directly affected by the 9/11 tragedies.

The Computer Doctor was Here..

So my computer needed help. A LOT of help. It finally just up and ran out of space. So we sent it to the computer doctor and came back with one that my Dad says is actually from this century. Thanks to Pop, Laszlo and I can actually put programs on our computer rather than taking them off just so we can have a computer that functions. Woo hoo! And soon we hope to be adding something new to our family, a brand new digital camera so I can add more photos to this space again. Fabulous.

Plus we want to have a nice camera to take on vacation. The hubby and I are taking a week and going out to Vegas. We plan to see the Grand Canyon and other natural wonders out there. Can't wait. It'll be our first real vacation since we got married more than 5 years ago. So it's kinda like a delayed honeymoon of sorts.

Now that I have a computer I actually want to use, I'm hoping to use this place again. I do miss it. I always see things that I say, man that would be funny, I should blog about it. Well, I have no excuses now..

See ya on the net.

Sorrow...

I want express my sympathies to my friend Dave and his family. Dave's younger brother Michael died very unexpectedly last week. From someone who can understand losing a brother I am so sorry for your loss. Siblings aren't supposed to die when they are in the prime of their life. They are supposed to be there when you bury your parents. You are not supposed to be visiting them at the cemetary.

My condolences Dave, may your brother rest in peace.

Ahh the Smell of Vacation

So the Mr. and I went on a little summer trip to Jacksonville to visit with my sisters and brother's-in-laws. As you can see above we spent some time at the shore fishing. How do you know you are in Jacksonville fishing? Well - besides all the Rednecks surrounding you. Check out the ship that made it's way by us..


Oh yeah - and behind it is one of the naval bases - the USS JFK was the boat sticking out to the right of the ship.

We also took a day trip to the very warm and humid Savannah. We had a blast. We took a bus tour - I highly recommend this if you don't have lots of time there or have never been there. You get the lay of the land plus a nice tour. Here's Laszlo and Laura enjoying the tour and enjoying not walking since it was the end of the day.

But, if you really want to see what Laura looks like after walking around in 90 + degree weather - you have to check out the next picture..There she is just taking a load off.

Next time we go to Savannah - I hope it's slightly cooler. If not you look like Greg and Laszlo, sitting on a bench at the end of the day fanning themselves....As pictured below. But we had a great time. If you want to see more funny pictures please visit Laura and Greg's blog by clicking to your left - The KC's have a funny entry. Well - still more vacation time to go. It always goes way too fast. But I am enjoying it!

2+4=6!

So everyone meet my cousin AJ, his wife Catrina and their six kids - twins Keegan and Brice (the bookends) and Elizabeth, Grace, Connor and Dylan. Their story ran on the Early Show on CBS Wednesday night. You can see the story here: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/07/26/earlyshow/main1836652.shtml

Catrina had twins less than two years ago and the quads came along this past June. I am sure they are busy - but they are very blessed.

My thoughts and prayers are with them.

You know it's Summer when...

When watching the grill is preferred to watching the TV. My wonderful hubby was out grilling chicken tonight and I saw this and had to snap a photo. He's had a long day working hard so he deserved to sit in front of the grill. Can't wait to try the yummy food!

Oh Happy beleated Independence Day to all. I did the trifeta of Fourth fun. Cook out with good friends, watched the Devil Rays spank the Boston Red Sox (baseball) and fireworks at Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg. Couldn't ask for a nicer day.

I Am Starting to Get It...Kinda

So I've decided that I wanted to upgrade what I'm wearing to work. To make it more apparent that I'm serious about my job and succeeding. I mean I didn't really feel before that clothes made a difference in the world of business. Man, I sure know I was wrong. When I put on a jacket, button it up and walk out the door I have noticed there's a different swagger in my step. I feel more confident. I'm hoping that will shine through to more areas of my job. I know it sounds very superficial this whole thing, but I'm finally starting to get the whole dress for success mantra. And heck, it's kinda fun - it's like a treasure hunt. How to dress for success on a serious budget but get some kicken' new clothes. I'm still talking about my $11 blazer that was $65 and by $100+ shoes for $30. Now I just gotta work in the haido. And if I could only figure what the heck Business Casual is....

I must be insane...

So what would posess a person to invite old friends to their house the first full week the co-worker I am helping cover during her maternity leave, for a potluck? I mean I have to clean my house...in the middle of the week and make lasagna and all I want to do is veg? Oye...I'm always opening my big mouth. Plus, we are killing parts of the lawn out front so we can create a path from the street to the house. And I WANT people to see that?

I must be crazy. I must be. There's no other explanation for it.

Gulp...I am crazy.

A Very Happy Belated Birthday Greg!

I am the WORST sister-in-law ever I think. I forgot to call my brother-in-law on his very special day - his 30th birthday. The day that I have been bugging him about for well - at least a year. And then I called his house 2 days after, he wasn't home, told sister I was going to call AND forgot. I forgot until I received an e-mail from him ragging on me because he missed my stunning rendition of Happy Birthday I'm sure I would have sung to him

So Greg, I am s0oooooooooooooooooooooooooo sorry. I am the WORST sister-in-law! I hope your birthday was spectacular and welcome to your 30's.
So I hope you will forgive and think about me everytime you do the World's Longest Suduko book we bought for you.

And without further adu:

Happy Birthday to YOUUUUUU!
Happy Birthday to YOOUUU!!!!!!
Happy Birthday GREGGGGGIIIEEE !

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOOOO YOUUUU!!!!!

And many more!

Love,

Sarah and Laslzo

A Belated Happy Easter

I was blessed to be able to spend time with my family this Easter. Although my one sister was absent, she was in our thoughts of course, especially as my mom attacked the chocolate Saturday evening as Lent came to a close, we thought, Laura is so like mom.

One of the best things about Easter is that it is a seaon, just like Christmas and it isn't one day. I love going back to church the following Sunday and seeing lovely flowers and the jubilation continuing.

So Happy Easter everyone. For it's not confined to a day. Or even a season. It's a way of life.

Babies and all their stuff

So I went to Babies r' Us tonight for the first time. Who knew there was so much stuff associated with something so small? And from being at that store you would think that women couldn't survive with so many things for their children. Whew. And why are such tiny clothing so expensive?

I don't know. The whole place was kinda just surreal to me. Any who....Happy Friday!

A Haiku

My allergies are killing me this week. Thus this haiku was born:

"Little fuzzy bits.
Flying through the air I breath.
I hate you damn trees!"

Spring Has Sprung In Florida -- Aachoo!

So it's only the first week of March. I know the official beginning of spring is a little bit away, but here in Central Florida it'll full-on Spring. The weather is in the mid-70's, blue skies are overhead and EVERYTHING is blooming here. From the azaleas (which I wish I could have growing in my yard, but I know I don't have the right conditions), to the pollen hanging off the oak trees, to the impatience, Indian hawthorn shrubs to the snapdragons and amarylus. It's a lovely time to be outside. That is if you aren't bothered by the pollen. Down my street there are many oak trees so the streets are littered with the orange pollen and you can feel it in the back of your throat. But I guess it's the price to pay for living in paradise.

Memories, Just the Way We Were..

Sorry Babs, I had to borrow your lyrics. But it is appropriate. I was going through files of digital photos to send to be printed, yes I am really behind, and I had the best time. Reminiscing about some of the great times in the past few years. Here's a sampling..



Mmm! Chicken Paprikash! My hubby can cook!

Hey Amigo! We got robbed! Our chili was so the best. But heck, you look good in a sombrero!

There's pop with one of the Motter twins. He looks very natural. Hopefully one of those will be in our immediate families future.

Rows and rows of roses can't be bad. Lovely actually.

U-S-F! U-S-F!

Kathy's last days as a free woman. Yes, Kathy actually got married!

A peaceful evening on our block.

Alton Brown and I...soo cool!

Tiger the Cat digs the newspaper, laying on it that is.

I don't know why me and the sisters are laughing, but I'm sure it was good.

Skippy Simanoff, this Bud's for you!

Ahhh...a walk down memory lane is always fun..

Alas, Pray That Never Happens

So I finished Alas, Babylon the other night. I thought it was pretty terrifying on so many levels. Of course having every major city in the US blown to smithereens (including Tampa/St. Pete - where I live) is bad. But being cut off from the world, even a town a hour away, is scary. In our modern world this would even be more prevalent. Because we are used to having the news right now. I can turn on the TV or get on the Internet and get up on any topic. After "The Day" as it was known in the book, the town of Fort Repose, had to turn inwards and depend on and defend themselves. I think this book is so relevant today. In the early 60's no one thought bombs would actually drop. And who wants to believe that Iran or another country wouldn't start? Oh, and I love that the only member of the federal government that wasn't killed was a woman and that she became president. Great book.
Now I'm off to reading Teacher Man by Frank McCourt of Angela's Ashes fame. I think after this I will need something real easy and funny. Have to have those occasionally.

The Suite Life

Greetings from lovely Jacksonville, Florida! Tomorrow's is my sister's wedding and we are preparing. It's been really fun to see so many different family members. You come into the hotel's lobby and you just never know who you are going to run into.

And my parent's suite is HQ and the official greeting room. You get the good room and amentities are abundent. They are right across the hall from a lounge where the "high-rollers" get free coffee and cold drinks all day, warm appetizers at night and free breakfast while the rest of the guests have to schlep down to the restaurant and pay, and pay dearly for these things. And they keep the common folks out by requiring you to have a key for one of those rooms to even get to the floor. Living the high life is pretty fun.

The bride is calm, and tan. I guess she decided she was too white and with the white wedding dress on she would be blinding. Plus she's primed herself for going to Jamaica for a week. The groom is also calm, for now. :-)

Well, off to do more wedding stuff. Whatever that is supposed to be. But I'm sure they will find me something to do!

No one better?

Really briefly. This has been stuck in my craw since Friday night and I watched the opening ceremonies of the winter Olympics. Was there no other women of distinction from North America other than an actress? That Italy thought Susan Sarandon is the cream of the crop when it comes to North American women? I was appalled and still am. Among a Nobel prize winner, former Olympic champions and a champion of human right, Susan Sarandon? How very pathetic.

New Book

I'm kinda beginning to think it is ironic the book that I've started reading. It's Alas, Babylon by Pat Frank. It's about the survivors of a nuclear attack, at the main character is based in the central Florida area. I think this is ironic because of all the goings-on with Iran. This book was written in the early 60s so the mania of nuclear war with Russia was very real. I started reading it right before the big hubbub with Iran started, but now the book is really making me think. I don't want anyone to have nuclear weapons, especially an unstable country such as Iran. I'll let you know how I like the book. But I can tell you the relevance is frightening.

Oh Suduko, How I love Thee

I know the first road to recovery is to admit you have an addiction. So here goes.

Hi, my name is Sarah and I am addicted to Suduko.

Ok, I feel better. Now everyone knows that I have a compulsion to try each and every Suduko puzzle I see. I know most often I don't finish them, but sometimes I do. Today I finished my very first medium level puzzle. I was so psyched that I finished it I jumped up from my couch and did a little dance a joy. Ok, the little things excite me sometimes and this is one of them. If I could do them on a computer screen I might be tempted to work on the one above, but it would drive me insane.

The good news? I saw a news report that doing puzzles like Suduko are really good for your brain and inf fact may help in warding off Alzheimers. So it's game on! I know there's others out there...stand up and be proud to be Suduko addicts with me! (Dave I know your out there reading this and working on the puzzle above...:-)

It's February?

Man! Where does the time go? One day it's Jan. 1 and the next thing you know it's February 6! I have been busy. We are in full wedding mode in my family. Baby-sister Karen get's married in T-minus 11 days. We leave for Jacksonville next Thursday. We are very excited.

Work has kept me busy and I am still pleased with the move. It's great to have people around you wanting you to suceed! It's so different.

On the weight front, not so good. I so got sidetracked, phyically and mentally. But I'm back. I feel the difference when I'm not working out and eating like I should.

Got the chance to have dinner with my favorite Tribby, Skippy Simanoff. It was really nice to see him and I do realize how much I miss our lunch chats. And that we both have a love for Suduko.

I can't promise lots of posts here. But I want to get back. I do miss it. I see things and I think...that would be great on Sarah Says. Like why Layne Bryant is advertising that it carries size 12 in certain styles. Ok, if you were an average size 12, why the heck would you shop at Layne Bryant, the store for big chicks, when you can shop anywhere and find your size? HELLOO??

Ta ta for now!

Happy New Year!

I want to raise my glass to the year that is and soon will be was 2005. It was a year filled with joy, laughter, sadness and hope. I'm so lucky to have so many wonderful people surrounding me who helped me be the best person I could be and help me through the rough patches, and there were some doosies this year. There's a lot to look forward to in 2006 and I'm ready for it. I've even finally gotten the first new pair of eyeglasses in 5 years so I'm starting with a whole new point of view.

So I raise my glass to you and offer a toast to the old year and all the possibilities of the new one. Happy New Year!

You know you have come of age when...?

When you beat your Mother in Scrabble. All I can say is whoo hoo! (This is a big deal by the way.)

The Story of MY Christmas Tree

There's something special about decorating a Christmas tree. I told my husband it was like looking at not only my and my family's history but our history as a couple. Since he came from a family where Christmas ornaments weren't personal and he had none of his own I started giving him an ornament as a gift every year. This year he will receive number 13.

See we don't have a tree strung with similar shiney baubles from a store. We have ornaments accumulated over the years. Many handmade or given to us as gifts from family and friends. And last year I received a box of ornaments from my Grandmother. It was filled with ornaments that hung on Grandma and Grandpa's Christmas tree. I think it is so cool to have these little bits of history.

Some of the memories that are hanging on my tree are:
The paper straw I colored and glittered all up representing the straw in the stable Jesus was born in. I think I was in late elementary school. It hung on a Jesse Tree in a church rectory.
The lollipop I made in 5th grade. We sold them as efforts towards the refurbishing of the Statue of Liberty. That's when I first really understood the meaning of an assembly line when we made hundreds and hundreds of them.
The soft stuffed ornaments my mom and Grandma made before my youngest sister was born so they could be put on the bottom of the tree for safety reasons. The ceramic painted ornaments Grandma made for each of us. I have mine and my brothers.
And 12 various ornaments given to my husband. Each of them special.

And because of these ornaments I find myself sitting in silence gazing at the tree. I found myself doing this a lot at my parents home too. Looking at the memories hanging on the tree.

Happy Birthday to Youuuu!!

Sending warm wishes up to my sister Laura who is celebrating her 29th birthday today. Hope your day is awesome!

A Pie Buffet

It was the pie buffet at my parents house this Thanksgiving. Two pumpkin and apple, a pecan and a cherry. All for 11 people. Oye. At one point I was thinking..who else can we give pie away to? But we had a nice day. Lots of wonderful food and family. Now onto tomorrow. Mom and me are shopping. This is the first time I've had the day after Thanksgiving off as a holiday from work in like 8 years. It's kinda nice. Hopefully I'll make a dent in the Christmas shopping. Oh, and anyone want some pie?

Walking Away From Cookies

When my boss put a platter full of sinful looking and smelling cookies in front of me this afternoon I wondered if this was a test. To see if I really meant the changes I am trying to make in my life. That the baby carrots I brought to work to snack on were the real deal or an excuse why I could have a cookie. I didn't have one. I walked the tray down the hall and dropped it in the break room. It was so hard. Saying no to a cookie took a lot from me. But so did the words that my doctor said to me..."heart disease." Those words were stronger than cookies.

I bought a work out DVD set this weekend. Walk Away the Pounds. I can't believe I did it. If I can tune out the annoyed chatter and the hard sell on the walk away the pounds weighted balls I think I can do this for a little bit. The main thing is to give me options so I don't burn out on one thing. I have a perriwinle blue outfit to fit into in February and a long life to live.

And I finished "This Much I Know to Be True." Awesome. A little tedious due to the lengeth I finished it. This time I'm reading something much shorter and easier, 3rd Degree by James Patterson. I'll be done by the end of the week. Then maybe I'll think about a holiday book.

One last thing. I am ticked at NBC. Medium is one of my favorite shows and I can't find a stupid TV Guide so I can watch the show in 3-D. I'm taping it and asking my mom to save hers so I can get the full effect. Why can't they put them in the Sunday paper? I can always find one of those.

Yoga, Pilates, Aerobics, Oh My!

You ever typed in workout videos into Google? You come back with so many bizzare things.

Such as the Bellydance Slimdown with twins Veena and Neena. Or Cadio Hip Hop, Spiritual Aerobics (done to gospel music), Country Line Dance aerobics or Cardio Salsa. There's something for everyone you would think. But where do you begin? I did find a cool web site http://www.collagevideo.com. You can search videos and even watch snippits. It's there that you see just how bad most of these videos are and they assume everyone can dance. You know you can still buy some of the classic Jane Fonda in her tights and leg warmers?

One funny sign I noticed at a neighborhood donut shop I passed by. The thing they wanted to advertise was the $1.99 day old donuts. It's always great to aspire to the best!

What Did I do to Myself?

I've been in a funk. I'm sure you can tell. I just haven't wanted to blog, or even get near the computer for the sake of blogging. It's not that I don't think "Gee, that would be funny on Sarah Says" or "Man, I gotta talk about that issue!" Because those conversations are going on in my head. I've always talked to myself. It's just I'm sitting in the other room and I talk myself out it.

Not tonight. This weekend was eye-opening. I really saw myself in reflective objects while out shopping with my family. All of it. The round face and neck. My protrouding stomach. My walk, or should I call it my shuffle? I look much older than 31. And probably act it too since I don't keep up as well as I could.

How did it happen? How did I get here? How didn't I stop somewhere in the middle and really see me? When I started outgrowing clothing, and then the fat-people clothing? And the fear that come along with it. Not just the fear I won't fit into the dress my for sister's wedding in February. But that my body will give out too soon. That I will never have children because of it. That I'm missing out on life.

How did it happen? More important..how do you fix this? Where do you begin?

Hot on Friday, Chilly on Tuesday

Whew.

I've been busy. First there was the chili cookoff last Friday. We didn't win, but I say we were robbed! The second place chili..no flavor. But it was held at church so I shouldn't malign the winners or non-winners I guess. My house smelled like chili for 3 days. I guess there are worse things for a house to smell like!

Then there was Hurricane Wilma. We were lucky we were spared again. I don't know how the Tampa area keeps dodging the bullet. We are so due. But I won't complain.

Because of Wilma I had storm duty at work which meant a few early morning hours..but that's about it.

And the weather. On Sunday it was muggy and hot and today? Mid-60's for a high. It's lovely! Opened the windows and yesterday even did some gardening.

Still reading This Much I Know is True by Wally Lamb..it's a long book. I'll get there. I don't read more than 300 pages into a book and not finish it.

I'm off to enjoy a rare evening at home with my husband since he works such crazy hours. He's even cooking, a rarer treat these days.

Till next time.

My Mouth, My Mouth, My Mouth is on Fire!

So I made my first attempt at making chili tonight, for a chili cook-off at church on Friday night. It was an adventure. Between my friend and my husband tasting it and we finally got it to not feel like your lips were being burned off and firey hot lava was going down your throat. In fact I think it's pretty good. And after a day of simmering in a crockpot, it should kick butt if I do say so myself. I don't know if I expect to win on our first outing...but it could happen. Onto table decorations. Have to win the judges over on all sides. Now, if only my mouth would stop burning!

Blog post. Check!

Whew. Where does the time go to? First it was Sept. and now it's Oct. My birthday came and went, but we don't want to talk about that and another anniversary of my brother's death, don't care to talk about that either.

I've read a few books. Noteably "Meena, Heroine of Afgahnistan" by Melody Ermachild Chavaz. Now I'm onto the gigantic "I Know this Much to be True" by Wally Lamb and a psychic mystery was tucked in between.

I went on my very first business trip to North Carolina last month and will return next week for a staff meeting. It is pretty cool. Getting to travel without paying a dime. Although I could have done without the massive thunderstorm that kept my return flight grounded for 2 1/2 hours and making a very late night for me. My boss left, and that's a good thing. I'm still there and it looks like another one will be on the way in.

In that month I was also published. Well kinda, no by-line. My company is a sponsor of a museum in Tallahassee and I wrote the featured article. I was very proud of myself.

So on to October. With it's witches, pumpkins and fall-like temperatures, oh I mean fall-like in other places in the country and tropical storms/hurricanes in Florida, and shorter days.

It's funny how I go through the day and think "gee that would be great on Sarah Says," but somehow I just don't get it here. I always say I will try to do better. And then I fail. And then my friend Aaron tells me he took Sarah Says off his favorites because I don't update this enough. (Okay, that hurt a little.) Man, the pressure to produce :-) So I'll keep trying. As my adoring fan (fans? may be too many) has asked me to get with it.

Goodnight.

You Know When..

You know when your relationship with your Mother is different than when you were a child is when you receive an e-mail titled this:

Benefits of SEX!

So She's Leaving..

So yesterday my boss announced she's resigned from the company and is leaving in two weeks.

Now for many people a boss leaving is a big reason to celebrate. Me, I'm not. I just was getting to know her and understand what she wants. Plus, I chose to work for her. Plus I'm hoping they don't consider my job to be expendable and for the new person to bring in a person of their choosing. Little freaked about that.

But at least it's a long weekend. More time for me to fixate on the realities of the corporate world.

What More is there to Say?

Sarah Says was taking a mini vacation. Trying to decide if this was a venture that I wanted to continue. I find myself coming home NOT wanting to get on a computer after spending more than 8 hours daily sitting in front of one, often working intensively. So I find myself just not even coming in the room where the computer sits.

I found myself wanting to comment on things in the past 2 weeks. Thinking about what I would say, the pictures I might include. But that was usually just as I sat in the car on the way home from work.

Then Hurricane Katrina hit. Even though I don't work in the news business anymore I find that I am still a news junky. Although I don't have time to read the wires at work I do read the paper and then come home, settle in and watch the horror unfolding in front of my eyes on the television. I'm numb to be honest. Kind of like after Sept. 11. The vast amounts of human suffering along the Gulf Coast is unfathomable. Yes New Orleans is important but those people just to the east, in Mississippi and Alabama that haven't shared in the spot light. Where entire towns have been wiped away. My heart is so sad. But I have decided to keep writing. For now at least. For now this is what I need to do.

Secret Life of Bees

This is one of the best books I've read in a long time and I highly recommend it. Her language skills are superb and her storytelling top notch. Some of the characters I loved so much I wanted to jump in the book and meet them.
The book is set in 1964 in South Carolina during the tumultuous racial integrations that were sweeping the country. In the midst of it all a young white girl finds herself in a home of three African American sisters named August, June and May who blur racial lines and show her true compassion and help her on her journey to healing after living with an incredibly abusive father and coming to terms with what happened to her mother who died when she was four. The bees are an literary tool used to tie the human experience together. I'm sad it's over because the time I spent reading it I found myself savoring it and drinking in the details. I can't wait to read another one of her novels. I now have really high expectations of this author now that I know what she is capable of.

Contimplating the Sky

Have you ever contimplated the sky?
How amazing it truly is? How the clouds can be light and fluffy, floating in the bright blue sky. Or dense and black and menacing during a storm. Or pink during a sunset, speckled with stars at night?
I know we are often so busy going about preoccupied with ourselves that we often don't sit back and see the beautiful things surrounding us. And let them fill us with wonder or peace so we can reflect on wonderful things.

Lifes Reality Checks

Growing up as a little girl I always imagined and believed that once you found that person you wanted to marry and had the big day it was smooth sailing in the relationship department. I mean you were in love and that's all you needed right?

I even had really good marital pre-counseling and none of it prepares you for just how hard being married is. It is a job in its self. You have to work to make it work, and even then sometimes it just doesn't because the other person doesn't want to do the work.

Something so little as actually listening and asking about how you are and really meaning it. When you know something is important to your spouse, making it important to you. And the little things. So many times it's the little things that can make all the difference in the world. A kiss, a hug, a card, remembering when you should. It all adds up.

Thought I Was Gonna Hurl

Today I attended media training with my department. We were practicing media interviews. Now this is the first time I had EVER been interviewed on camera, heck I'd never been interviewed, I was always the interviewer. It was horrific (thus the photo above with the vultures) and I seriously thought I was going to be sick. Going over what you are going to say in your head is the easy part. You can sound confident and cocky and you imagine your gonna rock.

And then your mouth opens. And the stuff coming out is not at all what you thought should be. And then there's this camera right in your face. But I did it. I got out of my comfort zone and I'm proud of that. I have new respect for PR people. Being able to keep it together on the fly, getting their message out and remembering lipstick should be a must for all ladies on camera, especially me.

Grave Markers

So how many of you out there have a folder on your computer called Grave Markers? As I was transferring files I started thinking that I might be a little strange for having one. See a few years back I got interested in my families genealogies. And through searching the Internet I found a distant cousin of my Mom's who had done extensive work on the Kinder side of my family (back to the 1600's). The next time I was in Ft. Wayne (my mom's hometown) I found myself in the cemetery with my Mom and Aunt Pat finding family graves. We found ones we knew about (like the one above which is my Mom's grandfather) and ones we didn't know were there, family members dating to the early 1900's.

There's something very grounding (sorry for the pun) about being in a cemetery, especially standing in front of graves of ancestors from many years gone by. I remember thinking I wonder what these people were like, what they looked like. It's also grounding because it's an ending that everyone faces and you can't hide from it in a cemetery.

So I don't think I'm that strange having a folder named Grave Markers, because really it's a family photo album of a sort.

So I Fibbed..No Big Deal

Ok, so in the previous post it said I was going to go and buy the new Harry Potter book and lend it to my mom because I was already in the middle of page-turner that I didn't want to interrupt. Well, that was the intention. But last Saturday after returning from buying the book at Target and sitting down on my couch where I only intended to glance through it and take a good look at the cover front and back (they are always good hints at what's to come) I cracked it and read the first page...and before I knew it I was 50 pages in. When my parents came home from vacation I told her she was going to have to wait a week...I was reading the book. I just finished it tonight. A little slower than my usual, but I realized I read the last one way too fast and don't remember as much as I thought I did. Note to self: go back and re-read the series before the final book!

So what do I think? It was great. And I love the new more grown-up Harry and that him and his buds are "snogging" or making out and finding more and more about who he is and what he needs to do. The death was sad, but I wasn't shocked, I think I knew who was going to die. The seventh book will be a departure from the rest and I can't wait to get my hands on it. So J.K., get writing would you?

Now back to my other book, Angels & Demons, I know the good part is about to start so there'll be more intense reading coming my way. I am always amazed how much books can suck you in. My husband thinks I'm nuts and even told me he's glad I'm done with the Potter book because he thinks I liked reading it more than spending time with him. Now that's not true, not mostly...
just kidding honey!

Happy Harry Potter Release Day!

Ok, I don't have a copy yet, I'm on my way out to Target where I hope to score a copy. I think I will have to let my Mom read it first because I am in the middle of a book right now and I don't want to stop mid-read. But I am excited and can't wait to get reading on this one. I know I'm 30, but this series has been a great read. I'm just so happy that so many kids are excited about reading. In a world with so many other distractions it's hard to get them to sit still and read anything, let along books in excess of 600 pages!

So Happy Harry Potter Release Day! Kids around the world are quiet reading!

Lucky, Lucky, Lucky

Well, there's some damage in the Tampa Bay area. A tornado touched down earlier this morning along the beaches and tree braches are down and some minor roof damage. But once again Tampa Bay has been really spared. I don't know how it happens, but I feel very blessed and lucky.

And it's so funny, I didn't realize that when I linked to NOAA that the image would continue to update. In a little more than a day, Dennis will be gone. Wonder what the picture will show then. But it is pretty cool.

Gulp!

So is there such thing as pre-tramtic stress disorder rather than just post? Reading the words 130 miles per hour and moving more easterly, causes my head to hurt and my stomach to get all in knots. And all the waiting, the news casts, forcasts and more waiting. I think I'm going to need some counseling if this keeps up!

Happy Birthday Grandma!

Wednesday is my Grandma's 80th birthday. I wish I could have been there to celebrate but the new job didn't allow for it.

I am very lucky to have had her for so long in my life and am looking forward to more memories.

Happy Birthday!

I'm Grateful to You.

Over the past four months I've been very blessed to have a certian friend who has stepped up to help me through a really tough patch in my life.

He has let me bend his ear for many hours and in the end only encouraged me. He came when I asked, even for the smallest and trivial things and never complained to me, never waivered.

So tonight I want to thank him again. You know who you are and you need to know ANY time you need a friend you know who you can call. Because your tab is very long with me.

Have a very safe trip tomorrow my friend.

Genius, pure genius

He's no madman!

So I went to the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg this weekend. I have lived in Pinellas County since I was 5 and this is the first time I had ever been there. What was I thinking?

In my head I had images of melting clocks and other shocking paintings. That is only one small part of Dali's repertoire. He painted stunning pieces, some vibrant in color, and others very subtle, all complex in detail and stunning in his mastery.

Some of his larger works which stood from ceiling to floor had me amazed. I know at times my mouth just hung open in wonder as to how one person could do such paintings.

So if you're in St. Petersburg, take time out and go see this museum, it will be worth your time and money to get to glimpse inside of the mind of a genius.