Merry Christmas

This year...Aidan was the best gift~

As you can see...

And...we are off to Morocco~ Stay Tuned for fantastic pics and adventure stories~

Christmas Parties

Well, ‘tis the time for Christmas parties....and this one was very special because I got to spend time with some dear friends....some that I have not seen in a very long time. I think that is what makes Christmas special to me. It's a time to connect again to those you have not seen in a while. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Happy Winter Solstice

st18
Originally uploaded by szivny.

Solstice means...
standing-still-sun

So, the sun is still...BUT..The Earth is actually nearer the sun in January than it is in June -- by three million miles.

What causes the seasons is something completely different. The Earth leans slightly on its axis like a spinning top frozen in one off-kilter position. Astronomers have even pinpointed the precise angle of the tilt. It's 23 degrees and 27 minutes off the perpendicular to the plane of orbit.

Pretty cool eh? Especially cool in buffalo I would say~

Enjoy today, it only happens one time per year!

Happy Birthday to my SISTER Jen!

Aidan Pryznosch
Originally uploaded by didihardy_72.

Today is my sister's birthday!

If you have a sister, then you know how precious this relationship is in your life….

I don't say this often enough, but I am so lucky to have a sister as wonderful as Jen. She isn't just my sister, but my best friend.

Jen is thoughtful and kind---always making someone a beautiful birthday cake (like Aidan!) or making sure she finds just the right gift for you. She is there always to provide advice...and love. She is passionate about helping people and it shows in her dedication to her job. But most importantly, she is a wonderful mother~ and example for all of us.

Happy Birthday Jenny with a Penny in her pants…
I love you!

12 days of xmas that will make you laugh for sure!

This is so funny! Check it out...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owK5tHjL0aE

I admit it, I am addicted to LOST

Ok, for those that know...Mike and I are addicted to LOST. If you haven't checked it out, you are missing out. This show isn't just mush for the mind, it's a creative show that has numerous undertones that make you stop and think about society, power etc....

If you are looking for a great winter time adventure...get LOST!

http://abc.go.com/primetime/lost/index

Gotta make the cookies

italian anise cookies
Originally uploaded by freakgirl.

Well, it's that time of year---Gotta make some yummy cookies for our student assistants that work @ ISSS.

And, of course enough for my friends! The question is, will you, the reader of this blog--be one of the lucky ones?

~if not, I send you lots of holiday cheer!
Hugs from Di

I am quoted in the SPECTRUM!

Campus News - DECEMBER 8th, 2006
GSA President Balcom resigns amidst misappropriation claims
REBECCA REEVES - Staff Writer
In a heated Senate meeting Wednesday night, Graduate Student Association President Aubrey Balcom, on the verge of being impeached for alleged misappropriation of funds, resigned his position.
The legislative body's actions were spurred by Balcom's recent trip to a conference in Seattle in which he spent $2,177.78 on restaurants, a hotel room and a rental car, among other expenses. The original budget for the trip was approved for only $500.
The reimbursement — $1677.78 over the original budget — was approved by Jillian Flood, GSA vice president (who also attended the conference with Balcom) and Sakeet Varma, GSA treasurer.
According to Balcom, however, the BSA executive board was not the only body to approve the increase in spending money.
"Student Life, Sub-Board, I and the e-board approved it. If there were any questions, someone would've caught it," he said.
Varma said that he regretted his decision to sign the approval.
"I do agree I made a mistake, I don't deny that," Varma said. "But it was an honest mistake. If I could do it again, I wouldn't have signed it."
Varma said he had not reviewed the supporting paperwork—bills and restaurants receipts — before signing it because there had already been an incident that day with two office members, causing him to be rushed in his decision.
"I thought that at that time, getting the paperwork done would be the wisest decision because of the tremendous pressure," Varma said. "I should have not signed it. I should have looked at the receipts, but I put a lot of trust in the president."
Receipts from the trip filed for reimbursement showed that Balcom rented a car for $434.10, plus fuel costs. Balcom also spent $988.20 on a hotel for four days, including $60 in valet parking.
"(Balcom) said he only used Orbitz.com to find a hotel, but we found 25 hotels closer (to the conference) that were only $80 a night," said Andreas Stier, a senator and Physics GSA president. "They allowed themselves to spend the money."
Flood said that she thought that if e-board made a mistake, SBI would pick it up.
"I was under the impression that if something wasn't reimbursable, Sub-Board, I wouldn't reimburse it," Flood said. "I had a receipt for chocolate and I wasn't sure if I should submit it (to Sub-Board, I), but Gena told me they wouldn't reimburse it if it wasn't related to the conference."
Gena Zimmerman, GSA office manager, declined to comment.

"There has been an obvious lack of checks and balances," said Diane Hardy, a senator. "GSA shouldn't pay for vacations."

Flood said that she is considering resigning, but because two signatures are needed for paychecks and other paperwork, she is going to stay for the time being.
"If the students want me to resign, I will," she said. "But only if the senate wants me to resign. I'm going to do what the majority wants."
Varma said at the present time, he does not plan on resigning. He and the other administrators regret the results of Balcom's actions.
Flood believed that the conference was not the only reason students wanted Balcom impeached.
"I do believe had he not made some enemies, this wouldn't be such a big deal," Flood said.
An inquiry committee has been formed to investigate further into the case.


Content © 2006 - The Spectrum Student Periodical, Inc. All Rights Reserved.Phone: 716.645.2468 Fax: 716.645.2766

Democracy is alive @ UB

Today, I experienced democracy at work. This isn’t the democracy George Bush defines….it’s participatory work that seeks justice and truth. Today---the Graduate Student Association (GSA) " GSA truth commission" made an argument in the GSA senate and we as a senate and student body were successful in having that arguement heard, debated and justice was the result!

The president of GSA was unable to defend his deplorable actions that have caused some to resign their positions and others to act within their positions in a state of fear.

SO, the President RESIGNED! To the cheers of many!Tonight was such a wonderful experience....I felt like we as a group, we could even conquer George W!

Thanks to so many---Catalina for her courage and passion for social justice, Karl for his intellect, and strategy….Angela for her dedication and detailed-ness….Rima, Rachel, Sherene, Thering, and so many others----we did it….we made the president accountable!
GO SOCIAL JUSTICE….

Babysitting adventures~

Aidan Pryznosch
Originally uploaded by didihardy_72.

Aidan wanted me to post this to the blog to let the world know that he loves his babysitter, Auntie Di.

This past weekend I had a marathon babysitting adventure with this loveable guy and let's just say, Babysitting is harder than getting a PhD~

But, ya gotta love love 'em~

Today is Rita's Nameday!

Rachel said it best with this fantastic name day poem:

R is for your rambunctious ways with Meowzle
I is for- what else?- your intelligence
T is for the terrific friendship we share
A is for your amazing Greek dancing

K is for kielbasa to celebrate our common Polish heritage
A is for your astounding skills as an after-school program teacher
S is for your ability to be silly at times
A is for your astonishingly great personality

A Welcome "home" thanksgiving!

This past weekend was such a treat! Surely reminding me of how lucky I am to have met such beautiful souls~

Having Ish and Dirk come back to Buffalo for Thanksgiving was such a treat. We enjoyed MANY old memories (itchy couches & late nights @ Hardware)....plus we made some new ones as we enjoyed a fun night @ Toro....until our next adventure in NYC~

When you get 3 architects together, a sociologist and a teacher, this is what you get....

It was so nice to see Jason & Gretchen--Heather & Pat....high school seems so far away~~

Thansgiving dinner was a blast @ Dan's house

Happy Thanksgiving---things I am thankful for

Today is thanksgiving. I am taking time out of making sweet potatoes and grading papers to think about how thankful I am....for
For my sister...brothers and nephews/nieces...for being wonderful friends, for supporting me and for being fortress-mates. (and for Baby Aidan, almost being 1-year-old!)
And for my friends......they are my extended family...always there to make me laugh, or to let me vent or help make a party~

And, most importantly--for having parents that are and were such wonderful role models...caring people....and showing me how to love.
And I thank God for making me--ME! I am a lucky soul....and I try not to forget it.

Happy Shower Weekend~

This past weekend, I enjoyed celebrating Mary's wedding shower and Zettie's Baby shower....Both these people are so happy...and their lives are about to change with wonderful new additions to their family.

Borat--Funny man or???

Ok, so if you haven't heard of Borat by now...you must be totally out of touch. He has an irritating way of making you laugh and insulted at the same time. He's insulted women, Jews, and so many others it's too hard to count. This clip was from Romania, where he invaded a Roma village and now they are ready to sue him All in all....it's interesting for sure! http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20061114/od_nm/romania_borat_dc_2 :D

Little Summer's first real party!

Happy Birthday Rima and Amresh....

Then The party started!

Our first party was a blast....Full of Indian, Arab, Latin and good'ol American dancin', food and fun~ Thanks to all of you for coming~

Happy Birthday Amresh

Yesterday was my Friend Amresh's birthday.

I have known Amresh for two years---and I every time we spend time together I am reminded how lucky I am to have him as a friend. He is so thoughtful and kind, he remembers when you have that big paper due or when you have a presentation and knows just when to say "good luck" or "great job"! I always seem to have a wonderful time with him, weather it's going to one of Buffalo's festivals to just play Texas Hold'em....he always makes us laugh. He's very, very smart....of course on his way to become Dr. Amresh~

I thank the universe that this wonderful guy came into our lives....he has enriched us all, thanks for coming to Buffalo and joining the Social Justice gang~

Hugs, Di

Happy Diwali!

Diwali rangoli and a diya
Originally uploaded by cloud.number.9.

This past saturday a whole bunch of us got together for the UB GISA celebration of Diwali, or Festival of Lights...
It's always a blast...tons of great dancing...and the best Indian food~
Most of all, the experience of seeing so many of my Indian friends dance and sing together makes me really happy. I really love that all these students enjoy including me in their celebration for the new year....

We can make a difference, one microfinanced loan at a time

Premal Shah , President of Kiva.org


Tuesday night...I again was amazing at the work being done in the world to help those with less opportunities....This is a time when one can argue globalization has worked to help those that are less fortunate become fortunate!

Frontline World aired a story about how a small non-profit organization in San Francisco is making dreams reality in Uganda: http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/uganda601/index.html

You can donate very little and change the lives of so many, check out Kiva's web site and donate that extra $20 you might have spent on a new pair of jeans... (Their site is small, so try again if the site is down).
http://www.kiva.org/

Microfinanced loans was a concept developed long ago but most recently re-established by Dr. Muhammad Yunus---the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winner!

Helping someone change their lives is just a click away!

Highlights from the Thank you dinner

Finally Mike and hosted our first "Little Summer" dinner....to thank all of those that helped us move (and those that were kind in so many other ways).... Thanks and there will be more fun times to come....

Can the "most watched" TV show in the world create social change?

Tuesday night I watched PBS's Independent Lens--
They had a documentary aired called
"The World According to Sesame Street"
http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/worldaccordingtosesamestreet/film.html

This film was remarkable! The film follows U.S. Sesame Street producers to
Bangladesh, Kosovo and South Africa. They set up 'workshops' where this
ICONIC American TV show metamorphosizes to become a local cultural
space to create social consciousness! The U.S. produces are very cultural
sensitive and collaborate with the local producers--- the end result for each
country highlight Jim Henson’s artistry but incorporate indigenous songs,
puppets and curricula ---the film highlights cultural, political and production
challenges.

Happy Wedding Rachel and John!

P1010892
Originally uploaded by Sherene.

Rachel and John became 'partners' this past Saturday...and as you can see it was a beautiful non-traditional gala event! Rachel and John really make such a wonderful couple...and I am so happy I had the chance to see them tell the world how much they love each other.

When I think about successful couples, I think of them!

Morocco-Marrakech---Here I come!

200004-Morocco-Marrakech
Originally uploaded by alias65.

Today it's official--- I am going to Morocco! And, to the home of Dr. Ali---Marrakech~

There is an amazing rush of knowing you will travel somewhere soon. I find my soul craves these opportunities, and I feel very lucky I am healthy and I can afford to follow my soul's voice.

Now...hopefully many more will fwollow me...>Sofia, Kris, Joe and Ish....come 'on guys----we can sleep when we are dead, experiences like these come only but once per lifetime!

Iftar celebration

Masjid Sultan Ramadhan Bubur Distribution 02
Originally uploaded by axisofjustice.

Tonight I went to celebrate the breaking of the daily fast with friends at a local Mosque. During Ramadan Fasting is prescribed for Muslims by Allah & is one of the fundamental 5 pillars of Islam.

I have to say, I always enjoy going to this event....I feel so welcomed by the muslims in Buffalo and encouraged to ask questions that allows me to really understand (of course from my outsiders perspective)...and I got a pretty good crash course in Arabic...

But as always, I feel so lucky to have these opportunities. And, thanks to Rema--I also got to meet the head of the FBI in Buffalo....
~~ watch out, I may be recruited for counterterrorism work! AHHHHH

Happy Belated Birthday Ish!

Sunday was Ish's birthday. I didn't know this until earlier last week when I had this ESP kinda feeling and I just knew there was something going on in his life and I had to email him. I thought maybe it was a raise, but it was something even better, his birthday!

I am really grateful that I have become friends with Ish. He has real talent---whether it's his architectural designs or his cooking, or his candle making abilities---he shares it with all of us. Most of all, I have so enjoyed our many chats over coffee @ Amy's place, or beers @ Hardware Store...where we ponder life--why are we here?
He is a wonderful soul!

Happy belated Birthday!

More on the Friday the 13th Storm

I have spent the last 2 days helping friends and ensuring everyone is ok in the wake of the strangest snow storm I have ever seen~ I wanted to share some more pictures---you can see the difference from Friday to Saturday as the wind came a blew off the snow (which helped the trees survive)-- To see more of Amherst on Friday, the 13th, check out my friend Amresh's pictures: http://www.acsu.buffalo.edu/~agkumar/
The streets were still not cleared out on Saturday. This is my sister's street. Power lines and down trees making driving dangerous.
However, Aidan was a happy kid---check out the gloves (we had to tape them on his hands to keep them warm).

Gas lines were incredible---as people stock up on Gas for their car as well as for generators. The "Generator craze" was amazing. My brother-in-law's dad went to Celevland to get one. For those that did get to buy one in Buffalo, they found long lines for Gas. Some gas stations didn't have pumping units due to power outages.

However, I found this whole disaster a wake up call. As people went crazy at Wegman's stocking up on what they deemed as 'necessities', I thought about the meaning of a 'real' necessity.

Summer gets POUNDED by SNOW in OCTOBER!

Today we woke up to down trees and snow....very unlike Buffalo in October. The worst part is how this storm has effected the trees. Buffalo has beautiful, old trees, and this storm has caused serious damage. Check out the old tree in front of my house---
This morning George and I explored Richmond and summer, here's some highlights, See if you can find George????

Who said Food on the Face isn't cute?

Ok, so today I had a lunch date with the CUTEST, and COOLEST guy I know....someone I love so much----AIDAN!

And, no one can make him laugh like my Mom....you go Grama!

I found the key to feeling better! IKEA!

åttonde
Originally uploaded by flyzipper.

Thanks to all of you for bloggin' in and giving me fantastic suggestions to feeling better. Now I even have a Swiss Doctor! I am sure he would agree that there is no better medicine that a trip to IKEA!

Saturday Angela, Kris, Caroline, Joe Sofia and I spent hours meandering through Ikea's vast array of stuff....and I came home very happy. But Mike isn't, as he has to put together all the crazy parts to my shelf!

Bloody Hell, maybe it's the Bird Flu!

avian flu virus sem
Originally uploaded by uafcde.

Being sick is just horrible. I have been battling a cold for 3 days..the first two days I was in denial ..."Oh I just have a soar throat".
Now, my body is in a battle against these tiny little invaders! Damn them.

So I have been asking my workmates what they take for a cold....my Syrian friend says Dried Figs and Seame Paste. My Chinese friend, says special Tea.....

Rita says a POTATO on the nose!

At this point, I am willing to be a medical experiment in order to feel better!