Enjoying our new house

This past weekend---I have been enjoying staying home at our new house. Here are some pictures of the winter wonderland around my house...
I am so very lucky & thankful that Mike and I own the house---I am for sure blessed!

UB North Campus - Storm Beginning

UB North Campus - Storm Beginning, originally uploaded by wbfo887.

Yup...today mother nature coated UB's campus (and the surrounding Buffalo area) in a nice white/icy layer of snow...

But we were not told to stay home---so my little subaru kicked into high gear and got me safely to UB.

Then at 12:14pm we received an e-mail message that said "UB classes and activities are cancelled this afternoon and evening, Dec. 19 as of 12 p.m. Essential employees should report."

This caused me to hmmmmm, didn't classes end like a week ago? And--almost all staff reports at 8:30am?

Then then we got a clarification e-mail....
"Due to confusion created by an earlier email, this email is being sent to clarify that UB is closed effective at noon today, December 19, 2008. Classes and activities are cancelled for this afternoon and evening. Essential employees should report."

Oh...that clarified it completely. Needless to say---we were told we could stay or leave. But if we leave---we have to use to vacation day.
The joys of working for the State of New York...

My life is worth a vacation day :) So...I am home safe enjoying the warmth of my new house...

What I am thankful for...

I didn't have a chance to blog about thanksgiving this year---
But...I have so many reasons to be thankful this year. I have a wonderful family (the cutest nephew alive), loving friends and soon to be my first house! (pics soon to come....it's not my house yet...we hope to close this coming week!)

omnivore's dilemma

omnivore's dilemma, originally uploaded by kewlio.

I just started reading this book--- I have a feeling it will change my already thoughtful diet....

Yes, We Can!

Yes, We Can! Vote Obama!, originally uploaded by R.A.M.O.N.E..

I am still riding high---Obama has been elected the 44th President of the United States. Yesterday, I felt a weight lifted from my shoulders. It has been eight years of horrible policy decisions which left me feeling very shameful about being from this nation.

Today, I feel proud about what "WE THE PEOPLE" can do to make this country and world a more peaceful place.
Yes, WE CAN! And...WE WILL!

OBAMA!!!!!!

Today I voted for Barack Obama!

I can't remember a day when I felt so excited to cast a vote---I really think this new administration will create positive change for this country.
Incidentally--this pic was taken from my friend Ivan's facebook site--but my vote was identical!

Could you imagine if Obama lost becuase of you?

acupunture

acupunture, originally uploaded by WealthyAffiliate.

Yesterday I went to Naturopathic doctor --Dr. Lim--and received my first acupuncture treatment. It was really relaxing---and had detoxifying effects.

I feel very lucky that I can afford to try such a technique to solve my small health problems, and more importantly--to maintain a balanced chi~

I also started a regiment of vitamins---something I have neglected to do for a long time! This Dr. has high quality , inexpensive vitamins---check his website out! http://www.naturalhealthchoices.org

Organic Raw Kombucha

Organic Raw Kombucha, originally uploaded by Sage Kitamorn.

Mike got me into this drink...it's actually pretty interesting--not sure if I like it or not. It's bubbly and pretty alive in your tummy---so I suggest that you do not drink too much at a time. I don't know if I like it or not....

Here's more info. about it--keep in mind...it's unsubstantiated!

WHAT IS KOMBUCHA TEA?
It is a sweet-sour, fermented, acidic, slightly carbonated beverage, which has been described as either a wine that tastes like a delicious tea or an unusual tea that tastes like a rare wine.

There are claims that Kombucha tea is a "fountain of youth elixir" used in China for thousands of years. It is purported to be a ancient tonic created by growing a so-called Manchurian mushroom on sweetened tea. The history and lore surrounding Kombucha imply an element of magic. Used in China for centuries during sacred rites of atonement, received, passed down, and transported all over the world, there is a ritual and tradition in the telling and the making of Kombucha tea that imbue it with an alchemy of mystery and power. The mystical aspect of Kombucha tends to attract and convert many people in search of perfect health and longevity.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE HEALTH EFFECTS ATTRIBUTED TO KOMBUCHA TEA?*


* Restores hair color
* Thickens hair
* Dissolves gallstones Increases energy
* Lengthens lifespan
* Arterioscrosis/softens veins
* Speeds healing
* Lowers cholesterol
* Lowers blood pressure
* Increases blood circulation
* Eliminates wrinkles/skin humectant
* Improves menopausal symptoms
* Strengthens leg muscles
* Chickenpox /herpes zoster remedy
* Colitis/improves digestion/ nervous stomach
* Poultice for wounds/ulcers
* Cleanses gallbladder
* Lessens anxiety
* Levels glucose
* Protects teeth from cavities
* Activates glandular system

Enjoying the Farmer's market

Each Saturday I go to the farmer's market in Buffalo---called the Bidwell Market. I usually meet up with Dawn, or other friends, enjoy a coffee or some yummy food and relish in the best part of Buffalo---a community gathering place.
I am grateful that Buffalo has this wonderful market where people can come together, get some local food and enjoy a sunny fall day.
I have never been a fan of brussel sprouts, but these looked way too good to pass up. Rachel gave me some good tips on how to do more with brussel sprouts than just boil them.....I will let ya all know how it turns out.
Thanks to George---I tried the veggie rolls...they are great!


It was really fun to spend some time with Dawn's friend George! He is such a positive, energetic, bright person. I am excited that he's joining our 'gang'!

Allegany beauty

As a part of my ISSS job, I sometimes help out and take students on trips around Buffalo. This past Saturday I helped facilitator a tour of Allegany State Park. Along with our wonderful tour guide, Albert, we trekked through 5 miles of beautiful trails and enjoyed the lovely colors of fall. I feel really lucky to have enjoyed such beauty on this usually hot weekend (it was 70 degrees!).

These boulders were amazing!
It was so peaceful to have lunch and meditate after along the lakeside.

My new love, Ontario's wine country

The beauty of Ontario wine country is really amazing. Of course many of us in Buffalo have been to the trendy "Niagara-on-the-Lake" wineries. It has only been just recently that I have ventured along the Niagara Peninsula to enjoy the wineries in St. Catherines, Jordan, Vineland, and Beamsville (thanks to Kris and Joe--for introducing me to the area!)

It was great that Theresa join our adventure! She is such a fun gale---I forsee lots of fun wine tours in all of our futures! I was glad Mike came along this trip---not only because we got to ride in his new car---but because I love him a lot and I am grateful that I have such a wonderful nephew, roomie and friend! Yes---we loved this wine so much we treated like a baby~

Thirty Bench winery has these wonderful notes that provide great information about the wine, but also a good laugh. Actually---all of us liked this wine. Incidentially---I think it sorta describes ME!

I never get tired of taking pictures of grapes! I think they embody the romance of wine---I guess for me the soul.

Everywhere we went we could see the lake in the distance.

I can't remember the name of this winery---but it was very European---it reminded me of a Swedish house...it was beautiful.

Anticipation

Anticipation, originally uploaded by steph.A.

Have you ever felt like you are waiting for something to happen? My life in the past few weeks seems to be like this picture. Movement around me and I am standing still.

I bought a house, but there isn't a clear date when it will close. I am ready to start my dissertation research, and I can't start until I get acceptance into my research sites.

I guess that best part is---that even though I am like this little girl watching the ride---I am trying each day to be the "watcher" and enjoy my ride through life.

Enjoying Turkish Music

Seminario Saida 2007, originally uploaded by yamilebellydance.

Today I was invited to a little Turkish party for the end of Ramadan--and it just so happens that a very good Turkish musician came to Buffalo to play is very beautiful instrument--called a Kanun.

This instruments sounds like a harp but has a crisper sound. The melodies are mesmerizing. I felt like I was under an olive tree with some yummie Turkish food! (well, I obviously wish that was the actual case, but then I opened my eyes).

I find myself very much attracted to this region of the world...I am sure in my past life I lived there....
inshuallah---I go back :)

Maybe our last summer dinner...

We are so lucky---it's been so nice and warm in Buffalo this September! Last night we enjoyed a wonderful dinner La-Te-Da--a cute little place with a beautiful back porch located around the corner from my new house! We also welcomed home Amresh, Andrew and Kris and Joe~

Sitting around this beautifully lite table---I watched everyone enjoy each others company--and I realized how lucky I am to have such great friends and to be able to share these experiences with them (great conversation, wonderful food and good wine!--all outside). I was thinking---does it get any better?)

After dinner we went to a new place called the Wine Thief....if you can't tell, we enjoyed that as well ~

The VIP treatment at Niagara Grape & Wine festival

I had a blast this past saturday at Niagara's Grape and Wine festival. Thanks to wine maker Eric--we got a private tour of Konzelmann Estate Winery in Niagara-on-the-lake.

This winery is the only one on the lake---the views are just beautiful (as are the grapes!). I can't remember a time where I enjoyed wine so much! Eric made sure we tasted the wines in the right order-and saved the best for last---yummie ice wine!

Chris and I really loved the oak barrels---

We toured the facilites --always with a enough wine to keep our pallets happy!

I am grateful to have met Eric & John...and of course of Joe Molek's family (who considers me their sister-in-law)!

The day extended to the festival in St. Catherines. We enjoyed the food of the area and lots more of Konzelmann's wine at their booth where we meet up with Martin and his buddies~

Ustrasana (camel pose)

Ustrasana (camel pose), originally uploaded by Richard-.

Today I successfully did those pose---just like this yoga lady!
--I felt like I really accomplished something!
Besides opening up my rib cage and flexing the spine---it also helps open the throat and heart chakra!

Teaching in Togo?

2000-02 Togo Tamberma 13, originally uploaded by maounde.

I recently got a not-so serious, possibly serious offer to go teach at a school in Togo...
how cool would that be????

actually--it wouldn't be a full position, just a short-term appointment (like 2 weeks)....but it would be an amazing experience I can imagine...

And---it would be fun to re-connect with a old school pal....

The universe brings me such wonderful opportunities!

the unbearable lightness of being

the unbearable lightness of being, originally uploaded by /the/science/of/sleep/.

I just started this book--and I have to say I am starting to fall in love with Kundera and the way he tells a love story.

Here is an example of his brilliance...

"In the sunset of dissolution, everything is illuminated by the aura of nostalgia, even the guillotine"....

Kris and Joe's wedding

This past weekend I was standing up in my best friend's wedding. I have to say--it was probably one of the most joyful weddings I have ever attended. I feel so lucky to have a best friend like Kris...and now even more lucky to include Joe in the mix.
Here are some highlights from the wedding---there are just so many pictures---I am sure my blog will be highlighting this adventure for a while!
Oh--by the way---they met at a Whitney Place party~ Thanks to Di!

The gang

I felt like a princess!

We danced until the weeeee hours---

Mubarak Ramadan

Sultanahmet~, originally uploaded by EmrahCelal.

Warm wishes for all my Muslim friends this Ramadan season.

I very much respect this month long time of prayer. While I am not Muslim, I find myself attached to the very ideas this season provides...

Here is some information about Ramadan in case you didn't know about it (thanks Wikipedia):

Ramadan is a time to fast for the sake of God, and to offer even more prayer than usual. In Ramadan--Muslims ask forgiveness for past sins, pray for guidance into the future, ask for help in refrain from everyday evils and try to purify themselves through self-restraint and good deeds.

last summer bbq?

Last night Chip and Elsa (and Catarina) hosted a nice little bbq...
It was so nice to spend time with them---it seems the summer went by so fast--I suppose everyone always says that. Anyway---I am very grateful for such wonderful friends.

glad we adopted a hen

chickens at blossom hill farm, originally uploaded by didihardy_72.

Thanks to Rachel.......we are the adopted parents of one of these beautiful hens (I think it's the hen who is philosophizing about the sociology of egg-making---but I could be wrong).

I am enjoying her fresh eggs each week. I love knowinng where my food is coming from and I am enjoying buying fresh produce from the Bidwell farmer's market as well.

If you are interested in adopting a chicken next year---check out BlossomHill Farms~