Mortgage

Mortgage, originally uploaded by Rev Dan Catt.

Today I made my first Mortgage payment....only hundreds more left :)

Actually--I realize how lucky I am to co-own this house.

Thank you universe!

New band--Fleet Foxes

I saw this band on SNL two weeks ago. I am still craving their music! Their 70s style harmonization is cool...I enjoy their eclectic nature...it's sorta like me! :)

Hope you enjoy too!

Some highlights from D.C. the week of Obama's Inaguration

This was one of the most memorial events of my life. Being in D.C. for the inauguration was not just experiencing a great moment in U.S. history-- it was history for me too. One of the first times in my life I felt really proud to be American :)
All I can say is "GO OBAMA"...
AND--THANKS SOFIA (Check out her blog, she has great photos!)

This was from the "We are One" concert---

The day of the inauguration, we stood outside for 6 hours in the lines to get into the parade area. It was cold, but worth it.

People all over were giving out these signs! And when the black hawk helicopter flew over (with Bush inside) the entire crowd cheered!

The line was crazy---but we finally made it in right before Obama came by in his motorcade!

I don't have a picture of Obama, but I did see him!!! Check out my facebook page :)

It was so amazing to hang out with these guys! We sure bonded--- as a result of 6 hours in the cold and the joy of seeing OBAMA!!!!!

Sign of Abundance

Sign of Abundance, originally uploaded by incurable_hippie.

For the past few months the universe has been blessing me with an abundance of wonderful things.

And--I want to take a moment to be thankful...

First---I share this wonderful new house with Mike. A house that is beautiful, big and healthy :)

Second---I have such wonderful friends (and family) in my life. I am so very thankful that I have people in my life that love me for who I am.

Third--my dissertation is starting to roll again--so many students are responding to my call to be interviewed. And they seem so excited to help me!

Fourth---I believe in the power of abundance. I believe that life has so much to offer--and there are so many opportunities coming my way...to fill my life with wealth, love, happiness, joy etc.

It's a good day!

My New TV

So here is my new TV. Yes--I took the plunge and bought a LCD, 1080p, blah blah blah....

I didn't realize its power until I went through the channels yesterday---I stumbled on to the HD versions of the channels...OH MY GOSH...it is amazing...and in my living room!

Well---if you are lucky, you will get to come sit on my comfy couch and enjoy the magic too :)

We are on WBFO!

Today our StoryCorp interview was broadcasted on WBFO! This was the interview that my sister Jen and I did with my Mom.
Check it out: Margurite joined her daughters Diane Hardy and Jen Przynosch at StoryCorps for a frank discussion about her life as a nun.

Holiday Fun

Some pictures from Christmas....

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.