I have been enjoying Aidan so much these days! While his favorite words to me are, "No Di Di !!!" I can't help but to smother him in love.
He closes his eyes when he sees the camera, because he hates the flash--- but he still says "CHEESE!"
I am a lucky Auntie Di
Last weekend Sofia and I ventured through the crazy lake-effect snows of southern NYS and Erie, PA....and we made it to DC. The first few hours were very crazy....but Sofia drove like a true pro!
One of my New Year's Resolutions is to not only continue reading for my PhD, but to continue to read a bit each night of the many books on my list of "MUST READS"...
My goal is to finish this book before April when Krian Desai comes to Buffalo to speak about her book. (Which won the Booker prize in 2006!!).
The book has me hooked already...as I am introduced to this young girl Sai and her life situation. Her parents have passed away and she now lives with her grandfather in the hills of Kashmir......a parallel story is built as the cook (of the grandfather) has a son who travels to America to pave his way about...
His story is opposite of what international students' face...and I feel a certain sense of compassion for this young boy trying to negotiate life in the streets of New York...
If you do not have this book...I recommend you pick it up!
It was only 10 degrees F! But wow how pretty it was~
Forget Time Square, or Buffalo Place...Summer Street had their own Ball Drop!
I am so very proud of this sweater that I knitted for Aidy. Unfortunately it's WAY TOO BIG for him, but soon he will fit in it.
I know he will be a hockey star some day....
Our Big Christmas dinner~ Lots of Great Italian specialties!
Yesterday Catalina, Karl, Lorenzo and Tomas hosted us for a Christmas party~
Today is my sister's birthday~
I am so very lucky to have her as my sister~ She is a wonderful mother...she is caring and loving to so many people...She has dedicated her life to helping people with problems...and she does it with such love and compassion, it's inspirational!~
Most of all, she is always there for me, when I need a friend...and a loving sister.
Thanks Jen! Happy birthday!!!
Today is a holiday celebrated by many of my friends...it's Eid. Last year I was in Morocco for this holiday...an experience I will never forget thanks to my wonderful friends...and of course Ali and his family.
Thanks to Wikipedia, here is some background about the holiday:
Eid al-Adha (Arabic: عيد الأضحى ‘Īd al-’Aḍḥā) is a religious festival celebrated by Muslims and Druze worldwide as a commemoration of Ibrahim's (Abraham's) willingness to sacrifice his son Ismael for Allah. It is one of two Eid festivals that Muslims celebrate (Muslims in Iran celebrate a third, non-denominational eid ). Like Eid el-Fitr, Eid ul-Adha begins with a short prayer followed by a sermon (khuṭba).
Many warm wishes my friend....
I had a BLAST the other night playing tennis in Ali's living room~ Thanks to John, Rachel's cool husband.
If you have not tried a Wii---try it, you will break a sweat and you might even feel like you went to the gym.
"Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding."
Kahlil Gibran
I have been so enjoying Kahlil Gibran's work....I hope your day is pain free, but if it isn't relish in the fact that you are breaking free!
So today, I have so may things to be thankful for. First, I am thankful for my wonderful family---they love me for who I am, as I change, they accept me and provide unconditional love.
Second, I have the most wonderful friends! They are all so diverse, and enrich my life. Most importantly, they never judge me---they love me for who I am, all the great parts, and the parts I hope to change :)
Third, I am thankful for my opportunities...this year I have had the opportunity to finish my qualifying exam (YEAH!), meet many new friends, watch friends pursue their dreams, watch my nephew grow into this little talking boy!---as well as many other joyful additions.
Also, I am grateful even for the difficult times I have had this year, those hurdles have allowed me to grow and learn about myself, and to get in touch with my inner-being.
AND, I am grateful for YOU!!!!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
I have become a TEA drinker! Thanks to Dawn, I discovered the YOGI teas~
Each tea bag has a wonderful saying~
So each morning I relish in these sayings, trying my best to make it my day mantra.
Today's saying is, "Inspiring others toward happiness brings you happiness"
It's so true! I called a colleague at UB and I could hear happiness in her voice--- and I told her, what a pleasure to speak with you, you sound so happy. Because I said that, she said I made her day!
Pass it on...
This weekend is a BIG festival for Hindus, Sikhs and Jains in India, Nepal and other countries.
Also know as the festival of lights, lights or lamps signify victory of good over the evil within every human being. I think it's a beautiful holiday where we can all open our hearts and minds and let in light and love.
Here's some more info: Diwali in India is celebrated with lots of enthusiasm and happiness. This festival is celebrated for five continuous days, with the third day being celebrated as the main Diwali or as 'Festival of Lights'. Fireworks are always associated with this festival. The day is celebrated with people lighting diyas, candles all around their house. Lakshmi Puja is performed in the evening to seek divine blessings of Goddess of Wealth. Diwali gifts are exchanged among all near and dear ones.
