Blogging!

I started blogging as a joke after watching the movie, Julie and Julia, last year. If you didn’t see the movie, it’s about a woman named Julie who isn’t getting the job of her dreams so she decides to start a blog. Not any old blog, but a blog about cooking her way through Julia’s Child’s cookbook. I thought to myself, hey I like to write, why don’t I start a blog and get discovered too. Of course, I have been discovered by a select few people by now, but Hollywood isn’t knocking at my door.

The most important thing is that I enjoy writing and this gives me an outlet to say whatever I want about anything I want. Sometimes I share personal stories, on special dates or points in time, if certain people are on my mind. Sometimes I’ll comment about what is in the news or on television. Very often I will complain about the daily trial and tribulations I experience in life. Somehow it makes me feel better to vent here and then go about my business. Then there are times I will share some wisdom or life lessons that might help someone else. I find blogging very therapeutic.

I am wondering why more people don’t blog. Many of my friends are intelligent and write very well. They have important things to say, but no one is benefiting from their wisdom. I’ve learned a lot from my friends, even when we don’t agree on a topic. It broadens my thinking having different perspectives to consider that never crossed my mind before. I should send out blogging invitations to those I think would have a lot to contribute to the world wide web and its readers.

Even if you don’t like to blog about life or personal experiences, I know many of you have a lot to say about the things you are passionate about. Maybe it’s your family, maybe it’s politics, maybe it’s a hobby, maybe it’s a new chapter in your life that you are starting and want to document. I didn’t put a lot of thought into this when I started, but it’s turning out to be a very interesting journey.

If you haven’t considered blogging before, maybe you should. It’s not for everyone, but it’s cheaper than a therapist. Many times women feel no one is listening when they talk…well this may just be the answer to that problem. I often get feedback about what I write and I know at least one person is always reading what I have to say on a daily basis. It’s something to think about and I think it will enrich your life.

Let’s give’em something to talk about!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z04r_tlWdRs

Happy Mother's Day!

I’ll say it today because I don’t know how many mother’s will be online tomorrow or for how long. Some of us will be eating out at restaurants if our loved ones made reservations early enough. Others will be invited to eat with family. The rest of us have to cook, as usual, and clean, because our loved ones will be coming to eat and spend the day with us. How nice! I fall into the third category.

I just got done putting up a big pot of a sauce with meatballs. I took a shower and I will be doing a little straightening and cleaning after that. Frankly, I could do without Mother’s Day. When the kids were little, we went over to my mother’s house to visit and eat. They would bring home little gifts and cards they made in school. It was really a celebration.

I remember my first Mother’s Day. My older daughter was just three weeks old. I was so happy because I felt like I waited my whole life to have her, and really I did. I can remember being five years old and thinking, when I grow up I want to be a mother. And, God blessed with me with two beautiful, intelligent, loving, compassionate daughters. They never gave me any trouble really, but they did give me joy and happiness beyond measure.

If someone asked them what kind of mother I was there are a lot of things they might say about me, if you catch them on a bad day. Maybe I smothered them too much. Maybe I was too involved in what was going on in school. Maybe I was too helpful at times, too cautious, too nervous, too critical, too nosy, too overprotective, too domineering, too controlling…..the list goes on and on I’m sure. But, all in all they survived all that, and turned out pretty well.

If you catch them on a good day they might say, my mother loved us more than life itself. She took care of us when we were sick and she knew we were coming down with colds the day before we showed any symptoms. She made every holiday a big celebration, even the ones we didn’t celebrate like Kwanza, Hanukah, and Three Kings Day. They might tell you we always got everything we asked for for our birthdays and Christmas and then some. We never had to take a school bus, she drove us there and picked us up every day. She baked our favorites desserts and cooked our favorite meals, even though she would be content and satisfied to eat a hard boiled egg. She argued with us to wear boots in the snow, to wear hats on our heads, and not to walk barefooted. She tucked us in at night and read us stories. She made sure we took our vitamins, got all our shots, and ate three meals a day. She helped us with homework, studying for tests, writing papers. She encouraged us and supported us and always had good advice, though we would never admit to that. They might even tell you how many times I made them laugh till they cried, intentionally and unintentionally. The list goes on and on, depending what they remember.

I might not have been the best mother in the world, but I am the best mother I know how to be. I live for my girls and there is nothing I wouldn’t do for them. Good mother’s everywhere feel that way about their children, it’s nothing special. I came across this quote recently and it is a short and sweet way to sum up what I am trying to say: “A mother is someone who, seeing that there are only 4 pieces of pie for 5 people, promptly declares that she never did care much for pie.”

A mother’s love is selfless and unconditional. In my way of thinking, it’s the purest kind of love. A mother is the one person a child can always turn to, who will understand and love them through life’s problems, no matter what. It’s too bad that we sometimes don’t realize a mother’s worth until it’s too late to show her what she means to us. Don’t let it be too late.

Here’s wishing you the Happiest of Mother’s Days and hoping you get a piece of pie.

Why is Fish So Expensive?

This has been bugging me for a long time. Why is fish more expensive than other proteins, like steak or veal. I have been buying flounder and shrimp for $14 a pound, which is $3 per pound above the cost of my rib eye steaks. Well, I had to snoop around online and satisfy my curiosity. I was happy to find there are reasons for the higher cost.

Apparently, fish still has to be hunted. Fishermen have to go out to sea and catch the fish. They can’t be grown on farms, like domestic animals, specifically for consumption. Different types of fish come from various places around the world. It cannot be stored for long periods of time, it has to be transported quickly and kept cold. If not properly transported it can and will spoil easily.

Basically, that’s the bottom line. It takes a lot more to catch fish and transport it to markets and buyers from many different locations. So while the ocean is full of fish and you may live near the Ocean, you aren’t going to get any breaks in the price of the fish. You always hear how fish is good for you, it great for diets and has no cholesterol, and some fish has that Omega-3 oil that is great for you.

The only problem is, to eat fish on a regular basis, you have to be rich, or go buy yourself a fishing pole and GO FISH!

Should We Release Osama's Picture?

A big debate and a lot of consideration is being given as to whether or not the government should release photos of Osama bin Laden. It has been reported that the government has three sets of pictures, taken at various times during the operation. The one picture that is recognizable of Osama, is extremely graphic, taken after he was shot. The decision whether or not to make the photo available probably hinges on considering the consequences of that action. While most Americans, a reported 59%, want to see the photo, there is concern that releasing it to the public will enrage Muslim extremists and al Qaida members and further incite them into taking terrorist action to avenge his death.

Would I like to see the picture? Yes, I would. Do I think seeing it is worth risking throwing “fuel” on an already raging fire? No, I don’t. I believe the government has taken every precaution to gather identifying information, such as photos and DNA that has been already been tested and is a match at 99.9%. That is enough for me. I think showing the photo will do more harm than good and enough harm has already occurred thanks to that evil man.

The way our country handles things from this moment on may affect us and we have a lot to do in the aftermath of Osama's death. We need to investigate Pakistan’s role in all this and whether they knew Osama was there all along. There was a lot of information gathered during the operation that needs to be scrutinized by our intelligence about al-Qaida’s future terrorist plans.

I would like to see us move on now. Justice has been served. The President will be at Ground Zero on Thursday, with the families if the victims of 911. I hope his words bring them all some measure of comfort and peace. This has been a cloud over all our heads for over 10 years. And now it’s over, finally over.

God Bless President Obama, the Navy Seals, US intelligence personnel, our heroic military men and women, for their tireless efforts and determination in closing this chapter in our nation’s history.

Judge Judy Renewed Till 2015!

Judge Judy is the best! She makes the most sense of anyone I have heard speak. No matter what the topic, she is right on point. I have loved watching her for many years, 15 to be exact! She has 10 million adoring fans tuning in every day to hear her tell people off without mincing words. During to 2009-2010 season, she was the first day time show to get more viewers than Oprah, whose show was reportedly watched by 6.6 million people.

Judge Judy is 68 years young and has been on the air since 1996. When she was approached about doing the show, she had a lot to consider. She worked long and hard to be appointed a judge and she was taking a huge risk giving that up for television, which is not a secure job. However, she decided to take a chance after discussing it with her husband. I’m sure she is very happy with her decision, as she is now earning 45 million per year for her program.

I watched a live, online interview between Judge Judy and Marlo Thomas yesterday. Some very interesting facts came out from answers to viewer questions. For example, Judge Judy explained that if there is a transfer of property, from one person to another, such as title to a car or items from a house, that has to be executed according to her ruling. If she dismisses a case, then they cannot pursue it in another court. However, if money is involved in the settlement, then the network pays the winner of the lawsuit what is owed them. So, it now makes sense why people would risk being made total fools of in front of 10 million people, because even if they lose they do not have to pay.

What I love most about Judge Judy is her down to earth, no nonsense attitude about everything. She calls it exactly as she sees it and her intuition is flawless. When she was asked yesterday, what is the one thing she wants viewers to take away from her show or learn, she answered in a heartbeat, “responsibility.” That’s what it’s all about really. Accepting responsibility for your words and actions. Judge Judy is brilliant, insightful, funny, ethical, loud, and just an utter delight to watch. In some ways she reminds me a lot of my mother, who was also smart, loud, and harshly critical to the point of making you laugh. Judge Judy says what we are thinking or wish we could say if we were there. I wish I could be her understudy!

Judge Judy has a long list of quotes, and when you hear one you cannot help but think of her. Some of my favorites are: “Don’t pee on my leg and tell me it’s raining,” “does it look like I have stupid tattooed on my forehead?,” “on my worst day I’m smarter than you on your best day,” “if it doesn’t make sense, it’s not true,” “ummmm is not an answer!,” “beauty fades, dumb is forever” and the list goes on and on.

I love Judge Judy…”and I’m not just making it up as I go along!”

Bonus for fans!  Here is her soundboard where you can play around and hear her quotes all day!
http://www.mediabum.com/flash/Judge-Judy-Soundboard.html



Osama Is Dead...

Osama was found at long last, after almost eleven years of searching. I just learned that Pakistan has been apparently lying to us all these years about his whereabouts. They built him a custom-made hideout in Abbotabadd, a rich area surrounded by military personnel and heavily secured. A million dollar home with no telephones or internet. It was located just 100 yards from a Pakistan military academy. Now, we just have to wait to see what in the world Pakistan is going to say about what we have learned.

President Obama promised that he would pursue Osama until he was found and killed. He delivered on his campaign promise. This is quite a coup. However, from reading the Republican point of view, he is not going to get one ounce of credit, as Commander and Chief of our Military forces, for this accomplishment. He will never get credit in their eyes for anything, this in particular.

I had to think about this. I’m sure if McCain was President right now there would be jubilant celebration on the part of Republicans for his being able to accomplish this historic feat. His remarkable leadership would be applauded to no end. However, McCain is not President, Obama is. It was on his watch and during his military leadership, that Osama, number one enemy of this country, was found and killed. No credit for Obama from Republicans, who are avoiding even the mere association of Obama with this act of justice and retribution for our citizens and our country. Instead, they praise the men and women who were actually there to physically execute this operation.

I also praise the military, the intelligence and all those involved in Osama’s capture and death. They deserve credit and praise. No one disputes that. But Obama does deserve credit. Why isn’t he getting any from Republicans? Because this victory, a long time coming, is not going to be forgotten for a very long time. And, guess what, there is a presidential election coming up in a year and a half, in November 2012 to be exact. How will they find someone to run against a President who not only vowed to captured and kill Osama bin Laden, but actually accomplished this during his first two and a half years in office? To praise Obama might even raise him to “hero” status. We cannot have that so close to an election. To add insult to injury, I have even heard that Republicans are trying to credit Bush, before giving any credit to President Obama. President Obama, who was only involved in this operation every step and decision along the way, will not get any acknowledgement from conservatives.

Well, I think the victims’ families of 911 will rest better now. I hope they will have peace of mind knowing Osama has been killed. I will be curious to see who they credit with this mission. I am just one New Yorker who knows I will be sleeping better tonight thanks to President Obama.
　
And, don’t be surprised at the end of the day, if everyone except President Obama gets credit for the success of this operation. I think Republicans will even get around to crediting the royal couple, Will and Kate. It was, afterall, their wedding, which created the overwhelming, international distraction necessary to bring the operation to its successful completion.
　

May Day...

May 1^st is a holiday in many countries of the world. I only learned of this because of my studies in French. In France it’s almost equivalent to our Valentine’s Day. It is also similar to our Labor day. It is called La Fête du Muguet (The holiday of the Lily of the Valley) and La Fête du Travail (The holiday of Work).

 This history behind La Fête du Muguet goes back to May 1, 1561, when King Charles IX was presented with lily of the valley flowers. He like them so much he decided to give lily of the valley flowers to all the women at his court every year on May 1^st. Then, around 1900, men in France started giving bouquets, plants or sprigs of lily of the valley flowers to their sweethearts as a token of their affection. Today, is has taken a new meaning in France, as friends and loved ones express their appreciation for one another by giving each other these flowers. Families with children, who live in the country, go out to the woods to pick the flowers in the morning. During the Renaissance, the lily of the valley became a symbol for good luck and is a symbol of springtime. You can find vendors selling these flowers on almost every street corner.

I fell in love with this French tradition. I would have liked to follow here myself, but that didn’t work out. Lily of the Valley flowers are delicate and not often seen here in New York City. I had to look up a picture online to see what they look like. I tried to grow some once, but it wasn’t happening. I didn’t take it personally because I have a “black” thumb and somehow kill every plant I have ever owned, including cactus plants. No plant is safe around me.

Because it is also labor day, all businesses are closed and parades and demonstrations are held to campaign for the rights of workers.

So I pass this little information on to you. Now, whenever May 1^st rolls around, you may think of the lily of the valley and the French tradition, as I do every year. And, if you want to try growing some, you may be luckier than I was.

Happy May Day!