I LOVE these...

I'm trying to convince myself I "deserve" these... I see my name on them!  For all those "bargains" at TJ Maxx - when I see something like these I justify it's OK to pay full price... Filled out the form, finding it difficult to hit "submit"... (I do this a lot, my for of cyber window shopping) Ya like???

"For Every Child, A Better World"...

"For Every Child, A Better World" One of those favorite children's books that has stayed with me, and I'm upset because I'm sure I gave it away. Gene would ask me to read him this story over and over, he was NOT one of those children that LOVED books, so I gravitated to any favorite! It always led to discussions with us, what was "age appropriate" at that time. It is inspired by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the book tells the reader, through the voice of Kermit the Frog, about the rights of children everywhere. These include the right to food, clean water, clean air to breath, a home, education and the right to grow up in a healthy and peaceful environment. I understand it's out of print, but used copies are still available, I'm about to purchase it. Our first one was a gift, I must remember to tell Allison and see if she remembers it, I'm sure she does! Every Christmas Eve we give Gene 1 gift and 1 book (the rest come in the morning) - I think this is this years choice... I'm sure he'll remember it.

http://susanssunnyside.blogspot.com/

So Encouraged by Today's Class!

I'm just home from a class I teach to high school Junior and Seniors "College Prep and Interviewing Skills". It's usually attended by students who are there because their parents make them attend... only once did I have a student who researched it and actually paid for it herself! Many students have had their parents spend mega bucks on SAT review classes, private tutoring, etc. From working with college students for years, I started to see a trend ~ many fall short on "soft skills" - how to conduct themselves in an interview, basic manners, etc. Tonight I had a student who had (I'm assuming) Tourette Syndrome, or just a very noticeable "tic". His name is Mike. It was very distracting, I assume he is brilliant (perfect math SAT score), but falls short on people skills and confidence. What impressed me was the genuine compassion from the other students in the class. They were patient and thoughtful and when we do some role playing there was no sense that anyone did not want to be his partner. I was so impressed and grateful with their reactions and how he was accepted, even appropriately complementing him. Mike felt comfortable and tried so hard to control his tic, but he knew he was accepted and at the end of the class he made it a point to thank them and not making him feel "different". Without going into too much detail, I left with such a feeling of hope and reward, I thought when the class started I'd be leaving with a "heavy heart". It just goes to show that students at 16 and 17 have the mind set to be so caring and thoughtful. They all walked out together, a couple even waited for Mike so he was included. None of these students had ever met each other before tonight. I'll see them again next week, I think I actually got more out of tonight's class then they did... so very encouraging. 

"West Side Story"... time to see it Again!

MATT CAVENAUGH (Tony) and JOSEFINA SCAGLIONE (Maria)

"Cool"

West Side Story,  I've seen this musical live on Broadway, in Summer Stock Theatre, Regional Theatre, Community Theatre, College and High School Theatre. I know every lyric to every song, I never tire of it. It was produced on Broadway the year I was born, 1957 - truly a musical that changed the way we think about how dance can tell a story. West Side Story is an American musical, book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leornard Bernstein and lyrics by my favorite genius, Stephen Sondheim and the original was choreographed by Jerome Robbins... the plot is based on William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. It's reopening was last sprint at the Palace Theatre... even with it's "mixed reviews" I'm going to see it for the umpteenth time!

Random Thoughts for the Day...

• I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer's history if you die.
• There is great need for a sarcasm font.
• How are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?
• Was learning cursive really necessary?
• Map Quest needs to start their directions on #5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood
• Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died or they were really a jerk while living!
• Bad decisions make good stories
• You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day
• I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to the ten-page paper that I swear I did not make any changes to
• "Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this -- ever
• I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

 This was sent to me this morning...I liked it because I had not read these before!!!

My niece Maggie...and "our" Crew Club!

This is Maggie, my adorable (5'11") almost 17 year old niece. Maggie has been rowing on a crew team (the same club I joined this summer) for over a year, she is a "natural" at it... height is VERY helpful when rowing, so is consistent practice (and youth)!   We never got to go out in a double this year together, but we are determined to come spring when I'm back to the boat and rowing again! I can't wait. Maggie is a Junior in high school and is considering rowing in college, any team would be very happy to have her. Besides being a natural in a skull, she is a great girl and great company! Her pictures are inspiring to me. I "should" be rowing on simulators, rowing machines called ergometers - "ergs".
"SHOULD BE" - there is something about being indoors and exercising that I really dislike... I'm NOT joining ANY more gyms... and then not continue with them!  I love winter, but these pictures are very inspiring to me and I can't wait to be back in the water, I miss it!  Keep up the great work Maggie! 

Maggie in the bow in a double

Maggie is first in the bow of the boat in a quad

Early Black Friday Sales...November 7th???

Black Friday... They could be GIVING it away, you'll NEVER EVER see me shopping on that day! But, that's NOT what has me so perplexed... today is November 6th.. the Christmas Ads are already haunting me... I'm NOT ready. But... have you noticed some "early" Black Friday Ads?
Oh. Come On.

Early Kmart Black Friday Deals Are On Sale Today

Walmart Black Friday deals

tomorrow November 7 at 8AM

Great Series...Great Lesson...Great Memories!

It was a GREAT night for the NY Yankees!  I remember it like yesterday when Phil took Gene into the city to the parade, the following year his Grandpa took him in... he missed a day of school and he still talks about it today! 
What was very moving to me was hearing the news this morning that both Joe Girardi and Andy Petitte had been stopped at a standard drunken-driving enforcement checkpoint, and "of course"  passed!  After both were congratulated on their wins, Joe Girardi stopped to assist at an accident on the Cross County Parkway in Eastchester, it was the same officer that he was just tested for drunken-driving, but this time he was seen trying to flag down assistance and help at the scene of the accident! 
I have a lot of respect for the Phillies, I heard Charlie Manuel, their manager who was very humble and polite when reflecting on the series.  "I think we'll be back but they were better than us this series. They outplayed us".  He had better sportsmanship than many parents I've seen at little league games! 
Tomorrow the Yankees will be honored in their parade...well deserved and now that my son is 21, and no classes on Friday, I'd not be surprised if he'll be going in to it again... this time with his friends, but great early memories with his father and grandfather! 

Yankees Parade, NYC - 2000! 

He're's Hoping...

He're hoping tonight's Yankee Game

goes better than last night's election results! 

Vote Today!

I'm restraining myself from talking politics...it's a VERY difficult and disappointing race in NJ and I know better than to discuss politics at work (it's SO hard)... I seriously considered going with my heart and voting differently.  I watched some of the debates... and like most, just SO DISGUSTED with the political ads on TV.... and canned phone calls to the house!  But, when push comes to shove...I have to vote with my gut (different than my heart this year)....I'm not endorsing any candidate, no signs on my lawn...and strictly voting to avoid someone I really DON'T want in Trenton... But I'm not writing about it, so it's OK! 

I like when we "Fall Back"...

I'm ALWAYS the minority when we change the clocks to daylight saving time... why?... I actually prefer it, I always have, I have memories as a kid and liking it! I think I have a false sense that "everyone is home", surely not the case - but it's a good reason to light candles, start dinner earlier and get more accomplished in the house! I'm ready for the long days in the summer and enjoy all seasons...but there is something about the early dark evenings and preparing for the winter solstice that I look forward to! I clearly don't suffer from S.A.D (Season Affective Disorder)... Plus... it's easier to get up when it's not so dark!

Everyone has their own ideas of why we change the clocks... listen to people - you'll hear them all. If you're truly that interested - purchase "Seize the Daylight" .. a few snippets I learned from this book...

The goal of daylight saving time—to use daylight to its maximum advantage—is generally recognized to be of universal benefit. But few people understand how surprisingly controversial this deceptively simple idea has been. SEIZE THE DAYLIGHT chronicles the long-standing debates: Proponents have proclaimed DST's benefits, including saving energy, reducing automobile accidents, providing more daylight for outdoor activities, cutting crime, and many others. But DST also has had many detractors—from farmers to parents of schoolchildren—who have waged contentious battles against it.

In addition to energy, accidents, and crime, daylight saving time affects a very wide variety of other, often unexpected areas, from Mid-East terrorism to the attendance at London music halls, voter turnout to gardening, street crime to the profits of radio stations. SEIZE THE DAYLIGHT relates all of these extraordinary tales as well—and a great deal more.

For additional information visit:

http://www.seizethedaylight.com/reminder/index.html

 

http://susanssunnyside.blogspot.com/

The Rugby House!

These 5 guys live together. Can you imagine them all walking into the house for a shower after a game "mud bath" ... down a guy from a recent injury. I walked into the house once...let's just say they have different standards! Yesterday was the last season game, unfortunately a loss to Marist, but these guys really practice hard, play hard and party hard. I understand that's a standard for rugby.... They'll be working out all winter and back in the spring! 

Can you even imagine?

It's times like these he LOVES to give us a big hug! 

http://susanssunnyside.blogspot.com/

Watch Your Mouth, Please!

Lord knows I'm not a prude. But...if there is one phrase that I find so offensive it's when people say "You Suck", or "It Sucks"...

It startles me, I know there are many more offensive curse words, sayings, finger gestures, etc. - maybe I hear them more frequently, but I find (especially when coming from an adult) it to be shocking, ignorant and very disappointing. I've seen a lot of hate toward the Yankees and as much as I'm a Yankee fan, I really enjoy the rivalry and don't take it all that seriously... I don't know how anyone can wear a shirt that say's "Anyone Sucks"...
I hate to even type it! I've had people say Go "F" yourself, it just doesn't bother me as much... one of those things I just can't explain...
http://susanssunnyside.blogspot.com/

Celebrating "All Saints"

All Saints Day is when the Church commemorates all saints, known and unknown. The eve of All Saints is known as All Hallows Eve, or Halloween. All Saints Day is November 1.

Cigarettes Anyone?

My favorite Halloween Costume was being a cigarette girl! My mother, who is very clever, imaginative and patient gave me the idea...I had never heard of it, I was 9 years old! Mom cut down a shiny green taffeta dress of hers with sequence on it, she made it for herself and decided she no longer needed it. She made a little hat and a box with sash (like these photos) and it was filled with a variety of cigarettes. I had on fishnets too - and my favorite thing about Halloween was being allowed to wear make up! I KNEW I had the most creative and original costume... unfortunately the judges at a party didn't! I had to tell all of my friends what I was "I'm a cigarette girl"!! Now...can you even imagine suggesting this as a costume now...for your 9 year old to wear in the school parade??? This was one of my greatest Halloween moments... Thanks Mom!!!

Tonight is always "Goosey Night"!

Growing up, the night before Halloween was a lot more fun than Halloween itself... EVERY kid in the neighborhood came out - time to get the pesky neighbor back who was famous for keeping every ball of ours that landed in his yard! We were a pack... I see the tradition still continues, call it what you want... "mischief night, cabbage night" etc. - to me it's ALWAYS "Goosey Night"!

Anything Goes!

I'm forever amazed at the attire on a college campus... basically ANYTHING GOES. And, why do they look like they just rolled out of bed and scuffed their way to class... because that's exactly what they did... most students are proud of it and make no bones about it. I can't say "all" students, but most.  Faculty have given up saying anything...they're just happy when they show up for class! 

PJ bottoms worn by men and women...are the most common, my son too!

I was horrified (apparently all his pants and sweats were dirty) ...

Sandals in the winter!

 and this sloppy hair knot?

The killer is, they spend a ton of money on this look, and usually sporting a very expensive bag carrying their "stuff". I guess I would not want to enforce a dress code, maybe just A LITTLE pride.

To "Brine" or Not to "Brine"...

One of the MANY things I love about working at Williams Sonoma is the focus that Thanksgiving receives and deserves. It's actually one of the few retail stores that "celebrates" one of my favorite holidays... (I LOVE Christmas, but happy this retailer attracts customers that wait until Thanksgiving is over).  Customers are still coming in the night before to purchase everything possible to make their dinner. I'm forever baffled at the amount of people that brine their turkey. Some for their first time, many who are "pros". I myself don't get the hype. One of my favorite things about cooking a turkey are using the drippings to make gravy... not an option if you brine as it's way too salty; I also love the smell of a turkey roasting in the oven (another reason I'm not ready to deep fry our bird) and I love the stuffing that is cooked inside the cavity! 

From talking to the "brining experts" they swear brining is necessary to improve the flavor and moisture content of the turkey. Traditional brining was meant to preserve meat, the purpose of flavor brining is to improve the flavor, texture, and moisture content of lean cuts of meat. This is achieved by soaking the meat in a moderately salty solution for a few hours to a few days. Flavor brining also provides a temperature cushion during cooking--if you happen to overcook the meat a little, it will still be moist. A flavor brine consists of water and salt. Other ingredients may include sugar, brown sugar, honey, molasses, maple syrup, fruit juices, beer, liquor, bay leaves, pickling spices, cloves, garlic, onion, chilies, citrus fruits, peppercorns, and other herbs and spices.

I had to "catch up" on all the methods we offer... a little "over the top" to me... but then again, so are many of our customers. Maybe one reason I have no intention to brine my turkey is it's the LAST thing I really eat on Thanksgiving, I love the way it smells and will "maybe" have a piece of dark meat the day after, but white turkey meat does absolutely NOTHING for me! Therefore, brining is not an option...in my opinion it's a total waste of time, effort and money.  Well, there is another option.... how about spending $95.00 and have a "jive fried" fully cooked turkey delivered? 

Love Jack O' Lanterns!

I think I'll carve a pumpkin this year... I realized I really miss it, I LOVE the way they look when lit at night...and they are easier to dispose of once carved!  Gene won't be home, he LOVED picking out the biggest pumpkin he could possibly hold and then carve it...probably his first memory of being allowed to use a knife! Phil frequently did some magnificent carvings...

A Phil Carving...

A Susan Carving

Mine were the standard...but still great fun. Halloween has become a the 2nd biggest retail holiday of the year... I'm just happy for the homemade pumpkin seeds!

Good Bye "Gourmet"

It's official. The last issue of "Gourmet" arrived in my mailbox. This being November, a turkey is featured, as is traditional with the magazine. It is NOT going out with any big features, or bang... some nice pie recipes.

Does it look like this bird is praying? I'll miss this classic food magazine, I still have way too many that arrive monthly and recently subscribed to The Food Network Magazine, which I highly recommend.
I'll be sure to save this final issue... sigh.

Williams Sonoma Pumpkin Seed Brittle! 5 STARS!!!

OK...even at $19.95 I'll promote it... a bag of candy - but it's 5 star rating is so true (I love to read ratings on everything)!  Williams Sonoma Spiced Pumpkin Seed Brittle. It's frequently sampled this time of the year in their retail stores... if you try it... you'll want to buy it - yes, it's just THAT good.

And... for those CRAZY people who hoard up on Williams Sonoma Peppermint Bark... it's on the shelves - $26.50 a tin... it flies out of the store, sells out by Christmas... I'm NOT a fan - but I'm the minority!

Eddie Bauer....LOVE Them... but my Pet Peeve!!!

Our family all love Eddie Bauer....for many reasons. (obviously, we are NOT a big high fashion family) The quality is great, selections terrific and primarily because they have "tall" sizes. Phil and Gene are both tall torso's so instead of going to a size XL or XXL, we get a tall size and it fits them perfectly, this includes all shirts, sweaters, jackets, etc. Myself included, I like many items in tall as well. Whenever we see outlets, we will make it a point to go to the Eddie Bauer outlet, they also have great outdoor gear that Phil loves for his winter fishing. What bugs me...huge pet peeve is they are famous for advertising "free shipping" on their website. BUT...they are the only store that sneaks in a "handling charge".... When other online sites have free shipping it always includes handling too. It's only a few dollars, but it just bugs me... I sent them an email, blah, blah, blah - some insane reason. I was just visiting their online store... I love this vest (tell me it does NOT have my name on it)...

... and they were charging $3.00 for handling - what gives??? Out of principal... did not continue with the order! But, I REALLY want this vest!!!!!

Newest "Ah-Ha" Moment... No Appetizers!

Birthday Dinner for Grandma Bolton with Gene, Elana and Rachel!

Last night we celebrated my mother-in-law's birthday at my sister-in-laws. We arrived on time and I noticed she did not have out ANY appetizers or snacks, this is very unusual for her... I took notice and I was really hungry and like everyone else, patiently waited for dinner. After salad, and while eating a delicious dinner (she's a very good cook) someone verbalized what I realized at the exact same moment. "Dinner is delicious and I'm so happy you had no appetizers first..." We all started to comment and all agreed! How frequently have you filled up on appetizers and then sit down to dinner and not at all hungry to eat a morsel??? It happened to us the night before... filled up on veggies, dip, cheese etc. With the amount of work that goes into a dinner, it's just not fair to the host when you do not want to eat the main meal... I've had it happen to me many times. So... I'm determined to try this. Next event I have a dinner prepared I am NOT going to serve any appetizers first... I'll try and have dinner soon after everyone arrives and see how it goes! I'll keep you posted... I'm frequently full of intentions, but it was a true "ah-ha" moment and occurred to many of us at the same table...and, we all enjoyed the same delicious dinner that she spent hours preparing! Thank you!