Sunday, December 14, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Life Incident
Moving to Strongsville
It was a sunny day in the middle of July, the birds were chirping and the scent of fresh cut grass filled the air, as we drove up into our new house on Cortland Way. I can still remember walking all around the neighborhood with my brother Paul and having numerous conversations with all of our neighbor’s everyday. We had nothing else to do when we were young and adventurous but go play outside. We lived in one of those neighborhoods where our neighbors were all old and there weren’t many kids who lived there to play with. Still every knew each other and it was a quiet safe place to live. We didn’t mind though cause we would go to the Burker’s and Fernate’s house everyday and knock on their back door and wait for them to come out and talk to us. Later when we would leave they would always have fresh cookies for us to eat. I was the happiest person on earth while I was living there and never had a complaint. I loved North Olmstead because it is all I’ve ever known, I planned on living there forever until June 1999 when Paul and I found out we were moving to Strongsville.
I didn’t really understand why we were moving all of our stuff to the new house until we stayed there over night and I knew that we were never going back. Moving there was a very big change because my Grandma Irene was also moving in with us. I went from seeing her about three times a year, because she lived so far away, to having her live with us and seeing her everyday. Also I came from a neighborhood where everyone knew each other to a street with a bunch of snobby rich people who we didn’t know. Also they weren’t welcoming when we moved in. They mainly just kept to themselves for a while. I felt as lonely as the last person on earth and as sad as if I just left my whole life behind me. Then eventually that summer I meet many new friends who lived on our street who I am still friends with today. But for many years after we moved on very few nights I would think about the school, my friends, and my old house that I left behind and I would lay there in my bed and cry. I am now happy with where I live and I learned that drastic changes take a long time to get adjusted to but eventually everything will work out. Also you should not judge people without getting to know them.
It was a sunny day in the middle of July, the birds were chirping and the scent of fresh cut grass filled the air, as we drove up into our new house on Cortland Way. I can still remember walking all around the neighborhood with my brother Paul and having numerous conversations with all of our neighbor’s everyday. We had nothing else to do when we were young and adventurous but go play outside. We lived in one of those neighborhoods where our neighbors were all old and there weren’t many kids who lived there to play with. Still every knew each other and it was a quiet safe place to live. We didn’t mind though cause we would go to the Burker’s and Fernate’s house everyday and knock on their back door and wait for them to come out and talk to us. Later when we would leave they would always have fresh cookies for us to eat. I was the happiest person on earth while I was living there and never had a complaint. I loved North Olmstead because it is all I’ve ever known, I planned on living there forever until June 1999 when Paul and I found out we were moving to Strongsville.
I didn’t really understand why we were moving all of our stuff to the new house until we stayed there over night and I knew that we were never going back. Moving there was a very big change because my Grandma Irene was also moving in with us. I went from seeing her about three times a year, because she lived so far away, to having her live with us and seeing her everyday. Also I came from a neighborhood where everyone knew each other to a street with a bunch of snobby rich people who we didn’t know. Also they weren’t welcoming when we moved in. They mainly just kept to themselves for a while. I felt as lonely as the last person on earth and as sad as if I just left my whole life behind me. Then eventually that summer I meet many new friends who lived on our street who I am still friends with today. But for many years after we moved on very few nights I would think about the school, my friends, and my old house that I left behind and I would lay there in my bed and cry. I am now happy with where I live and I learned that drastic changes take a long time to get adjusted to but eventually everything will work out. Also you should not judge people without getting to know them.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Credo
All I Need to know I have Learned From Cross-Country
Buy comfortable shoes.
Run fast.
Lean forward when you run up hills.
Walk when necessary.
Always stretch.
Wear your watch.
Get along with your teammates.
Hydrate.
Eat a lot of pasta before a big race.
Always make challenging things fun.
Push yourself to go further.
Buy comfortable shoes.
Run fast.
Lean forward when you run up hills.
Walk when necessary.
Always stretch.
Wear your watch.
Get along with your teammates.
Hydrate.
Eat a lot of pasta before a big race.
Always make challenging things fun.
Push yourself to go further.
Where I'm From
Where I’m from
I’m from piles of dirty laundry
from tide and spray and wash
I am from the stained carpet floors
dirty, off white, parents always complaining about
I am from the miniature spruce trees
the birch tree with white bark
pealed off from fall days watching my dad rake leaves
I am from Christmas Eve at Grandma and Grandpa’s, and blonde hair
from Bush and Kubancik
I am from gossiping mothers
and fathers who think they are so funny
From because I said so
and do as I say not as I do
I am from Sunday morning mass
constantly being told not to lay down in the pew
I am from North Olmsted
buckeyes and panini sandwiches
From the foot that went limp from the shot of a loved one
to the toes my grandma protected to keep away the pain
A basement piled up with pictures of past vacations,
birthdays, and holidays, and boxes filled with childhood art projects
I am from Childhood memories
Which I will never forget
and traditions that will never be lost
with thanks to George Ella Lyon
I’m from piles of dirty laundry
from tide and spray and wash
I am from the stained carpet floors
dirty, off white, parents always complaining about
I am from the miniature spruce trees
the birch tree with white bark
pealed off from fall days watching my dad rake leaves
I am from Christmas Eve at Grandma and Grandpa’s, and blonde hair
from Bush and Kubancik
I am from gossiping mothers
and fathers who think they are so funny
From because I said so
and do as I say not as I do
I am from Sunday morning mass
constantly being told not to lay down in the pew
I am from North Olmsted
buckeyes and panini sandwiches
From the foot that went limp from the shot of a loved one
to the toes my grandma protected to keep away the pain
A basement piled up with pictures of past vacations,
birthdays, and holidays, and boxes filled with childhood art projects
I am from Childhood memories
Which I will never forget
and traditions that will never be lost
with thanks to George Ella Lyon
Horoscopes
ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20)
You may find that you are a little lucky this month. Try to keep a low profile. Investments that deal with property will pay off but could cause conflict with some family members. You can stabilize your personal relationship if you're willing to communicate honestly.
TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21)
Opportunities to make financial gains will develop through your connections with other people. Don't blow situations out of proportion. Proceed with caution if operating equipment or vehicles. Family responsibilities are escalating. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Sunday.
CANCER (June 22-July 22)
Call someone you haven't seen in a long time. Watch your tendency to live for the day and to spend too much on entertainment and children; it could set you back. You can win if you're open and up front with your boss. Get on with business.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday.
LEO (July 23-Aug 22)
You may find yourself caught in the middle of an argument that has nothing to do with you. Don't be shy; if you want to spend more time with a special person, make a commitment. Your stubborn nature will backfire if you give your mate an ultimatum. Your moneymaking opportunities will flourish. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday.
VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23)
Hassles with close friends or family will put a damper on your day and result in isolation and loneliness. You may want to have a heart-to-heart talk with a close and trusted friend. The only thing you'll accomplish is a bad reputation. Don't turn down offers that include sports activities or children. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday.
LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23)
You may not be too pleased with the actions of those you live with. You can help a close friend find solutions to personal problems. Listen to a good friend who is truly looking out for your best interests. You are best to put your efforts into redecorating or inviting friends over. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)
Your creative input will be appreciated by your boss. Things may not be as harmonious as you would like with colleagues or employers this month. Financial limitations are likely if you take risks. It's time to reevaluate your motives. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Sunday.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21)
You're in need of love. Investments are best left alone this month. Coworkers may not be giving you all the pertinent information. Your tendency to take on too much will end in fatigue. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Sunday.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20)
Use your obvious talent to work with detail and you can come up with something great. Take care that arrangements to spend quality time together are made in advance. You can help sort out problems that friends are facing. Be sure to pay attention to your financial status.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19)
Trips will be more than adventurous. Social events will be plentiful. Don't overload your plate. Hold your temper and refrain from doing anything that might cause injury. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Wednesday.
PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20)
It's a favorable time for real estate, investments, and moneymaking opportunities to be successful. Get promises in writing or you will be disappointed. Empty promises and a lack of cash may put a damper on your plans. Stick to your own projects and by the end of the day you'll shine. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday.
You may find that you are a little lucky this month. Try to keep a low profile. Investments that deal with property will pay off but could cause conflict with some family members. You can stabilize your personal relationship if you're willing to communicate honestly.
TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21)
Opportunities to make financial gains will develop through your connections with other people. Don't blow situations out of proportion. Proceed with caution if operating equipment or vehicles. Family responsibilities are escalating. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Sunday.
CANCER (June 22-July 22)
Call someone you haven't seen in a long time. Watch your tendency to live for the day and to spend too much on entertainment and children; it could set you back. You can win if you're open and up front with your boss. Get on with business.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday.
LEO (July 23-Aug 22)
You may find yourself caught in the middle of an argument that has nothing to do with you. Don't be shy; if you want to spend more time with a special person, make a commitment. Your stubborn nature will backfire if you give your mate an ultimatum. Your moneymaking opportunities will flourish. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday.
VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23)
Hassles with close friends or family will put a damper on your day and result in isolation and loneliness. You may want to have a heart-to-heart talk with a close and trusted friend. The only thing you'll accomplish is a bad reputation. Don't turn down offers that include sports activities or children. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday.
LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23)
You may not be too pleased with the actions of those you live with. You can help a close friend find solutions to personal problems. Listen to a good friend who is truly looking out for your best interests. You are best to put your efforts into redecorating or inviting friends over. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)
Your creative input will be appreciated by your boss. Things may not be as harmonious as you would like with colleagues or employers this month. Financial limitations are likely if you take risks. It's time to reevaluate your motives. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Sunday.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21)
You're in need of love. Investments are best left alone this month. Coworkers may not be giving you all the pertinent information. Your tendency to take on too much will end in fatigue. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Sunday.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20)
Use your obvious talent to work with detail and you can come up with something great. Take care that arrangements to spend quality time together are made in advance. You can help sort out problems that friends are facing. Be sure to pay attention to your financial status.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19)
Trips will be more than adventurous. Social events will be plentiful. Don't overload your plate. Hold your temper and refrain from doing anything that might cause injury. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Wednesday.
PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20)
It's a favorable time for real estate, investments, and moneymaking opportunities to be successful. Get promises in writing or you will be disappointed. Empty promises and a lack of cash may put a damper on your plans. Stick to your own projects and by the end of the day you'll shine. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday.
Recipies
Fresh Vegetable Soup
INGREDIENTS
1 can chicken broth
3 T chicken base
2 quarts water
1/4 tsp pepper
1/8 tsp salt
1 inch chunk ginger, peeled and crushed
2 bay leaves
8 large cloves garlic, crushed
2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
1/2 Bermuda onion, thinly sliced
1 large red pepper, chopped
12 baby carrots, thinly sliced
1 leek, thinly sliced
thinly sliced1 scallion, sliced in one-inch pieces
DIRECTIONS
Put everything into a soup pot and simmer gently for 1-2 hours adding water as needed. This makes a light, refreshing, summer dish or first course.
For a more substantial meal, you can add a few pierogies or raviolis 10-15 minutes before serving by first bringing soup to a boil. Or this can be served over fresh noodles.
Season to taste, and remove from heat. Serve accompanied by toasted Italian bread spread with garlic butter and Parmesan cheese.
Spritz Holiday Cookies
INGREDIENTS
1 cup butter, softened
3 egg yolks
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS
Mix the butter or margarine, sugar, egg yolks and vanilla.
Add the flour and mix by hand.
Spoon into cookie press and press onto ungreased cookie sheets.
Sprinkle with colored sugars.
Bake in preheated 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) oven for 7-10 minutes.
Cheesy chicken and rice casserole
Ingredients:
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell's Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (Regular or 98% Fat Free)
1 1/3 cups water
3/4 cup uncooked regular long-grain white rice
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts halves
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Directions:
Heat the oven to 375°F.
Stir the soup, water, rice, onion powder, black pepper and vegetables in a 2-quart shallow baking dish.
Top with the chicken. Season the chicken as desired. Cover the baking dish.
Bake for 50 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. Top with the cheese. Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes. Stir the rice before serving.
Buckeyes
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons shortening
DIRECTIONS
1. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper; set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, mix peanut butter, butter, vanilla, and confectioners' sugar with hands to form a smooth stiff dough. Shape into balls using 2 teaspoons of dough for each ball. Place on prepared pan, and refrigerate.
3. Melt shortening and chocolate together in a metal bowl over a pan of lightly simmering water.
4. Stir occasionally until smooth, and remove from heat.
5. Remove balls from refrigerator. Insert a wooden toothpick into a ball, and dip into melted chocolate.
6. Return to wax paper, chocolate side down, and remove toothpick. Repeat with remaining balls.
7. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.
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