I looked up rare in the dictionary this morning to find that it is defined as: unusually fine, excellent, splendid, seldom met with.
This Christmas was spent with my side of the family in Eastern Oregon. My parents are big on traditions and started many fine ones when we were little. I think my favorite, as well as my siblings, is our Christmas Eve Fondue Feast. While I was making plans for our few days at home, I talked with my best friend, who is a rare one indeed (more on this later). She mentioned (actually hinted pretty darn hard!) that she would be willing to bring her family and come spend Christmas Eve with us, and after the ok from my mom (which I knew wouldn’t be a problem), the plan was set in place.
This big feast is a big deal in our family! We talk for months about what we will be eating (devouring is more like it but I don’t want you to think we are barbaric or anything) and then the day of our celebration, we head to town (Yes, we have to go to another town to stock up as the little grocery store here doesn’t have much in the way exotic foods…) to buy the supplies. Our main entry is the fondue, which consists of a selection of fish, shrimp, and marinated steak dipped in a batter and deep fried in hot oil in the fondue pots. Also on the table is a spread of meats and cheeses, fruits, veggies and chips with dip, cheese ball and crackers, etc. This meal takes several hours to prepare and set up, followed by a good hour or so of eating and not much talking.
It meant so much to me to have my family as well as my best bud share this special evening with us. Memories are always made when we are all together and you can’t ever replace or make those up.
Anyway, back to my RARE entry: Friendship is something that I am very passionate about. I don’t take it lightly and I am 100% devoted to my friends, as well as their families. Best Friends, I realize, are very hard and RARE to come by. And even harder to keep, especially when miles (distances we live apart from each other) and years (how long we have been BF’s) are between you. T and I have been best of friends since about the 8th grade, when she moved to my hometown. Strangely our personalities are very similar and if you are on the receiving end of them, they can be deadly for you. We are very passionate about our likes and interests and our minds go a hundred miles an hour, usually in the same direction. We are tuned into each other and can usually finish each others sentences and thoughts (when the other can get a word in..).
We have been through it all together: school, deaths of very loved grandparents, nannies in New York, boyfriends, marriages, divorce, children, infertility issues, very personal issues, and finally contentment—where we both seem to be now with our lives, marriages, family, etc.
Our friendship is RARE in that it is going on 25+ years and is stronger than ever. We can go a week or two without talking (due to busy lives), pick up the phone and start where we left off last time, both of us fighting to get a word in. We can usually sense when one needs to talk and the phone will ring with a very lengthy conversation to follow. We have talked and cried together on the phone for hours and usually still have more to say. I realize that most friendships do not last this long and I do not take this lightly or take it for granted. I know I am blessed to have her in my life and I know that we will be friends until the end. This friendship is RARE, I know….
I remember shortly after got I married and moved to CA to be with the love of my life, I became incredibly homesick. I was laying in bed, crying uncontrollably with my husband by my side, who was trying to console me the best he could. It was late--10:30 or so and the phone rang. It was T, calling to say hi. I remember my DH handing me the phone with tears in his eyes, and I put the phone to my ear, crying so hard I couldn’t talk. T talked to me and cried with me and let me know that even though we were miles apart, she was still there for me. She has no idea how much that helped me get through the next day, week, month, and year. It was amazing that she would know that at that exact minute I needed her phone call more than anything in the whole wide world....but that is our friendship for you. There is no way to describe the closeness or bond that we share. We know we are blessed and that this friendship is a RARE one indeed.
We joke that when we are old and widowed we will live side by side, somewhere. Our daily schedule will include sitting on the front porch, rocking in our rocking chairs, making fun of the people walking by (Don’t laugh, you’ve probably been the butt of one or more of our laughs-he he he!), sipping ice tea, and sharing teeth if eating is involved (which I am sure will be with T. around). While we joke about this, I am sure there is probably going to be some truth to it as well. And, to be honest, there is nothing in the world that I would rather do than spend my days making fun of people and hanging with my best friend…..
RARE indeed!!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Things I've done....
Okay so this list is going around in my the email world and I thought I would give it a go. Feel free to do the same! Things I have done are highlighted in purple. I have a lot more living to do!!
1. Started your own blog--DUH, you're reading it right now!
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii--Yep, last October with Ma, Pa, and DH
5. Watched a meteor shower--Yep, just last summer. Talk about awesome!
6. Given more than you can afford to charity--No, but this is on my bucket list!
7. Been to Disneyland--several times, the last being about 11 yrs ago
8. Climbed a mountain--Yes, and for the life of me can't figure out why. It was definitely not something I enjoyed.
9. Held a praying mantis--Yep, but not really on purpose. It landed on my shoulder and while trying to get it off of me, I had to grab it. I guess you could call that holding??
10. Sang a solo---Ha, ha, ha...funny....have you heard me sing? Didn't think so...
11. Bungee jumped---NOPE, stupid, stupid stupid idea...
12. Visited Paris--The city of love will see me one of these days though...
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea--Who in their right mind would do this? Lightning bolts vs. steel boat and people is not a good thing...
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child--Oh man, this is my dream! Hopefully soon...
16. Had food poisoning--Yes and I don't want to talk about it....
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty...Yes, when I was a nanny in NY
18. Grown your own vegetables--with my parents when I was a wee one
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked--stupid, just plain stupid
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill---Uh yes, and I got caught...I do however, once in awhile take a mental health day...doesn't everyone???
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping...you mean chunky dunking? Uh no, not with this body.
27. Run a Marathon---I'd be dead and therefore wouldn't be typing out this list.
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice--yeah, we can dream right?
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset--Yes, the best are near beaches...ahhhh
31. Hit a home run..with what? If you have ever seen me, I am not what you would call athletic....
32. Been on a cruise...Yes, down 4th avenue in Ontario with the old 69 GMC truck...oh wait, no not a boat cruise...one of these days though
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person---yes, when I was nanny in NY
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community--once again, yes, when I was a nanny in NY
36. Taught yourself a new language---ha ha ha, I have a hard enough time with english sometimes
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied...Um No, if I did, I wouldn't be typing this....Walter, the butler, would be
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing...not on purpose...only after I climbed that stupid mountain and then somehow had to get back down
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke...see #10....well, once I did at the Idaho State Fair but it was with a huge group of people and I wouldn't say it is my claim to fame
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt---Yeah, talk about good times...ha ha ha DH and I went to Yellowstone for our honeymoon and as we were walking back from Old Faithful, DH tripped and broke his foot. And you know how men are when they are hurt??? Loads of fun...
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant...Yes, DH and I did last March and it was a wonderful feeling. We need to do it more often....
44. Visited Africa--No, and really no desire to...too many bugs and animals
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight---Ahhh, yes...I absolutely love the beach
46. Been transported in an ambulance---uhhh, no....
47. Had your portrait painted--By who?
48. Gone deep sea fishing--I want to but DH won't take me...he got sick last time and has no desire to go back and feed the fish. ha ha ha
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris--NO but someday!
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling--No, maybe someday.
52. Kissed in the rain--sure, hasn't everyone?
53. Played in the mud--Yes and fell in the mud too. I will have to post about my issue with falling sometime...
54. Gone to a drive-in theater--Yep, talk about the good ol' days. That was a long time ago!
55. Been in a movie...They don't call me Angelina for nothing...Oh, wait, dreaming...no, I haven't
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business--well I have become independent consultants for a couple of different companies. And, well, you know me...I get bored and move on to something new...
58. Taken a martial arts class--No but I need to....Higghhhh yaaaa....take that buster!
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen---No but I seriously want to. I think it would be a very humbling experience and we all need those once in a while.
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies...No, but I've eaten dozens of them
62. Gone whale watching...Yep and loved every minute of it. I am sure, in my former life, I was some sort of sea creature.
63. Got flowers for no reason---Yes, when we were newlyweds....I think the newness has worn off though...haven't seen fresh flowers in quite some time...hint, hint, hint
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma....Me + Needles=passing out/sheer terror.....So, no and probably won't ever..selfish I know..get over it...
65. Gone sky diving...Why in the world would I jump out of a perfectly good plane?
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp..No, but I seriously would like to. I think we really have no idea what they went through...would be a very humbling experience, I'm sure
67. Bounced a check--Geez, they get so personal on here. When I was young and stupid, in my 20's, I did and it was only for $3 and ended up costing $20 or so...stupid, stupid, stupid
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial...yes, with the Naked Ballerina...good times
71. Eaten Caviar...yes and a bit salty I might add...definitely not something I would order or crave...nasty
72. Pieced a quilt...Pieced yes, finished no
7 3. Stood in Times Square....Yep
74. Toured the Everglades...No, and no desire to. enough said.
75. Been fired from a job...Do you really think I would admit it here? No, I haven't
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone (does a toe count?)--Well then yes....and I think I did something really bad to my nose one time. That is a good story for another time
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle...yes and was sure I was going to die...not a pleasant experience for me or the driver....
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person--No, but hopefully in the next year or so....
80. Published a book...Nope, but I am seriously working on one right now...
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car....ummm, no...maybe someday...
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper...Geez, did you see my mugshot too? Just kidding, of course I have....when I won the Malhuer Enterprise Newspaper subscription contest back in the early 80's....GO LOR, GO LOR
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House--Yep again with Naked Ballerina
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating...I am throwing up in my mouth right now....
88. Had chickenpox--Yes and let me tell you it was great! Just kidding, not fun at all...
89. Saved someone’s life....Yes, this one time I was riding the subway in NYC and I saw this man edging his way to the edge of the tracks. As the train was going 40+, I pried open the doors, rolled out, grabbed the man, putting my life in danger as well, and pulled him to safety under the edge of the tracks. Talk about an adrenaline rush!!!! Whew!!! Oh, well, ok, not really but if I had the chance I would....
90. Sat on a jury...Yes, once and it freaked me out. I really didn't like deciding where someone was going to spend the next 20 or so years of their life. He deserved it but still, I didn't enjoy it.
91. Met someone famous...Yep, had dinner with the Thompson Twins at Hard Rock Cafe in NYC, seriously. It was crazy fun....and if you don't know who they are, they are a band from the 80's. Good times!
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one--Yes, my dear Grandpa, who I still miss
94. Had a baby---no, boo hoo
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake--I really don't know
97. Been involved in a lawsuit...no, and hopefully never....
98. Owned a cell phone...have one now, hate the thing, don't answer it most of the time...I hate never being able to hide
99. Been stung by a Bee....Yep, more than once and each time it gets worse. I really need to get an epi pen but it involves needles and you all know I don't do needles.
Wow, can't believe I did it. Please do it and send it back to me! I would love to read your answers.
1. Started your own blog--DUH, you're reading it right now!
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii--Yep, last October with Ma, Pa, and DH
5. Watched a meteor shower--Yep, just last summer. Talk about awesome!
6. Given more than you can afford to charity--No, but this is on my bucket list!
7. Been to Disneyland--several times, the last being about 11 yrs ago
8. Climbed a mountain--Yes, and for the life of me can't figure out why. It was definitely not something I enjoyed.
9. Held a praying mantis--Yep, but not really on purpose. It landed on my shoulder and while trying to get it off of me, I had to grab it. I guess you could call that holding??
10. Sang a solo---Ha, ha, ha...funny....have you heard me sing? Didn't think so...
11. Bungee jumped---NOPE, stupid, stupid stupid idea...
12. Visited Paris--The city of love will see me one of these days though...
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea--Who in their right mind would do this? Lightning bolts vs. steel boat and people is not a good thing...
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child--Oh man, this is my dream! Hopefully soon...
16. Had food poisoning--Yes and I don't want to talk about it....
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty...Yes, when I was a nanny in NY
18. Grown your own vegetables--with my parents when I was a wee one
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked--stupid, just plain stupid
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill---Uh yes, and I got caught...I do however, once in awhile take a mental health day...doesn't everyone???
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping...you mean chunky dunking? Uh no, not with this body.
27. Run a Marathon---I'd be dead and therefore wouldn't be typing out this list.
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice--yeah, we can dream right?
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset--Yes, the best are near beaches...ahhhh
31. Hit a home run..with what? If you have ever seen me, I am not what you would call athletic....
32. Been on a cruise...Yes, down 4th avenue in Ontario with the old 69 GMC truck...oh wait, no not a boat cruise...one of these days though
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person---yes, when I was nanny in NY
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community--once again, yes, when I was a nanny in NY
36. Taught yourself a new language---ha ha ha, I have a hard enough time with english sometimes
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied...Um No, if I did, I wouldn't be typing this....Walter, the butler, would be
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing...not on purpose...only after I climbed that stupid mountain and then somehow had to get back down
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke...see #10....well, once I did at the Idaho State Fair but it was with a huge group of people and I wouldn't say it is my claim to fame
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt---Yeah, talk about good times...ha ha ha DH and I went to Yellowstone for our honeymoon and as we were walking back from Old Faithful, DH tripped and broke his foot. And you know how men are when they are hurt??? Loads of fun...
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant...Yes, DH and I did last March and it was a wonderful feeling. We need to do it more often....
44. Visited Africa--No, and really no desire to...too many bugs and animals
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight---Ahhh, yes...I absolutely love the beach
46. Been transported in an ambulance---uhhh, no....
47. Had your portrait painted--By who?
48. Gone deep sea fishing--I want to but DH won't take me...he got sick last time and has no desire to go back and feed the fish. ha ha ha
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris--NO but someday!
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling--No, maybe someday.
52. Kissed in the rain--sure, hasn't everyone?
53. Played in the mud--Yes and fell in the mud too. I will have to post about my issue with falling sometime...
54. Gone to a drive-in theater--Yep, talk about the good ol' days. That was a long time ago!
55. Been in a movie...They don't call me Angelina for nothing...Oh, wait, dreaming...no, I haven't
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business--well I have become independent consultants for a couple of different companies. And, well, you know me...I get bored and move on to something new...
58. Taken a martial arts class--No but I need to....Higghhhh yaaaa....take that buster!
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen---No but I seriously want to. I think it would be a very humbling experience and we all need those once in a while.
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies...No, but I've eaten dozens of them
62. Gone whale watching...Yep and loved every minute of it. I am sure, in my former life, I was some sort of sea creature.
63. Got flowers for no reason---Yes, when we were newlyweds....I think the newness has worn off though...haven't seen fresh flowers in quite some time...hint, hint, hint
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma....Me + Needles=passing out/sheer terror.....So, no and probably won't ever..selfish I know..get over it...
65. Gone sky diving...Why in the world would I jump out of a perfectly good plane?
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp..No, but I seriously would like to. I think we really have no idea what they went through...would be a very humbling experience, I'm sure
67. Bounced a check--Geez, they get so personal on here. When I was young and stupid, in my 20's, I did and it was only for $3 and ended up costing $20 or so...stupid, stupid, stupid
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial...yes, with the Naked Ballerina...good times
71. Eaten Caviar...yes and a bit salty I might add...definitely not something I would order or crave...nasty
72. Pieced a quilt...Pieced yes, finished no
7 3. Stood in Times Square....Yep
74. Toured the Everglades...No, and no desire to. enough said.
75. Been fired from a job...Do you really think I would admit it here? No, I haven't
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone (does a toe count?)--Well then yes....and I think I did something really bad to my nose one time. That is a good story for another time
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle...yes and was sure I was going to die...not a pleasant experience for me or the driver....
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person--No, but hopefully in the next year or so....
80. Published a book...Nope, but I am seriously working on one right now...
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car....ummm, no...maybe someday...
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper...Geez, did you see my mugshot too? Just kidding, of course I have....when I won the Malhuer Enterprise Newspaper subscription contest back in the early 80's....GO LOR, GO LOR
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House--Yep again with Naked Ballerina
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating...I am throwing up in my mouth right now....
88. Had chickenpox--Yes and let me tell you it was great! Just kidding, not fun at all...
89. Saved someone’s life....Yes, this one time I was riding the subway in NYC and I saw this man edging his way to the edge of the tracks. As the train was going 40+, I pried open the doors, rolled out, grabbed the man, putting my life in danger as well, and pulled him to safety under the edge of the tracks. Talk about an adrenaline rush!!!! Whew!!! Oh, well, ok, not really but if I had the chance I would....
90. Sat on a jury...Yes, once and it freaked me out. I really didn't like deciding where someone was going to spend the next 20 or so years of their life. He deserved it but still, I didn't enjoy it.
91. Met someone famous...Yep, had dinner with the Thompson Twins at Hard Rock Cafe in NYC, seriously. It was crazy fun....and if you don't know who they are, they are a band from the 80's. Good times!
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one--Yes, my dear Grandpa, who I still miss
94. Had a baby---no, boo hoo
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake--I really don't know
97. Been involved in a lawsuit...no, and hopefully never....
98. Owned a cell phone...have one now, hate the thing, don't answer it most of the time...I hate never being able to hide
99. Been stung by a Bee....Yep, more than once and each time it gets worse. I really need to get an epi pen but it involves needles and you all know I don't do needles.
Wow, can't believe I did it. Please do it and send it back to me! I would love to read your answers.
Blessed....
It is almost the end of 2008 and I sit here realizing I am blessed beyond measure.
I am blessed to have a wonderful, loving husband who can drive me crazy at times but for the most part, is the man of my dreams. I am blessed to have him provide so well for me. I am blessed to know, without a doubt, that my husband is in as much love with me as I am with him. I am blessed to have a best friend, comedian, provider, protector, honest man who is my Husband.
I am blessed with a wonderful family, including DH's as well. We were able to go home for Christmas (through the snow and back in blizzards,etc.) and spend a few fun filled days surrounded by the love of my family. My parents have been the best at starting family traditions when we were younger. One of our alltime favorites includes a big fondue feast on Christmas Eve. I must tell you that this by far exceeds Christmas morning gifts!
I am blessed with wonderful friends, both near and far.
I am blessed....
I am blessed to have a wonderful, loving husband who can drive me crazy at times but for the most part, is the man of my dreams. I am blessed to have him provide so well for me. I am blessed to know, without a doubt, that my husband is in as much love with me as I am with him. I am blessed to have a best friend, comedian, provider, protector, honest man who is my Husband.
I am blessed with a wonderful family, including DH's as well. We were able to go home for Christmas (through the snow and back in blizzards,etc.) and spend a few fun filled days surrounded by the love of my family. My parents have been the best at starting family traditions when we were younger. One of our alltime favorites includes a big fondue feast on Christmas Eve. I must tell you that this by far exceeds Christmas morning gifts!
I am blessed with wonderful friends, both near and far.
I am blessed....
Thursday, December 04, 2008
The Life of LalalalaLola....
Tonight my friend Tink and I decided to have a girls night and go out for dinner and then look at Christmas lights. We ended up going to the local "Steak" house for grilled salmon, etc. The meal was good but the company was great!
As we were driving around after dinner, we started discussing our plans for Lola. Lola is a very important member of Tinks family but not what you would think of when you think, "Family Member." So, heres a little game. For the first person who can identify who or what Lola is....I will send you something in the mail. You must be specific enough to know what you are talking about....believe me, it will be right or it will be wrong. So.....guess away and let me know....
Here are some hints: Lola is an ever present part of their family, but doesn't breathe. Lola dresses up for every holiday. Lola is excited about every holiday, as is all her relatives, including a sister named Emmy. Lola loves picture windows. Lola loves most department stores...
Guess away and when someone has guessed, I will tell you a story about Lola and try to add a picture as well. It's a good one....
As we were driving around after dinner, we started discussing our plans for Lola. Lola is a very important member of Tinks family but not what you would think of when you think, "Family Member." So, heres a little game. For the first person who can identify who or what Lola is....I will send you something in the mail. You must be specific enough to know what you are talking about....believe me, it will be right or it will be wrong. So.....guess away and let me know....
Here are some hints: Lola is an ever present part of their family, but doesn't breathe. Lola dresses up for every holiday. Lola is excited about every holiday, as is all her relatives, including a sister named Emmy. Lola loves picture windows. Lola loves most department stores...
Guess away and when someone has guessed, I will tell you a story about Lola and try to add a picture as well. It's a good one....
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