My New Theme Song

When I'm in a mood, this is what's playing in my head. Ahh...gotta love the pissed off New Yorker that I really am....LOL

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Yes, I Do Know How the Oven Works

To all my nay-sayer friends who think I can't cook or bake, I am offering my photo evidence of my accomplishments. In all honest, I am a decent cook and a good baker. I don't like to cook, it seems no one can agree on what they like so it takes some of the joy out of it. Baking seems to take a lot of time and lots of planning, both of which I don't seem to have much of since the kids came along. Where baking is concerned, I always make time during the holidays.

The pumpkin is not from a real pumpkin. So I guess it is semi-homemade. I adjust the spices and make my own crust though.



The apple is a secret. So don't bother asking. It is frequently requested.



This is a new one for me, Pecan English Toffee. My friend Cindy is responsible for the recipe, and I received rave reviews for it. It was easy to make, and I will be giving it as gifts to the kids teachers.

My Un-American Thanksgiving Feast

I am a second generation American....my main heritage I associate strongly with is my Italian side. I guess we spent most of our time with my father's side of the family, and it became more ingrained. John's family is a little less ethnic than me, but there is one thing he despises. Turkey and Ham dinners! Yep, I am having a turkey-free Thanksgiving. I am serving lasgana.....yep don't get further than traditional fare with that! Well at least I won't be called unpatriotic, I did make apple pie!

I Wanna Go Home

I know I have been living in Arizona for over 3 years, but New York will always be home to me. It's where I grew up, where most of my memories are. I have a strong yearning to go back, to visit that is. (Reality check reminds me I can't afford to live there anymore, or at least in the lifestyle I have become accustomed to). Rachel has very little recollection of living there, so I want her to go ice skating, and to see the tree. The houses there really go all out with decorations, and to see where here life began. Yeah, yeah I know it's cold there now. Yes I am aware it snows there too, and the ice is a pain also. I have been searching for flights right after Christmas, wouldn't it be nice to be there for New Year's and see my niece and nephew for their birthdays? Is it really worth the 2 grand to go with my kids? Hmmm....maybe John might consider it his Christmas gift, since he'd be here alone while we are visiting his family. I'm sorely tempted.....

Thankful

I just realized it is Thanksgiving this week (yeah I know check your calendar). This may be a bit premature, but I thought I'd express what I have to be thankful for. We have food to put on our table, a mortgage that isn't upside down, our entire family is in good health, we have wonderful family and friends (far and near), and the love of many. What we sometimes forget is that we have the ability to speak our thoughts, practice what religion we beleive, and have a part in the decision making process of our country. And for all this I have to make turkey and stuffing.....hmmm....

The True New Yorker in Me

One of my favorite sayings lately has been "Say it loud, say it proud!". So here goes it!

I am a New Yorker through and through and I am never going to apologise for it. New Yorkers are loud, and quite often obnoxious. We speak fast, make fast and impulsive decisions, and drive fast. Food is never as good, entertainment is never as satisfying. We do think the world revolves around New Yorkers and there truly is only *one* city in the country (all others are just overgrown towns). We savor life and never let you forget we exist.

We are survivors. We are loyal. New Yorkers know how to have fun. We tell you straight out how we feel. No holds barred.

Make no mistake, this is me. You can take a girl out of New York, but you can't take New York out of the girl.

Need to Get Crafty!

It seems my crafting projects are suffering at the hands of working out, Girl Scouts, sports, reading, my blog, Facebook and Pogo time. I have not finished an afghan I started in summer. I am currently over 2 years behind on my scrapbooking. I haven't knitted since June. My sewing machine has been broken for nearly 2 years and I haven't even attempted to find out if it is worth repairing or just scrapping it for a new one. I think I need to have better time management and revist my other passions. Surely there is room for everything, right?