{{{{flashback}}}} Our Florida Tropic Days

Going back a few days...we were in sunny Florida visiting the Family Floridians, Kris, Mom, & Rudi. This is an annual trip (albeit 2009 when funds were down) that Logan and I enjoy. It's so nice to go to our second home and the service is unbelievable. The meals, the turndown service, the valet...okay...a mom/grandma that spoils us as we escape our every day life back home.

This is a time of sleepovers (Logan at Kris' 2x this visit), a time of swimming (even on the first night where it was 50 degrees out - Logan, not me), and a time of new friends (shout out to Maria & Max!)

One of the annual adventures is mom's Spaghetti Dinner night at the club house with her 100+ closest friends. Mom and a crew of about 30 -- 1/3 the guests -- pitch in to make this a feast. We enjoyed the piano fingers and voice of young Max, a hopeful Julliard contender, neighbor Krista & Adele, and the decor of Vizcaya's Wednesday art crew. This year their were Italian themed wall banners. Loved them all, but partial to my mama's paintings. Unfortunately, we did not get to meet our new friend Maria or mom Marina at that time.

The next day we were rewarded with a pool time splash with 'Tennis Star' Maria. This mighty gal is conquering the tennis courts of the junior circuit. I cannot wait to see her up in Flushing, NY, for the U.S. Open in about maybe five years. That evening Maria came to join us at home for some fun and laughs. Considering how close in age the two young'uns are (1 year, 1 day between them - Logan the senior tween), a new friendship was made.

Most impressive was the next day after nearly an hour walking the 32 courts of the Bollettieri IMG Academy, we came upon Maria hitting the ball with her personal training. Wow! That says it all!

As our days past, the weather got better and the sun shined brighter. As always, my vacations are filled with high emotion as I get so little time with my mom (Kris will be here soon for her annual trip) - we laugh, cry (me!), and throw in a good or stupid argument -- mea culpa -- but good times.

Looking forward to our summer vacation. Okay, Logan's vacation...my getaway. We may go to Hogwarts for a few days. And if you don't know what Hogwarts is - run to the nearest library for your ticket aboard the Hogwart's Express.

"Baby, it's cold outside!"

Winter in New York...it's here. We began with our first big snow before the December holidays. That was neat having a white Christmas. As February passes...not as neat. That first snowstorm for 2010, actually a Snow Hurricane (a Sn-urricane?) nearly hindered our trip to Florida. Did effect Kelly's which was salvaged by flying out nearly a week later resulting in good weather on her vacation. Left Tina's vacation (also Florida bound) a bit chilly. Now the latest blizzard...just sloppy.

Thursday was just rain, snow, and plenty of slush. Went to bed with barely an inch on ground. Tons of puddles after the wet day.

We were surprised to wake up with nearly a foot of snow outside and happily school closed (third time this year.) Any more snow days and it comes off of the Spring Break. I, luckily, am able to work home on this sort of day. Very grateful! Logan not so grateful as he must hunker down on west side of house while I take over the office on the east side...a.k.a the family den.

So what do you do on a snowy weekend - why sledding, of course! I gathered the troops & went along with Michele (our boys + Christopher) behind Kelly's truck & big brother Bill's SUV. We went over to Bethpage Park and were surprised at how organized they are there. First, no disc sleds - which is what we all had. Second, no inflatable sleds - had one of those too. Good news is that we had a variety of others & made do. Now the part I like is that we walk on shovelled walkways to the top of the hill where a park worker supervises. Another worker is at the bottom of the hill also policing the riders. The crew of Logan, Charlie, Vinny, Christopher, Jake, Hannah, Kimberly, Gabrielle & even 2-year old Hannah & Emma joined in the fun. Kelly & Michele dared one ride down while Billy & I played photographer & videographer.

Good news - great for parents. Bad news - not so exciting for kids. Parents win!

Logan got in a little snowball scuffle with four boys that were not so nice. Knowing Logan & his mean toss...he wasn't any better. I told all boys to drop the snowballs & get on with it.

I won!

Now back at the house, happily cuddled on sofa with blankets on me & Logan playing with Shadow in the back. Logan loves to play with the snow...even on his own. Knowing he had some fun time with friends - this works for me.

Did I mention...another storm headed to us this week?!?

UGH!!!!

Okay...NOW...I'm back!

To My #1 Fan (Haboo!)...I'm ready to start blogging again. I think.

I often say that "Life gets in the way." It does. For the past year, I have been so busy but do not have much to show for it. I'm not much thinner. I'm not much richer (or poorer.) I'm not much of anything - up or down, good or bad, in or out. So time to put some thoughts down on paper and get past this 'simply existing' existence.

The past year has was a great year for Logan. He's doing well in school, excelling in swimming, maturing nicely, and getting so big.

For me, doing great at work, enjoying old friendships, and still too big for my liking.

The family is doing well and that is enough for me.

Tonight, I will enjoy a K2 evening. Kerry & I will hit TGIF for a drink and shared appetizers. I have recently begun the quest of making money by saving money. This means that I am becoming a Coupon Queen (see tomorrow's post after I get my next fix) and a early-bird special person. Appetizers are yummy, less calories, and less money - win, win, win.

Tomorrow is a big spring cleaning day for me. I have a few projects that I've been putting off but need to finally tackle.

And soon...I celebrate another birthday. (time to mail the birthday cards, Kris!) Anybody who knows me knows I lovvvvvvvve birthdays - especially mine. Love, love, love to have a day dedicated to me and me alone. I begin by singing Happy Birthday to Me and end with a prayer of thanks for giving me another day.

With that, I end the beginning of my blog...for the 3rd time...(I'm not just saying it)...

I'll be back!

Promise!

~K~

Heeeeeeere's Ka-ren!

Well, hello ladies and germs!

I'm back. This past month (exactly one month since my last post) has been so very busy. I tried not to break the habit of posting once a week, but as you can see...that got away from me.

A quick synopsis of my month:

• We lost Bill's Grandmother at the tender age of 93 11/12. I loved her very much!
• Aunt Kris came up for a fun-filled visit. She even got to see Logan's swimming.
• Logan had his swimming championship. And yes...he got a couple medals!
• More sadness, our dear family friend lost his life also the young age of 92. Not enough time for this very well loved gentleman.
• Jen gave birth to a healthy baby boy. I'm now working 5-days a week for her while she's on leave through July.
• Hit the milestone one-year anniversary of the lap band. Slowly coming off and time--you've heard this tune before -- to kick up the exercise.
• Easter came and went...as did the Easter Bunny.

Because each of these large events deserve more screen time, I will be following this post shortly with individual posts very soon. I promise.

I'm back for good this time!

When Irish eyes are smiling...

Today New York goes green! No, it's not because of the Jets nor is it an environmentally conscious state. Today is St. Paddy's Day!

An Irish acquaintance of mine, Fiona, explained to me that for so many years the Irish were unable to afford travel which resulted in their heritage remaining pretty true to the one nation. Not like here in America where everybody brings their culture with them and sprinkles it in their traditions, their decor, and their mannerisms. It was only after speaking with her did I get how hard everybody holds on to this distant heritage.

After all, as my mother comes directly from Germany and I've been raised with many German traditions as well as speak the language, it is apparent that I am German. But if it wasn't for my mom, my Irish heritage would be much more active.

You see for years when St. Paddy's came around, I almost had to defend myself for wearing green because "you're not Irish, you're German." And yet, friends who's family have been in America since 1900 are Irish. Well - I am as Irish. After doing a genealogy sort, it seems that my family came over in the very late 1800s and guess what...they owned a potato farm in Hempstead. If that's not Irish enough for you...my dad was a cop and we have green eyes. It's obviously deep-rooted in our blood. And if what Fiona says is correct, there's a very good chance that side of the family as long as it existed was of Irish descent; so I may have 1900 years of Irish DNA within me.

So now that I set the background, let's go on to today's celebrations.

We begin with Logan (Gaelic name that means "from the forest" which may explain how he can fly up a tree and jump over bushes at ease)deciding on which green clothes to wear. We settled with green karate shirt and green hoodie over jeans. Then it was on to the bakery to get Irish Soda bread.

This afternoon I will go to the airport to pick up a 5'1" leprechaun named Krissy. Logan does not know that she is coming in for a visit so that she can see his last home swim meet. I know he'll be thrilled. After coming home, we'll have some corn beef (minus the cabbage) and off to see Logan sail through his swim practice.

It's a pretty mellow celebration for us, but I'm excited to turn on the television to see the parade at 11am and wait to see the bag pipers march by. I have a personal stake in this as my very dear friend, Kerry, and her son Colin, will be piping (Colin) and marching (Kerry) as members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Keeping fingers crossed that they get some screen time this year. The past two years they did but I understand they rotate the line-up and they may not step off in time for the cameras. Either way, it's a beautiful day - sunny & about 50 degrees. So the luck of the Irish is shining upon us today! With that...I end off with a famous Irish blessing...

Erin Go Braugh! Ireland Forever!

To Smell or Not To Smell

I recently had an interesting conversation about the power of smell, smelling, and smells. What began as a simple comment became a round of telephone calls about who does and who doesn't.

Let me begin with a simple statement I made to my mom about my sister. I want go out with my sister and experiment with different perfumes. Now I need to step back a little more to bring you up to snuff (yes - pun intended!)

About two years ago, Kerry and I decided to skip going out for a nice dinner while Kelly was otherwise engaged. Instead, we decided to use that money for something frivolous. After all, it was Christmas time and everybody was so busy treating everybody else to treats...who was going to treat the single girls?!? We were.

We first went for some make-up tips at the Mac store and wound up at Sephora's. This lovely boutique of make up, perfumes, and other beauty products. Both of us allowed the sales girl to do us up and give us mini makeovers. We proceeded to buy hair products (my favorite - Jonathan Anton's Dirt), make up, and perfume.

Now as I set the stage for the smell story, you need to understand the store is lined with perfumes of all scents, colors, bottle shapes, and designs. The way to choose a smell, is to take the testers and spray a strip of paper that is also lining the shelves. It took a while as Kerry was sniffing around for a Lilly of the Valley scent and checking out a nice Londony sort of scent (don't ask how to describe that...but know it wasn't fish & chips or pints of ale scents); I was taking it on with Versace's Bright Crystal - a musky floral amber scent. Both lovely smells chosen for different palates.

Bringing me to today's stinky story line.

Next time my sister visits, I told my mom that I'd like to play this smell game with Krissy. It's fun and easy. Smell away and get a bunch of samples that you can play with over the next few weeks before honing in on the special signature scent you'd like to associated with. Let begin with...my sister does not smell. I just felt like going on a sniffing-spree.

Now I've been told that I've smelled (good & bad - depending on who's saying it!), my cat smells, my dog smells, and even my turtle smells. Having a son, he too smells yummy (to his mom) and is even more proud of the smells he can make! BUT what's nicer than closing your eyes, smelling a smell that brings on some great memories. Some smells bring on sad memories but this is supposed to be a feel-good-post.

When I smell Polo, I think of men I had crushes on as a young girl. When I smell Old Spice, I can remember my dad back in the 70s. When I smell Opium, I think of my grandmother. When I smell powder, I remember Logan as a baby. When I smell Grey Flannel, I remember good times with Bill.


THIS is what set off a round of smell-e-phone calls with my mom resulting in a simple fact that to smell or not to smell...we all want to smell nice and let us leave it at that! Oh, and the next time you put on a squirt behind your ears...give it an extra pump for me. You never know who's sucking it up.

Life Gets in the Way

I cannot believe it has taken me almost three weeks to post again. It seems that if I don't have 20 minutes to devote to reflecting...I don't reflect. I believe I may be that shallow or -- ahem -- lazy. No, not lazy - busy! Basically life gets in the way.

The past few weeks have been filled with working, swim practices and meets, and spring cleaning. So let me summarize what's doing in these areas.

WORK
I'm currently working only three days a week which is a big ouch on my wallet. I cannot do this so I've been trying so hard to cut corners that have already been rounded out this past year. The good news is that I will begin working temporarily five days a week as I fill in for Jen's maternity leave. That should help me even out a bit more. I'm excited about this because it seems that when I work on a more compacted schedule, I seem to be more balanced with everything. It may have to do with limited time or maybe the additional income, either way...looking forward to the upcoming months.


SWIM
Logan a.k.a. AquaMan is doing great. He has really grown as a swimmer as well as embraced this as his sport. Such an exciting sport that so many people just don't get. One of my closest friends "warned" me that it was long and boring and the meets are miserable. W-R-O-N-G-! I am fascinated with the whole process. Logan's swim team ranges from 7-17 years as well as being co-ed. In one night, you can see how swimming and experience progress. The way the two-hour meets are set is that you begin with the younger swimmers for individual races of backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle races boys vs. boys and girls vs. girls. As each series of individual races are completed, the next age group goes on. By the time the high school kids are up there...you are on the edge of your seats. After individuals, it goes onto the four-team medley of backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, and freestyle. And we end the meet with a series of freestyle relays, again teams of four.

Logan's own team of four have so far (fingers crossed to keep the jinx away) have won 6 of 6 races. We have two more meets and they're hoping for undefeated for their age group 11/12 years. Each boy excels at their stroke - Bobby begins with backstroke, Logan takes on breaststroke, Nadar takes off with the butterfly, and Chris/Kevin finish it off with the freestyle. Such a great site to see! Sounds silly, but it always makes me think of the four that won this past summer's Olympic medley. To me...just as great each time! We're holding on to 2nd place and hope to make it to the Championships on April 2nd.

SPRING CLEANING
We've had a bit of snow and even snuck in a snow day a week or so ago. Crazy winter weather! But hoping to encourage the warmer weather, I've been doing a small project each weekend, trying to get the house ready for my full-time hours as well as a busy spring/summer schedule. It feels really great for me to finally get the time and energy to dig down into some long awaited projects. So I guess the three-day work week did benefit me almost as much as the money did.

And finally...Rudi is home from the hospital which brings both joy and concern as he heals that heart. Good thing is that it's not the love of a woman that he lacks...just some nice thin blood. Keeping positive thoughts headed south and including him in our prayers. Because the power of prayer is stronger than many understand. So here's to you Haboo! We love you!