Saying Goodbye... again

Almost two weeks ago, we said goodbye to Sal's friend. He was leaving for Florida again to head down to his Air-force base. We had to say goodbye in September, which really upset me because we had all gotten so close over the summer, between Lake George and all the country concerts. I wasn't as upset [I didn't cry this time] because I had come to terms with him being gone, and I was too busy worrying about other things going on in my life. However, he won't be home until next Christmas. That's a whole year! I couldn't believe it when he told me! Can you imagine not seeing one of your friends for a whole year?! I mean I understand this happens, because there are plenty of men and women protecting our country, but still... it's just unfair sometimes... to be taken away from your loved ones and friends. At least he's alive though, my heart goes out to all of those who have not made it. 

[Tried to recreate Lake George picture]

So on his last night here, we all gathered at Sal's friends house to enjoy some guitar playing & drinks, of course. There was plenty of singing and picture taking, but also talking about life. You wouldn't think we'd need to be talking about life, but we're getting older [ahh!]

I was grateful enough to be standing in front of two men from the armed forces. One a marine and one in the air-force. I say grateful, because I can say thank you to them whenever I see them, and know that I am being protected by two great guys. 

[Best friends.]

I hope everyone has the chance to thank someone for serving in our armed forces, because I know how much they appreciate it. They give up a lot to protect us, and I couldn't be more proud!

So thank you... for all that you do. We couldn't be more proud; we'll miss you, but we'll see you soon!

Living Downstream: Book Review

Now believe me, I probably would never have picked up this book if it wasn't for my Sociology of Health & Illness course I was taking. We needed to pick a book to read that had to do with health, so instead of doing the book Fast Food Nation, like every other person in the class [and because I had already read it before in high school], I decided to go with a book my professor mentioned in class, a book that made me look more deeply into cancer. Living Downstream: An Ecologist's Personal Investigation of Cancer and the Environment is not only filled with valuable information about the environment we live in today and how it affects our bodies, but it also has the personal story of the author, Sandra Steingraber. Hearing her story is what made me keep flipping the pages, that and I had to read it in order to get an A on the paper.

Synopsis from Barnes & Noble:

The first edition of Living Downstream—an exquisite blend of precise science and engaging narrative—set a new standard for scientific writing. Poet, biologist, and cancer survivor, Steingraber uses all three kinds of experience to investigate the links between cancer and environmental toxins.

The updated science in this exciting new edition strengthens the case for banning poisons now pervasive in our air, our food, and our bodies. Because synthetic chemicals linked to cancer come mostly from petroleum and coal, Steingraber shows that investing in green energy also helps prevent cancer. Saving the planet becomes a matter of saving ourselves and an issue of human rights. A documentary film based on the book will coincide with publication.

My Review:

“There was once a village along a river. The people who lived there were very kind. These residents, according to parable, began noticing increasing numbers of drowning people caught in the river’s swift current. And so they went to work devising ever more elaborate technologies to resuscitate them. So preoccupied were these heroic villagers with rescue and treatment that they never thought to look upstream to see who was pushing the victims in.”

– Steingraber, 1997

Instead of focusing on the prevention of the 80% of cancers due to environmental exposures, the society is too wrapped up in curing this disease to even bother what is causing the onset. These environmental toxins, such as herbicides, pesticides, petrochemicals, and radiation are linked to many types of cancer. It's a complex web of causation that causes cancer, including genes, life-style, and the environment. In 2009 alone, 1.48 million people in the U.S were told that had cancer - that's 4 thousand a day! As a future Child Life specialist, I will be working with children in hospitals helping to normalize their experience. Cancer happens to be the most common disease killer of American school children, as stated in Steingraber's book. Prenatal exposures to environmental carcinogens create the threat of cancer in children. The information about childhood cancer intrigued me, because I know cases such as these may come along, and I need to realize that cancer has many ways of appearing in a child's life.

I love that she included her personal voice in the book, because it really allowed me to connect with the author, as well as the causes behind cancer. On top of that, Steingraber has without a doubt done her research , and I don't think for a second that she held back any information. She even went as far as including the limitations and the relevance of the topic at hand.

I think that we can all read this book and begin to understand that the change starts with us, and in order to help others we must create a way to stop this web of causation from causing cancer.

My Rating: 5 Stars

The Eve of Christmas & the Morning that Followed

This year on Christmas Eve, as usual, we had family at our house. However, this year I felt like we didn't have as many people there as years prior. Maybe people are celebrating with new family, mourning the loss of their loved ones, or have started new traditions; whatever it is, we didn't have as many individuals walk through our doors.

It was still a memorable holiday, maybe even more than in the past because we were allowed to talk and get a chance to catch up with everyone... floating from room to room, floor to floor, we enjoyed the company and had PLENTY of leftovers, maybe even too many [we ended up throwing way too much spoiled food out].

I made desserts once again, Snowman Cupcakes & PB Cups and the recipes are on my baking blog - Kay's Sweet Obsessions

I have to say they definitely tasted good, but not many people tried them - which made me a little upset - but there were more for us to go around when everyone left! I would definitely make the PB cups again, because they're so tiny and people can just grab one and pop it in their mouth! 

We decorated the house the week of Christmas Eve; my brother and I even picked out a tree for the family - to surprise my mom who had been working hard and hadn't had time to get a tree. The guy that cut our tree down thought we were getting our first tree... as a couple. We quickly turned that idea down saying, "don't we look alike!?"

While we helped decorate the rest of the house, my mom definitely did most of the work!

We did a shot of Sambuca for my poppy, because this was the first Christmas that we cannot call him in Florida and wish him a Merry Christmas. It was sad to think about, and we even skyped my Uncle, who lives in Florida, and we all ended up crying, but it was a nice to be able to cry in front of family, over the same thing. I felt that we had grown closer because of it, and had a bond - though we would much rather have our Poppy here with us, we know if he was there that night he would've been hitting us all and telling us to stop our crying! [he was a sarcastic old man, who couldn't express his love in words most of the time - but that's what made us love him more]. I miss my poppy and think about him almost every day. I hope he's up there looking down on us - watching over us - sending us love.

 The night passed rather quickly, and before we knew it we were saying goodbye, and snapping pictures by the tree before they left. 

[Cousins]

[Cousin]

[Sal & Mom]

There were many more pictures taken, and many more laughs had. We went to bed with smiles on our faces, and woke up to a tree that had several presents underneath. I received plenty of craft supplies, as well as books that will keep me busy for at least a couple of months. My parents loved their gifts from my brother and I, and my brother loved his gifts as well. 

I think my favorite part about Christmas day, aside from the pigging out on leftovers and visiting Sal's family, was receiving a personal gift from my dad. He always just tags his name along on the gifts that my mom gives us, but this year he actually picked out a gift for each of us, by himself. A necklace for my mom, an emblem for my brother's car, and a gift certificate to get 5 car washes for me! This is a joke between the family because I think in the 5 or 6 years that I have had my truck, I have washed it a total of maybe 5 times. Pathetic I know, but I don't see the point in paying someone to wash the truck, doesn't the rain do that? [haha]

Anyways, this year was memorable for all of us, and a tradition I hope the family will keep, even if it's moved to my own house eventually... in a few years that is.

Remember it's not about what's under the tree, rather who is surrounding the tree. 

22 on 22, A Very Special Celebration

I turned 22 on the 22nd of December, and I have to admit, this birthday celebration was much more fun than last year, and I actually drank more this year than on my 21st... kind of sad if you think about it!

A few days before my birthday, Sal gave me my gift, because he wanted to make sure they were going to fit.

He got me REAL cowboy boots! You can tell by the picture just how excited I am, especially because we're planning a trip to Nashville, TN!

The night of my birthday I decided I wanted to go to Bonefish Grill with my family. It's a restaurant that serves mostly fish, but they also have a few chicken and steak dishes. MY family had never been there, though Sal and I went once before. We got a bunch of appetizers to share and some drinks. We then ordered dinner, and we were all extremely satisfied. I, in particular, had the tilapia with mango pineapple salsa on top. It was so good, I didn't want to finish it; I just wanted to keep savoring it!

I had a great night with my family, but I knew that it was only the beginning. The following night we went out to a local bar... I invited a bunch of my friends, but wasn't sure who was going to come. I was extremely nervous that the night wasn't going to go as planner, but that might be because I always worry that something is going to go wrong. 

Thankfully, everyone showed up and everyone had a great time. Between the drinks and the music, the people and the smiles in the room, I knew that everything was running smoothly. Since I invited a lot of my friends, some from college and some from school, I knew not everyone talked to each other. I tried to introduce as many as I could, and when that seemed to be working well, I made my rounds, talking to everyone, and laughing. There were a lot of laughs and plenty of pictures were taken.

It's amazing how much you realize you're loved when you have a birthday; everyone who cares about me came, and I couldn't have been more grateful. 

I went home smiling; I mean after the night I had, how could I not? I was upset though, because I felt as if the night went by SUPER quick. I wanted to hit pause, and look around... take mental pictures in my head and just cherish the time with my friends. 

So here I write... I am so thankful for all of the amazing people in my life who have stood by and believed in me, supported me, and celebrated with me on various occasions. For all those I met in high school, through others, and in college. For those I will surely look to in the future, and hope they will look to me, as well. 

It was surely a happy 22nd birthday, and I can't wait to see what is in store for me during my 22nd year. 

Into the City Take 2

The night of our anniversary we decided that we were going to try to go into the city during the week, right after Sal got out of work because we weren't going to skip our yearly tradition. It made me happy that he was willing to go no matter what, just to see me smile. It's amazing what our loved one's will do for us. So we picked a night and we were off. Thankfully there was barely any traffic getting into the city. We found a place to park that was close enough to the tree, and although parking was EXTREMELY expensive, we dealt with it and began walking.

and walking...

and a little bit farther...

We were almost there, but not quite, but I mean who wouldn't want to walk past all of these gorgeous displays in NYC?!

When we finally made it to the tree, we couldn't believe how many people were there. We knew there were going to be a lot of people, but it was insane. Instead of getting a picture in front of the tree, we had our usual pictures taken there by professionals. What was awesome about it, that we didn't know prior, was that you could go into the Top of the Rock building and purchase them right there, instead of waiting and buying them online. Sal bought the one picture I absolutely adored, and decided to wait to give it to me for Christmas, in a frame that he picked out. More about that in a later post though.

We were starting to get hungry, so I decided to buy dinner - SANDWICHES! - on me, for having had such a wonderful night thus far. 

Having seen the tree years prior, we got bored rather quickly, and decided to walk to Bryant Park. I had never been there before, and neither has he. If you haven't either, I highly suggested going there. It's so beautiful, especially during the winter when it's open. There is a smaller tree, right next to a skating rink, and shops surround the whole park. The smells are wonderful, from kettle corn to hot chocolate, and the shops are filled with handmade items.

See what I'm saying? Beautiful. This is definitely a night that I will look back on and smile.

4 Years Later...

December 17th marks 4 years since Sal asked me to be his girlfriend. I can still remember that day like it was yesterday... out there on the frozen over soccer/baseball field. I don't even remember it being that cold out, I just remember the butterflies in my stomach, I knew it was coming.

This year, we originally wanted to go into the city to see the tree that night, but it was a Saturday, the week before Christmas, and we couldn't even get anywhere near the city. We decided to stay in Hoboken. We drove up and down the main road and decided to just walk and search for a place to eat. We found this cute little Italian restaurant and decided to try it.

He got the meat lasagna special, and I got the chicken parmigiana. It was absolutely delicious and we'd definitely go back again. We took a ride up to our spot, which overlooks Weehawken and the city, across the Hudson. It was so beautiful... the night was clear, and although it was cold, we had each other and that's all that mattered... just kidding we walked around for a bit, but it was seriously way too cold to just be standing there looking at a view. It was pretty amazing though to see a few photographers taking this opportunity to get the best pictures of the city, and although I'm not a photographer, I'd say I got a pretty good picture.

 Afterwards we drove around looking at all the Christmas lights, though we didn't think there were as many as last year... it was still nice and relaxing, especially once we stopped and bought hot chocolate to enjoy during the ride. We tried to go to Target to pick up a Gingerbread house to make, but get this... they were sold out! I couldn't believe it, but I guess that's what I get for waiting till last minute to make one.

The whole time we were talking about how quickly these 4 years went by, and how quickly the next 4 years would go by as well. We even got to talking about getting engaged next year, and although we'd be 23.. we're definitely not ready for a wedding until after I get my Master's and get settled in my career, maybe a 2 year engagement. I just couldn't help getting nervous and excited when he started talking about it... imagine, me engaged ... nope I can't imagine it either, but we shall see.

Special Friends Day 2011

Special Friends Day. A day when students volunteer at my college, in the recreation center, to be a child's,  friend for the day, participating in activities and games all day. These children are special, though they have a disability, it is necessary for them to be able to play and enjoy the same activities just like any other child would!

Last year, I participated in this amazing opportunity with my friend from another college, and we had such an eye opening experience, that we knew we needed to do it again this year. I must admit, this year was even even more intense, because our buddy couldn't speak her needs, like the buddy we had the year prior. She would repeat whatever she had heard last, and although she was extremely capable of physical motions and movements, her mental capacity was quite low.

What amazed me was the strength her father had, having two children who were disabled, though one more than the other. I can't imagine how I would handle the situation, but I know that I won't ever know unless I am put in that position. I give these parents and families more credit after volunteering for two years in a row, because it was stressful for me ... not knowing what she wanted, how to make her have the best day, or even when she needed to go to the bathroom.

I wish I could do it next year as well as years to come, but I am graduating in May, and therefore, won't be able to. I do hope that other individuals get involved though, because it's not only eye opening, but it's memorable. I will always remember my two buddies, and think of all they need to go through and battle against in the years to come.

Secret Santa

In my one class, my group decided to do a Secret Santa, along with an end of the year party - filled with cupcakes, brownies, and cookies! I made homemade funfetti cupcakes, holiday style [check them out on my baking blog].

We sat around the table in the classroom and talked about the semester, gave each other advice about any problems that had come up over the semester, and just chatted about the news. It was great to relax and enjoy each other's company before finals start to kick in.

After we ate, we traded our gifts. I had the only guy in the group and ended up getting him Christmas candy & an Aluminum Yankees water bottle. My best friend ended up getting me. It was quite hysterical because she was able to hide it until the night before class - I kind of ruined it myself... but I still loved the presents that she got me.

[A scarf, cupcake bath products, and the Love Actually DVD - all in a cute penguin bag, it's like she knew I love penguins !]

I absolutely loved everything, and can't wait to watch the movie, because I have never seen it! 

I haven't done a Secret Santa since high school, and it's definitely something I'd do again! It's great for coworkers, students, and even family members! 

On Our 4 Year Anniversary

Though I have many things to write about [so look out for future posts this week], I think I will wish my boyfriend, Sal, a Happy Anniversary! It's been 4 years since he asked me out, and I don't regret saying yes... though there are some days [kidding..]

He asked me out four years ago on a baseball field that had frozen over, a few blocks from his house. I have to admit it was rather romantic, and I guess I couldn't help but say yes. He had planned to ask me out a couple days earlier when we went to the city to see the tree, on the roof of the Top of the Rock. I was too nervous, and didn't want anything to be ruined so I told him not to ask me out then, I guess I saw it coming. I'm glad I waited it out though, it just proved to me that he really cared for me and was willing to wait, even though he wishes to this day that he had asked me out on the roof.

Although we've had our rough patches, and what couple hasn't, we have been through it all. I wouldn't change anything, because it has brought us closer, and allowed us to change with each other for the better of course.

When I first said I love you, I must admit I had no idea what love was.. having just broken up with my previous boyfriend 7 or 8 months prior, I was broken and confused. Being in a relationship wasn't all that it was hyped up to be, but maybe that was because I was in a relationship with the wrong person. Being with the right person, who loves you for you and accepts every bit of you, makes the relationship that much better. Now, with each passing day Sal has shown me what love really is, and I learn something new about him that I love. It's honestly an amazing feeling and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I guess it's like people say... "you'll just know."

I can't wait for the next few years with the boy, knowing that the future holds an engagement, wedding, and babies. He's got a hold on my heart, and I can't seem to break away, but I don't mind, as long as he protects it and cherishes it, I think I'll be okay. Not only is he my protector, but he's my best friend. He knows just what to say to make me smile or laugh when I'm feeling down or upset. He's up for any adventure I throw at him, and he even takes me on wild rides that I don't even think I'll ever be prepared for. It's as if every day opens up a brand new chapter in our book, and I can't wait to see how this story unfolds.

[2007; 2011]

Tonight we will be attending his brother's band's Christmas show, and then we will be headed into the city to see the tree and just enjoy each other's company.

12.17.07. I love you Salvatore Michael always and forever. 

Salvatore's 22nd Birthday

Every year since we've been together, Sal has figured out his gift for his birthday AND Christmas. Now if you know me well enough, you'd know that I'm always so excited to give people gifts for all occasions, but I do not like when that person finds out what I got them. I like the surprise effect, catching their face as they open it and see what they've received. It's always an amazing present, no matter what I don't let anyone down. This year though, I was actually able to surprise Sal, in more ways than one.


I started planning this weeks before his actual birthday [November 30th]. I even bought his actual gift in October. I never do anything ahead of time, I'm always procrastinating, so I'm not going to lie I was pretty happy with myself... although it was hard to not give him the present right then and there. Anyways, I sent out a Facebook invite to all of his friends to come and celebrate Sal's birthday at Colorado Cafe... a little country bar with a mechanical bull. However, the night I chose was not country night... it was dance night for 'every lifestyle.' I'd have to say that was a surprise in and of itself. I arranged for everyone to meet there at 9 on November 25th, the Friday before his birthday. The excuse I made? "I want to go out with you, just us, before you go out with your friends." I told him I was taking him out and that it would be a surprise. I had him close his eyes for the 40 minute ride, and even though he saw where we were when we got out of the car. He had absolutely no idea that there were people inside, waiting for him!

At first we walked into the bar part of the place, but they were in the restaurant part so I had to quickly divert him away from the bar. It was amazing! All of his friends were there, they yelled Surprise!, and his best friend turned around at the table and handed him a beer. It could not have gone better! For the rest of the night we talked, rode the bull - many many times, and danced!

All night he kept coming up to me and telling me how amazing this was and how thankful he was. That was a gift for me - to see him happy, surrounded by friends. I wanted him to see how loved he is, and I don't think he's ever going to forget it, I know I won't.

On his actual birthday, November 30th, we went to dinner. I made him wait until after to open his actual gift. Of course we went to his favorite place - Pub 199 and enjoyed crab legs, clams, and mussels. He finished as fast as he could, though enjoying it thoroughly! 

He opened his gift... 

and realized he would be souring high in the sky! 

I bought him a 30-40 minute Introductory Discovery Flight Package, where he would be able to learn how to fly a small plane, and eventually fly it himself! He was so happy because he'd always wanted to fly a plane, and eventually get his flying license, and now he can start! I'm so happy he'll be accomplishing something in his life that he has always dreamed about. I don't think I can top this birthday next year, but we'll just have to wait and see. 

Happy birthday Salvatore ! I love you, always and forever. 

Tastes from Home Frito-Lay E-Cookbook

Remember not too long ago I was asked to participate in the Tastes form Home Recipe contest? I needed to submit a recipe that reminded me of home. I turned to my mom's chicken and the tomatoes my dad was growing in my backyard. I knew that a new flavor would be Tomato Basil, so I figured this was perfect! I decided to make Brushetta Chicken, with a side of pasta. Find the recipe and more about the contest here. Now although I didn't win the contest, I was given a free bag of chips and a recipe stand!

I was also given the chance to throw a giveaway for my followers, in which a random follower won sample bags of all the of the new chips that Frito-Lay was creating! It was amazing hearing stories of the smells that reminded each individual of their home, and it was great to acquire new followers! These chips are incredibly healthy, and tasty too!

So after the contest and giveaway I figured that was that. I was 100% wrong about that! I received an email today that began like this...

"Thanks again for the delicious recipe you submitted in our Tastes from Home with Frito-Lay recipe contest!  We’re excited to announce we’ve compiled all of the recipes – including yours – into our first ever e-cookbook, Tastes from Home by Frito-Lay Fans!"

Wait, what?! I was going to be featured in a cookbook!? I couldn't believe, and wouldn't believe it until I actually saw my recipe, along with my name on page 81! 

How awesome?! I am still shocked, and although it may not be a big deal in someone else's eyes, it is to me and I couldn't be more proud of what I have accomplished. 

There's a Twitter sweepstakes, today (December 6, 2011) from 3:00 p.m. Central to December 7, 2011 3:00 p.m. Central. Watch for a Tweet today from @FritoLay, share which recipe from our cookbook is your favorite [which is hopefully mine!] using the hashtag #FritoFlavors, and you’ll be entered to win one of five Frito-Lay prize packs! Each pack includes five coupons for chips and a Frito-Lay apron. See official rules here.

I would greatly appreciate it if you voted for me, but if you can't or don't, I won't mind... I'm just way too happy seeing my name in print! 

*Note: I was part of the Frito-Lay Recipes Contest

Thanksgiving & Black Friday

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I spent mine at my mother's cousin's house with a few close family members.

That morning I woke up and decided to make pumpkin whoopie pies... yes I planned ahead, knowing that I wanted to make them, but no I did not make them the day before or even in the early morning.

I watched the parade, of course, as the oven was preheating. This was the first year I noticed how horribly the singers lip-sync. It was quite upsetting, being as I had never noticed it before, but I quickly forgot about it when the oven started beeping. It was time to for me to start the dessert.

Want the recipe? It'll soon be posted to my baking blog, but for now you can just drool over the picture.

So after wrapping them up and getting ready, my family was off to celebrate. The twenty minute drive wasn't bad, until we got lost a few blocks from our cousin's house. Sadly, I could've easily plugged the address in my GPS, but as with any older adult, they were too busy calling everyone at the house and asking for directions. I guess they're STILL not used to modern technology.

When we finally arrived, we were greeted by the warm smell of turkey, and all the delicious food heating above the warmers. Kissing everyone hello was like a breath of fresh air, considering I hadn't seen some of my family since the summer. It was great to talk to them and see how well everyone was doing, and how big my cousins had grown.

After a glass of wine, it was time to sit down with the family and eat the wonderful dinner they had made. I couldn't believe it, and I immediately began thinking of all that I was thankful for, from the food on our plate, to being surrounded by those that I love.

I'm also extremely thankful for those that have stood by my side and supported me, including my family, Salvatore, and close friends. I don't know what I would have done without them. I'm thankful for my health, and hope that it remains this way throughout my life. I'm thankful to be able to receive an education at a university. I'm thankful for the house I live in and how warm it keeps me during those cold fall & winter nights. I'm thankful for this earth, and intend on keeping it as clean and safe for my unborn children. In the end, I realized I'm thankful for life, and all that it has given me.

After a few more glasses of wine, and some dessert - including the pumpkin whoopie pies that were a hit, it was time to go home and relax before we were back out for Black Friday. It would be my brother, Salvatore, and my brother's friend that would embark on such an adventure into the huge crowds of people all eyeing the same things! We didn't want any of the larger items though, which was good for us, but we still ended up waiting on line two hours prior - went to Target & Kohls - and made it home at 2:30AM, with enough time to sleep almost the whole day, because I would never just sleep a whole day away.

I'd say the holiday was extra special this year, and the Black Friday shopping was just an added bonus, but I think I could do without the shopping next year, although it's fun, their sales are getting worse and worse, in my opinion... I mean unless I move out in a year from now, then I might just need to stand in line for a TV or even a vacuum.