Today started off kind of gray and yucky. But now it is 4pm and it is sunny and lovely. Wow the sun can really turn things around.
I have been sitting at home today while the kids and David are out skiing. I have the house to myself. So I cleaned it, a little. Then I watched Hairspray for the first time. It was a cute movie.
Today I am going to talk about food, I just re-read some of my posts and I am depressed!
Food, I love it. Growing up I did not enjoy a lot of food. Which is not good when you grow up in places like Asia. As an 8 year old you tend to see their food as strange. There is no kibeh or tiropita, or things like that. They have Kwaee Teaow, and chicken rice (the chicken is poached), etc. Some of it looks so weird that as an 8 year old I thought I was going to die. Except one summer my father took us to Thailand for a vacation. We stayed at the Dusit Thani hotel, it was lovely. And I remember the meal we had, because it was the day that I learned to love food. I was around 12. The flavours were fantastic, the rice, the lime, the spice, everything had so much flavour. I thought wow has any tasted this before? My parents were so excited. Finally the second child is eating normal food. Now they only had to deal with my brother Theo, who was so picky. He came to his senses later in his life I want to say College.
I still hate cauliflower and eggplant. My parents do not understand this since we are Greek/Arabs and both those vegetables are important part of our cuisine. I blame my dad, he made me eat this dish called, Matlubeh, it consisted of lamb, rice and cauliflower all cooked together. The consistency was just yuck, but my dad insisted i sit at the table and eat it. Back then I would play tricks. Now my dad and I can laugh about it. But I still will not eat it.
Now I have two kids and find myself going crazy because they won't eat anything. What is wrong with these kids? Then I remember my issues with food as a kid. You know what, they will come around. They have to at least try something once. I do not cook multiple meals, sorry this is not a restaurant.
Now I love to cook, I find it therapeutic and just a joy. Today I really want baked sweet potatoes and onions tossed in spinach. It is delicious, but for the life of me I did not know what to pair it with. Then the phone rang and my good friend Kerry asked "I am making leg of lamb you want to come over for dinner?" Perfect timing. My craving and Kerry's lamb will be a perfect match.
I can't wait to eat dinner.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Friday, March 6, 2009
What does this all mean?
Is the world falling apart? Is this just our turn to feel hardship, etc? I think of my dad who met hardship at every turn but coming out stronger and smarter. He dealt with wars, losing countries, homes, etc. He made sure that his family never had to do without. We lived a good life, great cultural experiences, great food, drink, people etc. I wonder when he was going through his trials and tribulations if he thought that it was so bad that nothing could make it better.
I am an optimistic person, or at least I like to think of myself as such. It is hard to do that when I listen to the news, or when three friends of mine are laid off in the past week or so. These are my counterparts. It is scary.
It is hard to be optimistic when in California they are fighting for equal rights. And Ken Starr is the idiot trying to keep prop 8 alive and kicking.
It is hard to be optimistic when I actually have to think about health care issues that a lot of Americans are facing today. You always think that happens to others and it will never happen to you.
However I have to be optimistic, because I have two wonderful children who need me to be optimistic, strong, and a realist.
I have to be optimistic because we have a President that is intelligent, who understands how people are suffering. He is willing to take the heat. I want to see him more because he does provide me the optimism I need.
I do not want to listen or have to see people like Rush Limbaugh, Anne Coulter, or Bill O'reily. I do not watch or hear their shows but they tend to be on the news too much. Why are they the story? That is what they want, they want to be the story. I say we take them out of the story and ignore them. Maybe they will throw such a tantrum they will finally go away. Just like a two year old who drops to the floor and starts thrashing his legs, and him mom just ignores him. He finally stops and just goes off and plays or sleeps and the mom does not hear from him again all she hears is happiness.
At the end of the day we will all survive. It will be hard but I have faith that the universe will provide.
I am an optimistic person, or at least I like to think of myself as such. It is hard to do that when I listen to the news, or when three friends of mine are laid off in the past week or so. These are my counterparts. It is scary.
It is hard to be optimistic when in California they are fighting for equal rights. And Ken Starr is the idiot trying to keep prop 8 alive and kicking.
It is hard to be optimistic when I actually have to think about health care issues that a lot of Americans are facing today. You always think that happens to others and it will never happen to you.
However I have to be optimistic, because I have two wonderful children who need me to be optimistic, strong, and a realist.
I have to be optimistic because we have a President that is intelligent, who understands how people are suffering. He is willing to take the heat. I want to see him more because he does provide me the optimism I need.
I do not want to listen or have to see people like Rush Limbaugh, Anne Coulter, or Bill O'reily. I do not watch or hear their shows but they tend to be on the news too much. Why are they the story? That is what they want, they want to be the story. I say we take them out of the story and ignore them. Maybe they will throw such a tantrum they will finally go away. Just like a two year old who drops to the floor and starts thrashing his legs, and him mom just ignores him. He finally stops and just goes off and plays or sleeps and the mom does not hear from him again all she hears is happiness.
At the end of the day we will all survive. It will be hard but I have faith that the universe will provide.
Monday, February 16, 2009
There are some really stupid people out there
The senator from Illinois, Roland Burris. What an idiot. He lied, just to get to the senate, seriously people, there are tapes, tapes. It is not a joke. Now he has given the Republicans some stupid ammunition. He needs to step aside. His speech should go something like this - "I am sorry I am such a megalomaniac. I just wanted to add one more item to my mausoleum!" "Now I will go away and you shall never hear from me again".
Then we have the republicans going on how the stimulus was created without them and in secret. My goodness they really do see things backwards. I guess the visits with senators, lunch, cocktails, and adding more tax cuts to show that Obama was listening, they dare to say, the stimulus was created in secret. I want to throw a rotten egg at each and every one of them. Someone needs to remind them that for 8 years there president Bush, never did any of those things, I think he may have gone to congress once to say "Hey, what up, this is a big place, heh, heh"
I am just annoyed, let's just pass this and give it some time to work. Oh and the two senators (R) trying to now get some credit for the stimulus after voting no for it, please you are embarrassing yourselves, not that you care.
That is my rant for today. Thanks for listening.
Tomorrow I will write about something fun, maybe food.
Then we have the republicans going on how the stimulus was created without them and in secret. My goodness they really do see things backwards. I guess the visits with senators, lunch, cocktails, and adding more tax cuts to show that Obama was listening, they dare to say, the stimulus was created in secret. I want to throw a rotten egg at each and every one of them. Someone needs to remind them that for 8 years there president Bush, never did any of those things, I think he may have gone to congress once to say "Hey, what up, this is a big place, heh, heh"
I am just annoyed, let's just pass this and give it some time to work. Oh and the two senators (R) trying to now get some credit for the stimulus after voting no for it, please you are embarrassing yourselves, not that you care.
That is my rant for today. Thanks for listening.
Tomorrow I will write about something fun, maybe food.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Tired
We need Franken in the senate. The RNC is not being very nice. They are being a bit of the sore loser.
If Franken was in the senate it would have been a little easier to pass the stimulus bill, and perhaps the one congressman who was attending his mothers funeral did not have to come back from the funeral to vote.
I have found myself not listening to the news as much anymore. It was hard during the Bush time but now it is just scary.
I think I heard that some of the RNC folk actually are describing themselves as the Taliban, that they are learning their tactics to make it hard for the democratic party. Does that mean they are terrorist? Seriously they want to say that out loud?
Anyway, I am just tired of listening to the news and to the words that mean nothing because there are those who would rather see this country fail, I truly believe that,m especially when the fat man, Rush Limbaugh, says he wants President Obama to fail. That is not very uniting. I am sure that there are some Taliban and Al Qaeda doing a happy dance in a cave in the mountains of Pakistan.
Rush, maybe you can go visit them and learn more.
If Franken was in the senate it would have been a little easier to pass the stimulus bill, and perhaps the one congressman who was attending his mothers funeral did not have to come back from the funeral to vote.
I have found myself not listening to the news as much anymore. It was hard during the Bush time but now it is just scary.
I think I heard that some of the RNC folk actually are describing themselves as the Taliban, that they are learning their tactics to make it hard for the democratic party. Does that mean they are terrorist? Seriously they want to say that out loud?
Anyway, I am just tired of listening to the news and to the words that mean nothing because there are those who would rather see this country fail, I truly believe that,m especially when the fat man, Rush Limbaugh, says he wants President Obama to fail. That is not very uniting. I am sure that there are some Taliban and Al Qaeda doing a happy dance in a cave in the mountains of Pakistan.
Rush, maybe you can go visit them and learn more.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Sometimes playing fair gets you nowhere
Sorry this is a long one, I am just so fed up with it all...
Here is how I see the next four years needing to go:
1) The democratic party won. Why are we kowtowing to the Republicans? WHY? I am sorry if they do not like that the democratic party wants to help the country with a health care system that actually will take care of all Americans. Yes Universal Health care is 10x better that what we have today.
Katia's experience -
I grew up in three different countries. Greece, Singapore and most recently USA. The best health care that I received was in Singapore. It was national health care and I received some very good care. Growing up there, I was lucky enough to have care under my father and receive private care when needed. As an adult, I worked for a local company which meant I had to utilize the "national" health care. Guess what, it was pretty similar to what I received with my dad's health care (private). Greece has National care, not so good, I will admit to that. More corrupt than anything, but you know what, when my grandmother and grandfather needed care for cancer, diabetes or heart, the service was there and was helpful. Now the USA, I have had good and I have had bad. And I pay a lot of money every month to ensure I get the health care I want. But all I get is a lot of questions and every reason why they should not pay. Seriously, I am paying you a lot of money to take care of me. So if you do not mind, step aside and let me get the care I need. I should not have to fight some person in the customer service every week about why they are still not paying for an MRI my husband needed. You know what? They were not there when I felt my life was about to change and scared me half to death. So if I am going to get so, so care, I will take National Health care. At least then I know what to expect.
2) Financial woes. Guess what, the country is not doing so well.. So President Obama, you are in charge not Rush Limbaugh, who is an addict of Oxy-Cotin, and lied in order to get it. The piggy is still on air spewing hatred, lies, and more hatred. And because we tend to be more like sheep and cows, part of the country will do and say whatever he says. Hello people, get a clue and get your own opinion, I promise it will not hurt. So, SENATE, yes you Harry Reid, grow a spine and tell the Republicans where to go and how to get there. Sometimes it does not pay to be the good guy. Why are we allowing some senator to dictate to the President and Governor who should take over his seat in the senate. (I am speaking of the NH (R) Senator that has been asked to step up and be the Commerce Secretary). Guess what, you want the position take it, if you are afraid to loose your seat, then step aside and we shall find someone else.
3) Stop trying to appease the Republican party, they never reached their hand out to the democratic party for eight years. If anything they treated us like a bunch of fools. Please tell them to bugger off, if they do not like it, too bad. They messed up pretty bad the past eight years. So it is time for them to put their tails between their legs and sit in a corner. When my kids lie, treat other poorly and act like bullies, they loose the privilege of TV, friends, DS, etc. Sometimes they sit in the corner and loose all of the privileges as well.
So lets tell the Republican party thanks but no thanks, we have tried and tried, and it is time the government listen to the public and do what we need them to do. Fix the country and gain the confidence back from our friends around the world and within the country.
Last thing, what the hell is Joe the Plumber doing going to Israel? I am surprised he found the country. Please, go away, all he has done is show us how stupid he is, and how naive some people perceive the Middle East issues to be. As an Arab/Greek/American I find it offensive and so embarrassing that he went there. Joe, thanks for reminding me that the majority of this country does not get it and never will.
On all those notes, Maya turned 6 today and woke up and looked at me and said "Mom, Happy Birthday To ME!!!" And danced away.
Having kids changes how you perceive things and right now, I am fighting for my kids future. If we keep going the way we are, I will not be able to provide half the life my parents provided me. That does not bode well in my heart.
Here is how I see the next four years needing to go:
1) The democratic party won. Why are we kowtowing to the Republicans? WHY? I am sorry if they do not like that the democratic party wants to help the country with a health care system that actually will take care of all Americans. Yes Universal Health care is 10x better that what we have today.
Katia's experience -
I grew up in three different countries. Greece, Singapore and most recently USA. The best health care that I received was in Singapore. It was national health care and I received some very good care. Growing up there, I was lucky enough to have care under my father and receive private care when needed. As an adult, I worked for a local company which meant I had to utilize the "national" health care. Guess what, it was pretty similar to what I received with my dad's health care (private). Greece has National care, not so good, I will admit to that. More corrupt than anything, but you know what, when my grandmother and grandfather needed care for cancer, diabetes or heart, the service was there and was helpful. Now the USA, I have had good and I have had bad. And I pay a lot of money every month to ensure I get the health care I want. But all I get is a lot of questions and every reason why they should not pay. Seriously, I am paying you a lot of money to take care of me. So if you do not mind, step aside and let me get the care I need. I should not have to fight some person in the customer service every week about why they are still not paying for an MRI my husband needed. You know what? They were not there when I felt my life was about to change and scared me half to death. So if I am going to get so, so care, I will take National Health care. At least then I know what to expect.
2) Financial woes. Guess what, the country is not doing so well.. So President Obama, you are in charge not Rush Limbaugh, who is an addict of Oxy-Cotin, and lied in order to get it. The piggy is still on air spewing hatred, lies, and more hatred. And because we tend to be more like sheep and cows, part of the country will do and say whatever he says. Hello people, get a clue and get your own opinion, I promise it will not hurt. So, SENATE, yes you Harry Reid, grow a spine and tell the Republicans where to go and how to get there. Sometimes it does not pay to be the good guy. Why are we allowing some senator to dictate to the President and Governor who should take over his seat in the senate. (I am speaking of the NH (R) Senator that has been asked to step up and be the Commerce Secretary). Guess what, you want the position take it, if you are afraid to loose your seat, then step aside and we shall find someone else.
3) Stop trying to appease the Republican party, they never reached their hand out to the democratic party for eight years. If anything they treated us like a bunch of fools. Please tell them to bugger off, if they do not like it, too bad. They messed up pretty bad the past eight years. So it is time for them to put their tails between their legs and sit in a corner. When my kids lie, treat other poorly and act like bullies, they loose the privilege of TV, friends, DS, etc. Sometimes they sit in the corner and loose all of the privileges as well.
So lets tell the Republican party thanks but no thanks, we have tried and tried, and it is time the government listen to the public and do what we need them to do. Fix the country and gain the confidence back from our friends around the world and within the country.
Last thing, what the hell is Joe the Plumber doing going to Israel? I am surprised he found the country. Please, go away, all he has done is show us how stupid he is, and how naive some people perceive the Middle East issues to be. As an Arab/Greek/American I find it offensive and so embarrassing that he went there. Joe, thanks for reminding me that the majority of this country does not get it and never will.
On all those notes, Maya turned 6 today and woke up and looked at me and said "Mom, Happy Birthday To ME!!!" And danced away.
Having kids changes how you perceive things and right now, I am fighting for my kids future. If we keep going the way we are, I will not be able to provide half the life my parents provided me. That does not bode well in my heart.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
I love Tennis
Growing up I played tennis, my siblings and I started at a young age. We are all good players, Theo (my youngest brother) is an ace!!
Anyway, summers were always fantastic for us three Nicolaides kids. We can't complain, we traveled and were able to spend three months traveling and hanging out in Greece, (Corfu) for at least a month or so. One of our favourite past times was watching Tennis. French Open and Wimbledon were our favourites. We would skip the beach for a good week or two so we could watch the matches live. We then would go out and play every single day to our hearts content. I miss those days.
So hear I am watching the Australian open, not live, the day after and wishing that my family and friends from those years were all here. Actually somewhere warm, so then we could go and play.
My favorite player ever was Ivan Lendl. I had the biggest crush on him and just cried every time he just missed the grand slam.
Anyway, there is a new generation of players, Federer and Nader, fantastic players. Time to get Nicolas and Maya into tennis!
We are going to have to wait for that because it is time for the super bowl and the ads!
Anyway, summers were always fantastic for us three Nicolaides kids. We can't complain, we traveled and were able to spend three months traveling and hanging out in Greece, (Corfu) for at least a month or so. One of our favourite past times was watching Tennis. French Open and Wimbledon were our favourites. We would skip the beach for a good week or two so we could watch the matches live. We then would go out and play every single day to our hearts content. I miss those days.
So hear I am watching the Australian open, not live, the day after and wishing that my family and friends from those years were all here. Actually somewhere warm, so then we could go and play.
My favorite player ever was Ivan Lendl. I had the biggest crush on him and just cried every time he just missed the grand slam.
Anyway, there is a new generation of players, Federer and Nader, fantastic players. Time to get Nicolas and Maya into tennis!
We are going to have to wait for that because it is time for the super bowl and the ads!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Don't You love technology?
Here I am writing in my blog, while Skyping with my sister in NY while she does her laundry. I am also emailing. Maybe I am doing to much at one time?
I am glad it is Friday. Looking forward to the weekend.
I am coaching the last game for Nicolas' basketball team. It was fun. We had about 12 games, I am pretty sure we won all of them, we are not supposed to keep score. I kind of did, I am the coach.
So President Obama is a smart man!! He is asking the NH (R) senator to be the Commerce secretary. Now the Democratic Governor will need to appoint a senator, that is if the current senator accepts the appointment. I hope he does, I am sure he will be great in that capacity. Hmm I wonder if he is going to be appointing a Democratic individual? If he does I do believe we may have the 60 votes we need in the senate.
That is all I have for today. It was a busy week at work. But a fun week. Except I do think that people still do not listen to their gut that much. People, sometimes common sense is the right answer. Do not be afraid of the simple answer.
I am glad it is Friday. Looking forward to the weekend.
I am coaching the last game for Nicolas' basketball team. It was fun. We had about 12 games, I am pretty sure we won all of them, we are not supposed to keep score. I kind of did, I am the coach.
So President Obama is a smart man!! He is asking the NH (R) senator to be the Commerce secretary. Now the Democratic Governor will need to appoint a senator, that is if the current senator accepts the appointment. I hope he does, I am sure he will be great in that capacity. Hmm I wonder if he is going to be appointing a Democratic individual? If he does I do believe we may have the 60 votes we need in the senate.
That is all I have for today. It was a busy week at work. But a fun week. Except I do think that people still do not listen to their gut that much. People, sometimes common sense is the right answer. Do not be afraid of the simple answer.
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