Sausage and Peppers Rotini

I don’t know how it happened. How me, of all people, took interest in cooking. Here and there, I’ve thought of posting recipes, although I find that food pictures don’t come out particularly good for me. I thought I’d give it a try regardless, although I will find pictures online of individual ingredients, and if I can manage to get a good picture of the final income, then that shall too be posted.

I generally get my ideas for meals by browsing actual recipes, and tweaking a bit. I usually choose what I browse for based, frankly, on what I have on the fridge. Last week, M, for some absurd reason, came home with 10 bell peppers (mixed red, yellow, and orange). While gorgeous, I am unsure as to why he decided to take that admiration further and bring home the entire lot, but he tends to do that. We ate some raw with dip, I used about 5 and made roasted peppers (simply brushed with oil, roasted till charred, then peeled off skin and sliced thin), despite that, I had some that needed to be used. Also, we had some chorizo sausage in the freezer, and while making room for new concoctions, I was forced to finally defrost it. And thus was born, my sausage and peppers rotini.

I am a major preparer, I don’t chop vegetables while I’m cooking my meat, or any sort of multi-task. Inefficient? Perhaps… but my mind gets scrambled when I’m doing too many things at once in terms of cooking (oddly enough, for other things, I’m fine), so slow and steady is how I go. I began by preparing my vegetables. I cut 2 bell peppers (mine were red and yellow, but the picture is pretty) and a medium sized white onion into thin slices. I also roughly chopped 2 medium size tomatoes.



I set everything aside, and unlinked and removed the one pound chorizo from the paper (6 links)… an unpleasant job for someone who’s not a huge fan of getting her hands messy (in terms of grease, etc.) but M wasn’t home… so I did it :) .



I took out my handy, dandy wok (honestly, I use my wok for everything… from pasta, to Indian food, to stirfry, and tacos… love!). I cooked the sausage for about 7 minutes and drained the excess oils. Afterwards, I added in the onions and bell peppers and cooked until al dente-ish. At this point, I felt a very distinct smell of pizza- what with the onions, peppers, and sausage and whatnot. Should have probably been less amused than I was.

I then added a teaspoon of fennel (I tried to look up why, but couldn’t find anything—but it seems fennel is always a good compliment to sausage… strange), and a dash of chili flakes, and on a last minute whim threw in about a cup of frozen spinach. I covered and let the spinach thaw out for about a minute, stirred, and added in the tomatoes, about a cup of jarred tomato sauce, and 2 ounces of tomato paste. I stirred and let the whole thing simmer for maybe 3 minutes. At this point the pasta was looking very hearty and yummy… but was still missing something. I wanted to add cream cheese, but only had about a 2 teaspoons full, so I added that and about 3 ounces of sour cream, reduced the heat and just stirred it in. Voila, the sauce is done!


(I told you my pictures come out terrible! It looks much tastier in real life... maybe I should try taking them with my SLR instead)

It’s tonight’s dinner, so the pasta hasn’t been made yet, but that’s simply box directions. The sauce is quite good, creamy and plentiful. Fingers crossed that M is as pleased as I am!

That was quite fun… I may do this again!

Trip to Toronto-- Friends & Family

This past week, M and I went back to Toronto for a visit. I knew it was going to be a stressful trip. I equated it to going back to India, having to see everyone and their mother, and anticipated a great deal of stress. I prepared myself, knowing that when I last saw my family, I did get a bit annoyed with them by the end (2.5 weeks is a LONG time- haha), I knew it was likely to feel the same with M's family, and after many discussions with friends here in Panama in similar situations, I knew not to expect our friends to drop everything and see us as they too have moved on with their lives. I thought I was pretty well prepared- had a good balance of optimistic and pessimistic feelings, and felt that all in all, I knew what to expect.

Alas, I was wrong. The time spent with our families was the highlight of the trip. We had a great time, lots of catching up, but not so much that you felt like you were seeing each other after a long time. Just enough, so you were up to date, but yet still felt like you never left. Just normal and fun. When I think about what I miss about Toronto, I say the people. And by the people, I mean those normal, no effort, fun times. With the families, I got exactly that. My favorite day was our last full day there. My family and M's family, along with my closest friend in Toronto went an visited a good friend of my family's home, along with another good friend (my family and the other 2 families are very very close... M's family gets along with them as well). It was just a good time with lots of talking, laughing, eating, and just plane enjoying each other's company. It wasn't, by any means, centered around us, it just felt like old times.

I was, unfortunately, disappointed in my so-called 'friends' though. I can't generalize this to everyone of course, I saw some dear friends who I know will remain friends, but a few did manage to make me think twice about who I call a friend. Some didn't even bother to get in contact with us, even after numerous attempts of us trying to reach out. Some, it seems, just couldn't be bothered with breaking their normal routine to make time for us. It's not that we were being difficult, flaunting a busy schedule, or anything. We made time where we could find time. Hell, we met people in the grocery store, at their house (in a different city altogether), at restaurants for just a single drink, at soccer games, and anywhere we could manage to find time to catch up. In addition to that, we organized the Friday night as a big get together so we can see everyone altogether. Although we did see a handful of people we hung out with quite often prior to moving, the majority just couldn't seem to care less. Actually, the few people we actually spent quality time with were people we didn't see all too often, but managed to get closer to after moving. This includes the 3 visitors we had last November, some colleagues, and friends we met on vacation 5 years ago (who drove 2 hours to come see us from their hometown). It really opened my eyes as to who my true friends are.

Canadians vs. Americans

This is an argument I’ve subjected myself to more often than I would have liked to. I lived in both countries for equal amounts of time (10 years each), but call America my home. This has been a point of downright hateful behavior from many Canadians (which, ironically, is part of the reason I prefer America).

My least favorite brands are Pepsi and Mac. Why? Because of the advertising tactics they use. Rather than getting their consumers to focus solely on their benefits, they add in their greatest (and frankly more successful competitor) simply to put them down. This is the opposite of the type of strategy that would gain my loyalty. I find it quite pathetic.

Canadians take a stance which is nearly identical. They, it seems, have a chip on their shoulder. They are not proud to BE Canadian, but are proud NOT to be American. Americans, on the other hand, have a great sense of pride just being from their country. That’s my idea of patriotism. Canadians, on the other hand, will bring themselves up by putting America down.

The amount of times I’ve heard “I effin hate Americans” is appalling. That is blatant racism. I have heard so much slander and so much negativity towards Americans from Canadians who know nothing better. I have lived in both countries. You may say “American’s are racist”, but frankly, I’ve received far more racism from Canadians for both being South Asian and for being American. You may say “American’s are rude/unkind/etc.”, but during the many many difficult times in my family’s life while living in America, we had a ton of support from beautiful friends and acquaintances helping us along the way… meanwhile, in Canada, when my mom faced a moment of difficulty, her good Canadian friend said she is “no longer able to be a part of [my mom’s] life, as she did not want to deal with extra burdens”. “American’s are ignorant”?? Frankly, I’ve heard far more ignorant things coming out of the mouths of Canadians when talking about Americans than I have ever heard an American say.

Again, this is simply my observation. I am married to a Canadian, and he is not at all like this… so I, of all people, realize I am generalizing. Please take no offense, this is just how I feel about the whole situation.

I will talk more about this… particularly my thoughts on “melting pot” vs. “mixed bag” perspectives.

Religion

I am a very proud atheist. Truly, it was never something I needed to think about. The man in the sky thing just never sat well with me after the age in which is was obvious Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy were myths. In my head, it is no different.

I have no doubt that Jesus Christ, the Prophet Mohammed, Buddha, etc. etc. etc. did exist. I am sure they were spiritual men who once lived on this earth. And were very good at giving people hope, faith, something to believe in. And thus people looked up to them. And so is the onset of religion.

My entire family are skeptics. This is not to say they don't perform religious activities (Hindu by birth) and do the 'proper' things at the specific times of year. But yet, they question lots of beliefs. Still celebrate other holidays. Eat meat. Drink. etc. etc. And then there's members, such as my maternal grandfather and my mother's brother who are not Hindu or Atheist. Rather they have converted to Scientology. They are both highly revered in their respective professions, both in the medical field. But they read a bit on L. Rob Hubbard, and believed. I've also read the books. To be honest, he's easier to swallow than some of the religious things I've heard. Oh, and did I mention, my grandmother (also a doctor) wrote and published a book DISPROVING the existance of God. It was very convincing I tell you. Once it's published in English, I will post a link here.

Don't get me wrong, I am not talking ignorantly. I was in a heavily Republican, heavily Christian school for 7 years. Seven years. This experience alone taught me the dark side of religion. The guilt, the fear. The fear, my god the fear. Why, why why choose to be a part of something that makes you live in fear.

This is something my husband and I have spoken extensively about. M grew up in a very very conservative and religious family. But the religion was very fear driven. He admits it himself. Religion is obviously a big topic for a husband and wife, especially when it comes to children. I have absolutely no problem with my children learning religion, as long as it's fact based, and aspects of guilt and fear are not brought into it. My husband learned religion based on fear. This lead to many insecurities and sometimes irrational fears in his childhood and teens, and even some still carrying over to today. He has loudly expressed he does not want his children to deal with this stress. Which are my thoughts exactly. He has agreed that us, and only us, will talk with our children about religion. About all religions. At Christmas time, they will learn the significance of Christmas, before that of Hanukah. Ash Wednesday and Passover will be explained, as well as Diwali and Holi. But that is it, explained. The children will be left to make their own decision on religion, and we will support them either way. We will ensure they are well educated on different ways of life (including not adopting any religion) and will be there for them through whichever walk they choose.

Depression

After some heart to heart discussions (over multiple drinks) with a good friend, she confessed to me that she has been on anti-depressants. Here, they are available without a prescription. I've always dabbled with the thought of approaching a doctor for some 'chemical' help with some of my emotions, but never seriously. Knowing someone up close and personal, who has confessed and raved about it has made this thoughts more concrete.

I looked into some information about them. This led me to a series of questionnaires. Apparently, I am clinically depressed. The problem I had with these tests is that, as far as I've gathered in my world view, I think 80% of people would be classified as clinically depressed. I mean... do you ever feel sad or irritable? lost interest in any activities you once enjoyed? feeling of guilt (this may be the fault of my family's tactic of using guilt trips for EVERYTHING)?... do you experience indecisiveness? I mean... if this isn't normal, then yes, there is certainly something wrong with me, and there has been for many many years. But somehow I feel these are normal feelings.

That being said, I know I have (and likely still do) suffered with depression, but haven't sought the proper help. I did see a therapist for a bit. But, never have I ever gone as far as medication.

I was telling another friend of mine in an email about a post secret I saw a few weeks ago. I've searched the web, and regret not saving it-- but I can't find it anywhere. The jist of it was a 30 year old who started taking anti-depressants... and her only regret was not starting earlier. It struck a chord with me.

Racism

Racism has always been a big topic for me. It was something I was faced with for a very long time. Although I was born in my country of origin, I never lived there. I have always been an "outsider" in my country of residency.

I faced it a lot. I have never truly felt like I fit in. In Western countries, I have and will always be a visible minority. Being called a Paki or terrorist with a number of unflattering adjectives attached to it is not fun. Not at all. And it isn't nice. At the same time, even with my own 'kind' I am outcasted. I have been called 'white-washed'... once, at the age of 12, I was asked "why do you sound so white... look in the mirror- you're not white". What do I say to that? Why do I sound the way I do? I don't know...

The nice thing about being in Panama is that I am no longer a visible minority. Many don't seem to understand the relief I have with this. No I didn't neccesarily walk in places in Canada/ US and have everyone turn around a stare... but sometime it was painfully obvious that I was the different one. Here in Panama I may not know the culture or the language, but on the surface, I look like I belong. It's an amazing feeling.

On the outside...

Do you think you could successfully and completely detach yourself from your family?

My family (immediate and extended) is wonderful, they love me a lot, and I feel the same about them. But at the same time, memories of them, conversations with them, and most things associated with them is also a source of misery for me. I don't fit in with my family. They are all very a la brady bunch now, with the suburban lifestyles, 2 children, a house, and PTA meetings. Very different from how I grew up. Somehow I lost my place in the mix.

When I am with my family, I can understand how people get divorces. I love them immensely and think about them all the time. But I just no longer want to be around them. I want to start fresh. Build my own life and my own family (eventually) with M.

It hurts me when I hear about all my cousins getting together, hanging out, talking about prom or dates or parties etc. But I know longer live in NJ/NY. The relationship was lost the day I moved. I made the effort with one cousin, and through him I get to hear about the rest. But that just adds more to my feeling out of place. Like a spy, peaking in and absorbing as much as I can.

What to see: Panama in 2 Days

Let's assume this is some visiting Panama... arriving Day 1 around noon, staying full of Day 2, leaving Day 3 morning.

Day 1:
-Arrive, check in hotel and get rid of baggage, freshen up, change into comfortable clothing
-Grab a cab to the Panama Canal
-Make sure to buy tickets for the entire canal, including the movie and museum, it will cost $8 and is definitely worth it to get the whole experience
-Head over to Casco Viejo for some appetizers and drinks (while it's still daylight, walk along the water, then I recommend Casa Blanca to sit outdoors and vegetate a bit)
-If you're liking the atmosphere of Casco, do dinner at Manolo Caracol (fixed price menu $2o for dinner, something different every night, always delicious) and then some bar hopping (Indigo, Platea, Havana, Relic)
-If you want to check out another area, head over to Calle Uruguay (club district), do dinner at one of the many options there (I like Habibi's, Gauchos, Market), and check out the nightlife there

Day 2:
-Catch the 8:30 ferry (weekdays) or 8:00 ferry (weekends) to Isla Taboga from the Causeway... take in the scenic views, the beautiful beach, the small town feel, and the cheap food and beers
-Head back on the 4:30 PM (weekends) or 3 PM (weekdays) ferry, and get cleaned up etc. as you wish at your hotel
-Head back over to the Causeway for an evening stroll and dinner (can't recommend one place, they're all great! we often head over to Isla Perico and choose something there)
-If you're up for it (which you should be!, last night in Panama afterall) head over to Zona Viva for some drinks and a great vibe

Time machine

Do you ever wish you could get in a time machine and relieve moments of your past for just a day. Not go back and do it all over again, just certain moments. A certain birthday party you loved. Your first kiss. Time spent with old friends. Doing your favorite childhood activity. Meeting the love of your life for the first time. Your wedding day. Whatever it may be.

I wonder if they will ever make this a possibility. Sometimes I used to crave this so much it hurt. I read in a book once where someone described themselves as being "homesick for a home that no longer exists". This describes me so often prior to the move... so much.

The homesickness has dissipated a lot since moving to Panama. I think moving out of the country that I felt stole away my home made a big difference. I am shocked I didn't do it sooner.

Feeling sad...

I feel absolutely terrible that Coco has to leave. I know it's for the best. We made a mistake... a bad decision... and we are learning from it. That's experience right. "Good judgment comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgment." (Barry LePatner).

What's worse, is I feel selfish in my feeling bad. I don't feel bad for Coco, because she is going back to her mom and in all honestly will likely forget us very soon (part of the reason we made the decision so early on-- so it doesn't detrimentally affect her). M is fine, because he is so rational about these sort of things, that the emotional is nowhere near as heavy. The cats will be ecstatic. I feel sad because I feel like I failed. I wanted a puppy for so long... so long. And we got one, and it didn't work out. I feel it reflects on me somehow. It's my fault... I didn't think the decision through-- this is the honest to god truth. I let my desire trump logic and rationality.

I want to think of it as a learning experience, but right now I just feel like crap.

Before I die

This list is quite comprehensive.
I will do everything in my grasp to achieve. The couple I have done are struckthrough. Many are already in the books.

1.Swim with dolphins
2.Walk the Great Wall of China
3.Dive with sharks
4.Run the Virgin London Marathon
5.Visit Petra in Jordan
6.See the Northern Lights
7.Walk the Machu Picchu trail
8.Go on an African Safari
9.Float in the Dead Sea
10.Go whitewater rafting
11.Visit the Amazon Rainforest
12.Fire walking
13.Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge
14.Run with the bulls in Pamplona
15.Visit the Galapagos Islands
16.Ride on the Orient Express
17.Watch the sunset over Uluru (Ayers Rock)
18.Cycle a leg of the Tour de France
19.See an active volcano
20.Bungee jump in Queenstown, New Zealand
21.Drive a Formula One car
22.Fly in a helicopter over the Grand Canyon
23.Fly a fighter jet
24.Climb Mount Everest
25.Go into space


STEPS: 10666

Today was a difficult day emotionally. It looks like Coco may have to go back to her mommy. It's only been a week, and it's feels so unbelievably difficult. But she bit one of our cats. M and I always discussed that the cats right now are number one priority. Our cat is fine, but we spoke to a vet, some pet behavior specialists, and consulted the good old internet. After some bawling on my part, we had to make a decision that was the most fair and make it without emotion. Coco is unaware of her size and is just a baby. It wasn't her fault. But at the same time, we need to be realistic in how our lives will be right now given the situation. We can keep them constantly seperated, altering our cats lives (and most likely personalities) as well as not allowing Coco to live hers as full as she could another household. We can wait it out, but 3 months down the road if things are still difficult, they still don't get along-- that's when Coco would be very attached, and it would be a very very unfair decision on her part to give her up then. It's only been a week. She's not attached as yet-- it's just like pet sitting. We are blessed in that she came from a home with loving owners, who have had her mother for 5+ years... and they are able and willing to take her back.

It sucks... a lot... I spent the better part of this evening in tears. But it just seems like the best decision all around.

I hate this...

Typical Day in Niki's Life

A friend of mine asked me to list out my day... It's different because I don't have a routine yet, considering I don't have a job. Maybe I will do this once a week to see if I can spot a pattern.

6:30 AM: Wake up
-get dressed in my "dog clothes" and put on step counter
-went downstairs to kitchen to feed Smokey and Mocha (cats) their wet food
-went back upstairs because Mocha didn't follow me down, and brought her down to eat
-got a dog treat and Coco's leash, and went up to Coco's room
-got slobbered on by Coco, made her sit (she just learned to sit on command yesterday!), gave her her treat
-carried Coco down the stairs (currently 20 lbs. at 14 weeks) because she is scared of the stairs
-brought her food and waterbowl to the back patio

7:00 AM: Woke up M
-brush teeth, use bathroom, put coffee on for M, do some fixing of hair and face
-sit on bed and chat with M/ pet cats as M gets ready

7:45 AM: M and I are both ready
-We walk downstairs, he says hello to Coco from a distance (doesn't want dog smell before work)
-M takes his coffee, I make Coco sit, give her a treat, put a leash on her, and walk to the front yard through the side door
-M locks up after me and leaves through the front
-Coco and I say bye to M

8:00 AM: Coco and I take a app. 1 mile walk
-I carry Coco part of the way, as 2 houses under construction scare her
-Coco gets tired and rests about half way through

8:30 PM: Wipe Coco's feet with towel
-barricade living room with couch and close kitchen door
-let Coco inside, hand her a toy, bring in her water bowl
-eat a yogurt and banana
-start working on the computer (and by working, I mean catching up with everything from the day before-- blogs, facebook, etc..)

9:30 AM: Put Coco and her water back outside, turn on fan
-go upstairs, put on pilates clothes
-drive to pilates

11:15 AM: Return home from pilates
-go upstairs and change into dog clothes
-come down, close kitchen door and allow Coco in kitchen as I make some food
-eat (Coco playing in kitchen with a toy)

11:45 AM: Bring my computer on the patio and sit with Coco
-work on my resume/ cover letters
-chat on msn
-study for recruitment tests
-study Spanish

12:45 PM: realize I forgot my step counter, go get it
-record morning steps on blog and write up till this point...

12:50 PM: bring Coco inside
-sit in the living room with Coco, do some training (Sit, stay)
-tinker around the internet, chat with M

1:30 PM: feed Coco

2:00 PM: my friend J calls and asks if she can bring her puppy (yorkie) by our house to play (we will be taking care of her Yorkie when they travel next week)
-do some dishes, straighten up the house

2:30 PM: take Coco outside
-bring the Yorkie and J out and introduce them (2nd time)
-do a little running around, playing... get them to interact

3:00 PM: chat with J
-make a white wine sangria and chat some more
-Coco and yorkie nap

4:30 PM: dogs wake up
-play with dogs, run around, fetch, etc.

5:00 PM: J leaves
-bring Coco inside to play, rest (she's a baby-- needs lots of sleep)

5:30 PM: M arrives back home
-spend some time with the cats so they don't feel left out
-calm Coco down-- very excited that M is home

6:00 PM: sit outside with M and Coco
-have a glass of red each and chat
-Coco gets over her excitement and sleeps some more
-put some special cream on Coco's legs where she is getting irritated from the way she sits

7:40 PM: M goes to shower
-feed Coco her dinner
-prepare our dinner (luckily we had some leftovers frozen from the holidays, easy peazy)
-record steps up till this point in blog

8:00 PM: eat dinner

8:30 PM: Take Coco out for a walk
-explore different areas of the neighborhood
-played with a lab in the neighborhood

9:30 PM: Came home from our VERY long walk
-took away Coco's water for the evening (so she doesn't have an accident at night)
-clean up the kitchen/ backyard a bit

9:45 PM: Talk with my parents on skype

10:15 PM: Finish up the blog post and hit the bed early
(Mithun is in charge of taking Coco to bed in the evenings-- lucky me!)


**wow, this became very detailed. gave me a project for the day-- I'm sure as the weeks go on, and Coco requires less attention, this won't be so long and boring :D**

Wake up (6:30 AM)- 9:40 AM-- 3670
*includes walk 1... taken off before pilates*
12:45 PM-7:40 PM- 7350
*forget to wear it from a couple hours after pilates*
7:40 PM- 10:15 PM- 11342

Just as a side note, please remember the number of miles is not literal distances, but steps I've taken, whether is be walking to the kitchen for water, or playing in the backyard with Coco.

Frustration, Guilt, and Dissipation of Anger

They say animals are supposed to help with stress. Right now, Coco is my number one source of stress. I keep reminding myself that she is a puppy, just a baby. I actually think she will help with my anger.

My friend had a discussion on her FB status today regarding guilt vs. lust. My temptation to lose my temper is different than lust, but still plays a lot with guilt. I think I am a very guilty person by nature, and often times my anger will explode, and then the guilt sets in.

With Coco, my guilt comes before anger. I can feel myself getting frustrated and thus angry... but the guilt of her just being a puppy and really not knowing any better sets in. With that comes patience. This may not be the right order of things, but whatever it is, it's helping.

WALKING
Waking up- 9:15 AM--> 4800 steps
*above includes Coco's walk 1*
11:30 AM- 4:30 PM-- 9860 (wow!)
*includes from after returning home from appointment, walk 2 (more like a training session-- she was too hot to actually walk), and running some errands (in my dog clothes)*
4:30 PM- 11:50 PM-- 16216
*this includes everything up to my shower for the night... we had friends over with a dog of their own, so some additional running was involved*

Wow... that's approximately 8 miles today. I am impressed. Having a puppy definitely gets that cardio in. I wore it slightly more today, as I kept it on during some chores... let's see if this is "puupy stage" or if I'll continue. I can't really stop walking her-- as she gets bigger, she'll need lots of exercise. This is a good thing. :)

Puppy Walking

I've decided to use a step counter to ensure I am walking my new puppy enough. I read online that 2000 steps is approximately 1 mile. I used to measure steps a few years ago, however once sandal season rolled around, my step counter just didn't work with the outfits anymore :D . Granted, in Panama it's always sandal season, but I will maintain the counter solely when I am in my "dog clothes" which, at the moment, include running shoes. Coco (puppy) is not well trained enough yet for me to be able to look good and walk her. One day, but certainly not today.

Walk 1--8AM: 2145 steps
*no counter for pilates class, and a quick run to the store afterwards (sandals :))*
Walk 2--3PM (short walk): 6031 steps
Walk 3-- 8PM: 9164 steps
*I want to post this now, so will stop counting*

It is said you should take 10000 steps in a day, so approximately 5 miles. This is the goal I had while working a desk job and attending school. I never reached it (lots of sitting!), but having a puppy makes the goal just look silly. I won't have a goal for this, this is purely interest.

How many steps do you take a day?

New Year... New Blog

Can you believe it's a new year, and I've made less than 30 posts. That's not even 1 a week. That's pretty pathetic. I need some more accountability. I have decided to stop commenting on other blogs I frequent as anonymous, and start commenting with my blog URL. This might help me feel more as if the blog is giving me that release I'm looking for. You know what they say, sometime's it's good to know someone's listening.

I feel like being out of work for so long, coupled with living in a country where English is not the first language, has been quite crippling to my vocabulary. I cringe at some of my posts and struggle to find the right words to convey what I'm saying.

I need to start reading more, but unfortunately finding books in English has proven to be a daunting task. Furthermore, the lack of an organized mail system in the country, renders mail- order near to impossible.

My Resolutions (in no particular order)

1. Try to keep my temper under control. It's been going well, but I need to stop letting the little things get me.

2. Be conversationally fluent in Spanish by year-end.

3. Take a moment daily to soak it all in... how great everything is, and how bright the future looks.

4. Maintain touch with all the great people I've met over the years.

5. Stop biting my cuticles. It's getting embarrassing.

6. Make sure M is aware of how much I love and respect him, and how grateful I am to have him in my life. I take it for granted way too much.

These are a bundle of goals for the year, and goals for my life. I don't neccesarily think we should wait till New Years to make these, and will try and add more often.