Chase's nose is still running, which means I'm not getting much sleep.
So I dragged myself to Starbucks this morning to meet a friend.
I was totally disheveled. Greasy hair pulled back in a pony tail.
Big glasses to hide the bags under my eyes.
I realized when I arrived that Chase had decided to wipe her nose all over my shoulder - it looked like a snail trail.
It's a pretty picture, I know.
But then I looked around, and I noticed that most of the people were not looking their best. One gal with bleached hair and dark roots had pulled her hair back, but it wasn't smooth - it was all over the place. Two guys looked like they had been studying for a test all night. A third woman was wearing sweats and no make-up.
Maybe I had just hit the "morning crowd," the folks who role out of bed and head for coffee. Or maybe I'm going to the wrong Starbucks.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Sleep
I should be sleeping, but for some reason I'm not tired.
Or maybe I'm overtired.
Or stressed.
Chase is asleep, but getting her to bed tonight was exhausting.
First she wanted a bottle.
Then she wanted to explore the bed.
Then she wanted to roll over and blow raspberries at me.
Then she wanted to push her face into the mattress.
Then she wanted her bedtime bunny.
Then she wanted to be held.
Then she wanted to explore.
Then she wanted to be held.
You get the idea...
But I refuse to make her cry herself to sleep.
I figure there are enough things to cry about in life.
So now I sit here, in the dark so as not to wake her, trying to unwind. It's funny what you think about when you're trying to fall asleep.
I know this is funny (some may say weird), but I always thought a great Super Hero would be Insomni-Man. A man who never slept. It began when he was just a boy. His mother took him to Starbucks and a barista spilled hot coffee on him. It seeped into his bloodstream and he could never sleep again.
The thing about Insomni-Man is that he is extremely efficient. He can accomplish twice as much as the ordinary guy, because he has twice as much time (and loads of caffeine in his bloodstream). Plus, he can fight crime while the other Super Heroes sleep.
I think Starbucks should use Insomni-Man as their logo instead of that fish woman (I mean what's the deal with that fish woman anyway?).
Enough from me tonight, I'm off to bed...
Or maybe I'm overtired.
Or stressed.
Chase is asleep, but getting her to bed tonight was exhausting.
First she wanted a bottle.
Then she wanted to explore the bed.
Then she wanted to roll over and blow raspberries at me.
Then she wanted to push her face into the mattress.
Then she wanted her bedtime bunny.
Then she wanted to be held.
Then she wanted to explore.
Then she wanted to be held.
You get the idea...
But I refuse to make her cry herself to sleep.
I figure there are enough things to cry about in life.
So now I sit here, in the dark so as not to wake her, trying to unwind. It's funny what you think about when you're trying to fall asleep.
I know this is funny (some may say weird), but I always thought a great Super Hero would be Insomni-Man. A man who never slept. It began when he was just a boy. His mother took him to Starbucks and a barista spilled hot coffee on him. It seeped into his bloodstream and he could never sleep again.
The thing about Insomni-Man is that he is extremely efficient. He can accomplish twice as much as the ordinary guy, because he has twice as much time (and loads of caffeine in his bloodstream). Plus, he can fight crime while the other Super Heroes sleep.
I think Starbucks should use Insomni-Man as their logo instead of that fish woman (I mean what's the deal with that fish woman anyway?).
Enough from me tonight, I'm off to bed...
The Fall
Zurich was amazing this Summer.
It is also, I'm finding, incredible in the Fall.
It reminds me so much of New England.
It's the kind of weather that makes you want to order all the new sweaters from JCrew.
The leaves turn from green, to yellow, to red.
They crunch under your feet.
The air is crisp.
The sun is bright.
The sky is blue.
The light even changes.
It becomes warmer, as if to make up for the drop in temperature.
So lovely...
It is also, I'm finding, incredible in the Fall.
It reminds me so much of New England.
It's the kind of weather that makes you want to order all the new sweaters from JCrew.
The leaves turn from green, to yellow, to red.
They crunch under your feet.
The air is crisp.
The sun is bright.
The sky is blue.
The light even changes.
It becomes warmer, as if to make up for the drop in temperature.
So lovely...
Monday, October 09, 2006
North Korea Claims Nuclear Test - CNN
As this blog is serving as Chase's digital scrapbook, I have decided to start including notes on current events.
My 7th and 8th grade history teacher made me hate history. Besides the fact I have a serious problem memorizing dates, I found it so hard to identify with - I don't know, it just all seemed so long ago.
When my 97-year-old gran passed away earlier this year, the one thing I regret is not asking her to tell me something, anything, about every year of her life. Now all that personal perspective on history is gone. How stupid I was not to ask.
I hope this blog will help Chase appreciate history.
So ...
With Kim Jong Il's decision to proceed with a nuclear test, I can't help but be a little concerned with the increased tension in Asia (Dalian, China is just across the Yellow Sea from North Korea). As China and North Korea are allies, I'm thinking that living in China would actually be quite safe. Kim Jong Il would have to be stupid to enrage China; but then again, 24 hours ago I thought he'd have to be pretty stupid to proceed with his nuclear test.
I guess my point is that up until now, we've been living in fear of terrorism, and we've deployed troops to Iraq and Afghanistan - neither military operation has been successful (by success I mean we don't have to worry about it anymore). And just when you think things can't get any worse ... we have something else to worry about - nuclear testing and a crazy communist dictator.
So now we wait, as Japan, South Korea, the US and the UN decide their next move.
The following is from CNN.com
SEOUL, South Korea (CNN) -- North Korea claimed it conducted a successful underground nuclear test Monday, according to the country's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
My 7th and 8th grade history teacher made me hate history. Besides the fact I have a serious problem memorizing dates, I found it so hard to identify with - I don't know, it just all seemed so long ago.
When my 97-year-old gran passed away earlier this year, the one thing I regret is not asking her to tell me something, anything, about every year of her life. Now all that personal perspective on history is gone. How stupid I was not to ask.
I hope this blog will help Chase appreciate history.
So ...
With Kim Jong Il's decision to proceed with a nuclear test, I can't help but be a little concerned with the increased tension in Asia (Dalian, China is just across the Yellow Sea from North Korea). As China and North Korea are allies, I'm thinking that living in China would actually be quite safe. Kim Jong Il would have to be stupid to enrage China; but then again, 24 hours ago I thought he'd have to be pretty stupid to proceed with his nuclear test.
I guess my point is that up until now, we've been living in fear of terrorism, and we've deployed troops to Iraq and Afghanistan - neither military operation has been successful (by success I mean we don't have to worry about it anymore). And just when you think things can't get any worse ... we have something else to worry about - nuclear testing and a crazy communist dictator.
So now we wait, as Japan, South Korea, the US and the UN decide their next move.
The following is from CNN.com
SEOUL, South Korea (CNN) -- North Korea claimed it conducted a successful underground nuclear test Monday, according to the country's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
China, a close ally of North Korea, denounced the claimed test as "brazen" and South Korea said it would respond "sternly." The United States said a test would constitute a "provocative act."
South Korea's president said Pyongyang's claimed test "breaks the trust of the international community."
President Roh Moo-hyun said it brought "a severe situation that threatens stability on the Korean Peninsula and in northeast Asia."
South Korea would "react sternly and calmly" with "appropriate measures" in close cooperation with the international community, he told journalists after a summit with new Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
The apparent nuclear test was conducted at 10:36 a.m. (1:36 a.m. GMT) in Hwaderi near Kilju city, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported, citing defense officials.
Reports of the claimed test triggered global condemnation (Full story).
Senior U.S. officials said the United States is consulting with allies around the world and would push for sanctions Monday at a 9:30 a.m. (1:30 p.m. GMT) meeting of the U.N. Security Council in New York.
South Korea's Defense Ministry raised the military alert level.
"The field of scientific research in the DPRK (North Korea's official name) successfully conducted an underground nuclear test under secure conditions on October 9 ... at a stirring time when all the people of the country are making a great leap forward in the building of a great prosperous powerful socialist nation," KCNA reported.
In Washington, White House Press Secretary Tony Snow responded to the reports in a conference call with reporters.
"U.S. and South Korean intelligence detected a seismic event Sunday at a suspected nuclear test site. North Korea has claimed it conducted an underground nuclear test," Snow said.
"A North Korean nuclear test would constitute a provocative act in defiance of the will of the international community and of our call to refrain from actions that would aggravate tensions in northeast Asia," Snow added.
A senior U.S. official said China was given a 20-minute warning ahead of the test and in turn passed the information along to the United States, Japan and South Korea.
A U.S. military official told CNN that "something clearly has happened," but the Pentagon was working to fully confirm the report.
Other senior U.S. officials said they also believed the test took place, citing seismic data that appears to show one.
The U.N. Security Council was already scheduled to vote on the nomination of South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon to be the successor to U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan. The body is still expected to vote on Ban before moving onto North Korea.
The U.S. Geological Survey Web site recorded a light 4.2-magnitude earthquake in North Korea at 10:35 a.m., about 385 kilometers (240 miles) northeast of the North Korean capital, Pyongyang.
South Korean intelligence officials said a seismic wave of magnitude-3.58 had been detected in North Hamkyung province, according to Yonhap.
"The nuclear test was conducted with indigenous wisdom and technology 100 percent. It marks a historic event as it greatly encouraged and pleased the KPA (Korean People's Army) and people that have wished to have powerful self-reliant defense capability," KCNA reported.
"It will contribute to defending the peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the area around it."
China's reaction
China on Monday demanded Pyongyang stop any action that would worsen the situation, Reuters news service reports.
"The DPRK has ignored the widespread opposition of the international community and conducted a nuclear test brazenly on October 9," China's Foreign Ministry said in a statement on its Web site.
"The Chinese government is firmly opposed to this," the statement said.
In Tokyo, the prime minister's office said Japan had established a task force to address the situation. Chief government spokesman Yasuhisa Shiozaki said if a nuclear test was confirmed, Japan would "strongly protest" it.
High-level South Korean officials, meanwhile, were meeting Monday after intelligence of the suspected test was received.
"President Roh Moo-hyun called in an emergency meeting of related ministers on Monday to discuss the North Korean nuclear issue," said Yonhap, quoting Foreign Ministry spokesman Choo Kyu-ho.
"The meeting comes as there has been a grave change in the situation involving the North's nuclear activity."
According to KCNA, there was no radioactive leakage from the site.
The U.N. Security Council is expected to discuss the North Korean issue on Monday, and the United States and Japan are likely to press for a resolution imposing additional sanctions on Pyongyang, The Associated Press reported.
On Friday, the Security Council warned North Korea against performing a nuclear test, citing unspecified action if it should do so.
It also called on North Korea to return immediately to the six-party talks with China, Japan, South Korea, Russia and the United States.
'Serious provocation'
The report of a North Korean nuclear test came as Japan's new Prime Minister Shinzo Abe arrived in Seoul for meetings with President Roh Moo-hyun to address the nuclear issue as well as address strains in relations between the two countries over territorial and historical disputes.
Also Monday, North Korea accused South Korea of committing a serious provocation by firing warning shots during a weekend incident in which the South says soldiers from the communist North crossed over their border.
On Monday, members of the U.N. Security Council are expected to select South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon to succeed Kofi Annan as secretary-general of the world body.
In a straw poll last Monday, all but one of the 15 council members supported that choice, according to Chinese Ambassador Wang Guangya.
John Bolton, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, refused to discuss the outcome of the vote, but said: "I think it was sufficiently clear that all members of the council agreed to move to a formal vote on Monday night," he said. The announcement would be made Tuesday, he said.
Sunday, October 08, 2006
The Cheese Stands Alone
As we are heading to Asia soon, Hubs and I decided it best to have a medical check-up (and tetanus shot). So we went in, met with the Doctor, and had our blood sent in for lab work (good times).
Hubs' results were, as usual, perfect.
As for me, I am sad to report that Herr Doctor has informed me that it is in my best interest to significantly reduce the amount of cheese, butter, eggs and cream I consume due to my cholesterol level. He advised I start eating low-fat this and non-fat that.
Hmmm, I thought to myself as he broke the news ... maybe I should not have eaten a block of cheese every night for the past 5 months (no exaggeration). What's the harm of a pot of fondue here, a pot of fondue there? Oh well, there's no sense in regretting the past. Each and every bite was fabulous. And luckily, I don't consume a ton of butter, eggs or cream. Cheese, however, is another story entirely.
Lucky for Hubs, he isn't in town at the moment. He's down South enjoying fried food as we speak. So I've taken the opportunity to clean out our cheese basket (some people have fully-stocked bars in their house; I have a fully-stocked cheese basket in the fridge, which takes up almost an entire shelf).
I've also consulted our friend, who's working on her PhD in Nutrition. She informed me I should increase my fiber intake, as well as cut back on fats. Oh, and that the most effective way to raise the level of good cholesterol in your body is to exercise. (Does carrying the stroller up and down two flights of stairs with baby and groceries count? I know it's not the stair master, but seriously!)
I also made a trip to our local "Reformhaus" (not really sure what this means, but I think it has something to do with health food) to get in the "mood" for healthy eating. I bought loads of salad greens, quark (a weird, low-fat, versatile, ricotta cheese-like substance that can be a base for Tahini, taste like sour cream or be a key lime dessert pudding), tofu, and another strange corn-based thing that I can't really describe, but it comes in many different flavors and goes well on top of salad greens (with a little garlic, olive oil and lemon juice).
I have always considered myself healthy. But, I must admit, I have slipped considerably in the past year.
When I was pregnant, I craved the traditional English Breakfast, Top Ramen, Twinkies and couldn't get enough of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese (how sick is that?). I remember there was a week where all I wanted to eat was French Fries. Then there were those carmel donuts from Gregg's bakery (with cream filling).
Those who know me, know these cravings were totally out of character.
Well, it is a slippery slope, my friends. But not to worry! I'm back on track.
You know, I've heard quark, tofu, greens, grains, lean meats are, after all, the new black.
Hubs' results were, as usual, perfect.
As for me, I am sad to report that Herr Doctor has informed me that it is in my best interest to significantly reduce the amount of cheese, butter, eggs and cream I consume due to my cholesterol level. He advised I start eating low-fat this and non-fat that.
Hmmm, I thought to myself as he broke the news ... maybe I should not have eaten a block of cheese every night for the past 5 months (no exaggeration). What's the harm of a pot of fondue here, a pot of fondue there? Oh well, there's no sense in regretting the past. Each and every bite was fabulous. And luckily, I don't consume a ton of butter, eggs or cream. Cheese, however, is another story entirely.
Lucky for Hubs, he isn't in town at the moment. He's down South enjoying fried food as we speak. So I've taken the opportunity to clean out our cheese basket (some people have fully-stocked bars in their house; I have a fully-stocked cheese basket in the fridge, which takes up almost an entire shelf).
I've also consulted our friend, who's working on her PhD in Nutrition. She informed me I should increase my fiber intake, as well as cut back on fats. Oh, and that the most effective way to raise the level of good cholesterol in your body is to exercise. (Does carrying the stroller up and down two flights of stairs with baby and groceries count? I know it's not the stair master, but seriously!)
I also made a trip to our local "Reformhaus" (not really sure what this means, but I think it has something to do with health food) to get in the "mood" for healthy eating. I bought loads of salad greens, quark (a weird, low-fat, versatile, ricotta cheese-like substance that can be a base for Tahini, taste like sour cream or be a key lime dessert pudding), tofu, and another strange corn-based thing that I can't really describe, but it comes in many different flavors and goes well on top of salad greens (with a little garlic, olive oil and lemon juice).
I have always considered myself healthy. But, I must admit, I have slipped considerably in the past year.
When I was pregnant, I craved the traditional English Breakfast, Top Ramen, Twinkies and couldn't get enough of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese (how sick is that?). I remember there was a week where all I wanted to eat was French Fries. Then there were those carmel donuts from Gregg's bakery (with cream filling).
Those who know me, know these cravings were totally out of character.
Well, it is a slippery slope, my friends. But not to worry! I'm back on track.
You know, I've heard quark, tofu, greens, grains, lean meats are, after all, the new black.
Sick
The thing I've noticed about being a mom is that just when you think you've got it, something new comes along.
Chase came down with her first cold yesterday. I know it is "par for the course" and that it is helping build her immune system, but it is really hard to watch a little, helpless child whose nose will not stop running.
I knew last night would be a long night. I brought her into bed with me, to save repeat trips to her room and to comfort her when she awoke every 15 minutes, terrified because she couldn't breath out of her nose.
Needless to say it was a long night.
We managed a trip down to the train station this morning to visit the only pharmacy open on a Sunday.
Now stocked with saline solution, a nose spray, a new nose suctioner-thing, and a cream to rub on her chest to help clear her nasal passages while she sleeps, I feel like I may actually have a chance at getting an hour or two of sleep myself.
Chase came down with her first cold yesterday. I know it is "par for the course" and that it is helping build her immune system, but it is really hard to watch a little, helpless child whose nose will not stop running.
I knew last night would be a long night. I brought her into bed with me, to save repeat trips to her room and to comfort her when she awoke every 15 minutes, terrified because she couldn't breath out of her nose.
Needless to say it was a long night.
We managed a trip down to the train station this morning to visit the only pharmacy open on a Sunday.
Now stocked with saline solution, a nose spray, a new nose suctioner-thing, and a cream to rub on her chest to help clear her nasal passages while she sleeps, I feel like I may actually have a chance at getting an hour or two of sleep myself.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
On Being Tall
Being tall isn't easy.
In high school most boys are half your height and the tall ones are uber-awkward (aka "not cool"). You can't fit in most clothes (legs are too long). Your clothing size is twice the size the "popular girls" are wearing. You are always asked "can you get that for me?" by random people when you're shopping.
It isn't until you get older that you appreciate height. When those "popular girls" become, well, average.
You can walk into any room - and everyone knows you are there (both a blessing and a curse). It's a silent, but strong presence.
I have vowed to teach my daughter to love and cherish her height.
So - to my littlest darling: Be proud. Be strong and hold your head high. Wear heals. Stand straight; don't slouch (it's so unbecoming). Embrace your height. Understand you will be a threat to some women. And please don't ever worry - real men (forget those high school boys) will love you for it.
In high school most boys are half your height and the tall ones are uber-awkward (aka "not cool"). You can't fit in most clothes (legs are too long). Your clothing size is twice the size the "popular girls" are wearing. You are always asked "can you get that for me?" by random people when you're shopping.
It isn't until you get older that you appreciate height. When those "popular girls" become, well, average.
You can walk into any room - and everyone knows you are there (both a blessing and a curse). It's a silent, but strong presence.
I have vowed to teach my daughter to love and cherish her height.
So - to my littlest darling: Be proud. Be strong and hold your head high. Wear heals. Stand straight; don't slouch (it's so unbecoming). Embrace your height. Understand you will be a threat to some women. And please don't ever worry - real men (forget those high school boys) will love you for it.
Hoi Hoi
Yesterday I caught two men winking at Chase (no, they were not winking at me).
The day before that, I caught a little old woman playing hide-and-seek with her. Last weekend a German man started talking to her while I was walking - he just came up beside me, kept pace and carried on a nice little German conversation with her and then said goodbye and went on his way.
At first it was a little overwhelming (we literally get significant attention from 3-5 people every time we leave the house), but I have come to realize that Chase is now actively engaging people. If I sit down at a restaurant/cafe/tram, she quickly surveys her surroundings, catches someone's eye and flashes a beautiful smile.
For the most part, she gets a big smile back, along with some German baby talk. "Hoi Hoi" is common (it's the same as hello). They also like to "click" at babies here (the sound made when your tongue in on the roof of your mouth). She loves it.
She actually gets sad if she can't get a response. She'll try again and again, until she realizes she isn't getting anywhere. She'll then spend about 2 seconds reflecting on the friend she could have had, and then moves on to the next unsuspecting adult. It's adorable.
But then I think to myself ... hmmm, she's only 6-months-old.
And then I remind myself that she's going to be a tall glass of water when she grows up (on track to be at least 6' tall - if not 6'1"), so she might as well get used to the attention now.
The day before that, I caught a little old woman playing hide-and-seek with her. Last weekend a German man started talking to her while I was walking - he just came up beside me, kept pace and carried on a nice little German conversation with her and then said goodbye and went on his way.
At first it was a little overwhelming (we literally get significant attention from 3-5 people every time we leave the house), but I have come to realize that Chase is now actively engaging people. If I sit down at a restaurant/cafe/tram, she quickly surveys her surroundings, catches someone's eye and flashes a beautiful smile.
For the most part, she gets a big smile back, along with some German baby talk. "Hoi Hoi" is common (it's the same as hello). They also like to "click" at babies here (the sound made when your tongue in on the roof of your mouth). She loves it.
She actually gets sad if she can't get a response. She'll try again and again, until she realizes she isn't getting anywhere. She'll then spend about 2 seconds reflecting on the friend she could have had, and then moves on to the next unsuspecting adult. It's adorable.
But then I think to myself ... hmmm, she's only 6-months-old.
And then I remind myself that she's going to be a tall glass of water when she grows up (on track to be at least 6' tall - if not 6'1"), so she might as well get used to the attention now.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
It's A Sad Day When You Miss BBC Prime
I never thought I would say this (I can hear my friends in London laughing their cotton socks off), but I miss BBC Prime!
They recently took it off the air here - which leaves one English speaking channel - CNN!
Just the thing I want to watch when I'm looking to kick back and relax ... the latest plane hijacking, the school shooting (those poor Amish girls!), and North Korea deciding to "test" nuclear weapons.
Yah, that will make me sleep better at night ...
They recently took it off the air here - which leaves one English speaking channel - CNN!
Just the thing I want to watch when I'm looking to kick back and relax ... the latest plane hijacking, the school shooting (those poor Amish girls!), and North Korea deciding to "test" nuclear weapons.
Yah, that will make me sleep better at night ...
Pumpkin Regatta
Worth checking out for a good laugh!
http://www.juckerfarmart.ch/jahresprogramm/0610_kuerbisregatta.php
http://www.juckerfarmart.ch/jahresprogramm/0610_kuerbisregatta.php
Monday, October 02, 2006
Turners Visit Zurich
We just finished up a lovely weekend with Matt & Christina Turner. We toured the city - and ate loads of cheese, chocolate and pastries. By the end of the weekend you couldn't tell them apart from the locals.
Thanks so much for making the trip out to see us!
Thanks so much for making the trip out to see us!
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Happy New Year ( Rosh Hashanah)
Last weekend, a friend invited us to celebrate Rosh Hashanah.
Having never celebrated it before, I did some quick online research and found that Rosh Hashanah literally means the head of the year and commemorates the anniversary of the creation of the world. I also discovered the traditional gift is a honey pot (good to know).
We were welcomed by the sweet smell of chicken, kugel and carrot Tzimmes. When dinner was ready, we (along with about 12 other guests) gathered around the table and listened to our hostesses explain the significance of the food on the table (see below).
Round Challah: Symbolizes a perfect year to come. Sometimes raisins or honey can be added to make it extra sweet.
Apples & Honey: Dip the apples in honey to symbolize the wish for a sweet year to come.
Head of Fish: Symbolizes fertility and abundance. The head of the fish symbolizes the New Year, as well as the hope that the Jewish people will lead other nations through their righteous acts.
Head of Lamb: Symbolizes the hope that the Jewish people will lead other nations through their righteousness.
Tzimmes: Carrots symbolize the hope to increase good deeds in the coming year.
Spinach: Symbolizes a green year with plenty of produce.
Rice: Symbolizes abundance.
The food and company could not have been better. Chase thoroughly enjoyed herself. She didn't want to miss a thing - but around the fourth course, her eyelids became too heavy and she just couldn't keep them open.
I left the festivities full, happy and wondering why there isn't more symbolism to the New Year we celebrate. Sure, there are parties (symbolizing celebration of the old year and new year), and then there's watching the ball drop in Times Square (symbolizing a count down), but that's really about it. Sure it's fun, but it just feels like it's missing something.
So I have decided that I will just have to create my own New Year traditions, borrowing bits and pieces from other countries and religions that I have been exposed to and enjoy most.
Having never celebrated it before, I did some quick online research and found that Rosh Hashanah literally means the head of the year and commemorates the anniversary of the creation of the world. I also discovered the traditional gift is a honey pot (good to know).
We were welcomed by the sweet smell of chicken, kugel and carrot Tzimmes. When dinner was ready, we (along with about 12 other guests) gathered around the table and listened to our hostesses explain the significance of the food on the table (see below).
Round Challah: Symbolizes a perfect year to come. Sometimes raisins or honey can be added to make it extra sweet.
Apples & Honey: Dip the apples in honey to symbolize the wish for a sweet year to come.
Head of Fish: Symbolizes fertility and abundance. The head of the fish symbolizes the New Year, as well as the hope that the Jewish people will lead other nations through their righteous acts.
Head of Lamb: Symbolizes the hope that the Jewish people will lead other nations through their righteousness.
Tzimmes: Carrots symbolize the hope to increase good deeds in the coming year.
Spinach: Symbolizes a green year with plenty of produce.
Rice: Symbolizes abundance.
The food and company could not have been better. Chase thoroughly enjoyed herself. She didn't want to miss a thing - but around the fourth course, her eyelids became too heavy and she just couldn't keep them open.
I left the festivities full, happy and wondering why there isn't more symbolism to the New Year we celebrate. Sure, there are parties (symbolizing celebration of the old year and new year), and then there's watching the ball drop in Times Square (symbolizing a count down), but that's really about it. Sure it's fun, but it just feels like it's missing something.
So I have decided that I will just have to create my own New Year traditions, borrowing bits and pieces from other countries and religions that I have been exposed to and enjoy most.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Chase's Carp Kite
Special thanks to Grandpa Mark for sending Chase a lovely, Japanese carp kite (which symbolizes strength and courage).
In Japan, it is customary for every family to erect a bamboo pole in their garden (on Children's Day) and fly a carp kite for every member of the family. The oldest son has the largest kite (shocker).
I wonder how big Prince Hisahito's carp kite is - I'm thinking it might be a little bigger than Chase's carp kite.
In Japan, it is customary for every family to erect a bamboo pole in their garden (on Children's Day) and fly a carp kite for every member of the family. The oldest son has the largest kite (shocker).
I wonder how big Prince Hisahito's carp kite is - I'm thinking it might be a little bigger than Chase's carp kite.
Monday, September 25, 2006
Allbrittons Move To Asia
China (Dalian). Japan (Tokyo). Singapore (like Dallas, TX).
Brian has been offered amazing opportunities in Asia.
Now we must decide which one is the best fit.
Should know by end of this week.
Stay tuned...
Brian has been offered amazing opportunities in Asia.
Now we must decide which one is the best fit.
Should know by end of this week.
Stay tuned...
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Littlest CEO
She knows what she wants and knows how to get it.
I arrange her meals, play dates, travel schedule, "down time," exercise (baby yoga) and daily spa therapy (tub soak, baby massage and aromatherapy).
She can call on me at anytime to discuss anything; I am available to her around the clock.
I take the minutes from our meetings, and work against her deadlines on deliverables (one bottle, coming right up!)
I brief her on upcoming events, things she's going to do, and people she's going to meet. At the end of each day, I debrief her (how was it, did she like little Suzie, would she consider playing with little Suzie again).
I provide translation services (French and baby sign).
I clean up her messes with a smile.
But I must say, even at the end of the day when I am absolutely exhausted ... being Chase's PA is the best job I've ever had.
I arrange her meals, play dates, travel schedule, "down time," exercise (baby yoga) and daily spa therapy (tub soak, baby massage and aromatherapy).
She can call on me at anytime to discuss anything; I am available to her around the clock.
I take the minutes from our meetings, and work against her deadlines on deliverables (one bottle, coming right up!)
I brief her on upcoming events, things she's going to do, and people she's going to meet. At the end of each day, I debrief her (how was it, did she like little Suzie, would she consider playing with little Suzie again).
I provide translation services (French and baby sign).
I clean up her messes with a smile.
But I must say, even at the end of the day when I am absolutely exhausted ... being Chase's PA is the best job I've ever had.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Solids: You Are What You Eat
Now that I have read "Super Baby Food" (about a thousand times) I feel (super?) confident about introducing solids. The book is extremely thorough. I especially like Ruth Yaron's "Super Porridge" concept, although I can't imagine Chase enjoying it with the recommended Brewers Yeast, desiccated liver and sea kelp (I can just imagine how popular she'd be if I served some up to her friends during a slumber party).
Funny how things from your childhood come back to haunt you once you have a child of your own. I remember my mom (bless her) used to work her tail off to get me to eat (and enjoy) healthy food. I remember veggie cars (celery body, carrot wheels - held together with toothpicks) and plastic Easter eggs filled with grapes. I remember that I could choose my own breakfast cereal, but sugar could not be one of the first three ingredients (this knocks out everything except whole grain cheerios and wheeties). Dinner was usually something uber healthy - I recall a lot of tofu. I, of course, only wanted to eat candy, twinkies, donuts, lunchables (they were so rad!) ding dongs and costco muffin tops.
So my parents came up with a plan. A donut dinner. No kidding. All the donuts I could stuff in my face in one sitting. Of course I ate so many that I felt ill afterwards; it took a good, long while before I wanted a donut again (also worth mentioning the fact that I quickly became the coolest kid on the block when my friends found out I had a donut dinner).
Now as a grown-up, I can certainly see where my parents were coming from (and I thank them for their continued efforts). I want my daughter to be healthy, of course, but still enjoy junk food on occasion. For me, the fact I couldn't have it made me want it all the more (a reoccurring theme in my life, as it turns out).
But as we all know, children today are in bad shape!
The NDP (NDEP is a partnership of the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and more than 200 public and private organizations) indicates that:
- Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in school-aged children.
- In theUnited States
- Ten to 15 percent of children and teens are overweight – about double the number of two decades ago – increasing numbers of young people have type 2 diabetes.
So how does one find a balance between Super Porridge with sea kelp and donut dinners?
Now there's food for thought....
Funny how things from your childhood come back to haunt you once you have a child of your own. I remember my mom (bless her) used to work her tail off to get me to eat (and enjoy) healthy food. I remember veggie cars (celery body, carrot wheels - held together with toothpicks) and plastic Easter eggs filled with grapes. I remember that I could choose my own breakfast cereal, but sugar could not be one of the first three ingredients (this knocks out everything except whole grain cheerios and wheeties). Dinner was usually something uber healthy - I recall a lot of tofu. I, of course, only wanted to eat candy, twinkies, donuts, lunchables (they were so rad!) ding dongs and costco muffin tops.
So my parents came up with a plan. A donut dinner. No kidding. All the donuts I could stuff in my face in one sitting. Of course I ate so many that I felt ill afterwards; it took a good, long while before I wanted a donut again (also worth mentioning the fact that I quickly became the coolest kid on the block when my friends found out I had a donut dinner).
Now as a grown-up, I can certainly see where my parents were coming from (and I thank them for their continued efforts). I want my daughter to be healthy, of course, but still enjoy junk food on occasion. For me, the fact I couldn't have it made me want it all the more (a reoccurring theme in my life, as it turns out).
But as we all know, children today are in bad shape!
The NDP (NDEP is a partnership of the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and more than 200 public and private organizations) indicates that:
- Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in school-aged children.
- In the
- Ten to 15 percent of children and teens are overweight – about double the number of two decades ago – increasing numbers of young people have type 2 diabetes.
So how does one find a balance between Super Porridge with sea kelp and donut dinners?
Now there's food for thought....
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