Just Being Me

Another Reason Why I’m Chandler

noreply@blogger.com (Nadine) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:18:00 +0000

I don’t like to take personality tests. You know the kinds that you answer a million questions to find out what “personality type” you are. Tom on the other hand loves these tests. What ends up happening is he bugs me to take them too.

I once took a test that asked the question, “Which Friends Character Are You?” Tom had nothing to do with it; he likes the more serious types of tests. Believe it or not I was Chandler. Maybe it’s the fact that I crack jokes all the time. Maybe it’s because I have something sarcastic to say (or ten). For the record, I show lots more self control with telling a joke. Those of you who know me are a little scared right now, but you should have seen me 20 years ago.

But this morning I was reminded why there is another reason why I’m the Chandler character – sound effects.

I don’t know about you other ladies out there, but I am horrible at sound effects. The majority of guys are born with this ability. They play cops and robbers or solider and produce all these sounds that sound like guns or bombs.

This morning I tried to imitate the sound of hair being cut by scissors. When Tom gave me that all knowing puzzled look, I told him what sound I was trying to make. He smiled, said he loved me and then made the correct sound of scissors cutting hair. We just laughed.

Here is a clip of Chandler that proves that sometimes these tests do come out correct.

© Nadine Zawacki 2009

P.S. I have been responding to everyone’s comments. It’s not something I’ve done in the past, but just started doing.

Confession Time

noreply@blogger.com (Nadine) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:49:00 +0000

They say confession is good for the soul. Let’s see if that’s true. I want to confess something. I hope that you don’t think ill of me when I make this confession.

It all started as I was making some of my home made sauce. Tom’s mom taught me how when we first got married. That was the only thing Tom asked of me and it was a good idea, since I wasn’t Italian. She was fabulous and happy to share her recipe with me. In my house growing up rice and beans and barbeque goat meat was the norm so I didn’t have any idea about meatballs and spaghetti sauce. Anyway, I digress - back to my confession.

As I was cooking up my sauce, I started to pretend I had my own cooking show. If you must know the theme for my show is home cooking with different ethnic foods since I’m of different ethnic backgrounds.

I know I’m not Italian but I’ve made enough sauce in my 28 years of marriage that I’m an honorary Italian.

I also had a name for my show. It was called, “A Pinch of This and Dash of That.” I know what you’re thinking – my friend is nuts. But let me explain. I have a great imagination (one of the reasons why I like to write). I also have a love of cooking and cooking shows. I’ve been told that I’m humorous. I use to act in High School. You put all of those ingredients together and do you know what you get? You get someone pretending they have a cooking show while they cook dinner. Okay, maybe not.

I feel better getting it off my chest.

Now I’ve shared my little confession. What types of creative things do you do? If it’s something you do when no is watching even better.

© Nadine Zawacki 2009

Mirrors

noreply@blogger.com (Nadine) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:11:00 +0000

Mirrors are a funny thing. A Fun House of Mirrors have special mirrors that distort your appearance. It’s there for fun. You walk through and see yourself big or small or twisted. You have a good laugh because you know you don’t look like that.

I look at myself and I’m not always pleased with my appearance. I wish I was thinner. I wish my hair wasn’t as frizzy. I wish many things. Not all of it has to do with things that are visible.

When Tom looks at me he sees beauty. I know this because he tells me how beautiful I am everyday of our lives. When I call he answers, “Hello beautiful.” He’ll randomly ask, “How’s my pretty girl doing?” He tells me he loves me everyday.

So whose mirror is distorted? Mine or his?

When God looks at me, He sees the beautiful woman he created. He sees the child that is precious and dear to His heart. He sees the person He thought worthy enough to send His son to die for.

Hmmmm.

God is good. He loves me. Period.

© Nadine Zawacki 2009

I’m Married to MacGyver

noreply@blogger.com (Nadine) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:14:00 +0000

Tom is many things to me. He is my husband, best friend, lover, encourager, protector, the father of my children. There is so much more I can say but I’m trying not to make some of you OD on sugar.

We have had things break before around our house and Tom’s handy and can fix many things with the proper tools. What I didn’t know until today was I’m married to MacGyver.

Do you remember that show where MacGyver can fix anything with ordinary things around him?

Tom fixed the wireless microphone at church with straw and duct tape. I was quite impressed.

It’s amazing what you can do with a little imagination.

© Nadine Zawacki 2009

Google Me This

noreply@blogger.com (Nadine) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:31:00 +0000

Google is an unbelievable tool. I have many different blog posts that come up when people are searching for something. Two of my most popular posts are; The Ankle Bracelet and Griot (Haitian Pork Shoulder). The names you use for your posts carry a lot of weight. I still get comments on the Ankle Bracelet post from women who grew up in New York City and remember the tradition.

When the people at our church found out Tom and I would be the new pastors they “Googled” us. I don’t know if it’s funnier that they “Googled” us or that they found things when they did. I’m grateful they only found good things like our Facebook accounts and our blogs.

What happens when you Google your name?

© Nadine Zawacki 2009

You’re All My Favorites

noreply@blogger.com (Nadine) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:45:00 +0000

A member of our church gave me this sweet book, You’re All My Favorites. Why would she give me a children’s story?

It all started with a picture I took with one of the girls at our Ice Cream Social. It was put on Facebook with a bunch of other photos taken that night. She took the photo and created one that said, “Nadine’s Favorite.”

You can imagine it did not sit well with one of the other teen girls. What happened next was a back and forth that turned out to be hilarious. It was all in fun, but I went on record that my love for them was the same.

We love people in different ways because there are different types of love. A love for a parent or a child is not the same as a love for a spouse.

We all want to be special and think we are someone’s favorite. I’m my parent’s favorite and since I’m so much younger than my siblings, I believe they let me get away with that (and it also happens to be true). When my dad was alive he would agree with me.

Hurt feelings can ensue when people choose one friend over another or one child or a parent, etc. I’m grateful that God doesn’t do that. Sometimes it may seem because of our circumstances that God is choosing to bless one person over the other. It’s been my experience that His love holds no bounds and His love is intense. The more I put into the relationship the more I’ll get out.

We judge Him by our circumstances. He gets blamed for the all the bad in the world. God is good and He loves me – this I know.

Not everyone will be our close confidants. We don’t have to wear our hearts on our sleeves. We will always have deep relationships and those that aren’t but are friendly. People we work with don’t need to know our deepest darkest secrets. That’s not what I’m talking about here.

I want to go on record as saying, I’m sorry if I’ve ever hurt anyone’s feelings. If I made you feel less than. It was never my intention. My heart is that . . . You’re All My Favorites.

© Nadine Zawacki 2009

Over the Top

noreply@blogger.com (Nadine) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 21:10:00 +0000

My friend Scarlet gave me an award for having a blog that was Over the Top. Sweet. Thanks Scarlet. Part of the award is to answer the survey below (using one word answers).

Where is your cell phone? Pocket
Your hair? Frizzy
Your mother? Sweet
Your father? Deceased
Your favorite food? Seafood
Your dream last night? Forgetable
Your favorite drink? Latte
Your dream/goal? Writer
What room are you in? Office
Your hobby? Writing
Your Fear? Mice
Where do you want to be in 6 years? Hawaii
Where were you last night? Bed
Something that you aren’t? Pretentious
Muffins? Blueberry
Wish list item? MacBook
Where did you grow up? Brooklyn
Last thing you did? Clean
What are you wearing? Clothes
Your TV? Small
Your pets? None
Your friends? Considerate
Your life? Full
Your mood? Happy
Missing someone? Kids
Vehicle? Old
Something you’re not wearing? Shoes
Your favorite store? Apple
Your favorite color? Blue
When was the last time you laughed? Today
Last time you cried? Yesterday
Your best friend? Tom
One place that I go to over and over? WalMart
Person who emails me regularly? Tom
Favorite place to eat? Anthony’s

© Nadine Zawacki 2009

My Nemesis

noreply@blogger.com (Nadine) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:28:00 +0000

I enjoy games. Facebook has a game called Bejeweled Blitz. It takes one minute to play so it goes very fast and there is not much of a commitment. Yesterday a friend who plays the game had as his status on Facebook: Going to beat Nadine’s Bejeweled score if it’s the last thing I do.

It made me giggle because there are some of my friends that play the game and are very good. Every time I get a good score and I’m in the top 5, someone (my Bejeweled nemesis) comes along and beats my score. Actually there are about eight of them that do that, so I’m not naming names, but you know who you are . . . or do you?

Seriously it’s just my way of having fun. I laugh and sit there for the next twenty minutes trying to better my score.

Today, I’m sitting with Tom at the oncology office while he has his maintenance treatment of Rituxan. For the next two years, every six months for four weeks this will be what we go through. It’s not as severe as regular chemo treatments, but it does take up to six hours and it makes him really tired. The good news is that by the next day, he’s back to his normal self.

I love Tom . . . I hate cancer.

Since his diagnosis in 2005, we have taken this approach (or at least tried): Enjoy the good days, endure the bad, but keep moving forward. I know for Tom he doesn’t even think about cancer unless there is a doctor’s appointment or treatments.

My real nemesis is cancer. It is not a game, but real life. I hang on to the promises of God and hope for the future. We enjoy our time together. We treasure it. Even on days like these when I’m sitting next to him as he rests, I remind myself that God is good and He loves us.

Recently we picked up a plaque that had this saying on it:

Hope is the ability to hear the music of tomorrow: Faith is the courage to dance to it today.

May you all dance.

© Nadine Zawacki 2009

Happy Birthday to My Daughter

noreply@blogger.com (Nadine) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:48:00 +0000

I can’t believe my baby girl is 26 today. It wasn’t that long ago they were placing her in my arms for the first time. I tease her that I’m too young to be the mother of a 26 year old. I’ve been saying that since her 25th birthday. The truth of the matter is that I couldn’t be prouder to be her mother.

She’s smart, beautiful and kind. She was always smart as a young child. I remember when she was four years old and I made chocolate cake as a treat for dessert. I didn’t do this often, so she was really looking forward to it. We told her she had to finish her dinner before she could have a piece of cake. This was her response:

“My food compartment is full, but my dessert compartment is empty.”

Okay, she got major credit for using the word compartment at four years old and a piece of chocolate cake for using it correctly.

She calls us often and a smile always comes to my face when I hear her ringer on my phone.

I love you and my heart’s desire is to be with you today, but since I can’t I will have to give you extra hugs at Christmas.

© Nadine Zawacki 2009

I've always loved that picture of her and Tom.

Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Nadine) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:12:00 +0000

The dictionary defines the word inspiration as: a divine influence; action on a person believed to qualify him/her to receive and communicate sacred revelation; the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions or the act of influencing or suggesting opinion.

I’ve not been inspired in a while to write any blog posts. Why? I don’t know.

On my fan page on Facebook, I’ve been inspired daily. But those were little bursts of inspiration. Playing writing games have been lots of fun for me and those who participate.

Sometimes, I just need to slow down enough in order to put aside all the distractions so I can be inspired. I find when I stop to listen to what God has to say, I’m inspired. I get ideas and I’m able to express them in writing. Help me Lord to be more focused. My goal is to set time aside to be inspired.

So what inspires you?

© Nadine Zawacki 2009

I Want to Know What Love Is

noreply@blogger.com (Nadine) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 15:37:00 +0000

Last week my hubby was away at a conference. Every night there was some activity or another to keep me busy. I taught a class on dreams one night and ran the book club another. I had a couple of young gals come over for a movie and the ladies from our church went to pizza and a movie. One of the ladies called me for a mani/pedi and lunch. The week seemed to go very slowly even with all that activity.

Tom is home now and I’m glad to have him back. We did lots of Facebook flirting while he was gone as well as talk on the phone. If you are on Facebook with your husband, I highly recommend Facebook flirting. We wrote messages to each other and how much we missed each other. He even posted a love song on his page. I love him. I don’t mind telling the whole world.

Love after 31 years together gets stronger. I can honestly say I’m more in love with him now than I ever was. We are often mistaken for newlyweds when we are out. I think it’s the way we stare in each other’s eyes. When I want to know what love is, I look in Tom’s eyes. Not only do I see his love for me, but I see his love for God. It’s that love that gets us through the tough days and makes the good days great. It’s that love that grows and becomes stronger.

I hope you enjoy this video by Mariah Carey and the song Tom dedicated to me last week. Here’s the thing about this song – you can easily sing it to God as well as a loved one.

© Nadine Zawacki 2009

Birthday Week

noreply@blogger.com (Nadine) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 13:26:00 +0000

Yesterday was my birthday. I had a great day. Tom could not have been sweeter or more attentive if he tried. Before I get to that, let me tell you about birthday week. One of the ladies at church had a recent birthday and I noticed it was being celebrated for the whole week. Tom kept asking me what I wanted for my birthday and I kept coming up with a blank. It’s been hard for me to get excited about my birthday. It has nothing to do with age. I’m fine with my age. It had been a rough year. We sold our home that I loved, moved twice and had to deal with cancer again.

Having a week long celebration really helped. Tom made me some very special seafood dinners and was so sweet to me leading up to my birthday. I had shrimp scampi and Sicilian Seafood Stew. Yummy.

On my actual birthday he couldn’t have been more of a prince. He got up and came back from the store with: beautiful pink roses, a lovely card, my favorite Starbucks latte and a cream cheese bagel. We went to the movies. We saw Fame. I loved the original. The remake was okay, but my movie partner was handsome and charming. We bought some nice steaks, lobster tail and King Crab legs. That’s right he made me an incredible birthday dinner.

I had such a great day with Tom. My kids called. I got lots of birthday love on Facebook. I received a Happy Birthday text, lovely cards in the mail and even an e-card. I felt very loved and very special.

So if you find yourself not wanting to celebrate your birthday – make a week long event out of it. Trust me. If you love your birthday stretch it out for a week.

Thank you Tom for loving me and making me feel special.

© Nadine Zawacki 2009

Shiny Broken Pieces

noreply@blogger.com (Nadine) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 04:13:00 +0000

Today I have a guest blogger, my hubby Tom. I wanted to reprint this blog post he wrote. It spoke to my heart and I hope it speaks to yours.

Awoke at 3:00 AM, can't seem to sleep. Watched the season premier of House tonight. The main character is a brilliant but very broken physician. This episode opens up with our extremely gifted yet horribly flawed hero in a state mental institution... as a patent. The next two hours portrayed his journey to emotional honesty. The writers and actors did their jobs very well.

It made me think.

I'm broken too. I cover up my my brokenness effectively but that doesn't mean I'm whole, I'm not. I'm still broken. I've learned how to ignore my pain and how to coexist with my pain and even how to function at very high levels in spite of my pain. But none of these things, not one, has healed or removed my pain.

I could go on like this, broken yet functional, for a very long time and most would never know. Our culture is ill-equipped to deal with flawed leaders, the church even less then society. I have learned how to see the good in every circumstance and situation. When life has given me lemons I've used them to make very tasty sermon illustrations. I'm more entertaining but I'm still broken. Others are refreshed, heck, some are even inspired - but me, if I'm truly honest I have to admit, my pain still remains.

"Com' on Tom, count your blessings..." I do have many, much more than I deserve.

"Look at the lives you have touched..." Wow, more than I could ever have imagined, I'm humbled, eternally grateful - the lemonade has gone a long way, a very long way.

But about that pain...

Papa, two bouts of cancer have broken me in ways I can't begin to express. The physical toll, as expensive as it has been, is easily eclipsed by the emotional and spiritual. Please take all my fractured pieces. Some have been hidden away for a very long time. Others I have have kept well polished and as presentable as possible. I have no idea how to repair them, some don't seem to fit together any longer. I'm pretty sure that many just need to be replaced.

Papa, I offer you my heart, please be gentle, it's been through a lot and it's been broken for a very long time, thanks. Well, it's almost 4:30, I'm going back to bed and see if I can get a little more sleep, goodnight.

© Tom Zawacki 2009

Guilty Pleasure

noreply@blogger.com (Nadine) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 23:49:00 +0000

I am the first to admit that there are some shows I like to call “guilty pleasures.” Why do I call them that? Well, it’s because they may not be the “best” thing on television but I find pleasure in watching it anyway. One of those shows to my surprise is called, Drop Dead Diva. The premise is dumb and the acting is less than stellar but I find enjoyment in it anyway. The show is about a plus size lawyer who dies and goes to heaven the same time that a pretty blonde model does. The model pushes a button to go back to earth and ends up in the body of the plus size lawyer. She retains her memories but is now suddenly very smart. I told you it was a dumb premise.

This past week the show was about the lawyer going into a fancy boutique to buy a dress she saw advertised. The problem came when the store didn’t carry anything above a size 10. She was treated “less than” because of her size and asked to leave. Being a lawyer she naturally sued them.

It reminded me of something that happened when I my daughter was visiting. We went to the mall. I was wearing my Wal-Mart special jeans, shirt and sneakers. My hair was up and I had very little make-up. I was comfortable. We were in Lord & Taylor. We passed by the fur coat area and I walked in to take a better look. A man came out from the back, took one look at me and when right back from which he came. I remembered feeling “less than.” I so wanted to have a Pretty Woman moment. I wanted to go buy a very expensive fur coat somewhere else, come back and let that man know he “blew it.”

Maybe I like the show because I have had a problem with my weight my whole life. There have been times when I was thin but mostly I shop in that “plus size” section of the store.

Whether I lose weight or not doesn’t matter. What matters is - do I feel good about who I am as a person? Am I less intelligent because of the section of the store I shop? Am I nicer? Am I less than because I can’t afford a fur coat? No. Hey, don’t get me wrong I would love to lose weight and afford that fur coat. But this I know, neither one defines who I am. I have a man who loves me and tells me everyday I am beautiful. That is worth more than money or a size 10 pair of jeans.

This particular guilty pleasure allowed me to take a look at myself and realize that I like me. I am blessed. How many guilty pleasures can you say that about?

© Nadine Zawacki 2009

Always Remember

noreply@blogger.com (Nadine) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:49:00 +0000

This is the first time since 9/11 we are living back in New York. I remember watching the coverage on television while living in Washington state. I couldn't believe my eyes. My heart ached at the thought of the lost of life. The pain for the family members who were unsure of the fate of their loved ones. My niece worked across the street and saw the plane go into the building. We were worried until we heard she was okay late in the day. We were blessed that she was not hurt. Tom lost a childhood friend, a fireman who even though was off duty went into the tower to help.

Today, FOX news showed footage from that day. It felt real again. It felt different being in New York remembering it. There were thousands of lives lost - not only in New York, but in the Pentagon and Pennsylvania.

I remember the innocent and the brave that were lost. I pray for those they left behind as they grieve the loss of their loved ones.

Sam the Bellhop

noreply@blogger.com (Nadine) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:51:00 +0000

This was very cute. I thought you all would like it. He uses a whole deck of cards as he tells a story about Sam the Bellhop.

Driving

noreply@blogger.com (Nadine) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 17:27:00 +0000

We have traveled quit a bit since we moved to New York. Our family lives closer, but it still takes sometimes hours to visit them. We went to Boston for a conference and Pennsylvania for a doctor visit recently.

This is what I noticed.

Motorcycle drivers think the dotted line in the road is their own private lane. It makes me nuts when they speed by between two cars. The fact that this is very dangerous doesn’t seem to faze them.

When we drove through the town of Bloomsburg, PA on Route 11 there are warning signs. As Tom and I were driving he read one: “Caution, watch for aggressive drivers.” I thought he was kidding when he no sooner spoke those words a lady was tailgating us. This was a two way road with no place to pass. Tom was doing the speed limit but she didn’t seem to care nor had the ability to read the following signs: “Do not tailgate.” “Follow at least two dots beyond.” The dots on the road are markers for drivers. She was half a dot behind us and stayed that way until we turned off the road.

I understand why they had so many signs on that road. They should also post police cars to catch the violators. No one seemed to be paying attention to the millions of signs on the road.

Maybe I’ve become soft. I’ve not lived here in 16 years but I’ve managed to drive across the country not once but twice, yet I will not drive outside of Long Island. Why? The people on the road are nuts. They speed. They weave like it was the Indy 500. They ride your bumper.

Here’s the crazy thing. Sixteen years ago, I didn’t notice the difference. I was right at home and could weave with the best of them. Things change. I’ve come to realize that I will get there when I get there. I leave early enough to allow for traffic even though that’s hard to judge. I guess don’t feel the urgent need for speed. I’ve realized that I’ll get there whether the traffic tries to slow me down or other drivers cut me off.

God gets me to where I’m going. I prefer to move at His pace. Granted, His pace sometimes feels like its supersonic and other times feels like I’m crawling. When I’m on His road I’ll get there. I’ll the driving to Him.

© Nadine Zawacki 2009

Second Opinion

noreply@blogger.com (Nadine) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:38:00 +0000

A second opinion is a good thing. Having a clearer picture of what is happening in a situation is helpful. A fresh set of eyes that are caring and loving can deliver peace of mind like nothing else.

When living in West Virginia we became good friends with a man who was doctor. We connected on many levels because he was a Christian and from New York. His specialty was nephrology but he became our family doctor. He had a caring bedside manner and prophetic giftings that aided him with diagnosing your ailments.

With all the different medical issues Tom had gone through lately we were getting frustrated that no one was looking at the big picture as a whole. He had trouble with his legs and the family doctor sent him to a cardiologist who wanted tests. The family doctor was looking for the cause but didn’t nothing for the symptoms. It’s taken over a month to get all the tests done and we still don’t have definitive answers. He also saw the oncologist who only wanted to treat the symptoms but not necessarily try to find out “why” this was happening.

Tom searched and found Dr. D, our friend. He was living in PA. He had us change our appointment to the last one of the day so that we can visit with him afterwards. We took all his records and he sat with us; looked over every test, did additional tests that were not done, called an oncologist friend to review that aspect of his health and gave us a clear, concise picture. He said what was being done was on track. He cleared his kidneys from any issues that may have arisen from chemotherapy. Right now, Tom is doing well. His legs still hurt but it will take time for it to heal. He will have maintenance treatments done in October and every 6 months for the next two years. His lymphoma is being monitored with these treatments and PET scans. I keep praying for total healing.

The four hour drive was well worth it. How many doctors you know spend over an hour and half with you in their office and then take you out to dinner. It was wonderful to see him and his children. We will continue to keep him informed of all that happens here so he can continue to keep an eye on Tom’s health.

A second opinion gave us peace of mind.

© Nadine Zawacki 2009

Our Daughter’s Visit

noreply@blogger.com (Nadine) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 13:43:00 +0000

Our daughter came for a visit recently. Her brother was suppose to come at the same time, but had to work. We did miss him, but understand that you have to take the projects when opportunity arises.

We had a great time visiting with her. She’s studying psychology and is in her final year of undergrad work. We are very proud of her. We had a mother/daughter mani/pedi day. We were able to visit the last home she remembered before leaving sixteen years ago.

The best part of us living in New York is the ability to visit with family. Here are some pictures with family.
With my mom
With my mom and Tom
With her cousin (my brother's daughter)
With my niece's husband, my sister-in-law, my niece and my brother
With grandpa
With cousins
With Tom's sister and her hubby
Hope you all have a great day and enjoy those young ones. They grow up so fast.

© Nadine Zawacki 2009

Creativity Unleashed

noreply@blogger.com (Nadine) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 22:43:00 +0000

Creativity has way of bursting out of people. I've had a block for a few weeks and then it lifted. I'm very grateful it did. I decided that I wanted to help creativity burst out of others. On my fan page on Facebook, I've been playing a simple game of "Finish the Sentence."

I've posted some sentences and people left comments to finish the story. Today was the best one yet. I asked that people use only 3 words to finish the sentence. I had great responses, especially from Tom. I laughed out loud so many times. I love that people were inspired in some small way to let creativity flow from them.

Creativity unleashed! Let it flow. Okay for those of you who are not on Facebook, here's today's story game: Finish with ONLY 3 words:

He waited for this moment all of his life and it was finally here. Excitement filled the air. He open his mouth and with a tremble in voice he said," . . .

Tom must of did a dozen of them, but these two were my favorites: "Who's your daddy?" and "More Cow Bell."

If you like to leave a comment with your 3 words, please do.

Julie and Julia

noreply@blogger.com (Nadine) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:55:00 +0000

Tom and I went to see Julie and Julia movie. I loved it. So many times Tom elbowed me during the movie because he said both ladies reminded him of me. Julie with her blogging – loved the first time she got a comment on her blog. Julia with the publishing of her cook book – the first time you see your book in the form that others will see it. Even though I had my book self published it didn’t take away from the “ah” moment.

I must give Meryl Streep props for her portrayal of Julia Child. Excellent job.

The story line was very entertaining as well as inspiring. It inspired me not to give up. To keep doing what I love. It doesn’t matter what age you are, it is NEVER too late to reach your destiny or see your dreams come true.

I will have to get a copy of the book to read. I know the book is always better than the movie which makes me excited to read it.

I don’t want to say too much about the movie because I don’t want to spoil it for you, but it was worth the price of admission.

© Nadine Zawacki 2009

Things of Youth

noreply@blogger.com (Nadine) — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 02:31:00 +0000

Tom and I were driving around when I noticed the block to my right was closed off for a block party. I couldn’t help but think back to block parties of my youth. It was loads of fun. I loved that they closed off the block and we were allowed to play in the street. It started in the morning and didn’t end until late evening. Everyone would make food and decorate tables in front of their homes. Neighbors would come by to eat and visit. Everyone would chip in to hire carnival rides that arrived on trucks. They would park on the street and we would take turns riding them over and over. Music played at night and we danced in the street. It was a fun time that I look back on fondly. Things of our youth do that sometimes.

At least once a day I’m reminded of another fond memory of my youth – the ice cream truck. There were two different types that would come around: Mr. Softee and The Good Humor Man. I loved both. Every time I hear that familiar song being played a smile would grace my face and a memory of me running to stop the truck would flash before my eyes. It wasn’t very hard to catch the truck because the ice cream man took his time coming the down the street.

One of the most popular blog posts I wrote and get “googled” all the time was a post about my ankle bracelet. You can read about here. I would get anonymous comments from ladies searching for a piece of their youth. Some regret having given up that sentimental part of their past. I was blessed I didn’t get rid of mine and still wear it from time to time because Tom gave it to me. For those who grew up in Brooklyn in the late 70’s and are interested in this blast from the past, you can find one HERE.

Fond memories of my youth bring a smile to my face. It was sometimes triggered by a smell, a sound or a sight, but the result was always the same – a smile.

What are some of the things of youth you remember with fondness?

© Nadine Zawacki 2009

Thank You

Two awards were given during my dry spell in blogland and I want to thank two lovely ladies for honoring me.

Tina, Palm Tree Fanatic – gave me this award for anyone who likes to smile and/or laugh, and just generally spread that along in the blogging world.Yvonne, Blue Seehorse – gave me this award for being a queen in the area of writing.

Thank you ladies for your kindness.

Jill and Kevin's Wedding Entrance

noreply@blogger.com (Nadine) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 22:30:00 +0000

This video has been all over YouTube. I thought it was very creative and fun. Enjoy it.

Update on my knee:

The MRI showed I tore my meniscus, have water on my knee, worn cartilage and arthritis. I need to see an orthopedic doctor for an evaluation.

My daughter is in visiting and I've been enjoying having her being home, even if it is for just a week.

You know what they said about imitation is a form of flattery. Someone posted this version of the dance but in divorce court - it's all in fun. I'm a big fan of marriage. I think Jill and Kevin will be happy forever. They started off great.

A Funny Thing Happened on My Way to . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Nadine) — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 19:31:00 +0000

I know I have been absent from blogland. My knee has gotten the best of me this month. I’m a bit tired of dealing with it. I had a MRI yesterday. Hopefully I didn’t tear anything on top of the arthritis. I should know the results next week.

There is a big highway called Sunrise by me and this was where the MRI place is located. There are three lanes of traffic going both directions (six in all).

On my way I noticed lots of police cars parked on smaller side roads leading to Sunrise Hwy. I turned onto the highway and noticed on the opposite side traffic was stopped. Why? There was some type of bicycle race going on and the cops cornered off the streets. I checked the building numbers on my side of the street and noticed that they were even. This was not a good sign. I knew then the place I was going to had an odd number and was across the street where traffic was stopped.

I parked my car across the street from the building because I didn’t want to be late. I had to now cross this street with my bum knee. Just for the record, they don’t give you enough time to cross before the lights start to flash that you only have 20 seconds and the count down began.

I had my MRI after waiting around for over half an hour (half that time spent in the gown they put you in). I had to turn off my cell phone because of the machines. It was getting late when I finished and I knew Tom would be wondering what was happening. I tried to put my phone back on but it wouldn’t turn on. Not good. I tried plugging it into the car charger when I finally made it back to my car. Nothing. I decided to drive to the church where Tom was. I tried to take the charger out but it wouldn’t budge. I see Tom and I cry. Why? I had enough. I had enough of that day. I had enough of my knee interfering with my energy and creativity. I had enough of everything.

Nothing is more healing than the arms of your husband, who loves you and can comfort you like no one else can. He held me. Loved on me. Fixed my phone. He’s my hero.

I look back on the day and I can laugh. My knee is getting better. I feel more like myself again. I’m grateful for my wonderful hubby who loves me. I’m grateful to wonderful people at our church who provided meals for us this week. I still have leftovers from those meals. I don’t have to cook again for a week. I’m a blessed woman who has had a frustrating week. When I look at things from the side of blessing instead of feeling sorry for myself life’s much clearer. Hmmm. You would think I would have learned that by now.

© Nadine Zawacki 2009

Ugh! That Blasted Knee

noreply@blogger.com (Nadine) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 00:39:00 +0000

Before my doctor went on vacation he told me I have arthritis in my left knee and gave me medicine. He would discuss with me what to do about it when he gets back on the 27th. Fun right?

I took my medicine and was starting to feel better when I stepped on the knee going down the stairs and suddenly saw stars. I was in lots of pain and I had a long car ride ahead me (I was upstate for a family gathering). Tom wanted to take me to the ER but I thought I would put ice on it and it would be better in the morning. It wasn’t and I stayed home from church.

Tom came home and took me to the ER. They took X-rays and the good news was nothing was broken, but I have severe arthritis and need to follow-up with my doctor.

I did get to take home the cool brace pictured above. Truly looks worse than it is. I’m grateful to all the people at church for their love, prayers and offers of help. Thanks guys.

© Nadine Zawacki 2009