Spiraling thoughts of a Yooper

You can hear me...but are you listening?

2007-02-28T00:51:00.000-05:00

How often do you really listen to what someone else has to say? When you ask, "how are you?" Do you wait to hear the answer? When you are introduced to someone, do you listen to their name? Are you always multi-tasking and partially listening?
Lately I have been trying to really listen to people. And I've realized that it is difficult. It takes a lot of focus and energy. It started with an experience a few weeks back when I met someone new. We spent a long time not saying anything but just looking into each other's eyes. Then slowly we started talking more and more about anything - life, family, friends. The connection I feel when I am with him is incredible because when he speaks I am completely focused on him and lost in his eyes.
Coincidence or not a few days later the book I am reading, The Road Less Traveled, had an entire passage on true listening and setting aside your own stereotypes, desires and expectations so that you can truly understand what the other person is saying as if you were experiencing it.
Then I was at a conference this weekend and there was a session on active listening that had us pair up and star into our partners eyes for 3 minutes while remaining expressionless. It was one of the most difficult things I have ever done. Just looking into the eyes of a stranger. I felt so vulnerable--without saying anything I felt like he learned so much about me. It was a powerful experience.
The experience of truly listening to someone else-- the connection that exists is incredible... Conversations are so powerful. If you see me starring deeply into your eyes sometime soon don't get alarmed... Truly listening to someone else just shows how deeply you care.

Simple yet Profound.

2007-01-12T00:22:00.000-05:00

Over Christmas while browsing in a bookstore I ran across a copy of The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho and although I have read it twice before it seemed to be calling me...if a book has ever found you at the right time in your life you know what I mean.
Two words: Remarkable. Refreshing. While reading I found myself thinking about how I live my life. I started dog-earing pages of simple yet profound passages. I found over 40 in all that I went back and really thought about but I'll share just a few now...

Food for thought.

"'It's the simple things in life that are the most extraordinary; only wise men are able to understand them.'" A sunset, a sunrise, the sound of birds chirping, the smell of fresh cut grass, big snowflakes you can catch on your tongue (Jen), the sound of waves rolling against the shore, rain, the crackle of a fire or the rustle of leaves. Yesterday on my walk to the subway I saw these two grey squirrels chasing each other in a tree. They were so adorable. How often do we really enjoy the simple things?

"'What's the world's greatest lie?' the boy asked... 'It's this: that a certain point in our lives, we loose control of what's happening to us, and our lives become controlled by fate. That's the world's greatest lie.'" Sometimes I wonder what the world would be like if each individual around the world saw their potential and felt empowered to take control of their lives. The result could be amazing or it could be a disaster. One of the things I love to do most is to help others uncover the potential they can't see or are forgetting in themselves.

"'Never stop dreaming...When you want something, all the universe conspires to help you achieve it,' the old king had said.'" This is something I truly believe in. I don't believe in coincidences yet sometimes things just seem to fall in place. Recently I was asked what people or events played the greatest role in who I am today. I attribute what I have accomplished to a simple message my parents sent resonating within me. "You can do anything you set your mind to." Once a dreamer always a dreamer but dreaming is only part of it, when you want something just take the initiative to go out and make it happen. If I only accomplish one thing in life it will be to empower my children and children everywhere to go after their dreams.

Simple yet Profound.

All I want for Christmas

2006-12-08T12:41:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I was talking with a friend from Canada Devan who is finishing his CEED in Kenya. He asked me, "what do you want more than anything for Christmas?" Without hesitating I answered, "to go snowshoeing with my puppy Maddog and spend the holidays with my grandparents."

What do you want more than anything for Christmas?

I'll be enjoying a White Christmas in Upper Michigan. Happy Holidays Everyone!

Stopping a moment to take a mental snapshot...

2006-11-14T14:30:00.001-05:00

One of the most amazing experiences are those unexpected moments where everything around you stops and for 30 seconds or 5 minutes you experience something amazing.

Darko - Madrid...WOW! says:"I was at the Plaza and got between it and the cathedral... there was a small passage or street that was kinda empty...and there was a guy playing saxophone, his case was closed so he wasnt playing for money, it was some kind of blues. It was so powerful and peaceful at the same time...so amazing. And you could see the sunset between the cathedral and the palace....so so so amazing. I wished you were here."

You take a mental snapshot and enjoy the moment. Often you think of a close friend or are reminded of someone special or a past experience. Months later when you think back on the moment you can remember it like it was yesterday. There is something about these moments that are just perfect... they stick with you forever.

When was the last time you stopped in the middle of everything and enjoyed a perfect moment?

You know they hate us...

2006-11-08T18:33:00.000-05:00

It went something like this:

M- Why do you always have to do something so different Sarah? You could have the perfect life but you don't want that.
S- Perfect life, what is that supposed to mean?
M- You always have to pick the craziest things, why Colombia adn the Middle East? Why not move to Norway? I have worked my whole life to give you everything and now you are throwing it away.
Middle East>
M- You know they hate us there! They don't want you there!
S- Who hates us Mom? All Muslims? Only Arabs? Who are 'they'?

We ended the conversation because it was going nowhere. After volunteering for AIESEC for 4 years and working full time for 2.5 (not just any organization but one where I dedicate each day to challenging these exact prejudices and building international understanding) I somehow figured my mom would understand why I wanted to do a traineeship in Colombia and the Middle East next year. I guess I was wrong about that. Maybe she doesn't understand who I am and what I stand for... Or maybe deep down she does but is afraid too. I'll chalk this one up as another challenge. We can make an AIESECer out of my mom yet.

Lens of Experience

2006-09-26T10:36:00.000-04:00

I find this passage very insightful and reflect on it often in my daily encounters with others.

"Each of us tends to think we see things as they are, that we are objective. But this is not the case. We see the world, not as it is, but as we are--or as we are conditioned to see it. When we open our mouths to describe what we see, we in effect describe ourselves, our perceptions, our paradigms. When other people disagree with us, we immediately think something is wrong with them. But as the demonstration shows, sincere, clearheaded people see things differently, each looking through the unique lens of experience."

- Stephen R. Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, p.28-29

Rwanda 1994: Almost 1 million lives lost

2006-04-12T22:18:00.000-04:00

Tonight I watched a move you are probably familiar with - Hotel Rwanda. I am still sitting here in shock unable to believe what I saw on the screen or think of anything else.

It disgusts me that an event so enormous was truly brought to my attention 12 years after the fact. I went to school for 16 years and never once learned about this mass genocide - or similar world events. My own ignorance disgusts me. The thought of how little I know about the world around me and its history scares me.

Paul is a true hero - his courage and leadership was incredible. He refused to be defeated and saved hundreds of lives. The UN commander - did everything possible to defend the refugees and bring them to freedom. And the red cross woman - out in the field rescuing orphans and searching for missing children. These individuals are true heroes who acted with integrity and put the interests of others before their personal welfare. Truly inspirational.

I want to know more about the events that have marked world history and specifically about this genocide in Rwanda and the current situation there. Learning always better late than never.

New British Film on the 1994 Genocide: Shooting Dogs
When will it hit the U.S.?

Page stopper - Saudi Students Studying in the U.S.

2006-03-21T01:06:00.000-05:00

An article that I was reading in Time Magazine this week struck home, close to my heart. I read it twice.

It was focused on increasing understanding betweens Saudis and Americans. The articles talks about how after 9/11 relations between the two countries were tense and limited because three fourths of the 9/11 hijackers were from Saudi Arabia. Today, over four years later, the U.S. and Saudi governments are looking forward. They are focused on increasing country relations by creating more interaction through sending Saudi students to university in the U.S. Currently there are over 6,000 Saudi students all across the U.S. and that number is supposed to triple in the next years.

I personally was happily surprised to read this article and find out that exchanging individuals -allowing Saudis to experience the U.S. and Americans first hand as well as Americans to experience and learn about Saudi people and culture- was the focus and that there are now more Saudi students in the U.S. than pre 9/11.

I was also impacted by the significance of the interaction between the American and Saudi students, "his roommate...invited him to sit on a rug spread on the floor and dine with a bunch of Saudi students by digging into communal pans of rice and meat." These students are experiencing each others cultures first hand and building relationships that will last a lifetime.

It is great to see the governments focusing on meaningful programs like this that will bridge cultural understanding and increase peaceful interaction between countries.

Time Magazine. March 20, 2006. Article: Coming Back to School. pg. 63.

Islam in the West

2006-03-13T10:18:00.000-05:00

I have been thinking a lot lately about how challenging it is to preserve your culture and traditions when in a new country. On the one hand it is important to learn about a new culture and way of life but at the same time it is important to preserve your tradition and culture in an new environment.

There has been some interesting articles in the NY times on this topic realted to Islam.

A Muslim Leader in Brooklyn Reconciling 2 Worlds
"Islam is a legalistic faith: Muslims believe in a divine law that guides their daily lives, including what they should eat, drink and wear. In countries where the religion reigns, this is largely the accepted way. But in the West, what Islamic law prohibits is everywhere. Alcohol fills chocolates. Women jog in sports bras. For many Muslims in America, life is a daily clash between Islamic mores and material temptation. At the center of this clash stands the imam."

Tending to Muslim Hearts and Islam's Future
"Christian singles have coffee hour. Young Jews have JDate. But many Muslims believe that it is forbidden for an unmarried man and woman to meet in private. In predominantly Muslim countries, the job of making introductions and even arranging marriages typically falls to a vast network of family and friends."

It is interesting to look at the differences between cultures and how different individuals adapt - both to a new culture as well as how Americans respond.

Damn carrot myth.

2005-12-22T22:38:00.000-05:00

My mom always told me that eating carrots would keep my eyes health. As it turns out, that was a bunch of bull.

This year my doctor's appointment resulted in bifocals. Yes, I am only 23 (I thought those were for old people!) Not to worry -- this girl is getting sexy blue glasses with gem stones -- don't say bifocals aren't stylish!

One good thing came out of the situation. I got the cutest e-mail from a friend of mine.
I quote, "P.S. don't go to the eye appointment cause they will discover the big fraud. they will find out that your father was a thief. he stole two stars from the sky and put them into your eyes;)"

Very creative. It made me smile. Darko, you always make me smile.

Crossing Paths

2005-12-22T22:27:00.000-05:00

I'm home for the holidays and spending a lot of time with a friend of mine from 7th grade who I started playing basketball with. Leslie and I have an amazing time together - we have similar interests and values - and it is so refreshing to come home and catch up in 30 minutes after not seeing her for 6 months or one year.

I try to keep in touch with my friends but that doesn't happen regularly. Just two weeks ago I sent 5 Christmas cards to Germany. I had written to my roommates and friends from the summer of 2002 when I did an internship in Munich. Three have already e-mailed me back. I am so glad I got in touch with them. We had an amazing summer together. I hope to see them again some day.

Having friends all over the U.S. and all over the world is one of the most amazing things - I am so fortunate. Now keeping in touch with all those people is another story. My theory on friendship is that the best friends are those who you see and it was like you were never apart. Friends who you just connect with and it doesn't matter how long it has been or who wrote last.

One of my favorite quotes goes like this: "Some people come into our lives and quickly go, others leave footprints on our hearts and we are never ever the same."

To all my friends around the world. I am thankful our paths have crossed and hope they will again. Do not give up on me. I will write at least once a year :) You are very special to me and I wish you all a Happy Holiday Season and a Healthy New Year.

One wish

2005-12-18T21:56:00.000-05:00

Do you ever wonder if two people can truly love and appreciate one another forever... Truly be in love and passionate about one another. Constantly growing as individuals and growing together. Through the ups and downs that life brings. Continually learning new things and experiencing the beauty of life. Ever overcoming the obstacles and growing from the challenges. If I could have one wish - one wish - it would be to experience that.

Do you ever wonder why the people who mean the most to you in life are often those who you tend to appreciate least? Those you tend to take advantage of most? No matter how many years pass, how much we grow as individuals... There is something that forever keeps us at edge. We both jump at the littlest things causing unneeded and unwanted drama and tension. If I could have one wish - I would want to be able to communicate effectively with my family - in a relationship where we truly sought to understand versus criticize and judge - a relationship where we truly appreciated one another.

Namaste!

2005-10-16T20:29:00.000-04:00

Remembering India...

Breathtaking beauty of Taj
Women cutting grass by hand and carrying it in bundles on their heads
Beautifully colored saris, gold nose rings and earrings that wrap around your ear
Men sleeping on the side of the road in bed frames with webbing as mattresses
Cows, horses, mopeds, camels, elephants, rikshaws, cars and trucks all on the same road
No lanes and constant honking - honk, honk
A cute donkey tied to a sign in the middle of nowhere between Delhi and Agra
Warm nan and spicy delicious food
Fresh mango juice in shot glasses every morning
Ridding a camel and elephant
A traditional Indian wedding and beautiful bride dressed in reds
Bargaining for anything and everything
Sari shopping with Lewis
The wonderful taste of samosas and sweet lassi

Friends Around the World

2005-08-23T15:17:00.000-04:00

The world is such a small place... Right now Brock is in Beijing! This past weekend he met two friends of mine (prior AIESEC trainees) Ezra and Tian Wei for lunch and sight seeing!

In 1.5 days I leave for India and will get to meet friends from Around the World!!! Tula my Peruvian roommate and Kiko who taught me how to meringue and salsa in Venezuela in 2004. My Turkish friends Zafer, Birtan and Ozgur who welcomed Missy and I so warmly into their country this spring. Julian my first French friend. Who else will surprise me with their presence in India?

I just got off the phone with my RA (the guy who made me be quiet in the dorms) from Freshman year at the University of Michigan! Chait - it was so great to hear your voice after 5 years of e-mailing! I still remember him stopping by my dorm room graduation day all decked out in his Business School robes. His parents were with him and we just smiled at each other. Thanks for keeping me out of trouble Chait and I look forward to seeing you in Mumbai!

"So far as I am able to judge, nothing has been left undone, either by man or nature, to make India the most extraordinary country that the sun visits on his rounds. Nothing seems to have been forgotten, nothing overlooked." --Mark Twain, from Following the Equator

India Awaits

2005-08-21T13:21:00.000-04:00

Lewis left for India last night... I leave in 4 days. Wow. I am nowhere near ready. I do have my flight, visa and shots though.

This morning I was reading Paulo Coelho's newsletter 'While I wander through the World,' and found a very insightful passage.

"Prague, 1981 Once, in the winter of 1981, I was walking with my wife through the streets of Prague when we came across a young man drawing the buildings around him. Although I dread carrying things with me when I travel (and there was still a traveling ahead), I was taken by one of the drawings and decided to buy it. When I handed him the money I noticed that he was not wearing gloves, despite the cold weather (it was 5 degrees below zero). “Why aren’t you wearing gloves?” I asked. “So I can hold the pencil.” And he began to tell me how loved Prague in the winter, that was the best season to draw the city. He was so happy with his sale that he decided to do a portrait of my wife without charging anything. While I was waiting for him to finish the drawing, I realized that something odd had happened: we had chatted for almost five minutes without being able to speak one another’s language. We made ourselves understood only by gestures, laughter, facial expressions and the desire to share something.

The simple desire to share something had enabled us to enter into the world of language without words, where everything is always clear and there is not the slightest risk of being misunderstood."

I am fascinated by languages and people's ability to communicate non-verbally. Some day I hope to speak at least 10 languages from around the world. As I begin my travels to India I have no idea what I will encounter. The AIESECers will of course speak English but I also want to go into different cities and interact with locals - point, gesture, nod - experience their daily lives firsthand. I am excited to experience a country I have heard so much about.
I have 6 days after the conference to experience it all...let the travels begin :)

INVISIBLE CHILDREN - will you take action and speak out on their behalf?

2005-08-20T12:25:00.000-04:00

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world, indeed its the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead

At AIESEC's Summer Strategic conference this past week in Denver I had the unique opportunity to learn about a tragic situaiton in Northern Uganda and actually speak with Charles a man who experienced the situation first hand. A big thanks to Andrew and Franky from AIESEC D.C. for their commitment to this issue.

The film is called, Invisible Children, and tells the story of 3 guys who were on their way to Sudan to document the civil war and got stranded in Uganda. In Northern Uganda they discovered a story that shocked them - they could not believe their eyes. A story of young children running from their homes each night to avoid being kidnapped and taken as child soldiers.

This story is amazing - the resilience that these children demonstrate is incredible. This story is unbelievable - to think that thousands of children between the ages of 8 and 14 are being kidnapped, trained and forced to kill. This story is hidden, it is untold - the rest of the world knows nothing about it but we can change that.

I encourage everybody to spread awareness and take action on this issue. Go to www.invisiblechildren.com and order the film (it will be the best $20 you spend). There are many creative ways that you can get involved in making a difference in the lives of these children so one day they can sleep through the night in their beds. You could e-mail all your friends, buy a t-shirt and wear it everyday, tell everyone you know about this injustice, show this film to all your friends and family, visit Northern Uganda and give hope of a better tomorrow to these children. Let me know if you want to work together on any initiatives- I have a few ideas I want to pursue and would love to work with others.

Use the passion inside of you and your imagination to make a positive impact on the world and the lives of the invisible children. All it takes is one dedicated individual - everything starts as something small.

Hmmmm

2005-08-12T23:22:00.000-04:00

I stumbled across this quote...
"You know you've found love when you look in their eyes and find yourself." -Monique Patton

My Secret Paradise

2005-08-01T23:08:00.000-04:00

As I set off for another adventure out of the city - this one leading me to Ann Arbor, Denver and India (leaving me in my apartment a total of 5 days in an entire month) it is time to reflect on an incredible vacation home...

I spent 10 days in the good ol' U.P. with my fellow Yoopers kayaking, biking, swimming, playing tennis, golf, strawberry picking and eating Patti K's good food over the 4th of July
- Spending a week with my best friend Kathrin (love sick) who experienced skinny dipping for the first time
- Kayaking, how I love to be on the crystal clear water
- Kaking with my dog on my lap...maddy I thought you were tough what have mom and dad done to you!
- Discovering a new water access only beach - Flat Rock beach - and stopping by banana beach. Who's ready for a trip?
- Watching a beautiful sunset on Lake Superior...alone
- Donating 14 inches of long brown hair to locks of love and being devestated afterwards
- Spending time with my grandparents - Bumpy, Pops and Grams - Pops makes mosaic mirrors, clocks and pots. The last 12 inch pt he made had over 400 glass pieces in the top 2 inces. Gorgeous. He said he'd put me in his will :)
- Playing golf with Pops and his new maize and blue driver - Go Blue! - gotta love it
- Eating Daddy's bbq pork steak, shish kabobs with pineapple and bbq chicken - love that bbq!
- Catching up with an old friend, some things never change - Leslie I love you
- Water skiing - best ski of my life - getting up first try and skiing till I was exhausted
- Sailing for the first time! Loved it.
- Just chillen out in my red chair petting my puppy maddog

This was amazing trip home where I was once again reminded of the things I love most.

Life's little idiosyncrasies...

2005-08-01T22:52:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I think it will never get any easier. A creature of habit - five years of pattern - is hard to break and let go of. Out of sight, out of mind- impossible when food, songs, movies are constantly reminding you and surfacing memories-good memories. How do you let go of your best friend? Will the void ever be filled? Can it? Not completely.

To my pal and the good times we had together - may we each find peace and happiness -may I break my pattern.

The unaccounted for solider...

2005-06-14T18:30:00.000-04:00

The last weeks have been crazy. Have you ever felt both distracted and the need to be distracted at the same time? Felt that you have so much going on in your life but know that none of it matters compared to what is going on with the rest of the word...and you should just smile. One of my favorite quotes, "never miss a rainbow or a sunset because you are looking down."

Well, I finally visited D.C.!!! Memorial day weekend was a crazy time to be in D.C. because of all the bikers...tight black leather, long hair and Harley's everywhere! I was so happy to be back in quiet NYC. My best friend from UofM Erica was an amazing host. I got do all the touristy things like get my picture taken at the white house, visit the capital and all the monuments- Vietnam, Washington, Lincoln, Jefferson and World War II.
I really enjoyed the new WWII monument. My grandpa was part of 18 missions in WWII. He was in the airforce for 30 months from 1943 - 1945. In April my dad, grandpa and I all met in Florida for a long weekend and we learned a lot more about his experience and how it shaped his life afterwards. Grandma's and grandpa's are amazing...there is so much you can learn from history.

Erica and I also went hiking at Great Falls along the Platomic river between Maryland and Virgina. It was really beautiful. It brought back my love for nature and the outdoors. I got to chat with some kayakers and rock climbers. Oh how I miss my 'other' life...

The most important part of the weekend was seeing yellow ribbons everywhere and honoring Matt Maupin and the other POW. I am not sure if you all have read about the one unaccounted for solider from the Iraqi war. Sometime a few months ago I sat in the subway reading an article in Time magazine about Maupin - his capture, the videos surfacing which treatened his life, how his family and community responded. Matt comes from a small town in Ohio near Cincinnati and was captured on April 9, 2004. The article was so moving that I started crying and couldn't stop. The support that Matt's family is getting from friends and strangers alike - thousands of letters and prayers- their community and the entire nation is just amazing. I was just heartbroken reading about this all-american boy who joined the reserves to save money on college tuition for his parents. He like so many others never thought they would be going to war. Reading about him and who he was gave me a different perspective- personalizeed- the sacrafice all the soliders and their families are giving to our nation. I felt like I was able to get to know him, his community and family. My heart aches for their loss and what they are going through. I am reminded of my small town life in the U.P., the beautiful sense of community that is really missing in NYC.
Matt is still missing. His status is still 'captured' and everybody is still hoping he will one day return. There is a great site with lots of different articles compiled since Matt's disappearance at Cincinnati.com.
In D.C. yellow ribbons with buttons of Matt Maupin were everywhere. His family has started an organization called "Clermont Yellow Ribbon - Supporting our Troops" that honors the men and women serving our country. Volunteers send care packages to our troops and include a yellow ribbon and pictures of Maupin with the hope that he will one day return.

Escaping to a new beginning...

2005-05-22T19:14:00.000-04:00

I sat curled, kness to chest, head resting on the wall, back on white porcelain, pink toes warming on the pipe in front of me. My body wrenched as it broke down letting loose like the shower running next to me. Soothing was the water pelting the shower curtain as my eyes were distracted by the image. Red, puffy, swollen are my eyes...lost, trying to escape, to drown my feelings and stop the hurt.

Today marks a three month anniversary since I blogged the last time. A lot has been going on in my life personally and professionally in the last three months. I think I am ready to join the world of bloggers again... I miss you all and have enjoyed reading your posts while I have been silent.

Born into Brothels- what we take for granted

2005-02-22T00:57:00.002-05:00

"In Calcutta's red light district appear a group of unforgettable children. Feisty, courageous and wickedly funny, these children of prostitutes embark on a transformational journey with photographer Zana Briski, who teaches them to photograph their own lives- The film is an example of one individual's ability to make a difference. "

While walking the 44 streets home after sunday brunch with some friends Suzanne says, oh my god, "Born Into Brothels" lets go see when it plays. With the movie starting in 10 minutes we knew it was part of life's little scavenger hunt.

The film was amazing. I think I appreciate it more today, than yesterday. Yesterday it was so unreal- I wasn't able to fathom the magnitude and severity of the issue. Today all I can think of is how selfish the majority of people act. Here we are- with everything we need in the world- yet we are down about this, complaining about that...taking life for granted.

It is time to reflect on life and the difference we want to make in the world. Check out Kids with Cameras, they have projects in Calcutta, Haiti, Jerusalem and Cairo.

Stray from Hollywood and watch a documentary that will impact your life- a documentary that empowers children through cameras.

There are so many amazing organizations and people working to change the world. Check out Students of the World, an AIESEC alum from Michigan, George, volunteers his time to increase global awareness.

Stay tuned for Walk on Water

I can never get enough- the small pleasures

2005-02-21T23:19:00.000-05:00

There are two things I can't get enough of... the second is books. When I was a little girl I used to read books by the dozen. My grandmother used to give me a monthly allowance to order from the Scholastic catalog and whenever I would go to Florida for some fun in the sun my grandpa would take me to the big Barnes and Nobel and I got to buy like 10 books!

College years kidnapped reading from me. There was the occasional pleasure book but school books dominated my life. Now that I am a working woman, ha! One who rides the subway everyday I enjoy reading Time, Economist and my latest book.

Had a lovely evening with Suzanne on Friday- two girls talking the night away- about what you say...finances?!?! Of late, I have this obsession with learning about investing-and now about estate taxes. It started with Rich Dad, Poor Dad and realizing that financial knowhow is something I lack. Now I'm on to Staying Wealthy from Bloomberg - great case studies in it. My goal is to make $1,000,000 on investments in the next thirty years, that gives me till I am 52 yrs and 9 mos. Think I can do it? Got any good reads to recommend?

So mixed in with the financials I've started another Paulo Coelho, By the River Piedra, I sat down and wept. Amazing.

In his online issue Coelho enlightens, "...I decided to keep only 400 books in my library...Of course I still buy books- no electronic device can possibly replace them. But as soon as I finish a book, I let it travel, give it to someone or hand it in at a public library. My intention is not to save forests or be generous; it is just that I believe that a book has a course of its own and should not be condemned to remain immobilized on a shelf."

Coelho's thoughts on books remind me of my philosophy on life- nomads, books, love- people so often hold on so tightly that they smother, smother themselves and smother each other. Be pure, true to the moment and never wait for tomorrow what you could experience today.

I've always wanted a library myself, a small room, tall ceilings, a big comfy couch in the center in front of a beautiful fireplace that I collected all the stones for on the shores of the great lakes...a few small windows that let the sunlight in just perfect. Me and my book, all curled up- maddog by my side loungin on the floor. Perfect.

Last thoughts, "So let our books travel, be touched by other hands and enjoyed by other eyes."

On love..Eros, Philos, Agape

2005-02-05T13:37:00.000-05:00

Love has been all around me lately. I woke up this morning with the sun shinning in my room and thought 'oh I love it when the sun shines.' Classmates from highschool are getting engaged, some of my good friends feel ready to get married, my uncle just proposed. Other friends just went through a heartbreaking divorce, another said goodbye to her love to return to her country and family and others are traveling millions of miles to those they love to find out if they have a future together- one life, one country.
Nomadlife always has different postings from different bloggers around the world. Today I was introduced to "Warrior of the Light" a monthly newsletter written by Paulo Coelho. I just read one of his books "The Alchemist"- read it in 48 hours, couldn't put it down, so much truth and insight about life. Since I loved his book I decided to check out the newsletter and found an issue on, "The Three Forms of Love."
The article talked about Eros, the sentiment of love between two people. "The two seem to love one another. In a short time they will be fighting alone for life, establishing themselves in a house and taking part in the same adventure: that is what makes love grand and dignified. He will pursue his career, she probably knows how to cook and will make an excellent housewife because since she was a little girl she was brought up to do that. She will accompany him, they will have children and they will manage to build something together, they will be happy for ever."
Love is the most wonderfly pure and amazing thing in the world. An emotion so strong it takes hold of you and you do everything you can to hang on. Love is also hard, you have to work for it. Eros- this pure bliss- has many counter forces in the world that work to destroy it. I've always believed that love is truely love when all the hardships- distance, temptation, selfishness, uncertainty- and working through them just make you love a person more. Brock and I joke that we've never completely let go of eachother since our first night together in March of 2000 because neither of us has fallen out of love at the same time.
"Philos is love in the form of friendship. It is what I feel for you and others. When the flame of Eros no longer able to shine, it is Philos who keeps couples together."
I believe that Eros and Philos weave in and out of relationships and those that last are the relationships whose foundation is Philos. One of the most important things to me in a relationsihp is that my lover is also my best friend. Somebody who shares the same values and has similar interests. Someone who I respect and look up to for the person they are and are trying to become.
As yet another Valentine's Day approaches and lovers around the world are celebrating, supress negative feelings of dislike and distrust. Love of all forms is beautiful, A world filled with love- acceptance and understanding our fellow human beings- is exactly what our global community needs. So, remember to tell all those you love, your family and friends included how much you care about them. In addition, reach out to others-different from yourself- and build relationships.
From Your Valentine.

Yummy Potato soup and tomato Parmesan sauce

2005-02-03T14:27:00.000-05:00

My brother owns his own house-dually financed by my mom- Jack, Brock and AJ live together in the bachelor pad. Yesterday I found out that every Thursday six of them get together and cook. Cook? One of my New Year's resolutions was to learn to cook and now my brother, boyfriend and his friends are beating me to it?!?! The first week they cooked sirloins on the grill wrapped in bacon (yum), this week was homade pizza (gotta get that recipe) and next week is homade pasta. So who is the mastermind behind all this- not the boys. Every week Kim my brother's best friends mom teaches Kris and then he teaches the boys. Gotta get me some of that!
Well- on my own here in NYC I am doing just fine. I learned to cook two scrumptious dinners in January.
(1) Potato Soup! Simi my German friend who also works for AIESEC taught me this awesome recipe. To feed 4-5 people you need- 3 big carrots, 3 leeks, a celery root the size of your fist, 3 big potatoes, parsley, a medium onion, half a stick of butter, sour cream and baby shrimp if you desire. You cut up the celery root, carrots and onion really small and simmer it with the butter in the pot. When it browns and smells really good you add the potatoes and leeks and fill up the pot with water to just cover all the veggies. Then you boil till the potatoes are getting soft, add the parsley and add sour cream. How much? It depends on the consistency you want. Finally you serve hot with baguette and a spoonful of cold sour cream in the middle. Yum!
(2) The best spaghetti sauce ever- Roasted Garlic Fettuccine Pomodoro! You take two cups of chopped fresh tomatoes or since it is winter you buy a can of Del Monte diced tomatoes with onions and garlic (seriously good). Add 1/4 cup of Italian salad dressing and 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the tomatoes and serve. Yep- that's it. Serve over any pasta, roasted garlic fettuccine by Ronzoni tastes scrumptious.
Enjoy