My Crazy, Quirky, but Wonderful Life

Free Rice

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 18:39:42 GMT

Yesterday, reading The Pioneer Woman's blog, she wrote about a site that donates 10 grains of rice to the World Food Programme for every answer you get right. It's very addicting I tell ya! You can choose different subjects like English, art, geography, math and more. I, myself am a sucker for geography. English grammar and spelling are close seconds. Since yesterday, my obsession with knowing where every single country in the world goes on a map, got them to donate 6360 grains of rice. Not too shabby! Who knew my fixation on world geography could end up feeding the hungry?

What is your weakness? Is it geography? Math? Chemistry?

Go ahead, try it, you'll see what I mean! Freerice.com

Tanzania - Part Deux

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 16:07:18 GMT

Once our safari was over, we were driven to the YMCA in Moshi. Our room was very clean and the best part, it had a view of Kilimanjaro!

I have read over and over that Moshi was more laid back that Arusha. Again, boy was I wrong. Arusha was busy alright but people didn't bother us so much. If we said No thank you, they would leave us alone pretty much. Moshi drove me nuts! After having about 5-6 guys following us, we needed a break so we went in a mzungu restaurant to rest. When we came out, some of those guys were still out there waiting for us!

Don't get me wrong, it was part of an amazing trip, and it's what made it a special trip, but that did annoy me. At the Y, it was funny. You can order the same menu item twice and get a different plate altogether! Can't complain though, they were all very nice people.

We were supposed to take the train down to Dar and spend a few days there, but we had heard that Dar es Salaam wasn't exactly a touristy city and that unless you were staying there for a few weeks, it wasn't worth it. So we skipped Dar altogether and flew from Kilimanjaro airport directly to Zanzibar. Wow! Talk about hot! the second we came out of the plane I think my capris stuck to my leg. The average temperature in Zanzibar for the next week, was 43C. We stayed in Stone Town for one night. It was beautiful! And so complicated! It's a maze in there! I don't know how people find their homes in there, it's awesome.

Our first sunset on Zanzibar

The next morning, we took a shuttle bus to our final destination, Langi Langi Beach Bungalows, Nungwi Zanzibar...

Women going to work

Masai

The view from our room

Boys having fun in the water...

I have too many pictures to put up, it's crazy..I will only post a few more...This is the shop I bought my wraps from. There were plenty, I wanted to buy them all!

See those stairs going into the water? Those are the steps we took to dive into the ocean every day. They lead up to the restaurant of our hotel.

I could go on and on about Zanzibar and Nungwi being one of the best kept secrets, but then, I would never be able to stop.

Our last sunset in heaven.

It was a great week, very very relaxing. Tanning, swimming, diving into the ocean, eating pancakes with ants drowned in the honey...

One last thing? Man I miss my tan!

Over and out!

Tanzania - Part One

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 20:12:35 GMT

Finally, 2 months after getting back from Tanzania, Africa, I finally will post about it. The experience was wonderful. I actually WALKED on African soil, what a trip. To the point that I'm not sure anymore if I want to wear the sandals I bought there, fear of losing whatever african dirt that's stuck in the cracks of the sole. Yes, it's that bad, I am completely addicted to Africa!

November 19th is a date I'll never forget. 2 planes and 31 hours later, we landed (felt more like dropping) at Kilimanjaro airport in Tanzania. One thing my brother had mentioned to me is that the scent might strike us as being very different from ours (Having been nowhere really, except New Jersey which is not exactly foreign land when you live 9 hours away by car). And wow, yes the air had a musky yet flowery scent, just beautiful really. The ride from the airport to the hostel was very scary. Thank goodness our driver was a calm one. A government convoy (taking up all lanes in ONE direction) came right at us, and FAST! Our driver finally swerved towards (not IN though) the ditch and the other guy missed us by not even an inch, I swear. We finally made it to Arusha.

Oh, and sidewalks...don't bother thinking you're safe on them. You REALLY have to look out for the cars! They will run you over if you are in the way. They might honk to let you know they are coming but there is so much honking going on, I had no clue which ones were directed at me! Thank God I had my big brother pulling me to the side more (putting himself in danger trying to keep me from walking in front of a car), I had a tendency to take a lot of space in the road. Poor guy, always did protect me. Well, in my defense, they drive on the wrong side of the road so I kept expecting to SEE the car coming towards me and not from behind!

Open markets were crowded and awesome

A dumpster behind the market...

We could see Mount Meru from the street beside our hostel...

Then we went on our Safari of 3 nights, 4 days. When we decided to go, I really went along because it was like you HAVE to do a safari if you go to Tanzania, but my level of interest wasn't that high. I kept thinking to myself, I can't imagine it being so much different than going to the zoo! Boy was I wrong. That safari will forever be in my heart.

We visited Lake Manyara, The Serengenti and the Ngorongoro Crater. We saw everything and A LOT of them too! We had elephants blocking our road, a lion marking his territory about 20 feet from us because another male was coming around. Lion's pride walking beside our jeep. Another lion lying on his back beside the jeep, looking right up at us. Leopards sleeping in a tree while the baby was feasting on the prey left on a branch...the views of Ngorongoro National Park are so breathtaking, made my heart swell and my eyes water, it was THAT beautiful.

1700+ pictures later, here are SOME of my favourites.

Ngorongoro Crater National Park

Sunrise in the Serengeti

View from the rim of the Crater

Inside the Crater

Not a word can describe the feeling of being there. I found this quote somewhere and it is just perfect;

''Every safari-goer makes two promises at the end of a journey: The first is never to forget the romance of the wild, and the second is to return again soon. These promises are why, though you may leave Africa, Africa will never leave you.''

YESSS!!

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:15:20 GMT

So we leave in 2 days! Wow! I can't believe it! When I opened my eyes this morning, I smiled and thought 'wow, in a few days I will be waking up in Arusha!'

I have always hated our winters..Grr..HATE it! Too much snow and too much cold! But since we are going in the hottest months of the year in Tanzania, maybe I'll appreciate the cold more? And the snow? We'll see! lol

Will try to write often when I'm there!

See ya!

Before and After

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:34:37 GMT

Ok! so here are the before and after pictures!!

Pretty good, eh? I DO have a good reason for not doing it, I was sick! lol...
I REALLY want to do all this before I leave next week though. I'll keep you posted..

Hot Spots

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:33:13 GMT

The work I have in store for the weekend! Clearing out the *hot spots* as Fly Lady calls them. ''A hot spot is an area, when left unattended will gradually take over'' and boy do I have a few of those!!! I vacuum, wash, scrub, etc.....But when it comes to those little piles of just *stuff*, I just seem to postpone, and postpone again. But no matter how much cleaning I can do, it just never looks as neat as it should be!

THIS is what happens when I put off clearing out those hot spots. Although this one is behind closed doors, it would still be nice if it had a little order in there, I would surely have more space for those other items scattered all over the house (that you'll see in the next few pictures) that need a home!

The kitchen counter...Urgh

And this...This one discourages me. Many times I have started this one..*Sigh*

The living room table..It was SUCH a COOL idea to have cubes underneath the table! NOT!!! It IS practical to shove everything in there when you need space on top, but besides that, it doesn't help the living room to look very neat. This is the table where I have found interesting things in. I have found popcorn, candy wrappers, my kids’ socks , underwear, tinsel, a shoe, headless army men, a piece of a broken fez, melted chocolate, etc..

The other bookshelf. It's supposed to have 2 doors but my baby broke one of them the first day we got the furniture (that was about 3-4 years ago, yes, I know, we're quick about fixing things) but that's beside the point. I am staring at it right now. I have decorations of course, but here some of the things I see from here. Visine, a pocket knife, chargeable flashlight, lipsyl, tape, swimming lessons report card, marbles, beef jerky, etc..

Last but not least, the *lost and found basket* as my daughter calls it.

It has nail polish, Valentine's day decorations, VHS taps of Caillou that is waaaay too young for my kids now, a sweater made for a teddy bear, and more tucked underneath.. Where do I put all that stuff?? I need to find a home for them!

This is my mission for the weekend, to clear them all!! I do mean ALL!!
I'll be posting Monday morning the before and after pics! Wish me luck!
See ya!

Chili and Meat loaf

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 23:01:44 GMT

My girl wanted to help me make supper tonight, what a sweetheart.

First she shaped the meatloaf to surprise her daddy..

Now comes the vegetable juice...

I have no clue why she is soaked!

She seems quite pleased with herself.. I don't blame her either!

Now comes the hard part..Making chili...

First we need tomato sauce...

Tomato paste...wow, talk about serious stuff!

Next step: measuring the spices...Oh boy...

Boy do I chuckle when I look at these pictures. She is priceless!

She made the meatloaf AND the chili! I am so proud of you Princess! Can't wait for you to cook ALL of our meals! ;)

Birthday Boy!

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 17:02:44 GMT

Yesterday was my baby's birthday. He turned 8. Not so much a baby anymore. I want to cry when he holds my hand because I know this time might be the last time he grabs my hand in public...

What my boy is looking at in the picture above is my favourite new toy pictured below

See that helicopter in the middle of the picture in between my BFF and the tv? Neat toy! I know what I want for Christmas now!

I think he liked his presents, I HOPE he did!

Note : the clothes in the backround were placed there on purpose to make it LOOK like I'm messy, 'cause if I didn't do that, I'd feel bad showing off my spotlessness like that. I don't want to make others feel uncomfortable you know..

I had to do the same thing with the bookshelf.

Again, this cake is me, totally organized woman that I am, not finding the candles so I had to improvise.. See that smile on his face? Or he's laughing at my candles or he's just plain happy that he has a cake and that we're all singing Happy Birthday! I think it's him being happy, I THINK.

The 2 men in my life playing with my Monkey's helicopter. He got other remote control toys too, but this one was, to me, the best one ever.

I love my boy with all my heart. Ree once wrote in her blog that she doesn't think she'll ever let her baby go to college...I SO hear her!

P.S. I couldn't not put up a picture of my princess, she's my sweet older baby that has a heart of gold.

Did I ever mention that I am a lucky woman?

66 days to Tanzania

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 18:11:54 GMT

This trip with my brother is getting closer and closer now! 66 days! At the beginning, the thought of going that far and for so long (17 days) without my gang really stressed me..Now, although I know I will miss them a LOT, I will be so busy that I won't have time to dwell on it!
This is our itinerary!

Friday and Saturday - Arusha @ Ujamaa Hostel

Sunday to Wednesday - Safari to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara

Wednesday and Thursday - Moshi @ the YMCA

Friday to Monday - Dar Es Salaam @ the YMCA (will be taking a day trip to Bagamoyo)

Monday night - Stone Town, Zanzibar @ the Jambo Guest House

Tuesday and Wednesday - Kendwa, Zanzibar (Still waiting for confirmation)
Last but not least

Thursday and Friday - Jambiani, Zanzibar (Still waiting for confirmation also)

CAN'T WAIT!!!!!

Hibernating

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:27:06 GMT

Wow! Talk about a long time since I posted! I had writers' block! I still kind of do but at least I can post some pictures of my favourite people taken the past month or so!

I guess I'll have to buy my girl another bathing suit, it seems like that green is all we'll be seeing during the summer!

Bella

Mon, 18 May 2009 14:33:01 GMT

Last night I finished Breaking Dawn.

When people first started talking about the Twilight series, I thought to myself : Urgh, a vampire story. I do NOT like fantasy! I don't like witches and wizards, werewolves nor vampires! But after becoming a heeuuge Harry Potter fan, I figured I had to give Bella, Edward and Jacob a chance. I'm sure glad I did!

I found that book one didnt' have much going on in it but for some reason I could not put it down!

New Moon I LOVED.

Eclipse, well, I haven't read yet (I know, I know, but I reserved 3 and 4 at the library and 4 came in before 3 and I just couldn't help myself!) I still can't wait to read it though!

Breaking Dawn was, well, different I guess. I agree with plenty of people saying that it felt like fan-fiction. After reading tons of reviews, I realized that I'm not the only one who thought ''WT-? Renesmee? That's a name a 5 year old would choose for their favourite doll''.

Anyway, all in all, I really enjoyed reading this story. Anyone have another series for me to read? I LOVE series.

Father and son

Wed, 13 May 2009 13:34:30 GMT

My 2 favourite guys are exactly the same; Weird, quirky and wonderul creatures.

What's with making faces anyway? They KNOW I'll just keep on pestering them until I get the perfect pic!

This one is just plain creepy, thank GOODNESS I know this man, or I would stay away from him!

I clicked this one below before my man got too far ahead in his crooked eyes pose

But then they finally gave in

I think they kind of like each other...

Royalty

Mon, 11 May 2009 12:45:31 GMT

My daughter is the sweetest, smartest and funniest princess, ever!

The word "Royal" comes from the Middle English and was taken from the Old French but was derived from the Latin word "regalis" meaning "king".

Yep, the crown fits alright. That's my girl!

Not getting what you want can be pretty upsetting..

But she gets over it fast..

Man I love her!

We have our disagreements (title & rank) every now and then (daily), but she is the best daughter in the world and I wouldn't dream of having it any other way!

Diving

Sat, 09 May 2009 22:37:52 GMT

Monkey had his diving lessons today and...well, WOW! They were practicing on swinging the arms properly for their future front flips! Not only did he do THAT right, but he flipped like a champion! I am so impressed! I wanted to yell ''That's my son!!''

My daughter wasn't too keen on the idea of taking diving lessons when I first signed Monkey up (although she LOVES the pool). But now that's all she wants, she can't wait to start her lessons in the fall! I don't blame her! Even I want to take some now!

Unfortunately, I didn't bring my camera with me so I have no pictures of today, but I will make sure I take good ones next week!

The feeling it gives me to see him build so much confidence in so little time is pretty amazing. Pride is not a strong enough word to describe it either.

Crazy kids

Sat, 02 May 2009 18:57:38 GMT

I just love these photos. This is a typical day around here. My life would be so empty without this...

I guess it can get pretty exausting doing cartwheels..

Sheesh, I'm getting exausted just looking at the pictures!

These are my absolute favourite pics..

Love my babies!

I took more pictures of Monkey at his diving lessons today, so I should be putting some up soon!

Later!

Sat, 11 Apr 2009 15:47:01 GMT

Cameras...I used to like cameras, now I LOVE them! I've had a few in my life but until yesterday, I never thought I would fall in love with one. I wanted an SLR but didn't want to spend too much either. So 2 days ago, we bought this 2 year old model Olympus E-410. Nice camera, but only had a 4X zoom! I didn't think it would bother me much but when I got kicked out of the hockey net where my son was playing, I realised that I was getting too close to the action without even getting a good closeup, it really wasn't that great for me after all. So we changed for a *non* SLR, a Canon Powershot SX10 IS..WOW, the pictures I took!
It has manual settings too so I can play around with it if I feel like using my brain, or just go on automatic when I get lazy! When I finished the photo shoot, my eyes were stuck in that *wink* position and my hands were sooo soo stiff, I felt like I was about 80! . Did I tell you I LOVE my camera? lol

Here are some pics of my family I took yesterday with my new Canon baby..
My crazy kids...Monkey and Princess

The love of my life, getting home from work..

Man, he's sexy..

My other babies, Shep..

And Maple..

I wonder if I'll take another 350 pictures today like I did yesterday! (I am not exagerating either)

One last picture...My front garden! Spring is finally springing!

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 22:54:42 GMT

Hi!
Today was such a fun day! My baby started his diving lessons today! First, when he saw all the people in and around that 50m pool, he was quite overwhelmed and wanted to just go back home, forget the diving and never set foot there again! But once we got to the end of the pool, we sat and waited for his coach to call out his name. By that time I think he was already starting to ignore whatever else was going on. His first jump was from the 3' board. Once his feet left that board and touched the water, he was hooked, addicted, and in looooove with diving. They then moved over to side of the pool to practice jumping the right way..My boy was listening to every single word his coach was saying. In almost no time, they were already up on the 10' board! Wow! No time for fear!!! Of course he was nervous while getting to the edge, but when he got there, he just focused on the instructions given to him then jumped in like a Champion!! When he climbed out of the pool, his face was glowing!

I am sooo proud of him and can't wait for next week's lesson!

Have to go now, getting ready to go see a high school play of Mamma Mia with my girl!!! It's our "girls' night out" tonight! Hope you all have a nice Saturday evening!

Pat

Lately

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 04:53:53 GMT

Lately, there have been so many things going on I don't even know where to start...

Every time I want to post something, I freeze! So maybe by writing what is on my mind tonight, I will find it easier in the days to come...

What is on my mind now? (Not in any particular order)

A) Waiting for my ultrasound to check for cysts (had a ovarian cancer blood test done, all good, yay!)
B) My son will be going for ECG and Echos next week (he is lookin' good though! that's a positive!) it's follow-up to his other surgeries..
C) Got a new car and LOOOOOVING it!!!!
D) Getting ready for Africa!!!! Need to get my vaccines done. I will start soon! Ghana, here I come!
E) Want to kick some guy's ass in Portugal for breaking my BFF's heart...

Be back tomorrow in a better mood! lol

'Later!

Missing Socks

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 02:32:44 GMT

You know how every time you wash clothes you end up with socks that have lost their match somewhere in between the washing and folding?
What about tupperware covers???? I don't get it! I really just don't get it...Is there a lid magnet somewhere in there? Every single time I do a load of dishes, it ALWAYS, I mean ALWAYS comes up short of a lid...Is it just me??

My son

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 16:22:30 GMT

Kids can say the nicest things...

Last night, while keeping an eye on Monkey in the shower, making sure he gets all clean and shiny, I was telling him (AGAIN) to make sure he kept the rubber mat IN the tub (not thrown on the floor beside the tub) and to NOT climb on the side either!..So that got us talking about the operation I got when I was almost 10...I fell off my bike and ended up in the hospital with a fractured skull, internal hemhorrage, and a blood clot...So we talked about that and the fact that I had been lucky to be alive still (since it took 2 DAYS for the hospital to do a scan! : that part I didnt talk about though, that's for another time)

Now this was NOT a depressing conversation by the way, we were discussing how important it is to do whatever you can to prevent getting hurt.

So when we got to the part that I had been lucky, he just said to me *I'm glad you didn't die mommy, I would be sad...I like you a lot as my mommy*..

It melted my heart..and broke it too...That is the nicest thing he could have said to me! I wanted to cry. What a sweetheart...It came from the heart, which is why it made me feel happy but sad at the same time..

What a kid!

Sat, 31 Jan 2009 05:01:51 GMT

Okay, so here is a better question...If you had one place to go on vacation, ONE, where would it be and why? Snow? Skiing? Beach? Mountains?

Mornin'!

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 13:50:34 GMT

After many hours of changing things around, I finally changed my theme and with that, I was able to add stuff to the sidebar...Guess I should have tried that sooner! lol

AFRICA!!!
I am so excited to go to Africa next winter! I know it's far ahead, but it takes moula AND planning! I am going with my brother to volunteer for 2 weeks! My first pick is Tanzania, then Kenya and Ghana. From what I read in travelers' blogs, is that Ghana is the best place for your first trip to Africa. What do you think?

We would like to volunteer or in an orphanage, building or farming, etc. More general I guess..Teaching isn't our forte. Of course, we will be travelling on a budget so looking for a place that charges less that 1k is pretty challenging. I found only 2 hostels that actually find a place for you once you get there..That is Hostel Hoff and Ujamaa Hostel (Which I have already contacted, and both in Arusha, Tanzania). I am looking for some in Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar that do the same. I have found an agency (or organization) that has reasonable prices; Art in Tanzania. I will email them for more info.

Well, off to do some cleaning, grocery shopping, refereeing, etc..

Later!

Before I go, I have a question for you : Which country in Africa would you visit first? And why?

ARGH!!!

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 02:29:20 GMT

I am sooo frustrated right now, I want to add FEEDJIT to my blog..It says to copy the link then add it to the sidebar...Sidebar??? I have been trying to get in there but I haven't made it yet...If anyone reading this knows what I am doing wrong, PLEASE tell me how..I am reading FAQs and such but it just isn't working...

Cuba!

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 11:26:53 GMT

I just got back from the airport. My brother and his family are off to Cuba for a week! Hope they have a really good time! I am NOT jealous, NOT! I mean it! Why should I be? He'll be on the beach for a week, while I suffer in the cold weather over here, there is nothing to be jealous about, really...What's even *neater* is that we are expecting a snow storm tomorrow!

I have a new roommate for a week, his name is Bubbles (a Shih Tzu), and he is just the sweetest dog ever. My puppy, Shep, is a 10 month old 80lb baby (half Bernese Mountain dog- half Border Collie) and just can't wait to play with him! Shep doesn't have one mean bone in his body, thank goodness! I will put up pictures eventually, but first I need to buy (or win one, since I am into contests these days) a new camera! I could just buy a new battery for the camera my mom gave me though....I'll keep you posted.

I just saw Maple (my cat) walk by with her bags.. I think I heard her humming a tune too....*There's a voice, that keeps on calling me....* Maybe I should go talk to her...

What got me started

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 23:27:06 GMT

What got me started is Pioneer Woman's blog..
http://thepioneerwoman.com/

(again, please be patient, I have no clue what I'm doing here)...she is just (how can I say this...) WONDERFUL! I love her recipes, stories, confessions and everything else on her site! Thank you Ree!!! You have made me laugh so much, I really do hope you win ALL blog awards you were nominated for!