My pup's 10th birthday was nearing when I realized something astonishing: in the past year of blogging regularly, my blog readers have never been "formally" introduced to my black Labrador Retriever, Tess.
So, I thought I should make a blog post. The photo above is Tess. She is a very lively dog for her age and adores being around her doggie friends. Much like her human sister (me) when she was little, she eats anything, including rocks.
I was 7 when my family adopted Tess from a private owner in Woodinville, Washington. It was an extremely long drive that had us exhausted, but so very worth it when we received our very own puppy.
You might ask, how did we know which puppy to choose from out of the liter? Of course these puppies were all black Labs, but only one stood out to us as my dad knelt down to pet it--this one was our Tess, who had jumped into my dad's arms and started wagging her puppy tail.
At the time, I had a babysitter named Tess, who turned out to be my teacher's daughter (another story for a different day). I adored this human Tess and thought she brought over the yummiest soup on the planet. Therefore, in my all-wise 7 year old mind, I thought it would be a fantastic idea to name my pet after my funny babysitter. Tess, or "Tessie" as I call her, has remained my favorite pet and changed my life in substantial ways.
August 26th marked her 10th birthday, and yesterday we enjoyed our annual "dog party" for her with 8 or 9 of her best friends.
This is our friend Ivan. Believe me, he NEVER gets a break from those dogs. I am grateful to him and our other human friends that make time on Labor Day for our pup party.
A couple tips for hosting your own dog party:
First and foremost: have it outside in a wide open space so the pals can roam free without feeing claustrophobic.
Get or create a table for the human food, at least 6-7 feet tall, and make sure to set up a bee trap nearby in case the pesky yellow jackets pay a visit.
Create little party favor "treat bags" (get the pun?) for the doggie guests, and keep them inside until the party's over.
Make sure to set out enough chairs for all your human guests and set out big buckets filled with water for the canine buddies.
Last but not least: don't forget an endless supply of treats, or you won't have happy campers!
Sheesh! So much as been going on. First, I lost my wallet, so I didn't have a car, then I lost my sanity due to the insanity of the situation (could that sentence be any more complicated?)! The work-load piled up, I am scheduled to partake in the SAT next month, and arrangements for my senior year thickened. Boy do I have a lot on my plate, and on top of that--I am 17!
While shuffling around in my mind, trying to find just one perk to being this new age, a new, strange sanity overwhelmed me. Individuals who I consider "my third family" (partner's family, really) brought by a big balloon, lillies, and a beautiful card with a sentimental message. Within half an hour, I was exchanging messages with my older cousin on Facebook as he wished me a "Happy Birthday". It is now that I realize: all the birthday greetings in the world could not make me happier than the people who support me. Family is what life is about--unconditional love, compassion for one another, and forgiveness when we all make mistakes.
In honor of Mother's Day, I am sharing a letter with my readers--one that is written for my future child, explaining some of my values and dreams instilled by my own mother, grandmother, and the other fabulous women I consider second, third, and fourth mothers. This sentiment resembles a few of my maternal poems, and what my intuition predicts I will grasp in the near future when I raise children of my own.
My Child: I hope this letter is not of an embarrassment to you, or a shameful symbol of your mother's love, but I feel the need to share this with you. These are my deepest wishes, dreams, and hopes for you--ones that I have written when I was a child myself, with the early hopes for my own future of having a wonderful child like you.
I grew up very unconventionally, breaking stereotypes of the typical child, and having a zest for life that I understand many children and young adults do not have. My wish for you is that you keep your innocent heart, healed or broken, and that you will pick up the pieces with the help of those who truly love you. That you will believe in giving second chances, and forgive, but don't forget, living with a cautious outlook when your intuition kicks in.
I hope you never become morally or emotionally weak, enough to turn to substances to heal your pain, low self-confidence or self-hurt. Only well-felt love will redeem your spirit. My wish is that you find your passion in life--whether it is writing, like your mother, or serving your community in positive ways. Always hold on to the passion that God will show you within your young life, and use it to guide yourself along your chosen path, shaking your head to peer pressure and disbelievers. Always be sure to keep your soul open to new passions as you discover who you are.
Whether or not you choose the moral of believing in a higher being, I will fully embrace you, never pushing you to lead an uncomfortable life. I hope you are never taken under the stiff wing of discriminating religion or harsh stupidity some people you will meet in your lifetime possess. I hope you understand politics, government, world history, and the secrets within. I wish that you find a common sense, and lead your life how you feel it should be led. I hope you find the knowledge this world has to offer you, and expand your horizons--something I was never good at at your age. Accept all, give your trust to humans, and have forgiveness for mankind. I hope that you will not be too quick to judge or make generalizations about a form of individual you know little about, but educate yourself instead. I want you to understand all walks of life.
At the end of a long day, I trust that you will respect those who taught you all you know, understand that it is O.K. to feel prideful, maturely question authority, and find your status in this big world, never growing an arrogant mindset, reminding yourself that you are merely a star in the vast universe of billions. I wish that you find an advanced level of grown-up attitude, are a honest individual throughout your life, and cut yourself some slack when you make a mistake. I hope you create your own identity, despite the wishes others (including your mother) have for you.
You are a gem--one in the new generation of learners, discoverers, and milestone setters. Do not give up so easily when someone or something has you down, continue on with grace, and never be afraid to show your feelings. By the time I will be reciting this letter to you face-to-face, I know you will have given me a strength in my life that I never had before, and opened my eyes to many bits and pieces of life that I never saw before. Let me wipe your tears when you need to be sad, and rejoice in the beautiful laughter when you are happy. Confide in me when you need an ear to listen, and never feel afraid to ask questions.
Watching my very own mother and taking in the lessons she taught me as a child, I know that as a mother, I want what is the very best for my child. To me, you will always be a small blessing I held my arms and nurtured to a young person, with dreams, hopes, and wishes of your own. Please note that I am not blinded by this, and that I understand sometimes you will go against what I or your other parent will wish of you, and that is perfectly okay.
My wisdom has taught me over the years that a mother is not a police officer, but a teacher. She is not frightening authority, but a friend. Sometimes, she will need to go against what you may really want to make sure you are growing up just right, but I trust that as her child, you will have faith in her to make the correct choice, and when she slips up and makes a mistake, that you will extend a comforting hand to hers. I always try my best, even if it is not obvious. My heart has pure intentions for you, and a radiating glow for the future you will make your mark on.
Celebrating Valentine's Day has always been something very cliche in my opinion, and never really struck me as something I would enjoy or relish in.
Until I found Mark. Mark is my partner of nearly a year, and this is my first meaningful Valentine's Day with someone I know truly cares about me.
I decided to celebrate with Mark the day before Valentine's, on Sunday, and opened the door to a box of chocolates and roses. While I am a girl that adores being spoiled, I really dislike chocolate!
I always ask myself: "What's the matter with you? All your friends like chocolate...", and try my hardest to choke some down, but it never seems to be enjoyable. Too chewy, too rich, and makes you gain weight fast. I just don't see the point.
I gotta say: it is truly annoying hearing about all these girlfriends dragging their boys to movies on Valentine's Day, acting like it's a mushy-gushy holiday. You know what my boyfriend and I did? Pigged out on pizza in bed. Now that's a man's holiday!
This year I came up with the idea of buying little childhood Valentines and writing small messages to my closest of friends. Of course, I didn't buy the Barbie or Justin Bieber Valentines. They were girly cartoon animals--just enough to get by and get the "cutesy" point across.
Not only Mark gave me a Valentine this year, I had friends and my parents who gave me cards, candies, and even some flameless candle sets for my "meditation corner". I guess what they say is true: give, and you will receive!
Even though I'm not a very Valentine's-Day-girl, and understand a lot of people struggle with the romantic tension of the occasion, I thank the people who showed their love and gave me little gifts. I hope your Valentine's Day was just as warm, and you found something (or someone) to be loving towards.
Today we celebrate the passing (and birth) of one of our world's most talented and recognized athletes, figure skater Sergei Grinkov.
Sergei won 2 Olympic Gold medals and 4 world championships. He was partnered with his young wife Ekaterina Gordeeva, and fathered her daughter, Daria Grinkova-Gordeeva (see: article). He was prided on his honesty, kindness, and "prince charming" appeal. He was a stoic, and did not appreciate or put others in pain.
Sergei would have been 44 today. Happy Birthday, Sergei Grinkov!
Today, we celebrate the life and legacy of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr.!
I admire this man for his incredible integrity and love for the human race, and his ability to roll with the punches, wherever life took him.
Martin Luther King, Jr. is a topic of argument, worship, hate, and peace simultaneously.
From the earliest days of my life, I can remember being brought up in a loving, accepting environment that enriched me in the civil rights movement education from a neither right, nor wrong standpoint; an observational standpoint.
Last Spring I attended a MLK workshop seminar where we discussed the popularity of the "I Have a Dream" speech, the factors the speech had on pop culture (including topics such as magazines and the Michael Jackson phenomenon), and what the dream truly meant.
I would bake cakes as a child, with intricate frosting and messages on MLK Day, thanking King for all he had provided me and my young childhood friends with, long before we were ever born.
With the anaugaration of President Barack Obama, I feel that we have reached the mountaintop, and we are looking over at the promise land. While there still are difficult days ahead, I am without doubt that we will fully overcome racism one day. While that one day is far ahead, I continually hope and try to play my part in carrying out a healthy image in the young adult age group, of African-Americans and their justified equality.
Rest in peace, Martin Luther King. You are forever missed, loved, and appreciated.
In honor of today, I wrote an essay on "Black Power" for my History class, discovering the reasons behind the movement, and how it changed America as we know it.
This year, I decided on one big resolution that can be broken into its own individual parts.
1). I vowed that I would love to travel to unknown places in life: i.e., take risks, discover more knowledge (including self), etc.
2). I tend to think "my-way-or-the-highway", and let's face it: that is a really unhealthy way to live! I think in terms of tolerance, I do quite well at the moment, but I would like to truly accept the differences in others rather than "make do".
3). Last, but not least: I NEED TO PUT MYSELF FIRST! The last few years I have been so unhappy, looking for ways to make other people happy, never once stopping to give myself a day of relaxation and true fulfillment.
This Christmas was a bundle of joy, hilarity, and giving. This being my first independent Christmas, I used my given money to buy my family and friends gifts, and boy was that super fun! I love the spirits involved with shopping for others and being productive.
Pictured above is my family's beautiful tree and our plethora of gifts. I guess splurging on others' gifts this year payed off big time.
The gift out pour I received was intense. I got some PJs, a t-shirt with logo of my favorite pizzeria, snuggie, cute booties, and warm socks. I also got a few ".. for Dummies" books (thanks, mom and dad), a new webcam and phone cover, make-up items, clutch wallets, the Stars On Ice 25th anniversary DVD collection, deluxe photo frame, a root beer sampler, special ring, Starbucks' VIA instant packs, espresso/cappuccino maker with all the trimmings, and Starbucks and Macy's gift cards... not forgetting the navigation system, fog remover, and flat tire spray for the new, clueless driver in me!
This year, my gifts stirred up one thought in my head: my family and friends know me incredibly well! I finally realize: I do not have to worry. They may not be perfect at knowing everything, but for the most part, they know who I am. At my high school graduation, they will know what to pride me on. When I enter College, they will send me off with a year's supply of Starbucks coffee. When I succeed in my career, they will bring me a Martinelli's cider bottle as a congratulatory gift. When I get married, they will know the sentimental value behind the event. When I give birth, they will know to select a medicated procedure. And, when I pass away, they will accurately know what I gave to the world, the truth of my spirit and heart, and most importantly... what to say in my eulogy. Aside from all humor, that reassurance is the best gift of all.
With the big holiday weekend just around the corner, and as it is time to begin baking, I have to remind myself not to get too carried away. Unfortunately, in all my 16 years on this planet I have never baked so many goodies in one Christmas season! I came out of the experience with tense feet muscles and excruciating exhaustion. However, I saved some recipes for ya guys!
1). Anzac Cookies Prep: 30 min. Bake: 12 min. per batch. Cook: 2 min. per batch.
2 cups all-purpose flour 2 cups sugar 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats 2 cups flaked coconut 2 cups chopped walnuts 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup butter 1/3 cup golden syrup 1/4 cup hot water 2 teaspoons baking soda
1). Preheat oven to 325° F. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper; set aside. In an extra-large bowl, combine flour, soda, oats, coconut, walnuts, and salt; set aside.
2). In a large saucepan, combine butter and syrup; bring to boil. In a small bowl, stir together the hot water and baking soda; immediately adding it to the boiling saucepan mixture. Pour the boiling mixture into the flour mixture; stirring with a wooden spoon until well mixed.
3). Shape dough into small balls and place them 2 inches apart on prepared cookie sheets. Using the palm of your hand, flatten the balls slightly. Bake in preheated oven about 12 minutes or until cookies are golden brown. Cool 2 minutes on cookie sheets. Transfer cookies to a wire rack; let cool.
2). Vanilla Stars Prep: 30 min. Chill: 2 hr. Bake: 6 min. per batch
1/2 cup butter, softened 1 3-ounce package cream cheese, softened 1 cup sugar 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 eggs 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour Buttercream frosting (flavor of choice; listed below) Smaller sized star cookie cutters
1). In large bowl, combine butter and cream cheese; beat with an electric mixer. Add the 1 cup sugar, the baking soda, and salt; beat until combined. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Stir in any remaining flour. Divide dough in half. Cover; chill about 2 hours or until dough is easy to handle.
2). Preheat oven to 375° F. On a lightly floured surface, roll half of the dough, and cut out star shapes with cookie cutters. Place cutouts 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheet. If desired, sprinkle additional sugar on top.
3). Bake in the preheated oven for 6 to 7 minutes. Transfer cookies to wire rack; let cool. Spread desired butter cream in between cookies and stack.
~ 2a). Buttercream Frosting Beat 1/2 cup softened butter until fluffy. Beat in 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla (for vanilla; substitute vanilla for either 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur, 1/4 teaspoon almond extract, or 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract for different flavor), and 1 tablespoon milk. Beat in another 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar until smooth. Add milk to make a frosting of spreading consistency (makes about 1 1/4 cups!).
3). Cranberry-Eggnog Twirls Prep: 25 min. Bake: 10 min. per batch. Stand: 1 min. per batch.
1 cup butter, softened 1 1/2 cups sugar 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 2 eggs 1 teaspoon rum extract 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup cranberry preserves 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
1). In electric mixer, beat butter. Add sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Beat until combined. Beat in eggs and rum extract until combined. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer, stir in any remaining flour. Divide dough in half.
2). For filling: in a small saucepan, combine preserves and cornstarch. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Remove from heat. Cover and cool.
3). Place half of the dough between two pieces of waxed paper and roll. Spread half of the filling over dough within 1/2 inch of the edges; roll dough into a log using your fingers. Wrap log in waxed paper. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
4). Preheat oven to 375° F. Line large cookie sheets with parchment paper and cut rolls into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Place slices 2 inches apart on sheets and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Let stand on cookie sheets for 1 minute, transfer to wire wracks; cool.
5). Pumpkin Spice Cut-out Cookies Prep: 30 min. Bake: 8 min. per batch.
1 17.5-ounce package sugar cookie mix 1/3 cup butter, melted 1 egg 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg Icing of your choice Cookie cutters of your choice (I used snowflakes)
1). Preheat oven to 375° F. In a large bowl, combine dry cookie mix, butter, egg, pumpkin pie spice, and nutmeg. Stir with a wooden spoon until dough is stiff; if necessary, knead to combine.
2). Lightly floured surface, roll dough. Using cookie cutters, cut out dough. Arrange your cutouts 1 inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in preheated oven about 8 minutes. Cool on sheet, transfer to wire rack, and let cool. * Decorate with icing as you please.
Feel free to modify these recipes to your liking. Enjoy, and happy holidays!
Sad to celebrate Sergei Grinkov's 15th year in passing. I loved this man's talent and appreciated him to great depths.
While I was still young when he left us, I continuously remember the love and pride he had for the people in his life, himself, and his country, that inspires me in how I live life every day.
Thank you, Mr. Grinkov. In honor, I recommend you all to visit the American Heart Association website and find tips on how to keep your heart healthy. February is American heart month - so get involved!
