Merry Christmas

Nuala

Radio City Christmas Show

We have been wanting to go to see this show as a family for many years now. Tonight was the night. My mother, my father, Julie, Tom, Kim, Michael, Ryan, Ceci, and I all went. Alexis couldn't join us because she had to work, and unfortunately, Grandma got delayed returning from a trip upstate. Here are some pictures of the show and the tree in Rockefeller Center.

Christmas Cactus

This is my first Christmas cactus. It bloomed today.

Nuala Studies Law

Even when you are reading or studying, this dog needs to be right there on top of you. Here is a perfect example.

Perspective

Four years ago, Mr. Berk (not his real name) was an active, normal, vibrant 50-something. He had a good job, a loving partner, Caroline, and a beautiful apartment in Stuyvesant Town. But then one day, somebody at work noticed that he seemed to be walking a little strangely. Shortly thereafter, he began to feel slightly off balance, and a bit clumsy. In a matter of weeks, he began to lose strength in his arms and legs, weakness taking over his body. A tremor began to develop, and his speech started to become slurred. Nobody knew what was happening to him.

Four years later, Mr. Berk is now virtually bedridden. A rare neurological disorder has swept through the neurons in a portion of his brain, rendering him incapable of speech, mobility, and even the ability to sit up. He is in constant pain, lays in a hospital bed in the middle of his living room all day, and has become incontinent. He can barely form any words, and every movement is labored. He's completely alert and conscious, none of his cognitive abilities having been affected by this disease. In other words, he lies there all day every day, completely helpless, and also completely aware of his disability...thinking of nothing but the past, and how things used to be.

I had an opportunity this week to visit this home while doing a community-based nursing rotation. My instructor assigned me to visit this family on my own, provide a basic nursing assessment, spend some time talking to them, and report back to her. Nothing could have prepared me for this experience. I was immediately in awe of the amount of love and compassion Caroline and Bernice (the home health aide) showed Mr. Berk. Caroline has stood by him every step of the way over the years, and provides hours of care each and every morning and evening; washing him, turning him, lotioning his skin, talking to him, and holding his hands, joking with him, discussing politics, and simply "being" with him. While Caroline is at work, Bernice continues the extraordinary care, and treats Mr. Berk like a father. They are loving and attentive. They treat him with respect and dignity. These people are selfless. They are devoted. They are nothing short of heroes.

When it came time for me to leave Mr. Berk that morning, I thanked him for allowing me into his home. I told him that the service he provides by allowing students to come visit him is invaluable, as I will remember my experience with him and his "family" for the rest of my life. He began to cry. I wondered if I had said something wrong. I looked at Caroline. She had a bittersweet smile on her face, and she, too, was crying. I looked to the aide. She had tears welling up. No words were being said, there was just a profound silence in the room. I could hear my heart beating. I took a tissue from the box, and wiped the tears from Mr. Berk's face. I would soon need one for myself. I again turned to Caroline, hoping for some help in understanding...she smiled warmly and thanked me from the bottom of her heart...and told me that Mr. Berk's tears were simple tears of joy.

On that morning, i had discovered the true meaning of Christmas.

Thanks, Kim...

Thanks for your contribution to our party.

Oh, what a night...

Hmmm...

...I sure wish I had some coriander cabinets.

A Holiday Prayer

In this, the start of our joyous holiday season, I humbly ask all my fans and viewers worldwide to just get the f*^k along and cut the s*@t. You're all pretty. Act your ages, for f^#k's sake.
Amen.

Thanksgiving Dish #1

The first of the dishes I'm making for Thursday is done. I made this one tonight because you can make it several days in advance and just heat it up. This is Farrell's mother's recipe for a Noodle Casserole. It's basically designed to kill someone. I don't know what she was thinking feeding this to her children while they were growing up, but damn, it's good. :) Whole fat sour cream, full fat cottage cheese, several sticks of butter, whole milk, egg noodles, salt, sugar, and Kellog's Corn Flake crumbs on top. This dish belongs at the top of the freakin' food pyramid. It rocks. Thank you for the LDL Sharon! (And the funny part is, she won't eat it!!)

Arbitration Results

Due to my failure to be clear when laying out the contest rules for Contest #1 (i.e. I didn't think I needed to state "first and last names please"), I have decided that we have a tie. Mom and Bridget both win. Thanks for fleecing me.

Action Shot

Contest #1 is Closed!

Bridget guessed correctly (and completely)...the correct answer being, Roger Federer!! Bridget will receive her prize pack in 4-6 weeks. Look for more contests in the future. They won't be quite this easy, either.

Contest #1

There is a prize to be had for anyone out there who can identify the person my mask is portraying. Farrell and Ceci need not apply.

From Snuggles to Mommy

The loss of our little manny-man has been a lot harder than anybody could have imagined. I believe these are the words he would say to his mommy and to us if he could...

+++++++++++++++++++++

Dear Mommy,

I remember coming to your home as a baby bichon, coincidentally at a time when your home was new to you too. How funny that it seemed like we were both learning our new environments together! It was tough to be a puppy and be taken away from my first mommy at such a young age, but you cared so well for me and nursed me back to comfort and happiness. You loved me so much, didn't you? I could tell you did by the way you looked at me. You even looked different yourself whenever you were looking at me or talking to me. Your face always lit up, and your voice always lightened. You really thought I was special, didn't you? It was nice growing up in such an active house with so many people in and out all the time. It got confusing at times, but you were the one constant for me. Every single day, you were always there. I really was special, wasn't I?

I didn't like getting used to you going to work every day. Sometimes there would be pretty long days without you, but I always managed to catch up on some sleep and terrorize a few passing dogs just for fun while you were gone. I just couldn't wait for you to come home from work so we could just hang out for a little while. I just liked having you there, even if you were in a different room. It just made everything right to have you home. I'm sure one of the kids told you that every time you went away, I just didn't act right. Well, I have to admit. I was a little depressed. I knew it was my fault that you couldn't take me, since I didn't handle long car rides very well. But I always knew you'd come back. I never doubted that for a minute. And I suppose you deserved an occasional vacation!

Of course, one of the highlights of any day was licking your legs after you got out of the shower. I don't know why I never grew out of that habit. I certainly didn't need the water. I think I just knew that you liked it. I was never too thrilled with the baths, or even the visits to the vet, but on some level I kind of knew you were just taking the very best care of me. I didn't even mind when you practically cut my tongue off. It didn't really hurt. (After all, don't you remember Grandpa Spatafora?) It happens to the best of us. And thanks for indulging me on our walks. I know I wasn't the easiest dog when it came to the walking, especially toward the end. But often I just wanted to be outside with you, and walk the neighborhood with you. I was always so proud to be with you. And at the close of every day, I used to watch you closely for the signals that our day had come to an end, so that I could run upstairs and jump into bed with you. My favorite part of every day!

It went very quickly. I don't think any of us knew how fast it would go. But I just want you to know that I lived a very happy life. I doubt there are many other dogs who feel as contented and peaceful as I always did. And I know that you will miss me for a long time, and this will be hard. But every time you think of me, please don't be sad. I will be sending you memories of me forever. Whenever you think of me, it is probably because I am thinking of you too. I was brought into your life at a specific time and for a specific reason. I may not be right next to you right now, but I'm never really far away. As much as you think I gave to you, you can't imagine how much you gave to me.

What a family we have. I can't thank you enough for letting me be a part of it.

All my love,

Snuggy

Quick update...

I went to Atlanta last week for a National Student Nurses Association conference. It's always a great experience meeting other nursing students to compare frustrations and programs. I was with four other students from my school, and most of us seemed to enjoy ourselves and try to make the most of it. Our faculty advisor joined us as well. She is a terrific lady with a lot to offer and a great sense of humor.

I had a chance to meet up with "JAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY" and see his house. All I can say is, have you ever seen MTV's Cribs? Truly unbelievable. I was surprised he has such good taste. But then I learned he has a decorator. :) (Just kidding Jaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay.)

I got sick while I was down there and brought back some ATL germs with me.

Snuggles

Thank you, Snuggy, for fourteen years of unconditional love and companionship. You brought us more joy, laughter, and comfort than you could ever possibly have known. You will never be forgotten.

Basil Update

G-ma and Kim

Kim brought G-ma in to Harlem last Sunday afternoon, and we just hung out for the afternoon and evening. Grandma made lamb chops, they picked up Umberto's, Kim supplied chocolate chip cookies, I supplied the wine and we had a really nice time. I love this picture.

I think we really missed the boat...

This dog could have been a model.

PSB

I went to the gayest concert in the history of the world last night. This was like "Liza"-gay; Pet Shop Boys at Radio City Music Hall. In attendance was every single gay man in the tri-state area accompanied by one or two of their gay-friendly female friends. For our part, it was Ceci, Jen, Farrell, Chris P., Chris S. and I.

The show was nice; nothing spectacular…kind of boring at times, but overall pretty good. It was nice to hear some of the old songs “live” (as live as PSB can be), but most of the new stuff came off pretty bland.

It was fun to be together though, and a nice time was had by all. And thank you Ceci for spreading your pneumonia germs throughout New York’s gay population. The Bush administration is very proud of you.

New quilt

Basil

Ceci was over for dinner recently (dinner was just "okay"...inside joke) and we used fresh basil. Two of the stems dropped on the floor and she picked them up and put them in water to root them. Well, they rooted really well. I transferred them to a pot today. I am going to take a picture of these newly potted clippings once a week so we can all track their growth together. Isn't that going to be thrilling?

My new winter boots...

Do you like them? They're so comfortable.

Tar Beach

I've been spending a lot of time on the roof this summer.

Martina update

Ceci made a good suggestion; time for an update on Martina Hingis's continued comeback. She is now ranked #13 in the world (up from 9,999 in December of last year). We had a chance to see her at the World Team Tennis event in Mamaroneck a few weeks ago. Here are some pictures of that.

July 31 and August 1 Pictures

No excuses....

I just got lazy and always kept putting off updating this blog. Well, Farrell suggested today that it was time to get rolling with it again, and since it is pretty much the one year anniversary of it, I figured an anniversay post would be in order.

Struggling to get through the hottest and most disgusting summer I can ever remember in this God-forsaken city. (If only I had a car with which to escape it at times.) Last two days have been about 100 degrees (heat index in the 115 range). Like a true masochist, I took 12-14 mile walks both days. Took some good pictures that I'll post here.

Can't think of anything else worth saying.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY MOM!!!!

I LOVE YOU!

"School Sucks!"

That would be a resounding, YES!

on to the semis!

Hingis in the Quarters...

Can she repeat yesterday's performance. Stay with us!

Hingis

Torn

Lindsay or Martina? I am completely torn. Davenport and Hingis face each other today for the first time in a billion years and I don't know who I want to win. Lindsay is my favorite (albeit furiously inconsistent) player. I like her style and sportsmanship, as well as her game when she's "on." Hingis, on the other hand, is in the middle of an impressive comeback, which I've been following with a lot of interest, and I'd really like to see her continue to zoom up the rankings. Any advice?

My cholesterol: 450!

I'm lucky to be alive. This will most likely be my last post.

Dream Product?

Looks like the perfect product to help out my little baby with occasional accidents where the aim is not quite as accurate as it should be. I'll update and let you know how it goes.

Now, if I could only find something for Nuala....

Central Park North

I took the new camera down to the north end of Central Park the other day to get some pictures of the snow remaining from the blizzard before it disappeared completely. I think the north end of the park is really the most beautiful part.