Make A Wish FUNraising at Friendly's!!!

The Make A Wish Foundation is an AWESOME organization which grants wishes to children facing life-threatening illnesses.  They are truly magical, and nonprofit.

I am a Make A Wish recipient*.  They set me up to meet JOHNNY DEPP two years ago, and took my family across the ocean to London (I'm from Connecticut, USA).  They are more amazing than words can describe, and I owe them everything.  

So the last Friday in December (Friday, December 27, 2013), we are having a FUNraiser for Make A Wish at 7 Friendly's restaurants across Connecticut (Newington, Bristol, Unionville, Wethersfield, Hartford, East Windsor, and Winsdor Locks)!!!  The event is ALL DAY on the 27th!  All you need to do, is print out the voucher below (in black and white or color) for the Friendly's you will be going to, and present it when you pay.  It is that simple!  And 20% of your check will go right to Make A Wish!!!

BRISTOL

EAST WINDSOR

HARTFORD

NEWINGTON

UNIONVILLE

WETHERSFIELD

WINDSOR LOCKS

Whether you know a family personally who have benefited from a Wish, or are just learning about the organization, it is remarkable.  I hope you will join us on Friday, December 27th!  And please spread the word! Whether you can go or can't make it! Thank you!

*You can read all about my Make A Wish here: http://otherswelcome.blogspot.com/2012/08/one-girls-wish-to-meet-johnny-depp.html

Or Make A Wish here: http://ct.wish.org/

9/11 Vocabulary

     It has been twelve years since the 9/11 attacks on the US, and I will never forget what that was like.  I was extremely fortunate to not know anyone who was directly effected by the attack.  Unfortunately, all Americans were impacted by the events that happened on September 11, 2001.

     I was young at the time, so did not fully understand what was unfolding on that day.  I now understand a great deal more of what happened, but I still do not understand why.

     I do remember that there were a few words I had not necessarily heard a great deal prior to that day, but seemed to become all I heard for the next six months or so.

• Terror - the emotion experienced in the presence of danger
• Terrorize - to strike with fear
• Terrorism - refers to the use of violence for the purpose of achieving a political, religious, or ideological goal
• Terrorist - one who engages in the acts of terrorism
• Hijack - to stop and cease control of a vehicle while in motion, especially in order to reach an alternate destination

     These are words I never needed to see in action in order to understand.  But now I will never forget them.

Daily Dose of Cuteness

This is a kitten with a teddy bear. =D

Random Thought

But seriously.  Why doesn't the company that makes "Head and Shoulders" shampoo and conditioner, also make a body wash "Knees and Toes"? 

Flowers Forever

This brightened my day.

Advice for the Day

Follow your heart, and do what's right for your life. Just be sure to not hurt anyone in the process, and always remember where you came from.

What's In a Name?

We each have different names, depending on the situation.  Most of us have our full legal names (which is reserved for when we are in a lot of trouble), and a common nickname (what most people call us).  We may also have other nicknames reserved for certain situations, which only select people use.  Then there is the professional title, especially when dealing with generation differences.  You are Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Dr., Last Name.  Those titles are signs of respect.

But no matter the situation, we are the same person.  So what is the big deal with names?

Being on a first name basis with someone is a sign that you are equals.  Some people can make the switch from using the Mr./Mrs. title to first name so easily.  Others have more difficulty with it (mainly just me).

What type of person are you, and what does it say about you?

I know personally that I have a lot of trouble going from using the person's title, to just their first name.  I just became a teacher.  Students refer to their teacher my Last Name, while coworkers use first names.  I still think of myself as a student, and am most comfortable with Last Names.  When I first meet someone, it is not difficult to use a first name.  But someone whom I always called by Last Name, even if they give me explicit permission, it is difficult to use their first name, no matter how much I want to.  Not sure why that is.  Oh that's right!  I'm strange.

Life's a Progressive Book

     I am on the final pages of three of the greatest chapters in my life.  As they are rapidly coming to a close, I have been thinking about life.  We are the authors of our own lives.  Currently, the chapters that are ending in my life, include student teaching (one of the best experiences I could have asked for to prepare me for my future career as a teacher), the finale of my school production of "Godspell" (the tightest cast I have ever had the pleasure of being a part of, and one of the greatest characters I have played to date), and my senior year of college (which I will miss the experience of being a member of this community, as well as living with and next to my best friends).

     It is a bitter-sweet time, to be enjoying these wonderful experiences, but to know that within a few weeks (less than a month all together), each one will be over, and I will be left with only splendid memories.  Some times I want to hold on to great moments in life, and replay them over and over again.  In movies, it never turns out well when someone is forced to perpetually relive the same day over and over, and yet there are a few days I would not mind trying to live again and again.  It is so difficult to fully enjoy something to its potential, when you begin to mourn the loss while you still have it.

     I should not be sad.  Each passing year seems to top the previous one.  Each has their down moments, but the ups are becoming all the more amazing with time.  Although some of the dips are low, the highs are wonderful.  I suppose that without the bumps in the road, the highs would not be as noticeable, and ultimately as amazing.

     As I am finishing my best chapters of my life thus far, I have faith that there are even greater ones to come.  The sweet hello of tomorrow is helping me to cope with the bitterness of saying good-bye today.

     Enjoy the now, and hope for later.

What I've Done

Below is a list of things that you could do, go through, or have happen to you.  I have crossed out the ones that have happened in my life.  This is just the beginning.

Graduated high school.

Graduated college

Met my hero

Smoked a cigarette.

Went to a concert.

Spent over $1000 in one day.

Cried myself to sleep.

Exercised

Ran a marathon.

Seen the ocean.

Swam without a flotation device.

Swam with dolphins.

Been in a school play.

Sang in public.

Actually sang in public well.

Went skiing or snowboarding.

Been on a train.

Flown on a plane.

Went to Europe.

Seen the Eiffel Tower.

Voted for someone on a reality TV show.

Been on TV.

Made a mistake

Helped someone.

Lied to someone.

Have been hurt by rumors.

Have talked badly about someone behind their back.

Have been a best friend.

Have had a best friend.

Lost someone I loved.

Score!

Talk about a strong start to Words with Friends (Scrabble). All 7 tiles used, and 63 points! Wow!

Won't Think of Sudden Cloud Bursts the Same Way

Rainbow Cake: Recipe Repertoire

     I don't know if I've mentioned it, but I swear by boxed bake goods.  They are simple, inexpensive, and delicious!

     However, the plain old yellow cake or chocolate brownies can get a bit dull, no?  So I pride myself in taking the boxed mixes, and sprucing them up a bit.  I am not scared to try ANY wacky idea that crosses my mind (as long as a fire extinguisher is not far off), and have thrown out very few of these in the long run.

     As April Fool's Day is just around the corner, why not try making this rainbow cake?

     From the outside it looks like any regular cake.  But once it has been cut into:

     The colors show through!

     What you will need:

• Your favorite white cake mix (with the required eggs/oil/water)
• Two greased cake pans of preferred diameter
• Food coloring of your choice
• A mixing bowl for each desired color

     What you need to do:

1. Prepare the cake mix according to the box.  Remember that with a white cake mix, it is better if you only use the egg whites, as the yolks will add their own color (making your job more difficult).
2. Divide the batter equally among the bowls, depending on how many colors you want in your cake.
3. Add a few drops of the food coloring into the bowls until the desired colors are obtained.  
4. Into the greased pans, pour half of the colored batters into one, and the remaining in the other.  Add the color in one area, and DO NOT MIX (unless you are going for a marbled look).
5. Bake according to the recipe and remove from the oven when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.  Allow the layers to cool before icing.

     Use your favorite icing for the cake.  I went with a simple white since I had the full rainbow already inside.  You could also try adding flavoring to the batter along with your colors.  I would advise against too many flavors in one cake.

     I hope you enjoy!

Spruce Up Breakfast

Mini bagels are fun, and very versatile.

Try a chocolate based spread (this is Cadbury milk chocolate spread, which can be bought from Sainsbury, but Nutella would work too). Slice up your favorite berry on top. This is my chocolate covered strawberry bagel.

You could also make lunch dishes, such as pizza. Spread on leftover sauce, sprinkle cheese, and toast in the oven.

Get creative to spruce up some blasé meals!

Time Is a Fleeting Friend

I cannot get over how quickly time is flying by.  It seems that the older I get, the quickly it passes.  Growing up as the youngest child in the family, I could remember being real young, and wanting desperately to be old enough to do "fun" things.  It always seemed that I was just too young to do what the older kids did.

Now, I would give so much to be young again, with no worries in the world.

Years feel more like months now.  I am still young, but know that will not last forever.  I want to enjoy the present, but I have so many cares to worry about, as do we all.

There is always something to be done, or get done quickly.  And it’s all quickly; never when you get around to accomplishing something.

When you cross one task off of your to do list, there are ten new ones to get a jump on.  We will never be done with things that have a pressing deadline.

I so want to enjoy my time, and not have to worry so much about being on such a tight schedule.  There are always things I want to do in my free time, but by the time I have “free time,” I am either too tired to do those, or can’t focus on them.

I am not sure where I was going with this…I have just come to realize how fickle and fleeting Time really is.  And it is scary.  That’s all.

Everyone Has Their Problems...

Dieting

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Whether you love this day, hate it, or ignore it, today is the 14th of February.

If you are in love, I hope today is wonderfully what you are looking for.

If you are not in love, I hope today is a fun day in its own respect.

Blizzard Charlotte

I live in the North East part of America.  In the past few months we have had to cope with Superstorm (“Hurricane”) Sandy, one of the most tragic school shootings in American history, and now Blizzard Charlotte (or “Nemo”).  Right now, we just can’t catch a break.  The blizzard is slowing down, but we have about 3 feet of snow out there right now.  I know that is not the end of the world, but it is the first time I have ever literally been snowed in.  It’s scary, and sort of exciting.

It is moments such as this, that I count my blessings.  I have a roof over my head (*knock on wood*), and a warm place to stay, with people who love me, and food/water to nourish me (although I could do without a few days of food…).  My thoughts are with people who are whether alone, or without shelter.  Mother Nature is rough.  I hope their lives will be kinder to them.

Happy Groundhog Day!

The 2nd of February is when Americans crowd around a groundhog and wait for him to predict the rest of their winter.  Either he sees his shadow, is scared back into his burrow, and there are six more weeks of winter, or he does not see his shadow, and it will be an early spring.

Only American weathermen are so unpredictable, that we look to a fuzzy animal for our forecasts!

Happy Groundhog Day!

Who Has Inspired You?

Some people who walk into our lives touch them in ways that change our life forever.  Whether it is someone we grew up with, were taught by, worked with, were raised by, or knew in passing, it is not always easy to tell the ones who will leave footprints in our hearts.  But when you find someone who changes your life in a positive way, it is nice to be thankful for the good fortune that led to your paths becoming intertwined.

There are a few people who have done wonders for me.  I'd like to give a few of them an anonymous appraisal right now (unless you know me personally, in which case you know who I am talking about; I praise these people a great deal, as I should):

My family - I'm wrapping them all together, because although they have been by my side through thick and thin, it is not extremely out there to be inspired by your family.  For better or worse, they usually have a huge hand in making you the way that you are (either by positive reinforcement, or learning how not to be).  My family has done so much for me, has been extremely supportive, and has never given up on me.

"Ma" - A women with a huge heart.  She was always very involved in the community, and the youth in general.  She loved so many as her own children, which is how she earned the name "Ma."  She was a wonder.  Beautiful (inside and out), strong, positive, and loving.  She battled some terrible things (one of which eventually claimed her life all too soon), and I never once heard the woman complain about anything.  When I hit a rough spot in my life, she took me under her wing, and for that I can never say enough positive things about.  She was a generous soul, and is sorely missed be so many.  Ma helped to make me a better person.  I do not want to disappoint her in any way, and try to keep a positive outlook.  For every time you complain, you should look on the bright side three times.  Things can always be better, but they can be even worse.

Johnny Depp - Actually...I'm not going to talk about this one too much.  He's done so much for me, both indirectly and directly.  He's one of my heroes...as are everyone on this list.

My high school science teacher - I owe him so much.  That is not even the tip of the iceberg.  We all have had a teacher who inspired us, but that does not compare at all to what my high school science teacher has done for me.  I say "high school science teacher," because I had him three years in a row.  I had him as a sophomore, and that class inspired me to chose that as a career path.  The following year I was out of school dealing with cancer, and he volunteered to be my science tutor.  The following year, he single-handedly had gotten a more advanced class of the course I had loved as a sophomore, developed and running at school.  That was a huge factor in me getting back to school for my senior year.  I just had to take that class.  And through the year, while I was still dealing with treatments and side-effects, that class kept me coming to school every day (even if it was ONLY for that class).  Aside from me crediting that as helping me get better (which is enough in and of itself), he has been a mentor to me since sophomore year.  When I needed to talk about something, he was there.  He has time and time again gone above and beyond the call of duty of a teacher, and has bent over backwards to help me.  I owe him more than I can ever repay him.  He is the reason I am on my way to becoming a teacher of that subject today.  He's the best teacher I have ever seen. End of story.

Who has inspired you?  Have you told any of them what they mean to you?  

"You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person."

Student Teaching

I just wanted to let you know that I am completing my teaching certificate this semester, which includes being in a classroom all day for fifteen weeks.  Slowly I am taking over the responsibilities of a teacher, and within a couple of weeks the classroom will be completely under my control.

It is exciting, terrifying, and very time consuming.

I will post when I can.  I just did not want you to think I've abandoned my blog.  I'll be around; just not posting as regularly for a while.

Rock Painting

Sometimes you just need to relax. Who doesn't have rocks around?  Maybe that is just me...Turn them into works of art, cute gift ideas, pets, or decorative paperweights.  All you need are some clean rocks, paint, brushes, and a surface to paint on.

Get your craft on when it's too cold to go outside.

Love the Pound!

I am still in love with all things London. I've mentioned I like their money, but here is another reason why.

In America we have the state quarters, and the occasional other special or commemorative coin. In the UK, on the back of their new coins, each one has a piece of the shield that can be found in complete form on the back of the pound.

My friend just sent me the last one I needed to complete the picture.

A Name

If you are reading this, unless you are a spam program in which case you are technically not reading, but corrupting this post, then you probably have a name.  You have your birth given name, whether you like it or not.  Then you may also have a nickname, what you prefer people to call you.  You may even have an alias, whether you have changed your name due to marriage or mid-life crisis.  But you have a name. 

How often do you think about this name? 

Does it feel personal to you?  As if it belongs to you and only you?

What about the strangers you pass by on the street?  How many of them share your name, and you will never know it?

Have you ever been out in public, and you  hear your first name shouted in your direction?  You turn, but do not know the person calling you.  Then you realize the person you were standing five feet away from has the same name as you.  You may think that is normal if your name is "Bill," but it could be quite odd if your name is more along the lines of "Ildiko."  What are the chances of that?

I just think it is weird, is all.  You could be right next to someone who shares one of the most personal features of your being, and you would never know it unless you introduce yourself.

Hi.  My name is Katie.

Benny and Joon

This is not a new movie.  In fact, it came out in 1993.  However, I have decided (even if it is just for my own record), to catalogue some of my favorite movies.  I will also be trying to get through all of Johnny Depp’s films (of which I have seen all save one, but would like to re-watch them for a fresh review).

Starting with “Benny and Joon.”

This is the story of Benny (Aidan Quinn), who is a single mechanic who is having difficulties looking after his younger and mentally ill sister Joon (Mary Stuart Masterson).  The two of them have been living together ever since their parents died in a car accident, over ten years ago.

Joon is going through house-sitters like tissue, as she is a handful (why she cannot be left home alone).  When Benny can find no more people willing to look after Joon while he is in work, he hits a dilemma he has been trying to avoid.  Joon just might be best off in a group home, where she can socialize with other people and work out some of her internal issues.

Then comes Sam (Johnny Depp).  We are never quite sure what is different about Sam, but something is askew.  He is twenty-six years old, and cannot read, along with a few idiosyncrasies.  He is obsessed with old movies, and is phenomenal at physical comedy (culminating in a superb park scene towards the end). 

Sam seems to be the answer for Benny and Joon, as Joon and Sam really hit it off.  Joon is able to do more, and seems to be having more good days.  But Benny is not quite ready to hand off his sister to a guy he is not too sure about just yet.

It isn’t all rainbows and unicorns, and Joon has an episode that could compromise all Benny has been trying to work for.  If Benny can open up and learn to let go, Sam might be able to keep Joon safe a bit longer; possibly forever.

This is such a sweet movie.  I give it a 9.8 out of 10.  It is my third favorite movie.  The cast is wonderful, the story is touching, the music entrancing, and the physical stunts admirable.  This is a movie you should definitely see, and perfect for a day when you are just not feeling on top of the world (and need a nice pick me up).

“Benny and Joon” is rated PG, and runs 98 minutes.

Build Your Own Trail Mix Bar

There are many reasons why you’d want to do this: a party with fussy guests, picky children you need to amuse, really any activity you need to host.

Everyone has their favorite things in trail mix, and things they eat around.  If you set out the ingredients and allow your guests to put their own favorites in their own ratio into their bags, then you will never have someone complaining that there are too many raisins to pretzels again.

What you will need:

·         Baggies and ties; enough to go around

·         Small bowls; one for each of the items

·         Serving spoons so you do not have people digging around in the food

·         Your ingredients of choice; one per bowl

You can get very creative with this.  You can go all indulgent, with all of your favorite bite-sized chocolates (chips, covered nuts, flavored cereals, etc.).  You can be traditional, with pretzels, nuts, chocolate candies, raisins, etc.  You can even be healthy, with high-fiber nuts, pretzels, cereals, and all-natural sweet items: raisins, dried fruit, etc.

You can have fun picking out the items, and your guests will have fun putting their snack together.  It never gets old!

Jack and Jill (2011)

This is an odd premise to a movie, but makes for a good story.

Adam Sandler plays both of the titular characters: Jack and Jill Sadelstein – twins.  Yes, he plays a woman – an ugly woman, whom you grow to feel sorry for for being so odd looking.

Jack has a regular family and life, which his sister was never able to achieve.  Jill is a sad character, who lived solely around her mother who recently passed away.  Without her mother, Jill is a bit lost.  Trying to cling to her family as close as possible, Jill visits Jack for the holidays, and then just refuses to leave.  She does not want to return to her life, where no one seems to accept her (even though her brother is less than welcoming).

Jill is trying to fit in with Jack’s family.  His family likes her; he just refuses to open himself up to her peculiarities. 

Jack is an advertising executive who’s current mission is to get Al Pacino (played by himself) to do a Dunkin’ Donuts commercial since his name rhymes with their drink, the Dunkaccino.  Al is less than easily persuaded, as his character version of himself is on a downward spiral in his acting career, and he does not see this as benefiting his reputation.  However, Jack and Jill go to a game because Jack knows Al will be there (sitting with none other than the real Johnny Depp for a quick cameo), and he thinks he can win him over.  Unfortunately (or fortunately for Jack), Al has no interest in the commercial, but falls in love with Jill, who could not care less about this creepy man.

Jack then exploits his sister to try to get to Al, and maybe does a bit of cross-dressing to get what he wants.  In the end, Jack hurts Jill, but their twin power brings them back closer than ever.

This is an odd, but cute movie.  Al Pacino’s part is hilarious.  I give him a great deal of credit for doing all that he did (especially considering Jill is just Adam Sandler in drag).  Keeping that in mind, the movie is quite interesting, with a great cast.  I give the film a 6.7 out of 10 (or, worth the money to rent for a night).  You need to watch to the end to see if Al goes through with the commercial. =)

“Jack and Jill” (2011) is rated PG and runs 91 minutes.