I, too, have a dream

So I must admit that I have never been really fond of Presidential Inaugurations of the past. This year is very different for a number of reasons. First is because I am VERY excited that George W. is G-O-N-E, GONE!!! Second, I am hopeful that all of the controversy and questionable decisions from the past 8 years will come to an end. I will hope for the best while awaiting much needed health plan reforms. The most important thing that I will witness tomorrow is creating hystory. I am proud to be a part of such a monumental step forward.

This is not so much about the candidate I voted for winning. This is about an amazing man who is also African-American. I only hope that those who did not vote for Barrack Obama can see past political parties and platforms. Tomorrow is a landmark. We all should be proud to be able to say, “I remember when the FIRST African-American became President.” I feel that watching him being sworn in to office (even watching just the Acceptance Speech) is such an honor. I imagine being able to tell the boys about this time years from now. Obama’s Acceptance Speech was the most amazing thing I’ve ever heard. There were tears across the Nation that night. We cried not in excitement of our future but remembering the changes in our past.

I can’t help but wonder where our society would be if not for the path that was paved by people like: James Meredith, Malcolm X, Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King, Jr.

I can’t help but be excited to see where we are going.

SNYDER

WARENSKI

Christmas Fiasco Pt. II

Here is a short slide show of our Christmas Season.

Christmas Fiasco Pt. I

This Christmas we definitely had to make more with less. It was very important that my family experience more than flying boxes, torn wrapping paper & gifts that have a life-span of 24hours. Despite my failed attempt at making EDIBLE Dutch food earlier in the month, I was determined to try again. I promised Rob croquettes and I intended to follow-through. The challenge was, of course, making VEGETARIAN croquettes. We do have a substitute for ground beef but it won't stick together to form the ball. I was able to find a recipe for Potato cheese croquettes. I went CRAZY! I had never eaten a croquette before - I had NO CLUE about sizes, shapes, and especially how much one batch would really make. So I TRIPLED the batch!!! Holy shit! I had more than enough to experiment with!



I experimented with cooking methods. I can't eat them deep-fried so I tried baking, pan-frying, and deep-frying. The various methods did affect the taste a lot. The pan-fried (I used PAM non-stick spray) I didn't care for. I think the PAM burnt. The oven baked was actually really good and no grease was used. It took longer but its a healthy alternative! Once I started deep-frying them, the mouths started watering! They were so good! I was impressed with myself!



The process took a long time but was well worth it. I don't think it would have taken so long if I knew how to do it. Next time I don't think it'll take near as long.

My wish...

For the select people I didn't get to tell personally "merry christmas".... I'm sorry. I hope everyone had a great christmas. I hope that memories were made and futures created. Old traditions honored and future traditions formed. I wish the people from my past, present, and future know how grateful I am for the lessons learned. Those who exist in the distance - I wish all the best. I hope they all know that no matter what obstacles are given, I will always exist in the shadows. I will be there to pick up the pieces of life and I will always be there to celebrate the achievements - even if it's only in thought.

For all of you who are out there who I didn't get a chance to say how much I love each and every one of you. My heart is spread across the oceans and circles continents. I did not get to tell all the people who deserve it... that I am proud, excited, and jealous. Some get the opportunity to see the world and that thought amazes me. Although I hope that a small piece of me went along for the ride.

Family and friends are the greatest gifts ever given and the most valuable assets one could have.

The cars I drive are meaningless. The house I own is a building. The money I have is paper. The family I was blessed with, the friends I have gained, and even the people I have yet to meet, are what makes my life richly complete.

I have learned many things in my relatively short life: never be afraid to tell someone you love them, always remember the best moments are unplanned, learn to listen and give compliments, find a reason to laugh, and the most important thing is to never regret anything; it doesn't matter if the experience is good, bad, or indifferent, something is always gained. Be proud of each moment and experience.

So finally, I love you all. I miss you! Despite the different paths our lives have taken over the years, I will always be available. I will always be grateful for what you have taught me. I will always remember. I will always care.

~S~