N'Awlins

It's an arduous task to try and describe what my trip to New Orleans did for me but I'll give it a try. I went with my gal pal Nicole and two of her students. The goal was to help with the rebuilding efforts in Mississippi and New Orleans. They drove, I flew and we met in Gulfport where we stayed at a church that proved to be most hospitable albeit kooky. Our original jobs fell through but Nic persavered and needless to say we had work in NO. We spent Sunday in NO being tourists and had coffee and beignets at Cafe Du Monde followed by walking around for the day and then eating in the French Quarter. We drove through the garden district and headed out toward the Ninth Ward which was devastating to say the least. There are no words to convey the sadness observed. Living in NYC I can say that 9/11 was a horrific tragedy that won't soon be forgotten. However, when it was over, it was oven and people picked up the pieces and tried to move on with their lives. In NO, the suffering can be seen as you observe homes that haven't been touched since the day the storm hit and people who are homeless, jobless and lifeless. It really makes you appreciate what you have and a reminder not to sweat the small stuff. We met some of the homeowners which was sad but also rewarding in itself as it gave a name and identity to go with the story. I'll probably think of more to write later but I have to thank Nicole for inviting me to go along. It was truly humbling and I am a better person for it.

Not Yo Momma's Nice Jewish Girl

I tried to order the tee shirt of the title of this post but it was sold out. Drats! Saturday I leave to spend a week with Nicole volunteering in Gulfport, Mississippi. Instead of balking about what needs to be done in this country, I wanted to make a difference so off I go. I'm totally excited about this trip and am sure I will come back renewed with a new sense of self. I've always been a do-gooder but this is different. I think it's the whole adoption thing that has made me feel like I am the luckiest gal alive. I feel so priviledged to be able to travel halfway around the world and be given the gift of motherhood, that I have this incredulous need to show my gratitude and what better way. As a nation we are not doing all we need to to aid the victims of Hurrican Katrina. While small, I hope my contribution makes a difference in someone's life. No pat on the back nor gratitude is expected. This is just something I have to do.

Happy Birthday Nic !!!!

Today is Nicole's birthday and I can't think of anyone else (but me of course) who deserves to have all her wishes come true. So Nic, close your eyes, think carefully, make a wish and tell no one. This day is yours with only good things to come in your future. See you in FIVE days chicky!

It's a Girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Welcome the newest member of my family. She was born on December 28th, 2006 at approximately 5:10pm. I've been waiting a long time for her and think she's a lovely addition to my family. I look forward to many happy times together and the creation of many goodies and memories.

A to Z with Froggy

Snagged off Nic's page A is for age: I am 36 years old B is for Beer: Never had one and thinks it smells like urine C is for Career: Hospital Admin,Adjunct Professor, Clinician, Consultant D is for my Dog's Name: Don't have one at present; last live-in dog was Q-TIP E is for Essential Item I Use Everyday: Soap F is for Favorite T.V. Show: Law & Order SVU G is for Favorite Game: Scrabble H is for Hometown: Born in NJ, reared in NYC I is for Instruments I Play: I played the violin poorly in the fourth grade J is for Favorite Juice: Tropicana apple juice in the glass bottle K is for Whose Butt I’d Like To Kick: MWB L is for the Last Place I Ate: Cafe at work M is for Marriage: Nope, not yet N is for my Name: Lisa O is for Overnight Hospital Stays: Several P is for People I was With Today: Mom, colleauges, boss, friend and trainees Q is for Quote: "I am going to be the old woman who lived in her shoes" R is for Biggest Regret: Staying so long S is for Sport: Skiing T is for Time I Woke Up Today: Which time? U is for Current Underwear: Black boyshorts with bright stripes V is for Vegetable You Love: Sugar snap peas W is for Worst Habit: Being naieve X is for X-rays I Have Had: Too many to count! Y is for Yummy Food You Ate Today: Piece of my chocolate pecan pie Z is for Zodiac: Gemini, both of us

Deck the Halls with Loaves of Challah

Last night was my 5th annual holiday party. I had a wonderful time with friends and it seemed a good time was had by all. The last of the partygoers left around 3am and boy was I tired! Food, drink and yummy desserts made for a great night with special thanks for all my holiday gifts. Here's to another round next year and a wonderful 2007 for everyone.

The Tale of the Secret Pal and Eight Crazy Nights

Well my Secret Pal, struck again! I was completely in awe when I opened my package to find eight Hanukkah gifts wrapped so beautifully with a card and a note telling me how she researched the holiday. I was so touched and I wanted to wait until Hanukkah and open one gift each night but like a child I couldn't wait. As always, Fortune Cookie got some wonderful gifts and somehow I am never forgotten. I got a great Frog Prince clock which I am taking to work with me as a daily reminder of how lucky I am to have such a thoughtful person in my life whom I don't even know. I truly hope one day I can meet this special person and thank her from the bottom of my heart.

Princesses on Ice

Last Sunday was Brianna's 6th birthday and since I had promised her a "girl's" day I thought she might want to go ice skating. Mind you it's been 15 or so years since I've been on the ice but I was looking foeward to the day. We went to the children's session to avoid some of the wildness at the rink but the rental kid wasn't the sharpest crayon in the box and after he gave me 12 pair of the wrong size, including men's hockey skates I had enough! I got my money back, went to the pro shop and bought myself a pair of comfort figure skates. I must say they are surely COMFORTABLE. I skated better than I did 20 years ago and BOY was I sore the next day. All in all it was a lovely day. Bri had so much fun we stayed for the next session before heading to lunch and Macy's to pick her out a birthday outfit. She chose an adorable winter sweater for herself and we found a matching one for her baby sister Tori. They were so excited to try them on, they insisted I take a picture.

Baking with Sophia

What better way than to spend a Sunday afternoon hanging out with my gal pal Carrie and her daughter Sophia baking cupcakes. We had a lot of fun and Sophia was defintely a HUGE help in the kitchen and decorator extraordinaire. Next time, I think we'll have to make cookies!

Ode to a Secret Pal

Oh Secret Pal O Mine How your gifts make me swoon Sometimes I sneak out of work to get them When they're expected; often around noon Your taste and style is just awesome And I love how you know me so well It's amazing to have you as my secret pal My friends all think you're just swell Each month is filled with anticipation To see what goodies you have in store I don't mean to seem so damn greedy But all I think is, please send me more I bet we're alike in many ways Hopefully one day we'll meet If not in the States, then perhaps In China, on some random street So I just wanted to say thank you friend For making this wait bearable and sweet I hope someone is as kind to you as you are Cause as secret pals go, you just can't be beat! (camera is charging....pics to follow of my awesome gifts received today)