College Kids - Go for Your Dreams

My niece is off to college. It's her first time on her own and this is an exciting time for her. It's been a long time since I've been to college but there's one thing that should be at the top of the list for every college student. Go for your Dream!

Don't settle for less when you go to college. Even if it seems crazy, if it's a "tough" industry to get into, if it doesn't "pay well" or if it seems unattainable. Go for what inspires you. If you enjoy your work, you will be happy and successful.

College is the time to go for it. It is the time to give it a go. There's always time to fall back on another career but if what you really want does not pan out. College is the place to make your dreams come true so don't sell yourself short.

I know of a girl whose dream was to be a dolphin trainer. She went to Sea World and talked to a trainer, very commendable, but the trainer told her there were not many jobs available and it was hard to find a job. So she gave up on her dream and is going to nursing school. This breaks my heart.

Don't give up on your dream because one person says it's hard. Go to college. Learn your trade or industry. Give it your all and be the best. Maybe that specific job wouldn't pan out but there's other job in the field that she could have done that would be a lot more exciting and rewarding for her than completely abandoning her dream before trying.

Get an intern position in your field. Definitely a summer internship but see if you can even intern during the school year. Having a long-term intern position not only looks good on your resume but also gives you a leg up for a paying position. Even if you don't start out with your dream job, if you are in the industry, you can work your way there or do something comparable.

This girl has an aquarium less then an hour away from her home. She could have interned there to see if she really would enjoy it as well as learn the other opportunities in the industry while at the same time having the chance to make a good impression which could lead to a paying position and at the least ask for a letter of recommendation to help her chances of landing a job somewhere else.

Then there's my niece. I learned that she is devastated because she wanted to go to college to become a vet but she missed a pre-requirement in high school so she's giving up on her dream.

I say do what you have to do to get what you want. Talk to the guidance counselor and find out how you can work it out. Take the class in summer school at a community college.  Don't take no for an answer.

Scared of classes that are challenging is also no excuse, that's what college is for, to challenge yourself, gain discipline and conquer your fears. Life is full of challenges. Learning how to tackle these challenges is what makes you stronger. Don't give up before you try. When you succeed it will make it that much more sweet.

College is the time to become anybody you want to be. I think everybody knows what they are passionate about. Some are just afraid to try it or think it's too difficult or too unattainable. In this economy any job in any field is tough. So you might as well go for the one that you dream of.

Believe in yourself. If you don't, nobody else will. College is setting you up for the rest of your life. Your Life. Make it the best it can be. Do what makes you happy. Don't let anyone or anything squash your dream before you give it try. GO FOR IT.

Cheers and Good Luck.

Jan

Why Is An Engagement Ring Important?

I heard a discussion on whether or not a man should buy a ring for an engagement. Some people felt that being this is 2011 that a ring is not necessary. The argument was that women work and can support themselves. That a ring isn't necessary to have a commitment. Why should a guy spend money on a ring?

Why? Because this long-standing tradition is they way that a man shows his commitment and love for a woman. The ring symbolizes the commitment that he is making.

The proposal is the guy's day. The proposal should be thought out and special.  It's the day that he gets to create and plan. Then the woman plans the wedding. The man pays for the ring. The woman pays for the wedding. It all evens out and actually in most cases the ring is way less then the cost of a wedding. Sure today it's possible that both plan the wedding and both save up for the wedding but I'd have to say in most cases the woman has had a vision of her wedding all her life and will be the one to do the majority of the planning.

Why wouldn't you want you man to buy you a ring? Even if it's not expensive, it shows that he put in the thought and wants to give you a symbol of his love. It's special. If he proposes on a whim without a ring, I think it's romantic and great but not official until the ring is on her finger. A second proposal should be made as an official proposal.

Just say yes to the ring.

Jan

Better Tasting and Healthier Than a Burger

  In the summer we love to grill and grilled veggies taste great!  Instead of putting beef burgers on the grill try a portabella mushroom!  First, marinate the mushrooms in olive oil, you can add herbs like oregano, basil, garlic, salt and pepper.  Let the mushroom marinate for at least 20 minutes.  If you are looking to save on calories you can use an all natural olive oil spray and lightly spray mushroom.  Then place it on the grill, add a slice of  your favorite cheese on top and place it on a hamburger roll.  It tastes delicious and it's healthier than beef, turkey or chicken.

  We had a big barbeque party this past weekend for my daughter's birthday and served choice of beef burger, hot dogs and of course the portabella mushroom burger.  Our guests were skeptical and didn't think they would like the mushroom burger but everyone had a taste and the mushroom burgers ended up being a huge hit!  We ran out of portabella mushrooms and had to go out and buy more! 

 A great side to go with your mushroom burger is corn on the cob, spray it lightly with butter or olive oil spray and place it directly on the grill, it gives the corn a great flavor!  Enjoy!  Happy Barbequing!

Steph

Marrying a Man Who Could be Your Grandfather. Really?

We've seen some high profile relationships involving a 70 or 80 year old man with a 20-something year old woman. Funny enough this seems fodder for reality television with E!s Girls Next Door which starred the 80 something Hugh Hefner, 85, with his 20 something girlfriends. Then there was Anna Nicole Smith who married an 89 year old billionaire, she also had a reality TV show on E!.

If you've read this blog before, you'll know that I'm a fan of Bravo and the Real Housewives. I just learned that Sonja from the New York season was married to an 80 year old man and was shocked that there was such a drastic difference in their age. Hearing her speak of her husband I never expected him to be a man that could have been her grandfather and I think I lost a little of my love and respect for her.

I don't get it. I feel within 10 years difference is the best since it would seem people from the same decade would have the most in common and could relate to each other's lifestyle, pop culture, music, etc. I get why many girls go for guys that are 20 years their senior because they are looking for security and being taken care of. It's the father syndrome, I think particularly for girls who grew up without a father figure and are desperately looking to fill that void. 

But when the gap starts reaching 30 years or more, I find it hard to understand how there is any mutual ground. How there is anything in common to talk about and how there could possibly be any physical attraction. It seems the two big reasons that are the glue for these relationships are money and fame for the woman and the trophy wife for the man.

There's a recent Hollywood marriage between a 51 year old actor and a 16 year old wanna-be-actress. I find it disturbing that her parents would allow this to take place. The groom is older then the bride's father and this man could be her grandfather. She seems to come from a dysfunctional family because any parent that would allow their 16 year to get married is bad enough but allowing their 16 year old to marry a 51 year old man is unfathomable to me. How they could sign papers to give their blessing to a marriage rather then going straight to the police station to file a restraining order and file charges against him. I believe she is too young and naive to really get it and fully understand her feelings. For him, however, I can only think pedophile. 

As they say, most famously the Beatles, live and let live. So who am I to judge as long as the parties involved are happy. But at the same time, really? Really I don't get it.

Jan

Family Fun Vacation--Bar Harbor, ME

My family and I have never been to Maine, it is our first visit and we love it!  We are well traveled and have been to lots of places for vacations but we really enjoy Maine.  There is alot to see and do.  We went first to Kenebunkport and then headed to Bar Harbor.  Kenebunkport is a cute little town and reminds you of Nantucket Island with cute little shops.  It is also where our former President George Bush lives. You might spot him and the former First Lady around town, like we did!

Then another 4 hours down the coast of Maine we made our way to Bar Harbor.  It is where one of our National parks is located, Arcadia National Park, what a breathtaking place, with mountain views and the Atlantic Ocean on one side and Frenchman's Bay on the other!  There is also tons of activities to keep the family active like hiking trails, biking trails, whale watching, and boating.  Not to even mention shopping!
A great store to stop into is "Cool is a Moose", they have great stuff.  It is in the center of downtown Bar Harbor but it is a chain and you can find them throughout Maine.  If you have a chance don't forget to stop into L.L. Bean! There is the biggest shop in Freeport, Maine.

If you are able to go whale watching make sure you are prepared for rough seas.  Alot of people got really sick, luckily my husband and I anticipated rough seas and took dramamine.  The rough seas didn't bother our kids but suprisingly there were other kids that did get sick, usually the younger ones are not as affected by motion sickness.  We were able to see at least 6 whales though, which was a beautiful sight to see.  It was fun and exciting for the whole family.

There is also camping which the kids love!  I would take a five star hotel over camping myself,  but I love to see my kids having fun, it was worth the stiff neck and backache from sleeping on an air mattress on the ground!  We camped right on the water. There are alot of local campsites in the area with lots of fun activites for the kids.  There is nothing like building a campfire and toasting marshmallows, sharing stories and meeting other campers.  We met a nice family from Quebec, Canada.
We also did alot of hiking even my almost 4 year old enjoyed it!  It was adventurous hiking through the trails with scenic views!  There is also biking through Arcadia National Park and don't forget swimming in the lakes and ocean.  What a great place for family vacations!  If you have never been, it would definately be worth the trip. While you are there you must order the maine lobster!  The best lobster I have ever tasted!  Besides their lobster, Maine is well known for their great tasting blueberries!  They are smalller than most blueberries but taste great! 
We loved it so much we plan on taking another long weekend to Portland, ME.  I will let you know how it is. If you are able to make a trip down to Maine or have already been, let me know which part of Maine you visited and how you liked it!

Steph

Book Bag - Bossypants by Tina Fey

I am not the kind of reader that reads a book in 3 days but I read Tina Fey's Bossypants in 3 days. The book is more like having a conversation then reading a book. It's like getting really good emails from your friend about what's going on in their lives. It's written in a playful way and reads quickly and easily.

It's interesting to read about Tina Fey's humble beginnings. It shared some great quirky childhood experiences and it was great to remember simpler times and those awkward childhood memories that only now we can look back at and laugh about.

It also shows how far women have come over the past 20 years as she references her former boss from Second City who believed that no one wanted to see two women on stage and to see that she would then  go on to become one of the biggest sensations on Saturday Night Live and shared the stage with Amy Poehler doing Hilary Clinton and Sarah Palin achieving one of the best ratings for SNL and was global hit.

Tina Fey is a great writer and this is truly a fun book. It's a great summer read and I highly recommend adding this to your summer book list.

Jan

Schools is out---engaging young minds

School is out for the summer!  I am excited to have more time with my kids but at the same time I know it can be quite a disaster if they don't continue to have a structured schedule.  It is important that even in the summer kids contnue to learn and have some structure. Many studies have documented  that kids experience a "summer slide" in which kids do not engage their minds enough during summer break.
There are some activities that can keeps kids engaged.  I like to take my kids on lots of mini vacations just for a day, or a long weekend.  I take them to historical sites, learning centers, museums, zoos, aquariums, nature parks.  This is a great way to have fun while still learning.
Cooking and baking with kids is a great way to keep minds engaged while having fun trying new recipes.  Rice crispie treats are easy, fun to make, and tasty.  It is easy to add sprinkles, chocolate chips, nerds, gummie bears or any favorite topping.
Today we went to the craft store and bought clay.  We came home and spent almost 2 hours making clay objects and baking them in the oven.  We made a small bowl and cute little ceramic animals.
In the summer, I make sure the kids have alot of outdoor time, swimming, playing games, and staying active.  I also make sure we spend at least 30 minutes a day reading. 

These are just a few ideas to keep your children engaged throughout the summer. Good Luck and  have fun!
Steph