Christmas...yet again!

Every year it seems that the distance between Christmases gets shorter and shorter. I recall last year's Christmas the best because it was an odd one......no family...just me and Marius...in Florida. We spent the week prior to Christmas packing our life (yet again)...and spent Christmas eve and Christmas night sleeping on a inflatable mattress in our living room...surrounded by a few boxes...with a big UHaul in front of our house...waiting for the long drive back home to Canada. No Christmas tree...no lights...no wreaths or other decorations....no presents under the tree...just us...and the the thought of what Christmas is really like without all the craziness around it. And it really was peaceful...and full of joy! This year...a bit different...although still living away from home...we are somewhat closer than Florida (I think everything is closer than Florida!!!) so we're able to be home for the holidays...with the people we love...our family (at least half of it!!). I keep thinking how when you're growing up, you mostly want to run away from your parents...spend the holidays with friends...away from any parental supervision...yet when you grow up and move away from them...you cannot wait for the time to come back home...where you feel SAFE...at ease.
I am trully blessed to have amazing parents who would do anything for us (and do everything for us)...and I am blessed to have an amazing husband who loves me more than anything...more than himself...and I know I don't deserve it...but I am also blessed with awesome friends...the few I have, are definetly all I need and want!
So to all of you out there...hope you have an amazing Holiday Season...a Merry Christmas and very Blessed and Happy New Year!!!!

Pre-Christmas memories...

For all of you raised in Romania, i believe you all remember our awesome celebration called: Mos Niculae!! (I know Marius is saying.....that's bogus, nobody celebrated that!!). But we did...and some of my fondest memories revolve around that celebration. I was blessed with the best parents ever.....never once did they miss a opportunity to shower us with gifts...it wasn't hard in Romania because they always had the means...but both my dad and mom always made sure their kids knew how much they were loved and thought of each and every single day. My brother and I would diligently clean out boots the night of the 5th of Dec. We made sure we put the biggest pair of boots we had in the huge window at the kitchen balcony. I even remember to this day the opening mechanism of those old Romanian windows....We would then go to sleep and for some reason never once doubted that we haven't been good enough to get our parents from "Mos Niculae". The best part was when the 6th fell on a school day (back during the communist that wasn't hard because 6 out of 7 times it would fall on a school day...hahahahaha!!!). But going to school and discovering what everyone got in their boots was AMAZING. And I remember how everyone...no matter what grade we were in...EVERYONE kept the "parents" out of the equation. I'm sure not all kids in my class and Claudiu's class were as naive as me and him...but NOBODY...NOBODY ever mentioned that...hey guys, you do now your parents put all those goodies in your boots, right?! Christmas had a more real appeal that way.....
So for old times sakes....drop a little something into someone's boots on the 5th of December, so when they get up on the 6th...they will smile and have a better Monday!!!!

Disturb us, Lord « EVEDYAHU

I first heard this in the summer...now that i found the original version by Sir Francis Drake, I wanted to share it with all of you. I hope you had blessed thanksgiving and had millions of thinks to be grateful for...I know I did!!! Have a blessed friday and an awesome weekend!!! I know mine is going to be crazy busy (I guess marring a musician does that!!!)

Disturb us, Lord « EVEDYAHU: "Disturb us, Lord, when
We are too pleased with ourselves,
When our dreams have come true
Because we dreamed too little,
When we arrived safely
Because we sailed too close to the shore.
Disturb us, Lord, when
with the abundance of things we possess
We have lost our thirst
For the waters of life;
Having fallen in love with life,
We have ceased to dream of eternity
And in our efforts to build a new earth,
We have allowed our vision
Of the new Heaven to dim.
Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly,
To venture on wilder seas
Where storms will show Your mastery;
Where losing sight of land,
We shall find the stars.
We ask you to push back
The horizons of our hopes;
And to push back the future
In strength, courage, hope, and love.
This we ask in the name of our Captain,
Who is Jesus Christ."

Catching up with friends...

Growing up as an only child for the past 19 years, I have fallen into the "trap" of considering close friends as family. I say trap because I know that I risk being hurt...I mean...to me they might be family, but those people actually have blood related relatives...and I AM only a friend. But with all that risk...i am blessed to say that there are a few people in my life that are closer to me than I think friends should be...and that's why they are "MY FAMILY".
So this weekend I got a chance to spend a bit of time with some of those familiar friends...and what's the best place to do that??!! NYC!! That's right...my favorite city...with my favorite man, and with two of my favorite people in the world (Anca and JOJO!!!). Hanging out in a coffee shop in the Village, sitting outside on the patio in November....walking 68 blocks in 20 min (ok..so maybe I am exaggerating...but close enough!)...but you get the vibe...FRIENDS ROCK!! and NYC is not that bad either!!!!!
So...if anyone ever wants to have fun....let loose, be REAL...be a friend and enjoy a cup of coffee with an awesome girlfriend every now and then!!!!
Have a blessed week everyone!!!

Jesus...a holloween character??!!!

It's sad...really really sad...when kids consider Jesus JUST ANOTHER character to dress up as on Holloween. I have to say I was trully distgusted when I saw that and saddened by how easily kids (college young adults to be more specific!!) take Jesus. Jesus...our Lord and Saviour...Jesus...the one who died on the cross for my sins..and theirs...Jesus..who loves us unconditionally. I mean...I don't think He loved them less for mocking HIM, but I do believe He was sadden by the situation.
Beyond that...not much happening here today. I am back in Kitchener...for another week, and then will be reunited w/ my better half...God is good! It's very very cold outside...my parents turned off the heat (when I say SAVE money..I dont' mean let's all freeze do death!!)...so I turned it back on....it's 12:30 and I got a surprize phone call from my husband ( I loooooove loooove when I don't expect it and he calls!!).....and now I'm watching a cooking show...and waiting for the time to go to work. Last week working full time at this job...so ready for my next one!!!!
Oh yeah...and watching election updates on Fox News...I am interested now...it's somewhat relevant to me and my family!!! God bless America!!!!!!

God's awesomeness...

So...have you ever felt so overwhelmed by God's blessings that you don't even have words to describe it? Well..that's how I feel now. I am in total shock...awe...a bit overwhelmed (a lot annoyed by this keyboard that types what it wants!!)....a lot scared...but overall very thankfull for EVERYTHING God did for me these past few days. Why?? why does He choose to bless me..a sinner....is beyond my comprehension.
LOVE....yeah..that's what it is...HE LOVES ME!! HE...GOD...HE KING OF THE UNIVERSE...LOVES ME..ALINA...CARMEN...BAHNEAN!! Wow...THAT by itself is overwhelming.
Today I could have a hundred things to be thankful for...and it's only 1pm...
1) woke up next to my husband for the first time in over 2 weeks...
2) was able to make breakfast for him...
3) I had money to do my laundry...
4) My heat is working (hahahaha...see Evie...I do appreciate my luxury!!!..thanks for the reminder)
5) I have friends I can call to share my good news with
6) I have parents I can speak with any hour of the day....and they're always available...
7) my TV broke down..which caused me to do OTHER things that get put on the back burner b/c of the TV...

There...that's that for now...
And on top of EVERYTHING...my calendar that Esti gave me way back in 1998 told me something amazing today:
"Your heavenly Father knows your needs. He will always give you all you need from day to day" (Luke 12:30-31)

Now THAT'S an encouragement....and a reality in my life!!!
I hope you are blessed by those words just as much as I am...

I hate Holloween!!!

I hate it so much that I don't even know how to spell it...I guessed!!! But of course, to satisfy your boss (because working like a mad woman and bring in the bucks apparently doesn't do it!!!), you have to attend his birthday party, which happens to be a costume party. But up until today, I didn't realize it was a holloween costume party (b/c it's not on the 31st!!!)....but you would think my blonde moment wouldn't last for two months. But here I am...having to attend my first holloween party (good thing everyone has to dress like in the 60's or 70's, so I think witches and devils are excluded (although they really mark the 70's...hahahahaha). Whatever!!
So now i have to figure out how to dress....so excuse me while I google the 60's and 70's!!!!!

One word...CHANGES EVERYTHING!!

It's amazing to me how you mention the word BABY and EVERYONE goes crazy!!! I made the mistake of writing something along the lines of Alina, Baby and Marius...and all my friends (gotta love them!!) got all crazy about it!!! So to settle things...WE ARE NOT HAVING A BABY! and that is definetly not how I would let all my "real" friends know about it. So..now that THAT is out of the way, let's get back to the real things: CALIFORNIA!!!

California girl..California girl..that is sooooo me!!! I fell in love...ALL OVER AGAIN...I want to re-pack everything (as much as I hate packing), drive across the country in a U-HAUL and settle all my belonging and my husband (no baby, remember!!!) to the beautiful state of California! I totally see why people will move there!! So..I'm taking my Esti w/ me (Dani will be EXTATIC!!!)...I got my other friend there (why is this italics??!!)...and family...LOVE IT!!
It was an amazing trip....there is nothing that I didnt enjoy about California (maybe the homeless in downtown LA..but I am not planning to move next to the soup kitchen!!).
I gotta go do my laundry...unfortunately this trip required a lot of outfit changes and you don't realize how many shirts and pants you dirty until you come home and need to do 4 loads of laundry!!!

Why do MOST romanian kids grow up respectful??!!!

Because our parents were not afraid to spank us. I was listening to a conversation yesterday at lunch about someone complaining how their kids talk back to them, swear and other things which I will not even mention. And I'm referring to kids between the ages of 10 and 16. That was appauling to me...I could not believe my ears. So I could not sit and listen anymore and I had to speak up. So my question was: "why do you think kids behave this way towards their parents?"...answer: "????"...oh wait, Alina has an answer for you!! It's because they've never been spanked!! That's right...I am FOR spanking. Of course I had to hear an explanation on why spanking should not be allowed and how it's not necessary for most things...really??!! REALLY??!!!! Then we should not wonder why kids grow up so disrespectful towards parents/siblings/teachers...or even DENTAL HYGIENISTS!!! hahahahaha...I have a beef with a few teenager patients!!!
But other than that...apparently, a 4 year old can be accused of racism just because she decided to get up from the lunch table at school when a little cutie chinese girl sat beside her. So the teacher decided to blame her of racism and make a fiasco out of it.... Thanks Mrs. Teacher....now poor innocent little 4 year old IS AWARE of what racism is....'cause up until then, she just wanted to change from a blue chair to a red chair!!!!
YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING ME....And you want me to bring kids in this messed up world?!!
But for all of you who have kids: HOMESCHOOL!!

Loneliness in a world of Mass Connection...

I'm quoting someone...this is not me!!!
"Cell phone, calls, text messages, e-mails, online social networks, chat rooms - there has never been a time when the means of communicating were so numerous and easy to come by. Yet, in this world of mass connection, many people - young and old - feel very lonely. Why??.....The hectic pace of life imposed by modern society is hardly conductive to warm human contact. A smile and the affection that can be seen in a person's eyes cannot generally be conveyed over the phone or through a message on a computer screen."

This is me now!!!!!!
I just read this today and it hit the spot with me....I mean, as much as I love my facebook, my emailing and this blog (well...not as much as others!!), I am completely against all this technology replacing human interaction. I have over 300 friends on facebook, and each and every one of them I know them personally, have at some point in my life spoken with, or just KNOW!!!! But at the same time, there are maybe 15 people that I speak with in one month......I also fall into this trap: writing a msg. on facebook and washing my hands of having to actually pick up the phone and call someone...or even meet with them. I get over 300 msg. of HAPPY BIRTHDAY, but hardly anyone ever calls to wish me a happy birthday personally...
I don't care much about me....the people that I love and want to talk to, actually DO CALL ME!!! But I am thinking of how we fool ourselves thinking we have so many "friends", or know so many people, when in fact, when we sit and think about it...we are more alone than back in the beginning of the 90's when we used to call more and meet with people more!!!!
So...please do not fall into the trap set by the devil to separate us from human interaction....while using your technology, don't forget God called us to love everyone...and that sometimes involves actually picking up the phone yourself (not saying...why DON'T THEY EVER CALL) to just say hi or meet for STARBUCKS!!!!
And as for me...Baba...I cherish every phone conversation with you, no matter how interrupted it is by Victoria's crying (hahahahahahaha...she's hillarious) or Alex's need to go to sleep. I love it that I have a huge collection of hand written letter and pictures of when we actually spent time together, talking...not msg'ing over the internet!!!!! Stay tuned...you might get something in the mail soon!!!!!!

Routine, best friend and Gossip Girl...

That's the kind of day it's been for me....

I have been waiting with anticipation for almost 3 months for the season premiere of Gossip Girl to start.....and I was NOT dissapointed!! I mean I would tell you all about it...but I'm finding out it's just me and the teenagers watching that...so I will not insult all you mature individuals!
Recently I've been bombarded with this annoying word: ROUTINE!! I hate it...everyone is using it and everyone is living in it. September comes and everyone says the same thing: "we're back to the same old routine". I find myself going crazy even thinking my life is a routine...and I find that other people live for that!! Am I crazy?! Or are you?!! hahahahaha...well..not YOU...but you who live in routine!!! Get out there...experience each and every day...you only get today once and there's so much to do..so many things to see...so many people to talk to. I am so glad I married a person who loves the unknown as much as me and lives his life to the fullest!!!
The one thing I expect to remain constant in my life is my Best Friend in the world (see...I even capitalized you...like that's your name!!! hahahahaha). I love talking to you...you always give me a glimpse of what it's like to talk to a sister...someone who never judges you and you can really trully be yourself with (kind of like Serena and Blair!!!!!!). I wish I could just pick up the phone, call you and ask you to meet me for coffee...but for now...and since you decided you don't drink coffee...we'll just have to yet again, be content w/ a phone conversation!!!!

Ok..bear with me!!

Bit of ticked right now...so if you want to stay in the good mood you're in...DON'T READ!!! But if you feel...like me...that sometimes you just want to be pissed...then I think we're all allowed at some point in the week (mine is today) to do it.
I mean...do I have a GOOD...a real GOOD reason?! Probably not! But when my husband is 490 miles (according to my GPS) away from me, my car requires reparation which will take $$ out of my shoes and St. John budget, the roof of my mouth is burned from mashed potatoes (who does that??!!), Matt Dusk is having a concert tomorrow which I have to attend with my dad instead of my better half (I guess that's that not THAT bad)...and......ok....I will NOT mention that one, but I really wish people were less selfish.
But that's about it...enough things to be upset about...but we'll just move on with life!!
On a side note (as Matt says...wait...side note..do you guys STILL DON'T listen to Matt Dusk!!)..wait, I forgot my side note. Oh yeah....NIAGARA FALLS. Wow...I've been here for over 17 years and I still get amazed every single time I see its beauty. But the most memorable thing was taking my 75 year old grandma on the Maid of the Mist and seeing her appreciation of something that most of us take for granted.
And above all...there was never a time I went to Niagara Falls and did not see a rainbow...but today, I saw about 5 or 6 of them...it felt as if God was trying to assure me that His promise to take care of me will ALWAYS stand true! So there...maybe it's time to leave all my frustrations in His hands and just allow Him to un-frustrate me (is that even a word Esti??!!).

As my husband puts it....

....3 timezone, 4 cities, 1 day!! That's pretty much how our life can be described in the last few months. Hectic...but loved every single second of it!! As I sit here...contemplating which vacation was the best (yes, I am bored!!!), I cannot figure that one out. Each and every one of them had its own perks: Chicago: well...all I have to say is: HELLO BABA!!!!; Massachussets: well...that's home!!; NYC: can you say Ciurdar/Anca/Adi and a lot of food!!!; Vegas: my baby...and Matt in concert!! I cannot pick!
But now, as I sit here alone, figuring out why thursday doesn't come quicker...I realize that every single second of our life, no matter how beautiful (or how painful) it is...it eventually passes and we're left with either AWESOME memories or painful ones. So far God has blessed me with a lot of awesome one and a few painful ones, but I thank Him for both....and I really want to learn to appreciate each moment more...especially the one I spend with my beloved!
I miss you...each second of my life is so empty without you!

30...the new 20!!

What does that really mean? Who would want to go back to being 20...still confused about what direction you want your life to take, still stuck on an old highschool crush and not yet ready to let go, assuming that big frizzy hair is definetly in style, overalls are in even in the city...you name it, I probably did it in my 20's. So I would like to experience my 30's with a bit more wit and appreciation of fashion!!! I mean, at least "I" would like to think my fashion sense has matured along with my age. But even though the 20's were a struggling time as far as the outside image was concerned, I can definetly say that my life has changed dramatically in the 20's aswell (in good that is!!). I remember after I got to experience univeristy life and married life, I couldn't wait to see what the 30's have to bring to me....so here I am...waiting and willing to experience everything God has in store for me.
Of course there are regrets as far as achievements, but I have learned not to look back, but rather to look toward what the future can offer. So God...here I am...in my 30's...willing and able to do EVERYTHING that I didn't do in my 20's (because I thought I was too cool!!).

I'm an aunt...yet again!!!!

So, for anyone that has siblings and are real aunts or uncles...just ignore my excitement!! For the rest of you, you might actually agree with me. It is possible to be an aunt to a child who is in no way related to you!!!! it is...no really.....it is!!! I oficially have one "real" nephew from my husband's sister (+ one on the way) and I have two nieces and another nephew from my two best friends. So imagine the excitment when yesterday my best friend Esti gave birth to a beautiful baby girl named Alexandra Nicole....aaawww...it so totally fits her cuteness!! I cannot wait to see her and hold her!!! I am so super proud of my "older sister" for being such an amazing woman and mother and wife. It's so nice to grow up with someone and watch them go through all different stages of life! I only wish I was closer to her!
So to my bestest friend and bestest older sister in the world....I love you dearly and cannot wait to see you and your lovely extended family real soon!!!!
And since today is Saturday and in all romanian homes saturday is "house work time"...I guess I should be getting back to my ironing...enough procrastination!!

Birthday prayer for my husband...

What more can I possibly ask for from God than what I already undeservably received...an amazing, loving and enduring husband, awesome parents and in-laws, dedicated friends (the few that I have...), an array of memories that I wouldn't trade for anything in this world...oh...so much to be greatful for. But one thing I do ask of God today is to bless my dear husband on his birthday....with health, wisdom, strength, love, patience with me...and so much more.
What an awesome day we had...good dinner with good friends...yummy cake (chocolate rasberry mousse...I think I want another slice!), good conversations...bit of "Julie and Julia", American Idol AND Dancing with the stars!!! All in one night....
So...now we're getting ready for a weekend birthday celebration...and where else could this take place but in our favorite city in the continental USA (well...I have the right to change my mind once I see LA!!!)...but NEW YORK CITY!!! I am super excited and I hope we have an awesome time!!!
so...until next time when I have some info from NYC...whoever reads this...have a super weekend!!!!

I'm a sinner...

....saved by grace!!! WEll..yeah, ok, we know that...but I'm a sinner because pride has invested my being!! I do not know what it means to be proud of a kid (first time they walk, first time they talk, first time they smile (hopefully not in this order!!!)...but anyways.), I do know what it means to be a proud wife. I am the proudest wife in the world tonight...we just found out my dear husband got accepted into the Lamont School of Music in Denver Colorado for the Masters in conducting program. Now, for all you out there who do not know...getting accepted into a conducting program is close to impossible (we found that the hard way when we went for his audition at Julliard in NY and out of hundreds of candidates they only called 12 people for the audition and they only took one person....helloooooo...eye opener!!! So yeah....I am very proud of him and love him to death!!!!!
So...enough about him (sorry babe!!!)...I have purple hair!!! I loooooooooooooooove it...it looks completely awesome (if I may say so myself!!!!!!!).
Ok...enough for tonight...I'm out, I got a crucial BBall game to watch!! For everyone that reads this...you must really love me..therefor I love you back!!!!!

The beauty of spring...

Although I lived in Florida for a full year, I don't think you can appreciate the sun and the way nature embraces spring, as you can living in...well...let's say...CANADA!!!! (I know my American friends who think Canadians live in igoloos and ride their dog sleds to work are definetly wondering what does sun/heat/Canada have to do together in one sentence). It is definetly invigorating to see the sun, feel its warmth (close to 80 degrees), hear the birds (not too early in the morning please!!)...go for a walk with your husband (AFTER severe convincing that when you come back he can play PS3 as much as he wants)...enjoying a BBQ on the patio...aaaahhh...spring!!!!!!
But today is not only a beautiful day as far as weather is concerned...it's a beautiful day for its meaning - GOOD FRIDAY. How can I ever relate what that means to me?! My words are too weak, my vocabulary is too poor to express my gratitude for what Jesus did for me. All I can do is live my life showing him my thankfullness and love.
And I'm definetly awating with anticipation Ressurection Sunday.....ready for celebration.
In the words of "My big greek fat wedding": Cristos Anesti - Alithos Anesti (don't mind the spelling!!!!)

Patient vs. pacience...

I used to be known as the best speller.....but now, re-reading my last blog, I'm starting to wonder. I used to love being approached for all spelling dillemas, but now I'm even starting to doubt myself. So, just for my own peace of mind...my husband's pacience is not spelled patient...'cause that's who I deal with every day...patients!!! so ok...now I feel better!
So today my better half and I did a very old romaniana (that's misspelled on purpose!) custom...we went to someone's house for dinner, walking to their house and bringing flowers. Gee...since when is that "out of the norm"?? It was fun...the weather was awesome (more getting there than coming back home), the company was good....very Romanian!! But I love it...I wish I could do that more often.....if only most of my friends didn't live 30 min. drive away!!!
So yeah...now I am soooooo cheering for Lee on American Idol, so I really hope he's NOT going home!!!

Chelsea is out!!!!

Ok...so I am a bit of a tomboy (not in my fashion sense though)!!! I don't know how I ever got so involved in sports (both playing and watching), but I remember when I was little I hated watching tv (I know...some people might not believe me now!!), but I always watched sports: soccer, tennis, basketball, figure skating (is that a sport??!!...yeah, it is!!) even Formula 1 racing (that used to be a very watched program on sunday afternoons at my house). When I came to Canada and went to gr. 8, I started playing sports...then highschool sports....so I was pretty involved in sports all together. But now...I watch it...all the time. Thanks to the Vancouver Olympics and thanks to the patient's of my husband, we are now avid watchers of Curling!!! And yes...it is very exciting to watch once you get into it!!
But today...oh boy...today was a BIIIIIIIIIIIIIG game!! Inter-Chelsea...winner goes through to the next round in Champions League. And of course...as always...Inter DOES NOT get any chance!! But what do you know (well...we always knew!!)...Inter won!!! So good-bye Chelsea...and make room for Inter!!!!
So yeah....that's the kind of day Tuesday has been (thanks Lloyd Robinson for that phrase!!!...I could always say: Stay classy...!!)

Day 1...blog1!!

Here I am...I'm seeing my dream with my eyes. I guess I can be easily satisfied: I asked Marius for a free blog and I got one! Isn't he just the best to actually fullfill my dream. Now that I write this, I'm wondering what was I thinking about when I asked for one...what am I to do with a blog?? When I try to write it at 10pm after a long day of work...not much coming to mind (except a few good stories about a few funny patients...but I guess this whole patient/hygienist confidentiality thing gets in the way of me sharing my funny stories here...but none the less, they really do make my day!).
Now, the question is who will read my blog? (hahaha...Baby, I know you read it!!) But even if NOONE ever reads my blog (that would be really sad), at least it would be like my own diary..which I NEVER had...attempted to start one a looooooooong time ago, but I didn't get more than one day done. So it's all for me!!!
I'll probably be writing more these next few weeks because I've decided to give up Facebook for Lent...and now I have nothing to do on the computer...so this new blog will really keep me busy! But once Easter comes......and goes....I'll be busy with facebook...yet again!!!
So...Monday is done, I'm ready for Tuesday!!!