And now I feel old...

...and this is why.

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Today was my 18 year old niece's high school graduation. She is almost exactly 10 years younger than me. I was in the 5th grade when she was born and it was SO cool to have a baby niece at that age! I was unfortuantely sick the day she was born but I got to stand outside the room and wasn't too upset about it. She was born one day before my grandmother which made it even more special. For a longtime Ash and her Mom would come to our house and spend the night and practically lived there it seemed. I got to feed her and sing to her. Babysitting was like Christmas to me. As she got older I got to take her places alone and we were best buds. Then the unthinkable happened, at least in my world. Ash's Mom met another man and married him which meant Ash would have to move. To Key West. Far away. I was devastated. The summer before she moved we went to Gettysburg for a little vacation and I remember holding her hand and wishing that life didn't suck so much. I was unsure when I would see her again due to family issues and I had no idea how to cope with this. I got to see on holidays and summers but it was never quite the same. So then a few years ago Ash moved in with her Dad (my brother). It hasn't been easy on her, getting to this day, but she made it and I couldn't be more proud of her.

More food...

Food. There is something everyone should know about me. I'm having an affair. With food. All kinds. I'm non-discriminatory (except for anchovies! GAG ME!). When I go out, I look for restaurants or food shops. I love ethnic food and always have. American food is overrated and overall, not that good. Give me a bowl of Lo Mein or a Pirogi anyday over a piece of pizza.
Not that American food doesn't have it's place. A bar-b-que isn't a bar-b-que without burgers or kosher weenies (must be kosher, non-kosher is YUCKY!). Overall though I feel better if I'm eating Mediterranean or Asian. It seems lighter or something. Granted I feel hungry again sooner but I also have more energy, go figure!
So back to my affair. Some people would spend extra money or their "fun" money on toys, electronics, entertainment, etc. I spend mine on food or food related activities. My fondest family memories are usually involving food, either the eating or making of. When I remember people, I usually remember what we were eating. I love to cook for others not because they can't but because it makes me ethereally (is that even a word?)happy to cook good food for them. Food heals, makes laughter, seals bonds, and distracts.
Todays food highlight was Chinese food at Peking with Mom and Dad. I jumped at the chance to eat REAL Chinese food and not the crap they try and pass off in Omakanogan. I gorged myself on Lo Mein and Beef w/ Broccoli. OH! and egg drop soup....mmmm. It was divine.....*sigh*