A sea bass with fennel endive saute...
Balsamic glazed chicken, really more of a citrus marinade though, great flavors.
Maine Lobster Saltimboca with Marsala cream sauce, lobster was wrapped in prosciutto, lined with the creamed potatoes, on a bit of sauce, watercress served on side.
Olive Tapenade with Warm Bread. EVOO is a gift from the Gods. Mom & Dad.
Phoenix & Jimmy
We made Mom walk way too much before eating at 33 Restaurant and Lounge. This is the result.
Daddy & Riva in the cab on the way to graduation....and our police escort in front : )
Sent Mom, Jimmy & Ramon (Yeah, Phoenix has a name....lol) in the other cab, where they had an apparently highly entertaining Egyptian cabbie who got them a full 5 minutes behind us after telling our cabbie the fastest way to Northeastern from Central. In a capstone experience, yes, I was late to my graduation...but as proof I chose the school that suited me best, they too despite all plans and highly communicated plans of organization were simply doing too much at once and so the ceremony began late.
The ceremony.... sooooo many!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! All those graduates on the floor walked in, which further delayed the ceremony beginning. I skipped out early, and out a side door through a garden, shimmied under do not cross police barriers, all in near 4 inch strappy gold sandals... because once my diploma was in hand, I was all about the dinner reservations and so over the pomp and circumstance. Proof that those who love me know me well, we all skipped out and they were waiting at our agreed upon spot at Dodge Hall. Which was good, since I handed off my bag with cell phone in it before the ceremony so I would be present and not texting/photo taking during the event.
Daddy wanted a picture without his glasses. Hmmm what great shape his eyebrows have. I love brows.
So these pictures are jumbled and out of order, but so it goes. Life gets that way too.
For the first time since Sept. 2006, I am studying for nothing. No certifications, no degree pursuit. I twice over 200 hour Yoga Alliance certified, NASM CPT certified, and got the MBA with Supply Chain Certificate, while working full time up to 100 hours a couple times usually more 50-70 hours a week, and up to 5 jobs at a time.
And now I'm done with all this, and for a few moments am reading whatever I want, and sleeping... mmm sleep is sooo good. Of course I still have three jobs, but this and next week its only about 30-35 hr workweek... which for me is a vacation.
Its lovely. I am lucky.
I read a poem today, and felt grateful.
Even more grateful.
Andrea del Sarto, by Robert Browning
"I do what many dream of, all their lives,
--Dream? strive to do, and agonize to do,
And fail in doing. I could count twenty such
On twice your fingers, and not leave this town,
Who strive--you don't know how the others strive"
Thing is, I work hard, I go sleepless, I give all, but still, I know how blessed I am.
I DO know how others strive.
I do know how many children worldwide have little to no access to healthful food and clean water, much less chances at education.
I do know how many agonize, really truly strive, just to get basic education, and here I am with opportunity to learn all I want.
I know how some people can't find one job, are willing to work and unable to obtain.
I know these things. This place is blessed. I am blessed.
Even in this town, Boston, in this country, the U.S., I know many others not so blessed, not in these ways. They seem to have it so much harder, not being able to break through by force of will and sheer effort. Sleepless nights make no difference when no opportunity is available.
So, I read that poem, and know I live a dream, not just my own.
Just wanted to say, Gracias a Dios, for all He's provided... I promise I won't waste the dreams, the strivings, and the agonies. Lleno con gratitud, full full full of gratitude. Life is full, my cup is full, and I pray I have the grace to use all I've been given wisely.
Hold me to it.
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