Mellow Yellow

by Julianna Squicciarini

Update on the car situation at The Residence: Christine did buy that manual yellow MINI. She bought it one week ago, on Monday, April 19. She took it out on the road by herself, driving stick on Sunday, April 25. Yes. <applause> Ladies and gentlemen – MY SISTER! An amazing woman, if there ever was one. The next order of business is finding a name for said vehicle. The silver van she used to drive was christened “Goose”, a nod to the secondary character in the popular film Top Gun. Also because in our family we say, “The old grey goose, she ain’t what she used to be.” This applies perfectly to the silver van. It certainly isn’t what it used to be. Anyway, contact Christine directly with name suggestions or requests to get a ride in this cute car!

Where Have All the Good Posts Gone?

by Julianna Squicciarini

It has come to my attention that *I* am the only one writing anything on this blog. Or at least, I’m the only one posting to it since the beginning of the year. Scary, you know? I feel like the single sailor trying to keep the ship afloat…

No, not really. But if you’ve wondered where we went and what’s going on in our lives, here are the Highlights of Our Lives for the past few months, and our mysterious absence from our blog.

• First of all, the efforts of the main authors of this blog (that being my sister Morgan and myself – no offense to any of the secondary writers) have been focusing their attention on building a more spiritually-based blog centering around our faith and connection between other young women around the globe. You can check it out at http://www.candlelighters.wordpress.com. As our personal community grows, so is our online presence, and it is so encouraging – and amazing! – to see what G-d has done for us.
• As to our physical lives, you know that Morgan is now engaged. Because of this all-important fact, you can well imagine how her life has gotten busier over the last few months, during her courtship. Now that she is offically engaged, life will probably be getting even busier! That’s a good thing. If you want to stay updated with her life, feelings, plans, details, etc., be sure to check out her personal blog at http://www.torahgirl.wordpress.com, where she will posting things like that.
• I have been starting to implement my 10 Plagues Project – a community service idea to fill my summer with profitable and meaningful activities. Interested in what exactly I mean by that? Feel free to leave a comment asking for more details (it’s kind of a long story), or email me and I’ll send you my PDF explaining things. Anyway, to that end, I have signed up yet again to walk with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society on their October Light the Night walk here in Charlotte. If you live in the area and want to walk with us (no donation necessary!), please join our team at http://pages.lightthenight.org/nc/Charlnc10/Squicciarini. Clicking the red “Join” button at the bottom of the page will add you to our personal team and you’ll be signed up to walk with us on October 16. I’d love to have you with me!
• My sisters and I have continued to volunteer at the USO in the Charlotte Airport. Curious about what the USO is and does? Check them out at http://uso-nc.com/. It’s really cool being able to get through security easily and serve our military from right here in our hometown. We go about twice a month, usually in the early morning on a weekday or on Sunday afternoon.
• You all know about my Valentine’s Day luncheon – third year in a row! If you haven’t read it yet, check out my write-up at http://squicciarini.wordpress.com/2010/02/11/hugs-kisses-the-valentines-day-luncheon-2010/. Not only was this year’s luncheon a smashing success (and probably the best year yet), but I also entered a contest a few days later, competing with a few other girls for the best Valentine’s Day event (in a do-something-for-others spirit), and won first place! It was very exciting. Prizes came flooding in. It was incredible.
• My father’s business is doing very well. Flourishing, in fact. New customers have continued to call, even in this recession. Our father had us schedule set work hours, so we do actually get things done. I’m a schedule freak, so that’s fine with me. Plus, he still allows us to be very flexible. We are now in the process of cross-training, since it looks like our Chief Operating Officer might be moving out and starting a new life soon…!
• Peter is still taking piano, but his final recital is coming up. He’ll be performing Saturday afternoon, May 8, at Mt. Harmony Baptist Church (moments from our house). Email me if you’re interested in coming. This is going to be fantastic.
• My mother and Mary have both had birthdays, which were celebrated accordingly. The post on my mother’s birthday can be read at http://squicciarini.wordpress.com/2010/03/17/thinking-happy-thoughts/.
• I’ve been busier than ever with piano lessons, as I have acquired another four students since my post about them (http://squicciarini.wordpress.com/2010/02/03/play-it-through-to-the-end-and-repeat/). That’s seventeen students! Even I can’t believe I have that many.
• Christine has been on the endless search for a car. This search has been on the side of the road, in car lots, CraigsList, and eBay. She actually went and saw one yesterday – a manual, yellow MINI Cooper – and something might actually happen with that. I’m sure you can easily see Christine driving a yellow MINI. We all can.
• Speaking of cars, Morgan updated her look with a new car, as well. She traded in her bright yellow VW bug for a 2008, vanilla VW convertible. It’s smooth and sleek, and drives like a dream. Drop by sometime to see it.
• We’re planning on opening our pool in very early May. If you’re interested in helping with that, and thus adding yourself almost permanently to our pool-party guest list for Summer 2010, comment below or email me. We’re always looking for willing helping hands, and cold beverages will be complimentary.
• I really do plan to go skydiving for my birthday – want to come with me? Comment below or….email me. (You should know the drill by now <wink>). It will be sometime in June, and you’re welcome to come along just for the ride and the view, if you want.

Well, I think that’s about it. Put down on “paper”, it doesn’t look so busy. But as I was recently telling my dad, sometimes it feels like I don’t have time for anything! Like I work all the time, or something! While that’s not exactly true, life certainly is jam-packed. In an extraordinarily good way! Please pray that G-d continues to bless our family so abundantly.

Semicentennial

An excellent father, who can find? For his worth is far above a Browning Citori shotgun.
The heart of his wife trusts in him, and he will have no lack of gourmet home-cooked meals.
He does her good and not evil all the days of his life.
He looks for watches and pocket knives and keeps them in a box on his dresser with delight.
He is like merchant ships; he orders his siddurim from afar.
He rises also while it is still night; and gives support to his clients and tasks to his staff members.
He considers a MINI Cooper and buys it; with his earnings he takes us out for fried zucchini at Maggiano’s.
He girds himself with strength, and makes his coffee strong.
He senses that his gain is good, and his lamp goes out earlier every night.
He stretches out his hand to the target, and his hands grasp a firearm.
He extends his hand to the keyboard, and stretches out his fingers to the mouse.
He is not afraid of the winter for his household, for his household can always put on more clothes.
Banana Republic makes coverings for him; his clothing is fine linen and cashmere (with the warmth of wool, the draping qualities of silk, and the wearability of cotton).
His wife is known in the Caribou, when she sits among the knitters of the land.
He makes a product locator and sells it, and supplies kiosks to Barnes & Noble.
Transparency and consistency are his trademarks, and he smiles at a good glass of red wine.
He opens his mouth in righteousness, and the teaching of history is on his tongue every Tuesday night.
He looks well to the ways of his household and does not eat cookies, candy, or any kind of crunchy food.
His children rise up and bless him, his wife also and she praises him saying:
“Many teachers have done nobly, but you talk more than all of them.”
“Men are liars,” “Looks don’t matter,” and “Nothing good happens after midnight…”
but a man who trains up his children in the way they should go shall stay young at heart and be cared for in his old age.
Give him the fruit of his own fig tree, and may he see his children to the third and fourth generations.
Happy birthday, Dad. We love you!

Moments Forgettable

July 26, 2009

Sundays don’t get much better than sleeping late, waking up to bright sunshine and a tangle of sheets, going out in a cute yellow beetle to pick up breakfast, having a cup of coffee on the porch with your parents, walking with one of your sisters, floating around the pool, zipping (MINI!) up to the airport for a visit to the USO, dinner at a lovely southpark restaurant…

Biltmore: A Broad Brush

by Julianna Squicciarini

The time has come. The end is nigh. My 12-month Biltmore Pass will expire at the end of this month. But I have enjoyed it like you wouldn’t believe I have used it more than even I thought possible. And these past twelve months have shown me the beauty of the estate in every season.

For those of you who don’t know, my parents gave me the pass for my graduation last April (recommended reading includes Grad Prep, Grad Prep II: Update, Grad Prep III: Update, Grad Prep IV: Breaking News, Grad Prep V: Extra!, and Graduation – Finally!; I know, I got a little carried away…). I had put it on the Graduation Gift List, with the note that one should only purchase it if they wanted to spend some real money. It was kind of pricey. Anyway, I received it and was very excited about using it. Basically, pricewise, you have to go at least twice to make it worth it. <grin> Biltmore lost some money this year, because I went way more than twice!

1. May 2008
   Due to our exceptionally busy schedule in April, the first trip ended up in May, with Christine. We went exactly one week before her 17th birthday, so that she could get in *for free* with me (one of the many benefits of being a Passholder – children 16 and under get in free with you).
   Memories: It was absolutely freezing and we were not dressed for the weather, so we purchased matching Biltmore sweatshirts and walked around in those for most of the day. We also took enough pictures to make a slideshow
   Read all about it: May Biltmore Trip.
2. July 2008
   I also skipped June, for some inexplicable reason. Might have had something to do with the fact that I was focusing all of my attention on my friend Kelly’s visit and my huge 19th birthday party (19). For my birthday, however, Morgan gave me a trip to Biltmore to stay at the beautiful Inn together.
   Memories: It was very hot. But we tried several new things, like having afternoon tea and doing a trail ride. The together-time was priceless. It is unbelievable how much bonding takes place when there are quarts of perspiration pouring out of you
   Read all about it: July Biltmore Trip.
3. August 2008
   In the middle of August, I took Christine, Mary, and Anna Gordon. Anna was 14, so she and Mary got in for free. It was also her first time there. I love showing someone something that is completely new to them. It’s almost like it’s partly mine, and I get to show it off.
   Memories: We took TONS of pictures. We did photo shoots *everywhere*. We even snapped a few inside the house, before learning that you’re not supposed to (whoops). Driving from the house to one of the restaurants on the estate, Mary and Anna stood up and stuck their heads through my sunroof for a really great ride
   Read all about it: August Biltmore Trip.
4. September 2008
   Ever since I got the pass, I had wanted to take my piano teacher, Phyllis Teague, on a little daytrip. Turns out she hadn’t been in 30 years. Well, a lot changes in 30 years There were more floors open in the house, and many more gardens and restaurants to see and experience.
   Memories: We went on the last day of the gorgeous Carpet of Flowers exhibit. It was amazing, especially if, like Mrs. Teague, you love flowers. We also had afternoon tea (again), and spent an inordinate amount of time chatting over our scones.
   Read all about it: September Biltmore Trip.
5. November 2008
   Yes, I had to skip October. Various reasons. This November trip, though, was planned months in advance. Mary and I decided to go with Rachel & Julia Allison while Morgan and Christine were in Israel. Can’t let them have all the fun, right?! I think Rachel and I put this on the calendar sometime in May or June. I’m a planner…
   Memories: Rachel was *constantly* snapping pictures. I mean, how many scenery shots taken from a moving car do we need?? We also walked down one of the garden paths to Bass Pond Waterfall. I stayed at the top of the pond, while Rachel took Mary and Julia down to the bottom. I was able to take pictures of them, and vice versa. Then, when they disappeared into the shrubbery to meet me back up top, they really did disappear. For 10 minutes, I stood there waiting for them to show. Finally, I felt the need to go search for them, while trying to get Rachel on her cell phone. Needless to say, they were fine and had just taken some kind of really long detour :-S
   Read all about it: November Biltmore Trip.
6. December 2008
   My mother had apparently had a big hand in getting me this pass. So I definitely wanted to make sure she got a trip, too. We planned an overnight stay toward the beginning of December. Unfortunately, she was not feeling well enough to come. The day before our trip, she told me this, and we were both very disappointed. After all, we had planned it well in advance due to the hotel reservations. So, being my spontaneous self, and not wanting to lose my deposit on the room, I called Rachel Allison and asked her to come with me instead…again. Oddly enough, not only did she want to come, but she was actually able to
   Memories: Rachel and I picked up identical diamond costume rings at exactly the same time without knowing it. We held up our hands at the same moment and our jaws dropped as we realized how alike we actually are. The pictorial proof is in existence, and we’ve had fun joking about that picture.
   Unfortunately, you can’t read all about it. I didn’t blog it when I came home. Whoops…
7. January 2009
   Naturally, I rescheduled my mother’s trip for the next month. And it turned out that she couldn’t make it then, either, as she was taking Mary to the beach for a birthday getaway. So I had these hotel reservations that I could cancel or use. WHY CANCEL!? Girls’ party! We grabbed Emily Hergenreter and whisked her off to Biltmore, by way of the Tanger Outlets (!), and had a blast.
   Memories: Emily, Morgan, and I had all purchased these really cute boots. We wore them on the trip and loved matching. Also, we had planned dinner at this unheard-of, rustic mountain restaurant called The Stoney Knob Cafe. When we finally arrived, starved and exhausted, they told us there was no room and we would have to go elsewhere. Disappointed, we started to leave, when the hostess came running after us, practically begging us to stay. *Somehow* there was now a table for four. I think the all-male kitchen staff had something to do with it, personally…
   Read all about it: January Biltmore Trip.
8. February 2009
   I wasn’t sure I would be able to fit in a trip in February, but it worked out. I invited Susan Lindsey to experience the special Chocolate Tea they were offering in honor of Valentine’s Day. I know it sounds gross – it wasn’t
   Memories: Mrs. Lindsey and I split a “fried green tomato” sandwich…something I had never even *thought* about trying. Apparently a Southern thing Wasn’t bad at all – very interesting.
   Um…missed the blog opportunity on this trip, as well. Sorry…
9. March 2009
   Obviously, the final month needed to have the most special guests. I finally got to go with my mom, and we decided to do a daytrip instead of overnight, and to bring my dad along as well. The drive in the MINI Cooper was a highlight. And somehow, it seemed to me that it took less time to get there than normal…perhaps because my father was driving…
   Memories: It is an amazing and incredible day when I, with four siblings, actually feel like an only child. This was one of those days. Besides, I got to impress my parents with my knowledge of the ins-and-outs of Biltmore, since I’ve been so often Gotta love it.

So all in all, I visited the Estate nine times, and stayed overnight three times. Plus all those extra shopping and dining discounts – this was totally worth it. And now it’s time to say goodbye to Biltmore, at least for the next few months. What a year this has been!

And G-d Was Watching: Top 7 Purchases of 2008

I’m the guy with the wallet. That may be a good thing… but I was asked to post about the Top 7 purchases we made in 2008.

Now this is a bit awkward for me for several reasons. First, I’m an anti-blogger (although truth be told, I actually get teary-eyed reading my family’s blog) and second, I have great concern that some may read “Top 7 Purchases” and immediately jump to some incorrect conclusion about my family being focused on material posessions. Well, I guess if you know us, I don’t need to be concerned about that. 

It was a wonderful year – and G-d provided in a bountiful way.

1. New Cars
2008 was the time to replace both our old cars. Both the Van and the Vic had given us a good 10 years each. G-d bless them both.
Allyn got a new Honda Odyssey and I was bitten by the MINI Cooper. Yes Allyn is riding in style with GPS to guide her – and I have been MINImized! Gas mileage for both are great, although most folks simply watch as I drive by now, rather than moving over. No one thinks I’m a cop driving a white Crown Vic anymore… <sigh> You may hear that I actually have a Visa card in my wallet with my very own MINI on the card. I can’t deny it… but the black racing stripes on the gold background (and black top) are extraordinary… live or card-wise.

 

2. Garmin Nuvi

The ability to get directions from a computer while you’re driving is very comforting (to a Dad). Morgan, Julianna and Christine are sharing a Garmin Nuvi now. It’s nice to know exactly when they’ll be at their destination. The Nuvi has led them to Bristol, VA, Ashville, NC and Myrtle Beach, SC so far…

Nuvi: Take me home!

 

3. Pool Cleaner

Technology seems to be at a high in the Squicciarini castle… The moat and pool often need cleaning, don’t they? We said goodbye to our old pool cleaner, Herbie. Herbie had broken a few arms over the years. We sent Herbie to the Pool Cleaner hospital more than once. Well, his replacement, Luca, has taken over with a vengeance. Luca climbs the walls using some special algorithm to cover the entire bottom and sides within an hour. Go Luca! (For those of you who haven’t seen the Godfather, where Luca Brasi swims with the fishes, you might not understand our naming conventions. For this I apologize profusely. I tell you what. I’ll make you an offer you can’t refuse. Come over to our house. We’ll watch together. I’ll cover all the expense. Someday… and this day may never come… I’ll ask you to do a favor for me…)

 

 4. Privacy Fence

With the pool becoming a hot-spot for the local jet-setting young folks, the paparazzi were everywhere! It seemed appropriate to replace the homemade fence (whose posts I dug with Uncle Larry hanging from his backhoe arm) around the property. Christine did the due diligence and selected Champion Fence to remove the old fence and put in a brand new privacy fence. My goodness! What a difference. Guaranteed for life. I like that.

 

The last three are all smaller, inside items.

 

5. Havdalah Set

Morgan and Christine bought the family a Havdalah set when they were in Israel last fall. It’s beautiful! Have you had Havdalah with us? No? whatsthamattawithyou?

 

6. Panini Grill

Allyn came home one day and said that she had made an investment in our retirement. She would be making all our meals on a Panini press. Well, with Peter and the girls around to make luscious sandwiches – it’s been one of the best investments we’ve ever made! It turns a simple sandwich into a grilled meal. Highly recommended. (I won’t embarrass you if you don’t know what a panini is. Do yourself a favor. Google it. I know. You’re grateful. forgetaboutit.)

 

7. Blu-Ray DVD Player

Finally, we bought a new BluRay disc player to check out all that high resolution stuff we’ve been missing on the ol’ video monitor. Yikes! We lose at least a ½ hour just watching the DVD menus now. <sigh> Get – into – it…

 

All in all, it was a fabulous year… and G-d was watching.

And G-d Was Watching: Top 7 Albums We Purchased

By Christine Squicciarini

1. Album: Greatest Hits Vol. 1 & 2
Artist: Billy Joel
Favorite Track: Piano Man
Most Often Played: During Shabbat cleanup, usually accompanied by a sing-along of at least 5 voices…

2. Album: Groundhog Day
Artist: Various, including George Fenton, Sonny and Cher
Favorite Track: Weatherman
Most Often Played: Weekday mornings, anytime between 5:00am and 6:00am, depending on when Dad gets up.

3. Album: The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
Artist: Various, including Regina Spektor, Hanne Hukkelberg and Switchfoot
Favorite Track: The Call
Most Often Played: As an excuse to stop Mary from playing The Silver Chair for the 4th time today…

4. Album: All Time Greatest Hits
Artist: Eddie Rabbitt
Favorite Track: I Love A Rainy Night
Most Often Played: On rainy days and nights. <duh>

5. Album: Holiday Spirit
Artist: Straight No Chaser
Favorite Track: Indiana Christmas
Most Often Played: In Dad’s Mini Cooper, making any errand worthwhile.

6. Album: Top Gun
Artist: Various, including Kenny Loggins, Teena Marie and Berlin
Favorite Track: Danger Zone
Most Often Played: Monday morning, in attempt to jump start the work week.

7. Album: Ultimate Manilow
Artist: (No surprise here…) Barry Manilow
Favorite Track: I Write the Songs
Most Often Played: During 2000-piece puzzle challenges. Why Mandy  plays 3x more than the other songs, I don’t know.

Honorable Mention!
Album: Dinner With Friends
Artist: Various
Favorite Track: Tonight’s the Night
Most Often Played: As background music for any occasion, be it a casual family dinner or the occasional poolside bash.