tabboulehca

I can only see one Canada

2011-07-20T00:18:00.000-04:00

Moving in with someone

2009-11-05T11:40:00.004-05:00

OK. So now you've moved in together. Cleaner sheets, better life, another set of hands to do the dishes. Wow! Bliss!

Their are things you may find out about your partner that you never knew before even if you've spent a week or even two living with him or her before. Finding yourself with an insomniac or with someone who says their not feeling well all day after being up all night to avoid a normal life. God forbid, maybe, you'll find out she only sleeps with you and has sex on payday.

In a way, moving in together is a good way to figure out before marriage if it's going to be a for better or for worst situation. In this day and age, nobody knows what to expect.

You may find good surpises. How your taken care of, nurtured the right way, feel real good being together and get along better than most would. Hope that's the case.

Solar cells as a retirement plan

2009-08-14T02:18:00.003-04:00

Using solar energy as a green source of energy in your home may still represent an high initial cost for the solar cells. Currently, prices of highly efficient solar cells can be above $1000, and some households may need more than one. This makes the initial installation of solar panels very costly.

However, the benefits of using this green source can be greater than expected as many jurisdictions force hydro utilities to re-purchase the excess you produce and don't use for your own home. Some homeowners have even taken up the idea as a retirement plan and erected a mini-farms of high efficiency solar cells. A few are claiming that the financial yield after a few years is greater than "banking" for their retirement would have been. Maybe "banking" the sun, is really a good idea.

Of course, years with record rains and record cloud cover like this one in the north east, may put a damper on all this given the dependence on hours of sunlight. If you own a home, their are a number of things to consider. Obviously, a heavily shaded house with lots of foliage casting shadows is not the place to erect solar panels. You'll want to consider all the factors before choosing to go solar, and should be even more prudent if your counting on it for your retirement.

Selling your mother if you can

2009-08-13T23:09:00.002-04:00

We're all heard the expression "He would sell his mother if he could". In my case, I can say that I once met a salesperson to whom that expression is a perfect fit. Let me describe him to you:

Friendly, jovial, informative, passionate about what he sells, often around, often offering you some form of participation.

Learning to remove barriers as the come up - from homeless to millionaire

2009-08-13T13:19:00.000-04:00

Their have been a number of "Success Story" books, publications and even ads that deal with the age old desire to get rich quick. Let's face it, it's a popular subjet. The overwhelming theme in all these publications are the testimonials rather than the details on how to make it happen .A few present a how to that boils down to something like this: (1) ask questions, (2) remove barriers as they come up, (3) deal with objections, (4) give people what they want. Not a bad way to be. If nothing else, it will help you become more happy as you start to measure your success less selfishly.

What's surpising about all these success stories is that so few speak about "what questions to ask", "which barriers to remove",...

In the end, most of time, the story falls short of providing any true insight on how to do it yourself. They make great human interest reading but offer very little in terms of guiding your life path or developping your aptitudes. Most of us are and will stay "simple hard working folks" with ups and downs. Sometimes we have a bit more to spend and other times we spent too much.

Facebook on your XBOX 360 - A new Live experience coming soon

2009-08-10T12:28:00.000-04:00

Microsoft has announced that the Xbox 360 live experience will soon include a capability to connect to facebook and twitter through new social networking facilities that will be part of dashboard. Sources indicate the new services will allow users to link Xbox Live friends with their Facebook profiles, share photos ad status updates and snapshot game moments to share on Facebook. Avatars links are given and will be part of all these new Xbox Live friends features.

It's all part of the plans to expand the Xbox live experience in the realm of social networking, online parties, and social gaming. The strong affinity between facebook and Microsoft at the corporate level is surely an enabler to allow this to happen. Microsoft has invested wisely.

The latest Dashboard update does not include these updates, but begins to hint that they will be coming soon; maybe very soon. Early adopters may be given a change to preview the update in advance by participating in a Microsoft Beta release.

The popular tabbouleh song

2009-08-07T19:50:00.000-04:00

Hybrid drive in a Sport Utility

2009-08-07T19:23:00.000-04:00

Sport Utility vehicles popularity peeked in the early part of the 2000's. None were more noticeable than the offerings from veterans like Nissan, with its "Big Engine" Pathfinder and new entrants like Cadillac who had to "upsize" and "lux up" as they reacted to the Bigger Versatility purchase fad. With today's changing purchasing climate, recession and all, can Sport Utilities survive on the road without breaking the bank, killing off the environment, or becoming "deja vue" for drivers? The verdict is not out yet on Sport Utility vehicles like hybrid Lexus RX series. It will be something to watch in months to come.

Grief and Bereavement

2009-08-07T19:19:00.001-04:00

Having someone we're close too suffer from distressing illness is not easy for anyone. The grief we may feel can encompass many emotions for quite some time after the recovery or death of a loved one. We may feel overwhelmed by the task of caring or angry at the lack of help were getting from others who should help more.

Grieving is painful, yet it is necessary for healing after the distressing illness or the loss of a loved one. Some people are able to manage their grief quite well, and a sense of peace and acceptance comes readily, but for others, the process can be lengthy and agonizing.

Having someone we're close too suffer from distressing illness can be agonizing. We may feel overwhelmed not only by the emotions but by the tasks and decisions ahead. It may weigh on us so much. The cycles between good and bad moments, despair and hope, complications and remedies, can feel like a roller-coaster ride you cant avoid. News of a recovery or terminal prognostic may be met with disbelief especially if symptoms were not very apparent before a diagnostic or if the period of illness has already been long and agonizing.

There is no universal way of grieving.
Each person must grieve and process their grief in their own way, but the presence of caring friends and relatives can make the process more manageable.

Grieving Takes Time

1st and foremost -it's important to know that the emotions that your experience are normal. Grief and Bereavement are experienced differently by different people and that's OK. Cultural traditions also make a difference.

You may feel, numb, particularly in the few hours or days following a bad prognosis or a death of a loved one, you feel simply stunned, as though you can't believe it has actually happened, or you may feel Agitated, find it difficult to relax, concentrate or sleep properly. You may dream, see or hear your loved one; Angry, you can feel very angry - towards doctors and nurses who did not prevent the illness or death, towards friends and relatives who did not do enough, or even towards the person who is ill or has died because they have gone; Guilty, you may wonder if you could have prevented all this or avoided it's progression, even though its probably all beyond anyone’s control; you may feel relieved if your loved one has died after a painful or distressing illness. This is not callous – it is common and understandable; Sad and reflective gradually becoming quiet, sad and withdrawn. This is a quiet, but essential part of coming to terms with the illness or death.

Remember, everything here is normal. Sit with another loved one or a friend and share your feelings, don't push yourself too hard, it's ok to not be all-together when this happens, take time for yourself but don't let yourself be too alone by pushing away the presence of caring friends and relatives. Remember, they are likely to be also grieving and certainly don't deserve becoming the channel for anger you may feel.

As time passes, the pain fades, the sadness lifts and look to the future. Although the sense of having lost a part of your life never goes away entirely, you can begin to feel whole again and move forward.

Warning Signs

Sometimes, normal grieving is replaced by an inability to function. Friends and loved ones should be on the lookout for signs of trouble. Deep depression, lasting sadness, loss (or a dramatic increase) of appetite, lasting withdraw, disassociation, extreme anxiety, frequent bouts of anger, sleep disorders, or thoughts of despair or suicide require professional attention, Friends need to look out for one another, especially in times of crisis. Persistant loss (or a dramatic increase) of sexual drive and uncontrollable promiscuity and excessive gambling are like excessive use of alcohol or recreational drugs are tell tail sings that something is deeply wrong.

The latest brighter brights product

2009-08-07T14:23:00.000-04:00

Cheer has long been a favorite landry detergent for many. This summer, Proctor and Gamble, the detergent giant, has announced a new formulation that promises even brighter brights without as much faid to colors. The new formulation is in stores now. Cant wait to try it. Cheer is more expensive than most brands, but it's better value to protect your investment in clothing, linens, and anything else you ring through a washer. To find out more, visit the Cheer website. The coupon links dont always work, but CHEERing out some of the promo's, may prove worthwhile! Oh ya....and laudry is still a chore no mater what you use.

Ladybug and Forestbug -The Story

2009-08-06T15:00:00.000-04:00

Their once was a sweet, beautiful and colorful Lady Bug who lived in the city....with lots of other bugs and very few trees.

One day, Lady Bug found her antennas twitching.... Her antennas were picking up the vibes of another bug....far far far away.

It was Forest Bug...sending out a love mate's call...

Forest Bug...lived in {you guessed it!} the forest and was busy at his chores mostly and often lonely.

Using their antennas "The Bugs" exchanged many stories, laughter, and well...a few buggy flirts from afar... {We're not telling you how bugs flirt between them - and - no we wont! ! }

They agreed to meet for the 1st time -- smack in the middle of their two birthdays....WOW!!!! What balance....What a stroke of luck....What a great time to meet for the 1st time!!!!!

Forest Bug came to the city and met Lady Bug...she even gave him the side of her beautiful face to kiss... WELL...that was it....game over....Forest Bug was hooked forever!!!!

Lady Bug followed Forest Bug back to the forest and found his little earthly paradise...and exchanged more stories, laughter, and well....a few more buggy flirts....{We're still not telling you how bugs flirt between them - and - no we wont! ! }

Forest Bug had planted some parsley, a delicacy for the Lady bug who had been well prepared by her mother to make a salad to please her man. MMMM! Tabbouleh! Shouted Forest Bug as he saw the surprise that had been prepared for him.

Forest Bug found out that Lady Bug had many names....Sam....Ibtissam...Ibbi....Bassoumi....Mom...timbit....Habibti..... OUFFFF! all those names! Lady Bug was and is very popular and loved by many....so why so many names? Well because, they are all terms of endearment...for the sweet and lovable Lady Bug.

Forest Bug thought Lady Bug was lovable too....so one day, he invited her for dinner. They both sat in a lovely Rose Bowl that was empty and available....and ...The Bugs had a feast...then at the end of dinner, after the coconut cream pie....Forest Bug became a bit nervous....he straitened his antennas...cleared his throat...and cleared the table between them...he looked at Lady Bug and gave her a gift with a smile. She borrowed something from him just to read the note with the gift....and as Lady Bug finished reading his love note..Forest Bug poped the question! "Would Lady Bug take on one more name and become his wife?"

"Yes" replied Lady Bug with tears of joy and a smile antenna to antenna on her face! Forest Bug could hardly keep himself from jumping away from joy! What a happy moment...complete with a REAL KISS! OOOOUUUU LA LA! ....{We're still not telling you how bugs flirt between them - and - no we wont! ! }

Lady Bug now has Forest Bug's ring on her finger as a token of their bond of love....ahhhh -- the love bugs!

You see Lady Bug and Forest Bug are not ordinary bugs...they are both LOVE BUGS and want to be together. They both live in the city now ...but go back to the forest often.

If you pickup the vibes of Lady Bug and Forest Bug with your antennas you'll know they are LOVE BUGS. Don't listen in and keep what you learn secret...cuz their likely to be flirting with one another...because that's what LOVE BUGS do!

The LOVE BUGS are planning a small wedding with family and friends...no date set yet....but their will likely be rose bowls and coconut cream pie for everyone.

Thanks for visiting!

Tabbouleh- first things first - or first thing last on a blog?

2009-08-06T14:15:00.001-04:00

My Lebanese friends sure would not shake their heads and roll their eyes at my preferences. To be honest, I prefer one person's tabbouleh above everyone else's. Call it personal touch, and Lebanese certainly have a personal touch in preparing great tabbouleh. You can also find it at the Deli or restaurants around town, but it's not the same a homemade tabbouleh made by Lebanese.

I'm sure that one thing that would make Lebanese shake their heads and roll their eyes are those who exclude tomatoes and eat it for breakfast along with left-over turkey.

Really it does not matter how you enjoy it, just as long as you do. The homemade-recipes blog is a great recipe site to consider for tabbouleh and other great Lebanese foods

The popular tabbouleh song

2009-08-06T13:10:00.000-04:00

2009-08-06T13:05:00.000-04:00

Tabbouleh