Iceland

I have recently become absolutely fascinated with the country of Iceland. I want to learn about it's language, it's culture, the food, the landscape, the tourism, and the people. Everything. I think it could be the natural beauty that lures me into it's nooks and crannies of volcanoes, green valleys, fire and ice. I am drawn to the way people live, so simply yet so happily. I love the way people seem to interact with one another, with love and companionship. I am thinking about planning a trip out there, as soon as I can, but we'll see. Plans change, and come and go. I will go to Iceland one day though...you can count on that. Upon looking more in depth into the country I came across one of my newest favorite artists. Sigur Ros. They are an Icelandic group of simple, yet elegant pieces of music. The lyrics, if sung at all, are in Icelandic, but with out a doubt some of the most beautiful music I have heard. Something about it is peaceful and calming, yet also awakens my mind to my surroundings. Even though it's not in English, it feels as if you can still understand the meaning the artists are trying to portray through their music. To me that is true music. Music you can feel move through your body, effortlessly and full of strength.

Feelin' Alive Again

Today marked the first of several days in Boston for post-surgery follow up appointments. Three this morning to be exact...so in conclusion, quite the long day. They all went fantastic though. My doctors were all thrilled and happy to hear that I am doing well and am a travel-craze. I brought in a few pictures from my trips this summer, and as I expected, they loved looking at them. I bet it feels good to know that their work has such an impact on a person. Definitely worth driving to Boston for. The overall saying: "we wait to see what the tests say." I have an MRI and an endoscopy scheduled these next few days to see how my insides all look from the inside view. Crossing my fingers that they look smooth, pink and healthy!!

As for after my appointments, it was absolutely gross and rainy outside in Boston today, so I wanted to do something indoors. What's that I wanted to do you say? Well, rock climbing of course! It was the first time since I have been out of surgery and it felt...So.Good... I was pretty proud of my post-op weakling body too. It lasted longer than I was anticipating. Since it was just me, I decided to just do a bouldering session. Fantastic decision. Met some great people and saw some absolutely great climbers. One of which I think had muscles on his muscles.haha It was just a great time to get rid of all the hospital thoughts and just relax (well, at least my kind of relax). Somebody needs to build a climbing gym in Central NY though...anyone up for the challenge?

Me doing some bouldering

-Danielle-

My All-time Favorite Cookie

Whether you like Double-Chocolate Chocolate, Peanut Butter, or your plain old Sugar Cookie...in my opinion, a cookie is a cookie. They are delicious covered in chocolate or dipped in sprinkles (I'm more of a chocolate girl myself, if you couldn't tell.) A cookie always brings back the taste of home, warmth and company. Each recipe has it's own memory, it's own story to tell, and when you bite into one you'll find you travel right along with it. A cold glass of milk and your favorite cookie can melt everything away, even just for a brief moment in time.
Well, in my family, every time company comes to our house they can expect something of the sort. Usually a fantastic meal and some sort of dessert. Last night, while I cleaned and tidied up, my mother made an absolutely amazing batch of my all-time favorite cookie creation- Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookie (she surprised me actually.) I sneaked a spoonful of batter before she put everything in the oven...I had to test it and see if was safe. ...Mhmm... It's everything good and wonderful in one. Definitely a cookie to make whenever a sweet tooth is knocking at your door. Just fill a glass with cold milk, sit back, put your feet up, relax... and let the cookie do the rest.