I have one regret in life. That is not to say that life was or is easy. Rather, I look back at those rough life experiences and refer to them as my "Lessons Learned." My regret? Four and a half years ago I decided I did not want a band at my wedding. I didn't... Continue Reading →
Celebrating Life: a wedding, a funeral and a baby
I am back stateside and it's been a different kind of visit. My "holiday" is never quite a vacation when I am home. It's usually full of running around to markets and doctors and whatnot. But I'm fine with that. That's what it means to be home for me. Yet I always manage to get... Continue Reading →
Turkey Rising: What I did during the protests
I was in Istanbul when it all started. I was safely tucked away on an island, and really didn't know what was going on. Friends started to share translations of news reports and videos. At the time, I was amazed by it all. I didn't have a full comprehension, I probably still don't. But when... Continue Reading →
Racism Running Rampant — Still
In the news in Turkey is the Deputy Prime Minister Beşir Atalay with his anti-Semitic public comments. I have lived here over three years now. I don't usually get into the depth of conversations, for lack of Turkish skills, that would make me aware of racism here. Unfortunately, I do have one "friend" who in the... Continue Reading →
It’s All Fun and Games
Dear Readers, It's been a long time. You must be wondering if I have forsaken you. No, I have not. I have not forgotten you either. The times, they've been a changing. There were some health issues, some family issues. These have straightened themselves out for the most part. Then came major life changes. Most... Continue Reading →
HOME AWAY FROM Home Away From home away from . . .
While visiting other countries, here are some things I miss about Ankara: These are just a few thoughts for the day. Of course, I miss my family the most. And Turkish Tea. I miss tea. And family. Yes. Family. . . and tea.
Introducing . . .
Elizabeth Nursel! Welcome to the world my little one! This is truly crossing cultures! We wish this precious little one and her parents all the best!
Taking a Break
Yesterday, a suicide bomber attacked the American Embassy in Ankara. He killed one of his own people, a Turkish citizen who worked as a guard. What the fuck?! The man simply went to work one day and died because of some a-hole's radical political views. The man lost his life, because he needed to feed... Continue Reading →
The Best of 2012 Ankara Style
2012. What a year. Here's a look back at some of my better blog posts, one from each month. I left out the recipes and restaurant reviews - although there were some goodies there! January, Keeping Up Appearances - How I learned to cover up. February, Junking - Comparing Turkey and the U.S. and my... Continue Reading →
From my Family to Yours . . .
Merry Christmas!!!
How to Celebrate Christmas in Ankara
Every year there are new comers to Ankara with the same questions we all had. How do we celebrate Christmas in Ankara? Celebrating one of the biggest of the Christian holidays while living in a Muslim country doesn't have to be as difficult as you may think. The key is to lower expectations. Think about... Continue Reading →
Life is What We Make of It
Life has been so busy lately. Trips, parties, illnesses, stress. Life is what we make of it. I've never been a person that put friends and family on a back burner. They always have and always will come first. Even when they irritate me. Now, I sometimes find myself juggling which friends and which family... Continue Reading →
Here’s Something
Inhale. Recent months have been extremely busy. Lots of work. Lots of house stuff. Lots of family. Life can be stressful, even when you are enjoying it. And then there are the times that aren’t so enjoyable. I am one of those people who have a hard time dealing with stress. For my body, stress... Continue Reading →
Adventures in Ankara 