Jenny's Passions

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What can I say, this page is a little outdated but it still gives you a glimpst of what is important to me. I spent my 20's travelling and educating myself and have spent my 30's getting serious about my career. Like Anne Morrow Lindbergh, I have always wanted to rent a beach house and write a book about my journey. Hopefully I will be able to accomplish that.
Write a Book
Move to Greece!
Convert to Orthodoxy.
Become fluent in Modern Greek.
Mastering the art of Greek cooking and dance.
Greek music.
Travelling.
Animals/Animal Rights/Vegetarianism.
Outdoor/Physical Activities.
Crafts.
Flying.
Misc.
Bad habits.
Write a Book
I have wanted to write a book about my personal journey for the last 20 years. I love to write (free-flowing) as any friend who receives emails from me can attest to! I hope to write my own Gift from the Sea....
Move to Greece!
Those who know me know that is my dream in life to move to Greece. The rules for non-Greek citizens moving to Greece to live are rigid as I have learned from the Embassy (i.e, I must marry a native, or must be independently wealthy). However, I am not intimidated. I have from time to time looked for engineering jobs in Greece, as well as Greek-American companies who operate in Greece. Where there is a will, there is a way!
Convert to Orthodoxy.
Baptized and confirmed a Christian as a child, (a Protestant of the "First Congregational Church"), I have been soul-searching and longing for tradition and deep meaning in my spiritual life since my 'adult awareness' years began. Though I bought volumes of good books on Orthodoxy at St. Sophia's Cathedral (in LA), this issue has been indeed on hold for a few years. I have realized that I need to receive in-person instruction to learn everything I want to.
Become fluent in Modern Greek.
I have tried many teaching tools (books, CDs, tapes, on-line instructions, tutors), and found that again I really need in-person instruction to master this. I was once told that it would take me 10 years to learn Greek. Ok so it's been 10+ years, with over 6 months spent in Greece (four trips)......but who's counting! At this stage, I am not illiterate and I know enough to get around (and not get ripped off!), but I am not happy with my level of understanding after all this time. The learning tool that works the best for me is to immerse myself in the culture, and surround myself with native speakers. I especially love it when natives think I don't understand anything (when I actually do)....how embarrassing it is....for them. Unfortunately, my husband (who is a native Greek), would rather practice his English than help me with my Greek, so it is a task I must master myself. Also, I unfortunately have also lived in area where only Ancient Greek is taught at the local universities which even native Greeks cannot understand. (And though Ancient Greek and Modern Greek look similar to us non-native Greek speakers, I have been told that reading Ancient Greek to a Greek is like reading a mixture of Shakespeare and Latin to those who have English as a first language). Sounds pretty frustrating. In any case, I am on my own until I live in a more cultured location, but will conquer this......eventually.
Mastering the art of Greek cooking and dance.
Those who know me know how much I used to dislike cooking. I have worked on this, and have become friends with recipe books and my kitchen. It is a blessing to have someone to cook for, and is more a blessing when you have a native Greek at your table critiquing your delicacy. As for the dance......mom made me dance for 10 years as a child/teen (tap, jazz, ballet), so I naturally do not have two left feet. I am intrigued by learning Greek dances that I have seen performed many times, and hope that someone will take the time to teach me in private (so I am not the shy one staying at the table!).
Greek music.
Need I say more? Byzantine, Cretan, traditional, popular....I love it all. I have provided a few older Greek clips in my Favorites section.
Travelling.
I love to travel....see my Travel section for details and excursions. Travelling feeds my soul....
Animals/Animal Rights/Vegetarianism.
I have always loved animals, particularly cats and monkeys. As a child, I dreamed of being both a vet (to help animals) and being a monkey trainer. These professions would have required me to overcome my squemishness which I believed was near impossible (since even now I gasp at the sight of my own blood); hence the reason this evolved into one of my passions (instead of a career choice).
I am a person who believes that animals also have rights. I become upset at the notion that humans use/abuse animals for monetary reasons...i.e, bullfighting, zoos, circuses, vivisection, etc. While I can be bold, I also do not like to impose my views on anyone, so all I ask is that you educate yourself and then decide where you stand too.
Currently we have three cats whom I adore, named Athena, Fasoli, and Fluffi. All are proud, avid hunters (birds, rabbits, mice, as well as rodents that are unidentifiable). Athena is nearly 8, sweet, quiet, and the size of 2+ cats. She loves to travel and has been on many road trips, (one which included camping in Canada). Fasoli is a momma cat (mother of Fluffi) who is on the cranky side, but is also a real true "follow cat". Fluff is the most curious of the three and has really bonded with Athena (auntie). I have also been known to befriend stray animals (particularly in Greece), and give animals attention wherever I am. There are some great websites pertaining to keeping cats & dogs healthy...check these out: Pet Education, 21Cats, GAR Canada, and Humane Society.
I have been a member of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) in the past, as well have been a vegetarian for over 18 years. "Love animals, don't eat them" I say! I was a volunteer at the local Humane Society in ND, and have continued to volunteer here on the East Coast in Old Bridge, NJ. In ND, I was what they called a "cat socializer" My role as a cat socializer was simply to pet, play with, and love each abandoned cat at the shelter...which ensures that human contact is given (as well as well received by the cats). In NJ, I've stepped up my volunterring effort and have fostered momma cats and their babies (until they reached the adoptable age) as well helping give the cats a private place to recover from sterilization. So far I find this very rewarding since I know that it is not feasible for me to take them all home (as I'd like to). If you know of anyone who wants a cat or dog, please urge them to visit their local Humane Society or SPCA.....these animals just need a bath, food, and love! I have a link to all reputable national and Greek humane societies here. :)
Outdoor/Physical Activities.
I have enjoyed downhill skiing, tennis, swimming, jogging, weight-lifting, and biking for a long time now. I also used to dance quite a bit when I was younger (tap, jazz, and ballet) which I'm contemplating getting back into. Recently I have begun trying to get into yoga and pilates. Otherwise, I am very passionate about and devoted to my Spinning (a type of stationary biking) and BodyPump. (I think it's important for everyone to be as healthy as they can be, though it took me years to actually be devoted to this way of thinking). The last few years I have wanted to participate in the 40+ mile bike event around all 5 NYC boroughs but something has always come up. I'll do it one of these years!
When I am in relaxation mode, my favorite place to be is on a beach, near the ocean, particularly on a Greek Isle. I really enjoy being kissed by the sun (just enough to bring out my girlish freckles) and get my dose of melatonin.
Crafts.
I have always been a creative person and enjoyed creating things with my hands...(i.e, painting, making collages, making "crafts", etc.). To see a sampling of things I've made throughout the years, have a look.
Misc.
And in my next life, I will be a philosopher, doctor, mechanic, writer.....any other suggestions?
Bad habits.
(Included for completeness only!). The biggest bad habit I have is not finishing things I start. I have many wonderful books on my shelf that are half read, many projects that are only half done, etc. I am working on this though.

Home Genealogy Passions Portfolio Travels Favorites Girlies House Resume Prof. Interests Email Guestbook Feedback	What can I say, this page is a little outdated but it still gives you a glimpst of what is important to me. I spent my 20's travelling and educating myself and have spent my 30's getting serious about my career. Like Anne Morrow Lindbergh, I have always wanted to rent a beach house and write a book about my journey. Hopefully I will be able to accomplish that. Write a Book Move to Greece! Convert to Orthodoxy. Become fluent in Modern Greek. Mastering the art of Greek cooking and dance. Greek music. Travelling. Animals/Animal Rights/Vegetarianism. Outdoor/Physical Activities. Crafts. Flying. Misc. Bad habits. Write a Book I have wanted to write a book about my personal journey for the last 20 years. I love to write (free-flowing) as any friend who receives emails from me can attest to! I hope to write my own Gift from the Sea.... Move to Greece! Those who know me know that is my dream in life to move to Greece. The rules for non-Greek citizens moving to Greece to live are rigid as I have learned from the Embassy (i.e, I must marry a native, or must be independently wealthy). However, I am not intimidated. I have from time to time looked for engineering jobs in Greece, as well as Greek-American companies who operate in Greece. Where there is a will, there is a way! Convert to Orthodoxy. Baptized and confirmed a Christian as a child, (a Protestant of the "First Congregational Church"), I have been soul-searching and longing for tradition and deep meaning in my spiritual life since my 'adult awareness' years began. Though I bought volumes of good books on Orthodoxy at St. Sophia's Cathedral (in LA), this issue has been indeed on hold for a few years. I have realized that I need to receive in-person instruction to learn everything I want to. Become fluent in Modern Greek. I have tried *many* teaching tools (books, CDs, tapes, on-line instructions, tutors), and found that again I really need in-person instruction to master this. I was once told that it would take me 10 years to learn Greek. Ok so it's been 10+ years, with over 6 months spent in Greece (four trips)......but who's counting! At this stage, I am not illiterate and I know enough to get around (and not get ripped off!), but I am not happy with my level of understanding after all this time. The learning tool that works the best for me is to immerse myself in the culture, and surround myself with native speakers. I especially love it when natives think I don't understand anything (when I actually do)....how embarrassing it is....for them. Unfortunately, my husband (who is a native Greek), would rather practice his English than help me with my Greek, so it is a task I must master myself. Also, I unfortunately have also lived in area where only Ancient Greek is taught at the local universities which even native Greeks cannot understand. (And though Ancient Greek and Modern Greek look similar to us non-native Greek speakers, I have been told that reading Ancient Greek to a Greek is like reading a mixture of Shakespeare and Latin to those who have English as a first language). Sounds pretty frustrating. In any case, I am on my own until I live in a more cultured location, but will conquer this......eventually. Mastering the art of Greek cooking and dance. Those who know me know how much I used to dislike cooking. I have worked on this, and have become friends with recipe books and my kitchen. It is a blessing to have someone to cook for, and is more a blessing when you have a native Greek at your table critiquing your delicacy. As for the dance......mom made me dance for 10 years as a child/teen (tap, jazz, ballet), so I naturally do not have two left feet. I am intrigued by learning Greek dances that I have seen performed many times, and hope that someone will take the time to teach me in private (so I am not the shy one staying at the table!). Greek music. Need I say more? Byzantine, Cretan, traditional, popular....I love it all. I have provided a few older Greek clips in my Favorites section. Travelling. I love to travel....see my Travel section for details and excursions. Travelling feeds my soul.... Animals/Animal Rights/Vegetarianism. I have always loved animals, particularly cats and monkeys. As a child, I dreamed of being both a vet (to help animals) and being a monkey trainer. These professions would have required me to overcome my squemishness which I believed was near impossible (since even now I gasp at the sight of my own blood); hence the reason this evolved into one of my passions (instead of a career choice). I am a person who believes that animals also have rights. I become upset at the notion that humans use/abuse animals for monetary reasons...i.e, bullfighting, zoos, circuses, vivisection, etc. While I can be bold, I also do not like to impose my views on anyone, so all I ask is that you educate yourself and then decide where you stand too. Currently we have three cats whom I adore, named Athena, Fasoli, and Fluffi. All are proud, avid hunters (birds, rabbits, mice, as well as rodents that are unidentifiable). Athena is nearly 8, sweet, quiet, and the size of 2+ cats. She loves to travel and has been on many road trips, (one which included camping in Canada). Fasoli is a momma cat (mother of Fluffi) who is on the cranky side, but is also a real true "follow cat". Fluff is the most curious of the three and has really bonded with Athena (auntie). I have also been known to befriend stray animals (particularly in Greece), and give animals attention wherever I am. There are some great websites pertaining to keeping cats & dogs healthy...check these out: Pet Education, 21Cats, GAR Canada, and Humane Society. I have been a member of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) in the past, as well have been a vegetarian for over 18 years. "Love animals, don't eat them" I say! I was a volunteer at the local Humane Society in ND, and have continued to volunteer here on the East Coast in Old Bridge, NJ. In ND, I was what they called a "cat socializer" My role as a cat socializer was simply to pet, play with, and love each abandoned cat at the shelter...which ensures that human contact is given (as well as well received by the cats). In NJ, I've stepped up my volunterring effort and have fostered momma cats and their babies (until they reached the adoptable age) as well helping give the cats a private place to recover from sterilization. So far I find this very rewarding since I know that it is not feasible for me to take them all home (as I'd like to). If you know of anyone who wants a cat or dog, please urge them to visit their local Humane Society or SPCA.....these animals just need a bath, food, and love! I have a link to all reputable national and Greek humane societies here. :) Outdoor/Physical Activities. I have enjoyed downhill skiing, tennis, swimming, jogging, weight-lifting, and biking for a long time now. I also used to dance quite a bit when I was younger (tap, jazz, and ballet) which I'm contemplating getting back into. Recently I have begun trying to get into yoga and pilates. Otherwise, I am very passionate about and devoted to my Spinning (a type of stationary biking) and BodyPump. (I think it's important for everyone to be as healthy as they can be, though it took me years to actually be devoted to this way of thinking). The last few years I have wanted to participate in the 40+ mile bike event around all 5 NYC boroughs but something has always come up. I'll do it one of these years! When I am in relaxation mode, my favorite place to be is on a beach, near the ocean, particularly on a Greek Isle. I really enjoy being kissed by the sun (just enough to bring out my girlish freckles) and get my dose of melatonin. Crafts. I have always been a creative person and enjoyed creating things with my hands...(i.e, painting, making collages, making "crafts", etc.). To see a sampling of things I've made throughout the years, have a look. Misc. And in my next life, I will be a philosopher, doctor, mechanic, writer.....any other suggestions? Bad habits. (Included for completeness only!). The biggest bad habit I have is not finishing things I start. I have many wonderful books on my shelf that are half read, many projects that are only half done, etc. I am working on this though.

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