Pan Asia A Step Above

Pan Asia Sometimes New is Good Tucked away between Applebee’s and Hudson City Bank is a little restaurant known as Pan Asia. Specializing in Chinese, Japanese cuisine, and Sushi this unique eatery offering guest a relaxed atmosphere with exceptional food. Located at  416 Lakeside Plaza on S. Main Street, Forked River, NJ 08731 they are open seven days a week, until 10:00pm every day except Friday and Saturday when they are open until 11:00pm.

Every Monday is all you can eat Sushi which is made to order by the same Chef  nightly.Please note this does not include Sashimi but the selection is really good.  The staff is friendly and helpful answering questions  about ingredients with courtesy. This isn’t your stream-lined Buffet where the sushi is premade and sitting out for you to take. Each order is  made as they come in, and presented in a simple and yet elegant manner.

Customers who do not like Sushi or Sashimi can opt of a variety of menu items that are all  made to order for each customer.So if your vegitarian, or a meat eater you will find something that appeals. You have the option of BYOB or you can quench your thirst with one of their special hot teas, bottled water, or soda.

At the end of each meal each guest is treated to a hot lavender towel to wipe their hands, and orange slices to clear your palate. We have been stopping in here for almost a year now, and the waitresses are all the same, so they get to know you and you get to know them. Their customer service is consistent and friendly.

The average meal will run approximately $25.00 each but is well worth it. This isn’t your average Chinese restaurant, but a step above and worth trying. In Lacy we have so many good options for Asian Cuisine that when something a little different comes along its worth trying. Customer flow is steady, and many are repeat customers. So if you're looking for a night out to enjoy a relaxing meal, or want to grab something to take home Pan Asia is worth the visit.

Political Mayhem Where Big Business Pulls the Strings

Democracy in America

Politics as usual seems to be the ongoing story both here and in Washington. Our president still continues to pursue his own agenda, and our politicians pursue the agenda of big business or special interest. How anyone can say that isn't a form of corruption is not thinking very clearly.

If a big corporation contributes to a political campaign you better believe there is a reason for it. There is some angle they are all too often trying to gain ground on. That we as a people have allowed our government to become so corrupt is just a sad reality of where we are today.

The days of the grassroots politician who won votes on his merits and not what party he represented are long gone. Even here in New Jersey, we have a long history of political corruption, where union bosses controlled our government. All to often grooming candidates for office who would ultimately be puppets for them to control.

Historically there have only been a few exceptions, and we are talking only a handful. As individuals we do have the power to create change in this country. We have the power to take back control from corrupt leaders who are in the pockets of big business. So why don't we? We are better educated than other countries, we have the intellect to understand hard concepts. Yes there are a few who are incapable of seeing beyond their own nose but we don't need to discuss them.

Its a known fact that today to run for president, senator, governor, or even assembly you have to have big money behind you or you will be smeared into oblivion. People are no longer willing to think for themselves and will buy into whatever mainstream media and politicians tell them. The Obama political machine was hard a work already long before anyone else was during our last presidential election. That does make a difference. As does the millions in campaign funds that change hands.

Think about it this way, a person earning $60 thousand a year for twenty-five years would only gross $1,500,000.00 that is over twenty five years. For a political campaign for a 4 year term  as president you're looking at $225 million. Thats 150x the average lifetime income when you consider there are usually two candidates throwing away that kind of money its 300x the average lifetime family income.Or what 300 families making 60 thousand a year would each make in 25 years.You do the math, it is a frightening prospect when you consider we are in debt for trillions of dollars.  

We all understand that our debt as a country is a problem, yet we allow our politicians to spend money like it was water going down a drain. Until we as a people say enough is enough there will never be change. It will not get better. Until we take Corporations out of the political process it will get worse. Our government is well aware there is a problem, and they understand that the average person is struggling and frustrated. The fact is they really do not care. As we keep ignoring the issue we keep allowing ourselves to be pushed further and further into poverty.

Father's Day

Fathers Day Time to Remember The Forgotten Hero in Your Life

Today is the day we remember dad, he seems to get taken for granted, overlooked, or in general ignored. Everyone remembers Mother’s Day but when its time to remember dad he generally gets the short stick.

So for today I want to acknowledge dads everywhere. I have a wonderful dad of my own, and have been lucky enough to marry a great father of our children as well. I also want to remember my buddy Markie D, each one of these men is different in their own way but sum up what it truly means to be a wonderful dad. 

When I look back and think of all of the times my dad was there for me. Practicing throwing a softball so I could get better, after a long day of working.Teaching me that I was capable of doing anything, from mowing the grass to fixing my car. He never held back or babied me, but taught me that life needs to be faced head on. I can remember many conversations in my life when he knew I was struggling with my own issues and would help me find what I needed to do. I know some dads come charging to the rescue but mine did something more. He allowed me to learn how to save myself. Always there when I needed his support, he taught me to look people in the eye and face them directly and expect the same in return. I know in my life I was blessed to have a wonderful, funny, and caring dad, and I am grateful for everything he has given me as a person.

Thomas, isn’t my dad but between us we have a total of seven children. Some are grown and living their own lives, some still at home, and some that come to visit. Tom is a protector by nature, so when someone is not doing what they should be, he will get it straightened out. He is the kind of dad who loves our kids both his and mine without distinction. What makes that so special is that he talks to them, listens to what they have to say and loves them no matter what. That doesn’t mean he is a pushover, because he will let them know when they mess up rather bluntly.

What I am constantly amazed by is his desire to look out for them all. When they are in trouble he is always willing to help, either financially or emotionally. His humor is also a big part of who he is both as a dad and a man. It is one of the things that lets people see his softer side. I know I am blessed to have a husband who loves our children so fiercely, and gives so freely of his time.As a soccer coach for our son, project helper, cook and ice cream advocate for the kids, he covers it all. Merging two families isn’t always easy but with him and his unselfish attitude he has brought us all together.

Last but not least is my friend, and ex brother-in-law Markie D. (yes we kept him) who I have known since I was a kid. He is both a father and father figure to many. Mark is one of those people who steps up to the plate. He is always caring and giving of his time to our kids. With a quite wisdom he lets the kids be themselves. Laughing along with them, playing endless hours of board games, helping with projects for school or just going to the movies. Mark is the dad who stepped in for my own kids growing up, being their for them when their own father wasn’t. Always there to listen and dry their tears, when they were disappointed or let down and showing by example what it means to be a father and a man.

Uncle Mark and Mara taking a ride in a bi-plane

Mark was blessed in that his daughter came back into his life as an adult, and he now has a wonderful son and grandson to spoil and love as well. He is the silly, serious man who is always there as both as a friend and mentor. I know for myself the ten years I was single, I would not have gotten through it without the men in my life. Each has given selflessly to myself and my children, and that is what it means to be a dad. Diving in to life with a childlike abandon, showing that life needs to be lived and enjoyed. Any man can create children and walk away.

A father stays, understands, and fights for you. They are always there, they don’t judge, or find you lacking. Through good and bad, they lead by example, and even though sometimes you may not understand what they are trying to teach you,take a breath and know that it is coming from the heart. Fathers, take care of their kids, whether they are with their mom’s or not. They are that man who gets all teary when you get your diploma or walk down the aisle to get married. They are the men who love you despite your mistakes.

So today remember Dad, he is always their for you, so be there for him as well. Make him breakfast, take him to dinner or even a movie. It is one day out of the year to acknowledge him and honor all that he does for you.

Happy Fathers Day!!

Counting Your Blessings

Sitting here night after night, listening to my dogs gently snoring at my feet I am thankful for what I have. For me those blessings include a husband who loves me, and gets who I am. His support in everything is what makes my dreams possible. My kids are healthy and independent, wanting to do for themselves, showing an  ability to make their own decisions.

Yes sometimes they do come back to mom and ask for advice but it isn’t as often as I would like. Life is by no means perfect, but it is far better than what some call living.  I may have people who challenge me to reach for my full potential but I know I have their love and support in all things. For me that is the greatest treasure. In the big scheme of life I see so many people who do not have support, or even someone to turn to. In many cases they do this to themselves, by allowing bitterness and hate to twist the reality of their lives.
I cannot even imagine what it must be like to live that way, filled with nothing. Allowing one's life to become so twisted it is just a series of lies that they tell themselves. One has to wonder just how people can allow themselves to get like that. Is it those little disappointments in life that we all must face? Or is it a self delusion that some choose to create to excuse bad decisions or bad behaviors. It is one area for me that on a gut level I find it very hard to understand.

In my own life I do know I am blessed. As this is round two for me in the marriage world, I can say with all honesty that it does make a difference to be with someone who loves and respects me and is looking out for all of us, as well.

Drinking Iced Tea with Poppop 

At twenty three I wasn’t able to see my  ex for the man that he was. I saw his potential as a human being with the star filled eyes of my youth. This time there is no mistaking the difference, between someone who is capable of being emotionally honest, verses being with someone who cannot. Side by side, the difference is glaring and it makes me almost embarrassed that I couldn’t see it when I was in that place in my life.  Personally I prefer a friend and partner who is truthful with me and in my corner.Someone who is able to open their heart to my children, and grandchildren as well as his own.

Each night when I crawl into bed beside my husband I am left in awe of the wonderful man I was fortunate enough to find. It isn’t everyday that you find someone who can make you laugh,cry and  loves you without reservation. Looking back I can only be thankful for taking the time to find myself as a person before Tom found me.

In some ways I think that as human beings so many are afraid of being lonely that they forget the importance of learning to be OK alone. One of the greatest experience for me was learning to go to the movies alone, or even out to dinner. No it isn’t quite the same as going on a date or with someone. Finding that comfort with yourself first is very important in becoming a whole person. It is kind of hard to give of yourself if you don’t even know who you are.

It wasn’t until I became that honest with myself that I learned what I needed as a person in a relationship. No one knows what is around the corner for tomorrow, but in my heart I know that I am with someone who will be there no matter what. I have the certainty in my heart to know he is the type of man who is genuine, and understands what it means to have honor.

Meeting as equals in love is so much more.I was lucky enough to marry my best friend and it doesn’t get much better than that. We still argue, but we laugh as well, and we talk to each other not at each other. I can only thank God because my cup still is overflowing with goodness.