tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66873152357215177072024-03-27T01:37:43.294-05:00Everything Experienced is Just a DreamMarcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567214090440961501noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6687315235721517707.post-52954545341795611602012-09-21T10:28:00.000-05:002012-09-21T10:28:15.355-05:00Celebrating Jack
On this date 31 years ago, I became an aunt. I was only 10 years old. After yearning for a younger sibling, this was the next best thing!
Fast forward 17 years. I had moved to sunny California and my nephew Jack would spend his spring and summer breaks visiting, with a friend or two tagging along. He was a burst of energy into our lives; I remember feeling so sad when it was time for Marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567214090440961501noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6687315235721517707.post-47336781988646968512012-07-21T13:34:00.002-05:002012-07-21T13:34:24.599-05:00arugula, tuna & cannellini bean salad
It's hot out! This is the perfect healthy and hearty salad that requires little more than assemblage. I estimate we've made it about 75 times! No kidding.
1 package of arugula
2 cans of tuna packed in olive oil
1 can of cannellini (white kidney) beans, rinsed and drained
1-2 Tbsp of drained capers
1/4-1/2 diced red onion
Red or white wine vinegar
1 tsp of dijon mustard (optional)
Salt and Marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567214090440961501noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6687315235721517707.post-53295713940070984012011-02-02T13:47:00.005-06:002011-02-02T14:29:57.247-06:00What's the good news?We all need to vent at times. We need to spend a few minutes talking about a crappy day, soliciting the support of a friend or loved one. But sometimes it's hard to know when to stop. And hearing someone else go on and on about a negative topic can be tiresome.In our house, we play the "What's the good news?" game. It's a great way to shift the focus from a negative topic to something more Marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567214090440961501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6687315235721517707.post-30356093808521724482011-01-22T10:29:00.009-06:002011-01-22T11:09:41.602-06:00Destination: ShoppingMy sweet husband invited me to go on an upcoming business trip with him. When I realized I'd have the opportunity to shop at IKEA, H&M, and some other stores that my midwestern city does not have, I got really excited! You see, I've had my eye on this IKEA kitchen table that happens to not be available online.At $179, what a steal! If the trip wasn't scheduled in winter, I'd seriously Marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567214090440961501noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6687315235721517707.post-1781290814242724882011-01-09T13:40:00.006-06:002011-01-09T14:44:54.616-06:00Design ChallengeWhen we bought our house, I knew I would be making a lot of changes to this room to bring it up-to-date. Either I've lost my decorating mojo or I overestimated my decorating abilities, because this project has me overwhelmed. I feel stuck!Before: A room desperate for updates.Hello, my name is wood. I'm everywhere!FireplacePlan A: Keep the red brick look. I actually like the look of the corner Marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567214090440961501noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6687315235721517707.post-46003057564467767992011-01-02T11:01:00.011-06:002011-01-02T11:58:13.680-06:00Wrapping up 2010In October, I learned about a young mother cat and her 1-week-old kittens that were going to be euthanized at the animal shelter. Without a second thought, I brought them home, making it my first experience as a foster mother. Watching this little family grow was one of the highlights of my year.We hosted a Black Friday Happy Hour the day after Thanksgiving, which was our first big party in the Marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567214090440961501noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6687315235721517707.post-84072449364183339672010-09-08T19:18:00.004-05:002010-09-08T19:46:24.931-05:00Loving it allWe recently moved into a new home and I've been consolidating my magazines into neat, organized piles. They are often my sources of creative inspiration.As I pass by the untouched stacks, I look at them longingly... But there is work to do - coursework for my master's program, practicum hours to fulfill, and my commitment to my employer.The toughest part about it is that I love all of my Marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567214090440961501noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6687315235721517707.post-25745053849543951002010-08-04T23:04:00.005-05:002010-08-04T23:23:28.859-05:00Deck the WallsIn my new office, I have a large amount of wall space to cover. On a budget. So, I used a 4-pack of square frames for $10 from Michaels...Cut down some free wallpaper samples...And there you go. One wall is decorated!Marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567214090440961501noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6687315235721517707.post-57587364679550848922010-05-26T06:43:00.012-05:002010-05-27T01:02:29.332-05:00Will Work for FoodA good friend of mine recently served as chair for a wine dinner honoring the top supporters of a non-profit agency. Somewhere along the way I unofficially hopped on board and helped her design and assemble the centerpieces. I had the opportunity to attend the dinner as well, and was able to bring along my guy. Can't beat that - I love event planning, I had a great time working on the Marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567214090440961501noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6687315235721517707.post-52980654074631654682010-04-11T10:44:00.016-05:002010-04-11T11:14:47.087-05:00First Sewing ProjectI took a sewing 101 class at JoAnn last week and am still amazed at how much I learned in 2.5 hours.Sewing has always intimidated me because I remember my mom's old sewing machine that seemed impossible to master; the sewing machines now are so easy and user friendly.I can't wait to make things like table runners, pillows, tablecloths, and hopefully some summer skirts and dresses.My instructor Marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567214090440961501noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6687315235721517707.post-33906582234510191762010-03-11T09:52:00.008-06:002010-03-11T14:07:59.131-06:00homemade crunchy granolaOther granola recipes I've tried have been too sweet.This one is perfect!The original NY Times recipe is here, but I made some minor modifications and included my preferences in the recipe below.6 cups Bob's Red Mill extra thick rolled oats3 cups mixed raw nuts (I use cashew pieces, pecan pieces, sliced almonds)1 cup dried unsweetened shredded coconut1 tsp ground cinnamonDash salt1 cup wildflowerMarcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567214090440961501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6687315235721517707.post-90488461883691891912010-03-03T11:02:00.003-06:002010-03-03T12:18:43.277-06:00A Powerful MindThis morning I noticed a bruise underneath my big toenail. I don’t remember hitting my foot on anything, but all of a sudden my toe really started to hurt. Yep, it began to hurt after I saw the bruise.I used to receive weekly acupuncture treatments, and some sensitive spots on my hands would hurt from the time the needle was inserted to when it was taken out. Oh, how I dreaded having my hands Marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567214090440961501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6687315235721517707.post-28941545022047803012010-02-04T10:30:00.009-06:002010-02-04T15:46:13.381-06:00Remembering MotherToday is my mother's birthday. She would have been 79. If she was here, I'd make her one of my from-scratch cakes. Growing up, it was my mother who inspired me to bake. She would be so proud of my baking skills. I would love to show her what I've learned.You know that question about which 5 or 10 people you would have at your dinner table if you could choose anyone? I always list my mother first.Marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567214090440961501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6687315235721517707.post-5712564415288745302010-01-15T12:12:00.018-06:002010-01-15T15:54:43.798-06:00New DirectionI admit it, the second half of 2009 was hard. Really hard. 2010 feels like a refreshing opportunity to move forward. I realize it's up to each of us to decide what perspective we're going to have, regardless of what life throws our way. In other words, happiness is always a choice. I knew this, but I wasn't practicing it. And it's okay. It's unrealistic to be happy all the time. I think Marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567214090440961501noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6687315235721517707.post-91379910149169102102009-12-28T11:41:00.010-06:002009-12-28T13:49:23.314-06:00A perfect Christmas weekendI wasn't sure what to expect from Christmas this year, but decided go along with whatever came up. Christmas Eve, Steve and I had our own holiday celebration with an elegant dinner at Starkers, watching big snowflakes fall on the Plaza. We spent the rest of the night with my family. I knew this would be a hard year since my 27-year-old nephew, Jack, passed away in August. Christmas wasn't the Marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567214090440961501noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6687315235721517707.post-43694475916812169942009-11-08T12:32:00.008-06:002009-11-08T13:31:45.533-06:00Holiday IntruderFor nearly two decades, I have spent holidays with other people's families. I was 22 the first year that both my parents were dead and one of my dear friends invited me to spend Christmas with her at her uncle's house. That year, she gave me the only gift I received for Christmas. Since then, I've usually spent holidays with families of husband one and two, or with boyfriend's families while in Marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567214090440961501noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6687315235721517707.post-11906642345758889332009-11-02T09:52:00.007-06:002009-11-02T18:58:40.752-06:00Change is goodI've always felt sorry for people on restricted diets; I never thought I'd be one of them. We decided that if we're going to do another IVF, we're going to do a much better job preparing through diet and lifestyle changes, along with supplementation. Taking handfuls of antioxidants and shooting wheatgrass everyday is the easy part. Giving up some of our favorite foods, drink and habits has been Marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567214090440961501noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6687315235721517707.post-63305713020024851202009-10-21T21:13:00.003-05:002009-10-21T21:21:34.307-05:00Good ChiliLast winter, I started making this chili recipe from Cook's Illustrated and it's great. It's also super easy and fast, so I made some tonight.Quick Beef and Bean Chili2 (16-ounce) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes1 1/2 pounds 85 percent lean ground beef1 onion, chopped fine4 garlic cloves, minced3 tablespoons chili powder2 teaspoons ground cumin2 teaspoons Marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567214090440961501noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6687315235721517707.post-42043365405688327222009-10-15T15:23:00.005-05:002009-10-15T17:39:37.362-05:00Now what?Our IVF cycle was a bust. There are no embryos to transfer, so we're done. Finally knowing is better than the chronic stress we've both felt from wondering after we received the last lab report on Tuesday. I already have a consultation set up with a clinic in Denver, which is where we should have started out in the beginning. Meanwhile, I came up with a Top 10 list of things to do after a failedMarcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567214090440961501noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6687315235721517707.post-54353273140252109322009-10-14T13:51:00.008-05:002009-10-15T19:10:42.501-05:00Intolerance for the intolerantI've struggled for awhile with my growing intolerance for the Christian right. I am well aware that my feeling of disgust for them may make me almost as bad as they are. I recently finished Frank Schaeffer's book Crazy for God. I laughed my ass off at the parts I could relate to, as well as the parts where he so candidly refers to the stupidity of evangelical leaders and followers. Schaeffer's Marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567214090440961501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6687315235721517707.post-28326396543122421522009-10-10T06:11:00.007-05:002009-10-10T06:37:15.971-05:00Good EggsMy egg retrieval is at 4:30pm today. I must be the clinic's last person of the day. (Sorry, Steve, going to the Cardinals game is out tonight.) Since I have to fast from water and food for 10 hours, I got up at 5AM to eat and drink (food purchased at 2pm isn't always appealing at 5am!), now my plan is to sleep as long as I can until this afternoon. When I later wake up from my anesthesia, I will Marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567214090440961501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6687315235721517707.post-19473699712125987622009-10-01T22:23:00.007-05:002009-10-03T19:39:41.618-05:00Needles<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567214090440961501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6687315235721517707.post-27097556600891418342009-09-09T22:02:00.010-05:002009-09-10T11:04:32.116-05:00Too good to be true?I read a pretty little story today about a few women who got pregnant after doing guided imagery for fertility. I like happy endings, but after reading this piece, I find myself wondering if they still would have magically become pregnant if male-factor infertility was a/the cause of fertility problems. If male factor was involved, wouldn't the male partner need to participate in the guided Marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567214090440961501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6687315235721517707.post-57594478203910805892009-08-29T21:56:00.009-05:002009-08-29T23:19:31.288-05:00death is but one night to the soulI spent 13 years getting to know Tony, an orange cat I adopted from the pound. Probably few can understand the connection we had; soulmate is the closest word that fits. My view of life within the Universe is fairly non-hierarchical; consequently, I have learned a great deal from non-human relationships. My first experience of this was soon after my mom died. I could feel her in the wind, I Marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567214090440961501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6687315235721517707.post-80621820563691684422009-08-15T00:22:00.007-05:002009-08-15T01:17:36.258-05:00International House of PrayerI heard about IHOP several years ago, but I'm usually turned off by anything with a perceived religious branding, so I dismissed it. I since met someone who is part of this organization and I'm intrigued. Not in a searching sort of way - been there, done that, and arrived - but in a voyeuristic sort of way. If I could attend IHOP and observe without being intruded upon, I would go.The Marcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03567214090440961501noreply@blogger.com2