Monday, May 30, 2011
First Batch of Pesto
We've had a lot of rain and my Basil plant is growing like crazy! My neighbor invited me over for a last minute BBQ tonight. A quick glance in my fridge and cupboards, I wasn't sure what I could whip up without running to the store. Then peering out to the deck I realized I could make a quick and tiny batch of pesto, mix with some pasta and tomatoes and "ta da!"
I don't really have a recipe for Pesto. I just throw a bunch of Basil leaves into the food processor and mix with olive oil, pine nuts and parmesan cheese. I've heard that using Pistachio nuts in your Pesto makes it very tasty. I'll have to try that next time!
Friday, May 27, 2011
Friday food for thought
The Ice Cream truck drives down my street every day. Seriously? I mean when I was a kid the ice cream man came by maybe once every other month. It was a TREAT! No wonder Americans are obsese!
Unfortunately one of my family members found out this week that the Red Light Cameras in Kansas City are for REAL. Sorry Mama!
My new bed apparently is so comfortable at night and assists in my sleeping so soundly that I actually SLEPT through a tornado warning last weekend with the windows open. Scary! Lets hope my house never catches fire!
In 98 days I'll be at Jack Trice Stadium!
I've hated ice cream for about 15 years. All the sudden I want it. And NO it is not because of the ice cream truck driving down my street every day. I am enticed by the Sonic Oreo Blast Ads!
Thanks for a fabulous Iowa State Thursday night group dinner at 801 Chophouse last weekend Steve and Lyndsey Higgins!!! Can't wait to go back!
Thinking of the Andersons this week and praying for fantastic stem cell results!
I love grilling out and sitting on my deck with a glass of wine. Please come join me! :)
Unfortunately one of my family members found out this week that the Red Light Cameras in Kansas City are for REAL. Sorry Mama!
Have faith. If you don't, you don't have anything!
My new bed apparently is so comfortable at night and assists in my sleeping so soundly that I actually SLEPT through a tornado warning last weekend with the windows open. Scary! Lets hope my house never catches fire!
In 98 days I'll be at Jack Trice Stadium!
I've hated ice cream for about 15 years. All the sudden I want it. And NO it is not because of the ice cream truck driving down my street every day. I am enticed by the Sonic Oreo Blast Ads!
Thanks for a fabulous Iowa State Thursday night group dinner at 801 Chophouse last weekend Steve and Lyndsey Higgins!!! Can't wait to go back!
Thinking of the Andersons this week and praying for fantastic stem cell results!
I love grilling out and sitting on my deck with a glass of wine. Please come join me! :)
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Wa Wa Wa Wine Tasting
I think most people know that Wine Tasting tops my list of hobbies/leisure activities. I love to check out local wineries. Yes, Kansas has wineries. I mean, it's no Napa Valley but it works!
Recently I checked out the Matrot Castle in Topeka with my friend Bethany for some wine tasting in the cellar. Wine tasting there is offered by the Davenport Winery which is in rural Eudora, KS. My friend Melissa and I had already found and checked out the Davenport Winery on several occasions however I had never been to their location in the Matrot Castle. Once again the Daveport Winery did not disappoint. Bethany and I learned about the history of the castle, yes, Mom and Dad I willingly listened to some history! We learned there several ghost tales of the castle. Kind of makes you want to drink your wine and either drink enough to forget about the ghosts or drink it down and get out of there!
Luckily, I came home with a bottle of Sailor's Delight. One of the neatest things about the Davenport Winery is they hire local artists to create the labels for their bottles. Cheers!
Recently I checked out the Matrot Castle in Topeka with my friend Bethany for some wine tasting in the cellar. Wine tasting there is offered by the Davenport Winery which is in rural Eudora, KS. My friend Melissa and I had already found and checked out the Davenport Winery on several occasions however I had never been to their location in the Matrot Castle. Once again the Daveport Winery did not disappoint. Bethany and I learned about the history of the castle, yes, Mom and Dad I willingly listened to some history! We learned there several ghost tales of the castle. Kind of makes you want to drink your wine and either drink enough to forget about the ghosts or drink it down and get out of there!
Luckily, I came home with a bottle of Sailor's Delight. One of the neatest things about the Davenport Winery is they hire local artists to create the labels for their bottles. Cheers!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Crawlin in the Crawl Space
Prior to today I had been in my crawl space once. For the simple reason of the lid fell down in the hole and I had to go down there in order to retrieve it. And I was very proud of only being it in once! Today I spent an hour in the most disgusting, dark, tiny space that sits below my house.
Seeing all the pictures of the devastation in Joplin, MO over the weekend turned my fear up a notch when the tornado sirens went off around lunch time. Add that with the fact that the direct path of the tornado was coming my way up Metcalf and Nall, I figured the crawl space was my best bet. I called my mama, who reminded me to grab my purse, cleaned out the items on top of the crawl space (the opening is in my coat closet) and started down the little ladder, pillow, purse, flash light and cell phone in hand.
The smell of whatever inhibits the crawl space is enough to make one want to puke. I thought I was going to puke several times but I tried not to because then knew I'd have to smell that too! Most of the time I kept my head in the ladder space because I couldn't bare my location and seeing no light. This was a true test of my clausterphobia! I am so thankful for my brother and my mama who kept watch on the radar from Iowa and Seattle and encouraged me to stick it out!
I was so excited when the all clear sounded that my belt buckle got caught on my climb back out of the hole. At this point I didn't know whether to laugh or cry! You have to understand that the hole to climb down there is not large. In fact there will be no more weight gain for this chick or I will not be able to get in and out of that thing easily anymore. Like I really want a return journey there anyway! Finally breaking free and getting out of there I realized that my neatly pressed outfit for the day was covered in black yucky-ness! Oh well, at least I still have my house, my car, my life! And thankfully most of Johnson County was spared.
Kudos to my friends Jason and Alex who have spent quality time before in my crawl space repairing things. I had no idea what it is really like when you crawl around down there until today!
Seeing all the pictures of the devastation in Joplin, MO over the weekend turned my fear up a notch when the tornado sirens went off around lunch time. Add that with the fact that the direct path of the tornado was coming my way up Metcalf and Nall, I figured the crawl space was my best bet. I called my mama, who reminded me to grab my purse, cleaned out the items on top of the crawl space (the opening is in my coat closet) and started down the little ladder, pillow, purse, flash light and cell phone in hand.
The smell of whatever inhibits the crawl space is enough to make one want to puke. I thought I was going to puke several times but I tried not to because then knew I'd have to smell that too! Most of the time I kept my head in the ladder space because I couldn't bare my location and seeing no light. This was a true test of my clausterphobia! I am so thankful for my brother and my mama who kept watch on the radar from Iowa and Seattle and encouraged me to stick it out!
I was so excited when the all clear sounded that my belt buckle got caught on my climb back out of the hole. At this point I didn't know whether to laugh or cry! You have to understand that the hole to climb down there is not large. In fact there will be no more weight gain for this chick or I will not be able to get in and out of that thing easily anymore. Like I really want a return journey there anyway! Finally breaking free and getting out of there I realized that my neatly pressed outfit for the day was covered in black yucky-ness! Oh well, at least I still have my house, my car, my life! And thankfully most of Johnson County was spared.
Kudos to my friends Jason and Alex who have spent quality time before in my crawl space repairing things. I had no idea what it is really like when you crawl around down there until today!
Entry to the crawl space- yikes!
Thoughts and prayers go out to those affected by these devestating storms!
Caprese Sticks
One of my favorite summer salads is caprese salad- tomato, basil and fresh mozzarella drizzled with vinaigrette. While having friends over last week I decided to make the salad as more of finger food/appetizer. Instead of purchasing a large chunk of fresh mozzarella the local Hen House has fresh mozzarella balls which are perfect for the attempt at making this a finger food! I then purchased a container of grape tomatoes and began "stringing" the conconction on tooth picks. I drizzled with vinaigrette and topped with speckled pieces of fresh basil- (direct from my pot on the deck).
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Restaurant Tip
Did you know if you make reservations for your favorite restaurant through Opentable that you can earn points for dining rewards? Sure enough! Participating restaurants allow you to make online reservations through Opentable. Once you reach 2,000 points you can get a $20 dining check. Opentable is found in multiple cities across the US. I don't make a lot of money! I'll take what I can get!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Iowa Vs California
On a recent trip home, my mama, family friend Sally and I "lunched" at a favorite local cafe, Revelations. Revelations is a quaint little coffee and used bookstore nestled in downtown Fairfield. People watching at its best as it combines native Fairfield townies with "guru's" from the local Maharishi University of Management.
The coffee shop which has tables hidden amongst book shelves containing new and used books has such an urban feel in such a rural setting. This is one of my favorite places to go with my brother as he likes to sit and only speak sentences using book titles while you eat. It gets pretty interesting if you sit near the self help or romance sections! It can lead to some really inappropriate laughter in a generally quite coffee shop!
Famous for their wood fired pizza's and all organic ingredients you pretty much can't go wrong with anything you order. On this day we selected two pizzas to share. The Iowan, which included an olive oil base with red onions, tomato, fresh mozzarella and fresh corn topping as well as The Califorian, also on a olive oil base which includes avocado, goat cheese, roasted red peppers, diced walnuts. Pretty much wants to make you go create a pizza huh?!
The coffee shop which has tables hidden amongst book shelves containing new and used books has such an urban feel in such a rural setting. This is one of my favorite places to go with my brother as he likes to sit and only speak sentences using book titles while you eat. It gets pretty interesting if you sit near the self help or romance sections! It can lead to some really inappropriate laughter in a generally quite coffee shop!
Famous for their wood fired pizza's and all organic ingredients you pretty much can't go wrong with anything you order. On this day we selected two pizzas to share. The Iowan, which included an olive oil base with red onions, tomato, fresh mozzarella and fresh corn topping as well as The Califorian, also on a olive oil base which includes avocado, goat cheese, roasted red peppers, diced walnuts. Pretty much wants to make you go create a pizza huh?!
Sunday, May 22, 2011
One last Greater Kansas City Myasthenia Gravis Walk, Run & Roll Recap/Update
You probably all thought I was done talking about the Greater Kansas City Myasthenia Gravis Walk, Run & Roll which was held on April 9th. I just wanted to share the most recent edition of the Myasthenia Gravis Association of Kansas City Newsletter which features the walk on the front page. Please click here to read. Thanks again to all for your continued support!
12 Months of Giving Back
I feel like I have been slacking this month and realized I still needed to find a charity to give to as a part of my 12 months of giving back. It may be that I haven't been feeling much like giving as pricey car repairs hang over my head and 2 small household appliances break in one week.
As I realized the whole purpose of doing this is to give and have a clear picture of needs and wants, I began searching for a May opportunity. I had seen on Facebook that a childhood friend, Grant, was asking for bail to get out of Jail for Jerry's kids at an MDA Lockup. As soon as I saw that I knew that was how I wanted to give back this month. Afterall, Jerry's kids holds a special place in my heart as I was the State of Iowa Poster Child for the MDA in the early 90s. The opportunity to give to help Grant get out of jail was as simple as a click online. Unfortunately not as big as a gift back as I would like, I know in my heart every little bit helps.
Please click here to help Grant get out of Jail for Jerry's Kids.
As I realized the whole purpose of doing this is to give and have a clear picture of needs and wants, I began searching for a May opportunity. I had seen on Facebook that a childhood friend, Grant, was asking for bail to get out of Jail for Jerry's kids at an MDA Lockup. As soon as I saw that I knew that was how I wanted to give back this month. Afterall, Jerry's kids holds a special place in my heart as I was the State of Iowa Poster Child for the MDA in the early 90s. The opportunity to give to help Grant get out of jail was as simple as a click online. Unfortunately not as big as a gift back as I would like, I know in my heart every little bit helps.
Please click here to help Grant get out of Jail for Jerry's Kids.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Cowboy Caviar
A few summers ago, while enjoying a fantastic weekend at the lake, I was introduced to this perfect summer dip. Fresh and full of nutrition, (seriously) I made it for a party I had recently. There usually aren't leftovers! It's delish!
Cowboy Caviar
2-3 Avocado's diced
1 cup salsa
1 can of black beans, drained
1 can of corn, drained
1 tomato, seeded and diced
salt and pepper to taste
Mix all ingredients. Top with fresh cilantro and serve with chips!
I've also served as a side dish with enchilada's.
Cowboy Caviar
2-3 Avocado's diced
1 cup salsa
1 can of black beans, drained
1 can of corn, drained
1 tomato, seeded and diced
salt and pepper to taste
Mix all ingredients. Top with fresh cilantro and serve with chips!
I've also served as a side dish with enchilada's.
Dreams
You may recall that recently I took on a volunteer role on the Community Advisory Board for Mosaic, a faith based organization that provides services for individuals with special needs. You may also recall that I worked for Mosaic, formally Bethphage in Dallas right out of college.
Last week I attended a Kansas City T-Bones game. Also, the place where I learned that a bull pen at a baseball game does NOT mean that there are bulls in a pen! That could be a whole other blog post! Anyway, it was Mosaic night at the ball field. My former supervisor MA, attended with me as she had formerly worked for Mosaic as well. It was like old home night for her seeing clients she had worked with some 10+ years ago.
I was most moved by this particular individual, Thad. Inquisitive and never missing a beat, he introduced himself to me, asked for my demographics, first name, middle name, last name, favorite collegiate team and finally my birthday. Upon telling him my birthday is October 7th, he promptly told me it would be on a Friday this year. I checked the calendar when I got home and sure enough, he was RIGHT! Amazing.
Even more amazing is his voice. He sang the National Anthem before the first pitch. On Friday he was featured on the NBC Channel 13 Midday show. You can't pass up an opportunity to watch him. Click here to view. Truly a dream come true for Thad.
Mosaic has an upcoming Pancake Breakfast that I encourage you to support. Who doesn't like pancakes? (Ok, besides me!) The money goes to a great cause!
Last week I attended a Kansas City T-Bones game. Also, the place where I learned that a bull pen at a baseball game does NOT mean that there are bulls in a pen! That could be a whole other blog post! Anyway, it was Mosaic night at the ball field. My former supervisor MA, attended with me as she had formerly worked for Mosaic as well. It was like old home night for her seeing clients she had worked with some 10+ years ago.
I was most moved by this particular individual, Thad. Inquisitive and never missing a beat, he introduced himself to me, asked for my demographics, first name, middle name, last name, favorite collegiate team and finally my birthday. Upon telling him my birthday is October 7th, he promptly told me it would be on a Friday this year. I checked the calendar when I got home and sure enough, he was RIGHT! Amazing.
Even more amazing is his voice. He sang the National Anthem before the first pitch. On Friday he was featured on the NBC Channel 13 Midday show. You can't pass up an opportunity to watch him. Click here to view. Truly a dream come true for Thad.
Mosaic has an upcoming Pancake Breakfast that I encourage you to support. Who doesn't like pancakes? (Ok, besides me!) The money goes to a great cause!
Friday food for thought (on Saturday!)
I went wine tasting with a friend last weekend and learned there are 2 wineries for sale in Kansas. Any takers??? Papa Foss maybe another Kansas retirement property?
This week I watched one of my clients who is normally only mobile through the use of a wheelchair take steps with a walker. How quickly we take something so easy as walking for granted.
Driving your mom's minivan for 2 weeks is like being grounded.
More mini-van tales. I ran over my trash can in the bus. Can't see out of the back of that thing. Mini Van 1- trash can 0.
Still waiting on my insurance for treatment approval. Have I mentioned that I do not like waiting?
It's quite possible that I have the best parents in the world!
I am totally sucked into all of Oprah's last shows. I did not want to be sucked in.
I had friends over to celebrate a birthday last night and was up far too late. 1am. How sad am I?
I heard this last week and I've been thinking about it for days. God brings people in your life at the right time and at the right place.
To my college friends, I failed to mention to you last week that the Munchkin mug was sold in the recent garage sale.
Cheers to an upcoming holiday week and the official start of summer!
This week I watched one of my clients who is normally only mobile through the use of a wheelchair take steps with a walker. How quickly we take something so easy as walking for granted.
Driving your mom's minivan for 2 weeks is like being grounded.
More mini-van tales. I ran over my trash can in the bus. Can't see out of the back of that thing. Mini Van 1- trash can 0.
Still waiting on my insurance for treatment approval. Have I mentioned that I do not like waiting?
It's quite possible that I have the best parents in the world!
I am totally sucked into all of Oprah's last shows. I did not want to be sucked in.
I had friends over to celebrate a birthday last night and was up far too late. 1am. How sad am I?
I heard this last week and I've been thinking about it for days. God brings people in your life at the right time and at the right place.
To my college friends, I failed to mention to you last week that the Munchkin mug was sold in the recent garage sale.
Cheers to an upcoming holiday week and the official start of summer!
Friday, May 13, 2011
Friday food for thought
I am very sad to report that I will be driving my mama's MINI VAN for ANOTHER week. Would somebody please loan me some dogs or kids to pack in the back of this bus?
I love being 31. I have gotten carded more this year than any year in my entire life. It's especially funny when you are out to dinner with your parents.
God performs miracles every day and sometimes I think I forget that. I heard about one this morning and it always feels so renewing. Many Hugs to the Juon family!
I saw this on a sorority sister's blog and loved it.
I love being 31. I have gotten carded more this year than any year in my entire life. It's especially funny when you are out to dinner with your parents.
God performs miracles every day and sometimes I think I forget that. I heard about one this morning and it always feels so renewing. Many Hugs to the Juon family!
I saw this on a sorority sister's blog and loved it.
A Treat before a Treatment
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Gamma Phi Home
My Dad texted me this picture last weekend. In Ames to help clean out the DU house, he did a drive by of good old Gamma Phi Beta.
Oh the memories. It seems like just yesterday. And sometimes I feel like I can still smell the smell of the hallways or the laughter of lifelong friends. Hard to believe I'm coming up upon graduating from college 10 YEARS AGO!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
My new favorite summer salad
I got this out of the South Beach Summer Cookbook and it is delish! A new favorite for summer for sure!
Yellow and Green Beans with Fresh Mozzarella
Approximately 8 oz of fresh green beans, trimmed and cooked- boil for 3 minutes, then drain and run cold water over them
Approximately 8 oz of yellow or wax beans (I subsituted with a can as I could not find), because I used a can I did not cook them
2 Tablespoons of Pine Nuts, toasted
Fresh Mozzarella, diced or cubed
Salt and Pepper
Fresh basil
Put all ingredients in a bowl together. Toss with olive oil. Salt and Pepper to taste. Top with fresh basil. Serve chilled. (I think this would also be delicious with tomatoes tossed in.)
Yellow and Green Beans with Fresh Mozzarella
Approximately 8 oz of fresh green beans, trimmed and cooked- boil for 3 minutes, then drain and run cold water over them
Approximately 8 oz of yellow or wax beans (I subsituted with a can as I could not find), because I used a can I did not cook them
2 Tablespoons of Pine Nuts, toasted
Fresh Mozzarella, diced or cubed
Salt and Pepper
Fresh basil
Put all ingredients in a bowl together. Toss with olive oil. Salt and Pepper to taste. Top with fresh basil. Serve chilled. (I think this would also be delicious with tomatoes tossed in.)
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
A Fairfield Delicacy
Monday, May 9, 2011
Birthday on the block
My sweet neighbor Thelma turned 84 last week. A crazy day, I did not have time to run out and purchase something for her. So I took to my Iris' in the backyard, snipped on off and put in a vase for her.
I do not feel up until the past several months I have been as neighborly as I could have to such a sweet lady. She takes far better care of her home in her frail condition than I can say I have ever have in the 4 years I havee lived here. She sweeps her porch every morning and recently I watched her rake up some of her leaves.
I have a lot I can learn from somebody who has graced her presence on this Earth for 84 years. As I am trying to focus on being a better person, giving back more, being less judgemental and opinionated I can learn a lot from elders. Overall though, I just get a real kick out of her quirks, her comments and her take on life. Cheers to another year Thelma!
I do not feel up until the past several months I have been as neighborly as I could have to such a sweet lady. She takes far better care of her home in her frail condition than I can say I have ever have in the 4 years I havee lived here. She sweeps her porch every morning and recently I watched her rake up some of her leaves.
I have a lot I can learn from somebody who has graced her presence on this Earth for 84 years. As I am trying to focus on being a better person, giving back more, being less judgemental and opinionated I can learn a lot from elders. Overall though, I just get a real kick out of her quirks, her comments and her take on life. Cheers to another year Thelma!
Table Makeover
I got this table, on clearance, at one of my favorite stores, TJ Maxx, years ago. The sun had faded it and it was pretty much disgusting and ugly. I decided to take a little left over brown spray paint to it to clean it up! Now I just need to get a hot PINK planter to go on top!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Bringing some luck to 2011
Unfortunately this year has started out with Allison NOT having a green thumb. I first killed a plant very special to me. Given to me over 10 years ago following the death of my friend Ryan, this was a plant that I cherished in my home. It died a slow death I am afraid. I'm not really sure of the cause of death but when the last leaf turned brown and fell off I knew it was over. To everything there is a season....
Recently, My friend Kelly noticed that I was also killing my 4 leaf clover plant. So he did what any friend would do and he took away my 4 leaf clover. It has spent the last month at his house where he has revitalized it, fertiziled it and apparently watered it a lot more than I did! Last week I regained possession of my 4 leaf clover and it's looking pretty good!
Recently, My friend Kelly noticed that I was also killing my 4 leaf clover plant. So he did what any friend would do and he took away my 4 leaf clover. It has spent the last month at his house where he has revitalized it, fertiziled it and apparently watered it a lot more than I did! Last week I regained possession of my 4 leaf clover and it's looking pretty good!
Friday Food for Thought.....(on Sunday!)
My new favorite drink of the summer may just be the Frozen Strawberry Lemonade from McDonalds. Add a little blueberry rum to it and it'll be a party in your mouth!
An improtou lunch with an old and treasured friend is sometimes just what the doctor ordered.
Quote of the weekend with my parents. After fixing my precious Mama a Mother's Day dinner on Saturday night I was politely serving my parents cherry pie. I asked my dad if he'd like ice cream with his pie. His response, "does a bear sh*t in the woods?" Simply hilarious....
My neighbors let their little boys, approximately 3 & 4, climb on top of their car. It makes me paranoid as they near the edges and jump all around. I can't wait til one of them falls on their little noggin.
Last year I planted a blueberry bush. It grew plump blueberries that birds got to eat before I did. Everything else in my yard has sprouted and bloomed. This thing. Not so much. Well until today, it showed it's first patch of green. I think it's going to live!
I really wanted Pants on Fire to win the Kentucky Derby. Next year perhaps....
Last week I participated in my first patio happy hour of 2011. Bring on more. Cheers to great weather and a great summer!
I made it back to KC in record time. It was NOT due to the fact that I am currently rolling in my mother's mini van. Thank goodness she ditched the woody wacker mini before we were of driving age. I am counting the hours until my mama brings me my car back later this week!
Why do bad things happen to good people?
My new lawn mowing company is called the "Yard of the Month." I can't stop laughing about it. It's like the Jelly of the Month Club in National Lampoons Christmas Vacation.
Friday = treatment day. I need a treatment so bad I can taste it. Also, counting the hours til Friday. Kind of funny to count the hours to one of the most dreaded things in my life!
It's fun when your parents friends can be your friends. Lots of love to the "Loose" group!
Every moment is a gift.
I think my brother may actually be the best card picker outer of anybody I know. Good job on Mama's Mothers Day card Clint. HILARIOUS!
My mama and I had a garage sale over the weekend. A very large, odd man spent several minutes contesting whether or not a down comforter was really made of down, all while he shook the comforter in front of his face, down feathers flying everywhere.......
I've been away from my new bed for 3 nights. I have never been more excited to be home for bedtime!
Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful Mothers out there.
An improtou lunch with an old and treasured friend is sometimes just what the doctor ordered.
Quote of the weekend with my parents. After fixing my precious Mama a Mother's Day dinner on Saturday night I was politely serving my parents cherry pie. I asked my dad if he'd like ice cream with his pie. His response, "does a bear sh*t in the woods?" Simply hilarious....
My neighbors let their little boys, approximately 3 & 4, climb on top of their car. It makes me paranoid as they near the edges and jump all around. I can't wait til one of them falls on their little noggin.
Last year I planted a blueberry bush. It grew plump blueberries that birds got to eat before I did. Everything else in my yard has sprouted and bloomed. This thing. Not so much. Well until today, it showed it's first patch of green. I think it's going to live!
I really wanted Pants on Fire to win the Kentucky Derby. Next year perhaps....
Last week I participated in my first patio happy hour of 2011. Bring on more. Cheers to great weather and a great summer!
I made it back to KC in record time. It was NOT due to the fact that I am currently rolling in my mother's mini van. Thank goodness she ditched the woody wacker mini before we were of driving age. I am counting the hours until my mama brings me my car back later this week!
Why do bad things happen to good people?
My new lawn mowing company is called the "Yard of the Month." I can't stop laughing about it. It's like the Jelly of the Month Club in National Lampoons Christmas Vacation.
Friday = treatment day. I need a treatment so bad I can taste it. Also, counting the hours til Friday. Kind of funny to count the hours to one of the most dreaded things in my life!
It's fun when your parents friends can be your friends. Lots of love to the "Loose" group!
Every moment is a gift.
I think my brother may actually be the best card picker outer of anybody I know. Good job on Mama's Mothers Day card Clint. HILARIOUS!
My mama and I had a garage sale over the weekend. A very large, odd man spent several minutes contesting whether or not a down comforter was really made of down, all while he shook the comforter in front of his face, down feathers flying everywhere.......
I've been away from my new bed for 3 nights. I have never been more excited to be home for bedtime!
Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful Mothers out there.
Basement treasures
What's the craziest thing you think you'll find in your parents basement??? How about finding your Dad's COLLEGE LECTURE NOTES complete in their spirals? I think Chemisty from 1967 is over Dad.
Can we say recycling bin???
Sunday, May 1, 2011
The good, the bad and the real ugly
I am sure the majority of you have seen my fistula port in the crease of my left arm. It grows every day. In fact it feels like it grows inches every day. And I am sure any weight I gain is because the port is growing! :) It will never go away, be able to be taken out or disappear although its lifespan is only about 10 years. When it dies in 7 years I'll get to go deciding about where I want the next one to be.
My fistula port was surgically created in August 2008 to tie together an artery and a vein to be able to sustain Plasmaphersis treatments every 4-6 weeks. Every time I go for a treatment the needles are placed through the port. When it was first created it was nothing but a little bump. But with every treatment it matures. It has caused an anerisum to start forming just above its location because of the blood flow. I advocated to have the port placed in the crease of my arm. Most people have them sugically made where their wrist meets the hand but all I could envision with that was a weird bump/tumor when typing on the computer, etc. At least by putting it in the crease of my arm long sleeves will cover its "beauty."
I hate my port. I hate what it looks like in my arm. I hate how it makes me feel about my body and wearing short sleeves let alone anything sleeveless. I hate accidentally bumping it on something or touching it myself. I hate that sometimes after a treatment it turns black and blue. My port is the source of daily pain; numbness and aches at night, and constant vibrations during the day. It prevents me from lifting or carrying anything very heavy. It's pretty much just a pain in the arm!
Literally a sore subject in my life, except for ONE thing, for now, it saves my life. So grow on you stupid little thing. Among all this hate for this egg looking bump in my arm, I have to thank God for giving me arms to be able to have a port.
My fistula port was surgically created in August 2008 to tie together an artery and a vein to be able to sustain Plasmaphersis treatments every 4-6 weeks. Every time I go for a treatment the needles are placed through the port. When it was first created it was nothing but a little bump. But with every treatment it matures. It has caused an anerisum to start forming just above its location because of the blood flow. I advocated to have the port placed in the crease of my arm. Most people have them sugically made where their wrist meets the hand but all I could envision with that was a weird bump/tumor when typing on the computer, etc. At least by putting it in the crease of my arm long sleeves will cover its "beauty."
I hate my port. I hate what it looks like in my arm. I hate how it makes me feel about my body and wearing short sleeves let alone anything sleeveless. I hate accidentally bumping it on something or touching it myself. I hate that sometimes after a treatment it turns black and blue. My port is the source of daily pain; numbness and aches at night, and constant vibrations during the day. It prevents me from lifting or carrying anything very heavy. It's pretty much just a pain in the arm!
Literally a sore subject in my life, except for ONE thing, for now, it saves my life. So grow on you stupid little thing. Among all this hate for this egg looking bump in my arm, I have to thank God for giving me arms to be able to have a port.
Water for Elephants
I start this by saying, I am not a movie goer. I go to the movies about twice a year! Seriously! However when I saw that the book Water for Elephants was coming out in the theatres I was totally pumped!
I was struck by the book Water for Elephants on a road trip my mom and I took to the Carolina's in early 2008. She had the book, I grabbed in and literally read it on the interstate between Hickory, NC and Nashville, TN. The movie is a must see for anybody who has read the book!
What I particulary remembered about the book was how much it made me think of my own grandparents. From the beginning of the book where Jacob's parents are tragically killed in a car accident, just like my Grandpa and Grandma McCreedy, to Jacob sneaking out of the nursing home to see the circus, reminder of Grandpa Foss' mulitple attempts to escape his Alzhiemer's unit! The movie was no different in this aspect. It stirred up in me many great and not so great memories of my Grandparents.
I remembered the book to have more substance however was still impressed and left the movie very glad to have seen it! Not to mention Rob Pattinson is easy on the eyes! Check it out if you haven't already!
I was struck by the book Water for Elephants on a road trip my mom and I took to the Carolina's in early 2008. She had the book, I grabbed in and literally read it on the interstate between Hickory, NC and Nashville, TN. The movie is a must see for anybody who has read the book!
What I particulary remembered about the book was how much it made me think of my own grandparents. From the beginning of the book where Jacob's parents are tragically killed in a car accident, just like my Grandpa and Grandma McCreedy, to Jacob sneaking out of the nursing home to see the circus, reminder of Grandpa Foss' mulitple attempts to escape his Alzhiemer's unit! The movie was no different in this aspect. It stirred up in me many great and not so great memories of my Grandparents.
I remembered the book to have more substance however was still impressed and left the movie very glad to have seen it! Not to mention Rob Pattinson is easy on the eyes! Check it out if you haven't already!
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