Two Tennessee Gals

Thanksgiving photos

2011-02-16T13:42:00.000-08:00

The Beeler family came for a visit in November last year. see some photos of the trip here

My cousin, Kris takes brilliant pictures all the time. Take a look here at what she got on film while visiting our favorite california.

Road trip to Tennessee

2011-02-14T13:07:00.000-08:00

We decided to drive across the country this year to get home for the holidays. I know, I know it's sounds crazy, but truthfully, it was easier. Way less stress, we were able to take the dog, and we were on our own timeline. It took us 3 days to get to Memphis, and the first day of driving was almost all California. That picture there on the left is in Mojave, CA...I think. Those things on the hills are wind turbines. There were thousands of them! It was really cool to see. To see new forms of energy production.

By the time we crossed into Arizona, we found this. We were never snowed on, but were on roads that had been hit before our arrival...and eventually got more after we passed through. We were lucky to have seen so little weather on the way. During our travels, we would drive for what seemed like 100 miles before seeing any civilization. I know it was less, because on our way back to Cali, it was about every 35-40 miles that there would be a rest stop. The longest pass is from Needles, CA to Barstow. 80 miles of nothing. Nevertheless, we made it. We listened to 6 books on CD on the whole trip. I think we may have actually talked to each other for a total of an hour during the 6 days of travel. We got in one fight, after having been on the road on the final day. We were about an hour from home and had been making great time. Had been driving at this point for about 9 hours, and then traffic came to a halt. The tail lights looked like blinking christmas tree lights. I was driving crazy and Michelle was nervous. The argument lasted about 45 seconds before I started laughing at the realization that we hadn't talked all day and were now fighting over the people putting on their brakes.

Here's a few photos of our favorite Beeler people.

Amzie

Evan

Camryn

Glenda the Good

Marlena and the Doctor, winners at the ugly sweater party.

The Dude

Once we arrived in Nashville, the weather had turned very cold and for the first time in a really long time, we saw a white christmas! It was wonderful! We were able to spend about 7 days with our Nashville family. We played lots of games of BananaGrams, Monopoly Deal, and Farkle. And we got a great gift from Michelle's parents...going to the see the Zac Brown Band live at the Arena with them and our favorite uncles, Paul and Tim.

Here's a few pics of our favorite Edwards people.

Pap & Bebe

Jake

Brady

Susan & Sonja

Tim & Paul

On the whole, it was a great trip, full of love, laughter, and of course, children full of glee over christmas. We miss all of them and look forward to seeing them all again soon!

December...a little dated i know

2011-02-14T12:35:00.000-08:00

We went to Mexico in the beginning of the month to celebrate the union of some of our best friends. It was a beautiful ceremony, and a really fun week, filled with bonfires, karaoke, buffets, dancing, cards, trash talking, wave jumping, and jet skiing. It was so good to get away, and so good to be in a relaxing spot for 5 days in a row.

This is the view from our hotel, The Dreams.

Here's the whole rowdy bunch. Good times!

California weather

2011-02-14T12:27:00.000-08:00

For the last month, the weather has been amazing in California. We've seen temperatures from 65-80 degrees. But the best part has been some of the sunsets. I feel pretty lucky to have this view from my office.

On the other hand, some of my wine making pals are nervous about this heat wave...worried about what's going to happen to the vines. Having to change the type of grapes grown here in this valley. I guess whatever is grown next will be the next best thing, since normally what comes out of this area is pretty remarkable.

Uh huh, her

2010-12-28T15:30:00.001-08:00

Happy Halloween!!!

2010-10-30T08:34:00.001-07:00

A couple of years ago we invited Rick and chipmunk over to do some pumpkin carving. Michelle also had a specific dish in mind for dinner that she wanted us to try...dinner in a pumpkin. Those two dudes were a little leery of this meal, as was I. We couldn't make sense of it before seeing the end result, and we had a backup plan in place if it was too weird. It was not weird. In fact, it was delicious. Meat, good. Cheese, good. Rice, good...what's not to like? So there began the tradition. Pumpkin carving. Dinner in a pumpkin.

This year, we are in a new place. Less room in the kitchen, and with the added bonus of it raining, we set up shop in the living room. Threw down a few plastic table clothes, put the leaves in the table, and voila! We had a great time. It was really fun to watch the littlest member of the group decorate her pumpkin with magic marker, then get marker all over her hands and try to hug her Daddy.

The trash can on the table for pumpkin guts was a life saver for me. Otherwise, string and seeds would have been all over the place! Here's some of our handy work.

2010-10-17T14:37:00.000-07:00

I always liked rainbows. Especially as a kid. Nothing cooler than seeing the colors scream across the blue sky, as the sun bursts through after a hard rain. Maybe it's the sky's way of smiling back at the refreshed earth. The best ones are those that come out after a spring time rain has settled the dust and pollen back down. I guess they're two fold for me, being allergic to all those things. Rainbows carry more weight for me now. They represent a group of people I belong to, a mission I am part of, a belief in the rights that belong to all of us simply because we are humans. As this is national coming out month, I feel fortunate to be able to live my life out. Thanks to all who show me love and respect.

These Boots...

2010-10-17T14:28:00.000-07:00

...and this app we have on our iPhone make taking pictures pretty fun.

2010-10-17T13:48:00.000-07:00

A few weekends ago we went to the city with John and Francis. They are some of the coolest people we get to spend time with. Take a guess at their ages. Anyway, we went for Dim Sum. It's basically Chinese tapas, except that you never really order. You have the unique experience of choosing from the items as the servers are coming to your table, for the whole time you are sitting, with new items to choose from. It was really delicious! and pretty fun! After lunch we walked through the shops on Valencia. It's a street in the Mission. We found some great stuff. There was a store that that had a garden of succulents. It was in the back of the store, outside. When you were out there, it was as if you were not in the city at all! Our other reason for the excursion was to see a one man play called The Real Americans. It was so great. It was Dan Hoyle's story of how he decided to discover who are 'the real americans". This was coming off the heels of Sarah Palin's constant rhetoric of this particular group of people. It was an amazing show. Dan Hoyle is incredible as a performer. He is captivating and stunningly accurate when mimicking the people he met on his voyage. I wish it was playing longer. we got lucky and caught the show on an extension. Hopefully it will do well on the road, as that begins later in November. Check him out...especially if he's coming to your city.

28!! or is it just 28.

2010-10-17T13:30:00.000-07:00

You tell me, is 28 a big deal? Was it to you? It wasn't to me. and apparently to Michelle it was just like any other day. In fact, she told me she kept forgetting it was her birthday, except for all the Facebook birthday wishes (thanks, friends!) I think she kept forgetting because she's old now! HA! For me, 28 just meant I was absolutely closer to 30 than to 25. Either way, she had a good birthday. I got her something she seems to not have enough of. An apron. It's the one she's wearing in that picture over there. There's a great store in town called Mr. Moons. It's one of my favorite places. Such cool stuff. Anyway, I thought about getting her a few other things first;

1. A cat, but decided that would bring a slow and painful death to me because of my acute allergy to those furry things.

2. A tattoo on my shoulder of a heart with her name in the middle. I mean, come on, nothing says I love you like a Sharpie drawn heart.

Alas, I settled on the apron. She loves it.

Happy Birfday, baby!

and I love her

2010-10-09T08:41:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of good things in my life. I live so close to my job that I walk there. I have a very cute dog, who's always happy to see me. My mom and I laugh at each other often. I have an iPhone, and a backyard, and good friends. You get the picture. I'm pretty lucky. But the best thing in my life is her...

Yesterday we made plans to be home for dinner. It's important to note that Michelle loves to cook, and many years ago we decided if she would cook I would do the dishes. Sometimes I hate that deal because I'm tired and don't want to do the dishes. At any rate, she made pasta last night with sauce that she had made from scratch a few weeks ago. She took all the tomatoes we had in the kitchen, which was about 12, and whipped up that magically delicious concoction. I love that about her. She can make the things in our fridge and pantry into something delicious...and do it without a recipe. Even though we've been together a while, I still learn new things about her. i.e. she can't cross her eyes. I'll say "cross your eyes", and her eyes just point down at the table. She tries, but no luck. Damn that lazy eye! Love it. She also happens to be uber organized. This is really good for me because I am just not. One day I am going to come home to a label making explosion, I can feel it! These are just a few of the zillion reasons I love her.

Her birthday is coming up. There will probably be a post on here about what we did, or her turning 28, or something.

She finally did it!!!

2010-10-04T10:52:00.000-07:00

My mom has been stalking a few blogs for the last few years and has been wanting to make her own for some time. Well, sports fans, it happened! She did it, and you should view it here. I would also encourage you to visit her ETSY store, Dandy Shandy, which you can easily link to via her blog. I can tell that she's gonna be great at this! P.S. she is the one who gives me all the great spray painting ideas.

There is no reason for putting these pictures up, other than these gals always make me think of Glenda the Good.

Old Things Feel New

2010-10-04T09:36:00.000-07:00

Michelle lucked out this weekend...her bff, Sarah was in town for a quick visit and they took a little walk to the antique store and found this for $15. I wish I had taken a few more pictures of the before. This frame includes a mirror, and it was pretty dusty. So I cleaned it up and hung it on the wall just inside our front door. Our walls are a color that is a few shades lighter than cardboard, so the dingy, creamy colored framed mirror didn't really stand out. So, we decided it needed a little color. Our rug has some great colors in it; red, orange, olive, dark brown (Thanks, Mom!) We thought it would be great to match the mirror to one.

Enter paprika colored can of spray paint!!! It was an immediate transformation and exactly what we were hoping it would look like. And it actually matches the red color that is in the rug. Yay!

Final product! Stands out beautifully against the wall, and we got these hooks at Target. They are the kind that stick to the wall. Now we have a place to hang jackets, bags, scarfs, etc. Thanks to Sarah for the help finding this piece!!!

Beer in the Plaza

2010-09-17T08:56:00.000-07:00

The town we live in is host to lots of festivals and fund raisers. This one is one of our favorites. Its' actually a fundraiser for Soroptimist. You can learn about it here. It was great to see a lot of people we know from town working the event.

As a plug for the Healdsburg Beer Company, they sold out an hour before closing time, the second year in a row! I met the brewmaster at the golf course a few days later. He told me that this started as a hobby and has turned into a much bigger thing. His brewery is in their garage for crying out loud! They are pouring at Affronti in Healdsburg. I gotta get over there and check it out. I was told, before learning that it was sold out, that it was the best beer in the plaza.

Our friend Jocelyn met us there. This cover band, The Remedies, was great!

Just a few of the people.

The glasses were small and cute. Jocelyn, Michelle, & Amanda.

This is one of the coolest things about this little town. There is always a dance floor set up, and people are out there cuttin a rug!

We tried a new place last night

2010-09-11T09:09:00.000-07:00

Back in the summer, my friend Meaghan tried to take Michelle and me to a new restaurant in Windsor called Chinois (sheen-no-ah) Asian Bistro. It was closed for lunch, however dinner was a treat. We met up with Rick and chipmunk. And I'll be honest, I was a little cranky because I was tired and hungry...didn't have much for lunch yesterday. We are seated immediately in the small place, and quickly forgotten. We probably sat for 10 minutes before a server talked to us. That part was not fun, but is important for the rest of the story.

Once one of our servers come over, things began to look up. Drink orders were taken...because I'm a grandmaw (cold and sleepy) I got coffee, which came in a cute little french press, Michelle got a Mojito. I don't really like those because of the edibles in the drink. Pretty soon the food came out...

Garlic Butter Shrimp, Spicy Red Curry Chicken

Both were delicious. The Curry was perfect with the coconut rice (rice cooked in coconut milk and water).

String Green Beans, Mushrooms and Chicken. Lemongrass Chicken Lettuce cups.

I really liked the green beans. They were cooked perfectly. Al dente. The lemongrass could have been more pronounced, but they were still pretty good. The lettuce was crispy...very important.

At this point our bellies are full and we are happy. We're looking for the check and I notice our servers, Alex and Sarah, are coming our way with what looks like dessert. We never ordered dessert. Sure enough, it was for us. Sarah admitted that we were sat and they forgot about us, so they wanted to apologize with free dessert! Fine by us! Plus the owner, Chang, recognized me from the golf course! Here's what we got;

Before

Coconut Creme Brule, Mango Panacotta, Coconut ice cream with candied walnuts.

After

It was delicious and we will go again. If you're local, check it out! Chinois Asian Bistro in Windsor.

One time our best friends got together...

2010-09-10T09:42:00.000-07:00

Michelle has a few people in her life that she calls "best friend". Sarah is one of them. She hails the land of cold and snow in the winter and life altering humidity in the summer. She is amazing. When Michelle and I got together, I had the fortune of getting Sarah too. In fact as I write this she is on the phone with Michelle telling me how I need to not wait so many days between posts. So, this one's for you, doll!

When we moved to California, we met Rick. He is wonderful. You may remember reading about him here. And for as long as we've been friends with Rick, he's known about Sarah. When she would come to town, we would all hang out. Playing settlers, eating dinner, and telling stories. Fun was had by all.

Then, one day, there were hearts shooting out of their eyes.

Rick was pretty happy about it.

We we're excited because it meant that we could do more things like this.

And of course we like to see our friends really happy.

our new favorite place

2010-09-04T09:39:00.000-07:00

We almost missed it entirely, but thanks to Rick's excellent driving skills and ability to make 90 degree turns at 20 mph, we were able to park in the front door!

I would like to point out, before talking about the food, that we learned about this place via Rick's mom. Since you haven't had the pleasure, I'll tell you something about her. She's frugal. So much so, that she gave a bag of rice to Rick that was purchased in 1995. That's right. 15 year old rice. Why did she still have it you ask? Because she doesn't throw anything out. She's not going to spend $5 on a new bag when she still has the one. So the fact that she was excited about "a new restaurant in Santa Rosa" was rather interesting.

So Michelle looked it up here, told us about it, and we decided to go. We walk inside and find 6 people in the place including the staff. This was great because we got so much attention from our server. The only thing known about peruvian food at this point was Ceviche, which we were all pretty excited about. Luckily for us Jose had time to walk us through the options on the menu. It was a small menu. I like that. Do a few things really well and call it a day.

Here's what we ordered.

Ahi Tuna Ceviche, Halibut Ceviche

Both of them were delicious. and looking at them now I see that my iPhone did not do them justice.

Deep fried, panko crusted, stuffed potato. It was good, but not our favorite.

For dessert, short bread cookies with dulce de leche in the center and covered in powdered sugar, and lacuma ice cream. Lacuma is a sub-tropical fruit native to Peru. We decided to order dessert it was because it had just come in the door of the restaurant via Luis. He is the Papa and one of the owners. He made a quick trip to the city for the ice cream and cookies.

These are the items we got for just being in the right place at the right time. One of the best things about a small family owned restaurant is having the chef prepare something that is delicious that he wants you to try because you've never had it.

The one on the left is grilled beef heart and purple potato. They were so tender and savory. They had such great flavor and were not too gamey. On the right was a purple corn pudding creme brule. Obviously is was delicious, as it is gone! It was a something he was trying out to see if they could offer it as a dessert. Yes, I think you can!

So we made friends with Jose our server and his brother, Pablo, the creator of all things delicious, and dad, Luis, cookie and ice cream retriever. It was a great night and a fun experience. Sazon Peruvian Cuisine. Check it out!

Our favorite little man

2010-09-03T09:14:00.000-07:00

This is Evan. He's pretty cute.

He's 3. And already a wiz on the iPhone.

He makes funny faces. Then recreates them on the iPhone. Did I mention he's three?

A few of his favorite grown-ups. Daddy and Grandpaw.

We adore him.

Introducing the newest member of the family

2010-08-31T13:55:00.000-07:00

Camryn Gail. Born in 2010, she is the 3rd for Marlena and J Paul. She is, in a word, delightful.

I met her when I went back to Memphis for J. Paul's graduation from Dental School. See what I mean, delightful!

Here she is doing a few of her favorite activities. Sleep. Suck fingers instead of thumb.

Welcome to the world, kiddo! We love you and are thrilled you're here!

the prodigal blog

2010-08-31T09:01:00.000-07:00

Okay sports fans! We're making a comeback! In the interim, we have to catch you up on all that has transpired in the last year.

Amanda went to Vegas with a couple of clowns

Michelle decided to help run a campaign

We hosted the second annual thanksgiving turkey fry

Amanda went back to Memphis to get a "Glenda" fix

Michelle teaches Amanda about the wonders of Skype...don't judge!

We took a quick trip to Mendocino, CA

Amanda becomes a regular at the jam session--sing it girl!

Michelle begins working 12-18 hours a day...she gets a little cranky

We move from the birdhouse to our lovely condo

Amanda gets her very own MacBook

Michelle's best friends come for a quick visit

We introduce Glenda the Good to the wonders of IKEA

Amanda becomes the volunteer assistant coach of the High School Golf Team

Michelle is seen less and less as the campaign wares on

We decide that Snuggies are wonderful

Amanda goes to Memphis to see J.Paul become a Doctor and an Officer

Michelle, at this point, has about 5 days til the election

We work our butts off to make sure Mr. Politician's name is the one people choose

Amanda coaches a summertime, competitive, traveling Junior Golf Team

Michelle sleeps, reads, and celebrates the WIN!!!

We take a trip through the South

We help Rick with The Big One

Our best friend gets into a relationship with Michelle's best friend

We go to the cabin for a few days

Our little chipmunk starts high school

We go back to comcast for internet service

Michelle becomes a rockstar for the SAT Prep folks, and is teaching again at Sonoma State

Amanda plays in her first Pro/Am

Now you're all caught up!

tsk, tsk says the audience

2009-07-18T22:29:00.001-07:00

Amanda and I have been pretending we are in college for the past month. First Amanda turned 30! Then we went to play in Tennessee. All the while, we've been scolded numerous times for not updating with our summer time adventures. Here's some photographic evidence we've been busy...

(These two lovebirds got married last week, and I managed to escape with wedding sans a picture of them all dolled up. sigh. they were beautiful, as were their nuptials!)

More to come about our adventures as soon as I unpack the suitcases...

Family Vacation, North Carolina Style

2009-06-24T10:10:00.001-07:00

We had a delightful time being beach bums last week with Amanda's family. The ocean was amazing and the company was even better. Amanda's cousin (and her family) joined us; she happens to be quite handy with a camera.

The highlight of the trip for Amanda was all the boogie boarding. She was quite good at it....when she could keep her shorts above the ankles. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, North Carolina has seen quite a lot of Amanda. No I am not showing you a picture of Amanda flashing the entire beach.

Other than splashing in the water, we played with these adorable children and played a few board games. Amanda will want me to call Marlena The Cheater.

Thanks everybody for making this trip happen; we had a blast!

Richard was born; the world rejoiced!

2009-06-20T10:01:00.000-07:00

We have this GREAT! friend Rick. He's made appearances here and here previously. Anyway, it turns out he was born something like 350 years ago yesterday. This post is dedicated to him.

I was going to make a list of things we like about Rick totaling to the number of years he's been on the earth, but seriously, who can count that high.

Ok for real. Rick is a gem, a rare find, that all the world should know. He makes incredible chocolate chip cookies, fixes things, laughs hysterically, and really tries to cook. He is a cleaning machine in the kitchen.

He is a blast to party with and to sit and do nothing with. He is a great listener and doesn't over-analyzes things. And what's more is he isn't at all ticky about money or frugality. He would never keep his cup from Costco to capitalize on that free refill next time.

Rick is an incredible parent. We like his kid, Chipmunk, pretty good, too. I mean, the gypsies wouldn't take him so...we kinda had to like the little guy. No, that is not a fat joke.

Things everyone should see Rick do include: a signature dance move involving a dirty martini, a tequila shot taken before he realizes we are out of limes, and a recital of all the funny lines from every.bloody.episode of Friends.

We love you, dude! Thanks for being born and being our best-good friend. You are the best; Happy birthday!

P.S.- In case you single ladies were wondering, He's available. And I am not above emailing his phone number out upon request.

Southern Flying, Racoon Fighting

2009-06-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

Alas, we've returned home! Vacation was amazing (more to come about that) and we are thrilled to back to our Bay Area life. Upon our return home we've come to these realizations:

1. Flying is terrible. Flying into the airport 10 minutes from your house is most certainly not terrible.

2. While humidity is reminiscent of childhood in the south, life without it is very, very good. My hair is grateful I've picked a place sans soupy dampness to style in on a daily basis.

3. Our dog (see photo at right) thinks he is super-tough. This is demonstrated when he so courageously attempts to defend our house from Mr. Raccoon who is eating his dog food in the garage. After a skirmish that takes place under the car (?!?), Max-dog runs in the house whimpering. Mr. Raccoon climbs atop the dog food bag and screams "take that b@#$% and try walking without your left claw!" Sure enough, the raccoon ripped out the dog's toenail and laughed all night while gorging on the science diet. Max-dog is sore depressed about the food and the nail, though is telling all the neighbor dogs, "You should have seen the raccoon!"

You are the waves; I am the ocean

2009-06-13T14:50:00.000-07:00

Vacation suits us, don't you think?

Wherein the word busy doesn't begin to describe

2009-06-10T10:09:00.000-07:00

So we've been a bit occupied these past few weeks...

Michelle wrapped up the semester with her students.
Amanda planned Junior Golf Camps.
Sarah came to visit. We recruited like Jim Jones to get her stay. We failed.
Michelle worked 12 hours a day for 3 weeks for the Jazz Festival.
Amanda went LPGAing in Phoenix.
Michelle worked some more hours for that crazy music festival.
Amanda and Michelle saw some incredible music (like jazz? check out Randy Weston. Not a huge fan of jazz? check out Esperanza Spalding).
Amanda and Michelle kicked off the summer schedule of Monday:Softball, Tuesday: live music, Wednesday: relax, Thursday: Live Music, etc etc.
The softball team sucks, but the pizza and beer make it better.
The live music is fantastic. All who read these words should move here to partake.

Tomorrow we leave for a beachy vacation with Amanda's clan. Super thrilled, lots to do--
catch ya later, blogosphere, like, in July.

Active Recruitment

2009-05-15T08:39:00.000-07:00

I'm really to busy to blog this week; I'm expending all my energy recruiting this girl to move to the Bay Area.Let me tell you folks, I think we almost have her!

Last night we wooed her with fine dining at one of the town's many desirable eatery's; Amanda even got gussied up for the outing (though you can't really tell from this picture)!

To sweeten the deal we invited a very funny friend to give this girl a taste of what her social life might be like.
I'll keep you posted on how the recruitment efforts go.

We love our moms!

2009-05-10T08:16:00.000-07:00

Instead of honoring our moms with tattoos of hearts, arrows, and M-O-M, we sent small little somethings to these wonderful ladies (I don't think they'd like the tattoos very much, which is good--no one gets inked or disappointed). Anyhow, we love you ladies and can't wait to see you both soon. Happy mother's day to the women who raised these two Tennessee gals! We think you're stellar.

soulpancakes and bliss

2009-05-08T10:20:00.000-07:00

Henry Miller said, "It's good to be just plain happy, it's a little better to know that you're happy; but to understand that you're happy and to know why and how and still be happy, be happy in the being and the knowing, well that is beyond happiness, that is bliss."

A few days ago that quote and an activitiy popped up on a website I follow and I decided to participate...

Write a five-item list of the things that bring you bliss.

What are your 5 items?

Things...they are a changin'

2009-05-07T09:12:00.000-07:00

We've been making some changes around the old house recently. The biggest change is in the office/2nd bedroom. I do about 70% of my work from home and not having a space to house all the work stuff was making me batty. Enter: Operation Michelle's Space.

Rick the outstanding friend "donated" this desk.

Then we got some super cheap oops paint and got to work.

I couldn't be more thrilled with the final product. I love working here!

We also made a few changes to the dining room. After reading this blog for a while and making a list of all the projects I wanted to copy, I finally bit the bullet. Last weekend Amanda and I implemented this one...TA-DA! We love it.

Pillow Talk

2009-05-06T15:36:00.000-07:00

[preface: this alarm clock has fritzed out. it actually still alarms us to wake up but the digital screen is lacking that digital quality that actually allows us to see the numbers. Until we remedy this situation, we've been using my cell phone as an alarm.]

Amanda: Did you set the alarm?
Me: No, will you hand me the phone?
Amanda: ok, here (reaches for the phone, holds charger cord with arm outstretch to avoid dropping said cord and thus having to get out of bed.)
Amanda:[still waiting with outstretched arm] Hun, did you set the alarm??
Me: uh-huh.
Amanda: [.....still waiting, arm beginning burning....]
Amanda:.....BABE!
Me: What?!? I just wanna read Oprah's tweets.
Amanda: ugh...did you just say something about Oprah's teets?

Someone needs to lay off the chick flicks...

2009-05-02T21:22:00.000-07:00

Amanda and I saw that movie over there today...

Yeah, I cried.

I should have known better because I've also been known to shed a tear when I see this commercial.

Seriously, Michelle, get a grip.

The Magical Pantry

2009-04-30T11:02:00.000-07:00

With Amanda and I on the go from sun up to sun down about 4 days a week, my approach to supper time is often ssttrreeeeeecchheedd to the limit. This odd little devil pops up on my shoulder tempting me to, "order take out of any variety, grab burritos on the way home after all it is 8pm and who wants to cook anything at that hour, or look you could easily have Amanda meet you right at the sushi place down the street--how easy is that!"

Luckily I have an...shall we say...assertive little angel that quickly retorts, "back off take-out devil or this will get ugly all that food is too expensive, not very good for our lady, and there are plenty of options at home in my magical pantry that will be just as quick. Don't make me come over there!"

The little angel is right; we do have somewhat of a magical pantry. Here are some weeknight meals that get us through when I can't manage a "real meal". The important thing is that we usually have all these ingredients just laying around. This is the magic part!

BLT SALAD

This is a BLT but revised to change the ration of bread to lettuce. I start with a big bowl of salad and add tomatos, and red onion. I cut a few strips of bacon into squares and fry. I also chop up some bread (what I've got sitting around) and toast "croutons" in a pan with olive oil and a little salt. I throw the whole thing together in about 15 minutes. Delish!

SAUSAGE IN A PAN....

Yeah so this meal doesn't have a name but the star of the show is this brand of sausages. Seriously, so good. I toss the sliced up sausages in a pan with any veggies that need to be used (usually some broccoli, some black beans, and an onion). I serve over rice. This meal gets made over once week to use chicken or steak or other veggies. It is pretty versatile and hard to ruin.

SMOTHERED CHICKEN

It doesn't get easier: Chicken breast in pan. Cook. Cover with mushrooms, bacon bits, and swiss cheese. Serve with steamed broccoli or asparagus. Takes 15 minutes.

FAJITA SALAD

In a fry pan, sautee onions, bell pepper, black beans, and about 1/2 cup salsa. Add to bed of lettus top with a few crushed up tortilla chips and a smidgen of grated cheese. YUM! Amanda could eat this whole salad by herself!

So you see, the magic pantry is pretty good at beating the take out tempter. Please share you're quick dinners before we get too bored with these!

I love you and Buddah, too.

2009-04-28T21:31:00.000-07:00

I've got lots of ideas about religion and spirituality bouncing around in the brain these days. This pretty much captures it. ps- I want to shrink all three of them down and keep them in my pocket.

Home Alone!

2009-04-24T13:25:00.000-07:00

Amanda surprised the Memphis Bunch with a weekend visit yesterday and thus left me all alone. While of course I miss her, there are some serious advantages to being on my own:

1. I get to sleep directly in the middle of the bed.

2. I don't have to suffer with any alarm clock debacles.

3. No TV specials on the making of aluminum cans or the history of shark attacks.

4. I get a quiet house, absent of any nose blowing in the background.

5. I can sit in any chair I want.

ahh...here's to a weekend of self-indulgence (and to missing my amanda every minute)!

Southern Soulmates Defined

2009-04-14T20:28:00.000-07:00

Amanda: You want the rest of this glass of te-te?

Michelle: Naw, I still have half my own.

Amanda: Alrighty then. [walking into the kitchen]

Michelle [hollers from the couch]: You can just dump it back in the pitcher, punkin'.

Amanda: Already did.

4x4=16

2009-04-07T09:18:00.000-07:00

7 things I used to do:
1. A: play the drums
M: hate my job
2. A: write in my journal everyday
M:try to please everyone
3. A: sleep until noon
M: wear skirts
4. A: not listen to country music
M: date mormon boys by the truck load

7 things I do now:
1. A: teach golf
M: love my job
2. A: drink coffee
M: Listen
3. A: play the guitar
M: pretend like I'm Martha Stewart
4. A:laugh at my own jokes
M: roll my eyes when Amanda laughs at her own jokes

7 things I want to do:
1. A: have babies
M: have babies
2. A: travel to europe
M: become a published author
3. A: see more musicals
M: keep a journal
4. A: play in a band
M: feed more people at my table

7 favorite foods:
1. A: hamburgers
M: ice cream
2. A: authentic mexican
M: Pain au chocolat
3. A: Lasagna
M: Memphis BBQ
4. A: No-bake coco cookies
M: Fries, all types

7 things I say most often:
1. A: That's awesome.
M: Babe, have you seen my keys?
2. A: Well Done.
M: Do you serve anything without sugar?
3. A: Get outta here.
M: I'll have a low-fat latte, please.
4. A:Shut up talkin'!
M: SHUT UP?!?

Rick and Michelle Go To Costco

2009-04-06T17:07:00.000-07:00

And we went on a weekend, no less. I try to avoid Costco on the weekends because those soccer moms lacking the abilities the properly drive those enormous vehicles are just enough to push me toward hurling myself off the golden gate. Not to mention the hoards of people lining up to sample ANYTHING even if it were dipped in bleach and rolled in laundry detergent. It's free damn it, so it must be good. See, Costco on the weekend= one bad idea.

However, we went. I was out of things that I like to buy in quantities that prepare me for the apocolypse. I'm kind of glad I did go because I got to witness this brilliant conversation between two of our countries future leaders.

Dude #1: Dude, that orange chicken is hella good.
Dude #2: Yeah, I just grabbed 5 samples.
Dude #1: Look, here it is in the freezer.
Dude #2: Oh, they acutally sell it here?
Dude #1: DUDE! What if we bought the box and asked the sample lady to cook the entire thing in her microwave. Then we could eat the whole box while we shop.
Dude #2: [rendered speechless at such brilliance]
Dude #1: [rendered speechless at his own brilliance]
Dude #2: Good idea, bro. You'd think they'd have a snack bar here or something.

House Guests

2009-03-31T11:07:00.001-07:00

My absence from the blogosphere can be explained by the arrival to two wonderful people. Thursday, some of my favorites descended on the Bay Area for all manners of fun and hilarity. More on that later. I did, however, want to give you a wee-bit of insight about the difference between having Mormon house guests as opposed to say, heathen house guests.

Alas, our Saturday Night Binger:

Sure, there was no drunken laughter. BUT we skipped right over the headaches and vomiting that surely would have accompanied should this picture be filled with alcoholic dead soldiers. It was a delightful weekend. Details to come.

Makes Mouth Happy!

2009-03-25T15:07:00.000-07:00

Just when I thought I couldn't appreciate the Obamas more, I find this:

Obamas Prepare to Plant Vegetable Garden at White House

The contrast between the Obama family and the Bush family is stark indeed.

Personality Dialysis on Stage

2009-03-22T12:21:00.000-07:00

For Christmas, Mrs. Ga-linda got all the children tickets to see Wicked in our respective cities. We were so excited, but had to wait until last week to enjoy the gift. Well, friends, it was certainly worth the wait. I won't give away too much of the goodness...err...I mean wickedness, because the other half of the family has to wait until June to see it.

I've seen a number of Broadway shows and this ranks close to the top, for sure! It is fun, light-hearted, easy to follow, and a laugh-out-loud kinda show. If it's coming to your town, make the effort to check it out; you won't be disappointed!

Thanks again, 'B' Family, we loved it.

VeggieTales

2009-03-22T12:03:00.001-07:00

As I review the contents of my posts, I realize a great many are dedicated to vegetables. I suppose that should trigger a part of my brain that says, " Dude, your life is really boring." Alas, no such alarm is sounding. Here's the real deal, it's my blog and I like my life, so yet again, here is another post about Vegetables.

Recently, I've been scouring the grocery stores, markets, and local farms for fresh, reasonably priced, organic produce. I've grown quite weary of bright red yummy looking tomatoes that look delicious but crunch like an apple. Some may describe this searching behavior as out of control, grandmother-like, all consuming, and down right crazy. To those I say- whatever, I'm getting good vegetables, biotch. Anyway, I've been faring OK, but it takes a great deal of energy and time to get good stuff. Last week,I stumbled upon an amazing way to save all that time:

This farm, Farm Fresh To You, delivers locally grown organic produce right to my door! I've signed up for a small box delivered every 2 weeks. I'll likely up the ante, though; the produce is just that good. The best part is, it is CHEAP! All these veggies

showed up, ready to be eaten, for $23.00! You can't really see everything here, but the contents included: beets, broccoli, red chard, collard greens, parsley, 4 oranges, 2 grapefruits, 2 red onions, and a head of green leaf lettuce.

Don't live in the Bay Area, but want some great produce? Google "CSA" or "community support agriculture" and your city. Most places have them. Memphis and Nashville have a few each, as does SLC and Chicago. The price and contents vary based on your growing region and season, but it beats Safeway or Kroger produce by a mile!

Families First

2009-03-18T15:03:00.001-07:00

While at the beauty parlor today, I read Vogue's interview with Michelle Obama. I felt oh-so-high-brow reading Vogue and having my hair colored. Well that is until I looked down to see my Reef Flip Flops, which are decidedly not so high brown.

Anyway, with the first paragraph came tears, and the same came with nearly every subsequent paragraph. At every turn the interview was doused with authenticity and revealed an attitude about family that I thought was becoming "old-fashioned".

The beauty of the Obama presidency isn't soley held in policy or political views, but also in the fact that the Obamas fill a void this country has been carrying for far too long. The Obamas are a family, not terribly dissimilar from my family or Amanda's. The children make their beds, a parent goes to parent-teacher conferences, and they pick up their toys.

While it may take a great many years for us to evaluate, I think this resurgance of family in the spotlight will impact us far more than a well drafted piece of legislation. We will heal this country when we heal the family and I think the Obamas are crystal clear about that too.

She's back!

2009-03-17T16:32:00.000-07:00

Minnie the macbook has been restored to health! Hooray! Be on the look out for updates from our California life this week.

I think I'm cracking up....

2009-03-13T10:23:00.000-07:00

More like my computer is:

Meet the offender:

More stories about our life to come when I have a computer screen that actually allows me to see my computer. Sigh.

Thoughts for a Sunday: The Beatles Had It Right!

2009-03-08T10:47:00.001-07:00

Because my life has taken me through a few religious practices ( or better said: I'm a religion mutt), I often find myself in all manners of conversation about such undiscussable topics like religion, God, and faith. (I also find myself in conversations about politics and relationships. which I think are also on that taboo list, but that's another post).

I know some of you are thinking I'm a glutton for punishment, because who on God's green earth would want to intentionally spend time in conversations about religion and faith with people that disagree with one another. Well, me and, frankly, it brings me so much joy. Seriously, that isn't sarcasm.

This morning, after a sermon about loving others, I've been revisiting a book by Carol Lynn Pearson entitled No More Goodbyes. Great book. You would like it. Anyhow, not my point. For months, I've been trying to articulate a few of my viewpoints on God, faith, and religions practice. Thus far, I've done a pretty terrible job. However, Carol Lynn, she does an amazing job:

We—people of all religions and of no religion—are called to be one in love, but very often we trample love in our rush to the familiar comfort of fear and judgment...
...Sin is an interesting word. At its root it is an archery term that means "missing the mark."... What if we are in that archery class, all of us, practicing for perfection, rehearsing for heaven? And what is the bull's eye, that desired center point for which we aim? No secret there. Love. That is made clear in every sacred text that has graced this panet. Jesus said that the cetner point, the greatest commandment, is to love God and your neighbor (as well as yourself)...Missing the bull's eye -sinning- is missing the mark of love. (pg. 8-22 )

There ya have it folks. Though likely not included in Carol Lynn's sacred texts, The Beatles had it right, "Love is all you need!"

What I know is that when I spend my time loving, I have very little energy, desire, or time to judge. Quite literally, all that other stuff (and I use that word choicefully) melts away. I love being reminded of this from teachers of all walks of life and all walks with God.

Here's to a Sunday filled with more love than your heart can hold.

SPROOST!

2009-03-05T09:07:00.000-08:00

It's no secret that I love looking through home decor websites, magazines, and stores. I ran across this site that gave me some insight into my style. The short quiz has you rank 20 or so rooms and then voila-You get your style influences. My three influences were:

1. Classic Country

Even if your backyard isn't acres of farmland and you don't actually have a cow out in the barn, your house sure brings you back to a time when that was the case for many.

You love spaces that feel casual and lived in. Furniture is practical and comfortable, and yet at the same time its very stylish. The best part of country style is how much it highlights collection and found objects. Antiques here, garage sale finds there and Aunt Milly's hand-me-downs throughout. Unique items that used to serve very practical purposes are now on display, and their history seems to permeate the home. Each space in the home seems to invite friends and family to come in and stay a while. There is a true sense of home felt throughout.

2. Wine Country Classic

Tuscan sun, here we come! The Wine Country style reflects the feelings evoked by the seaside regions of Europe such as the South of France, Spain, Italy and Greece. The style manages to be both refined and casual, such that you can mix beautiful antiques with more rustic wrought iron or wood and the result is both sophisticated and cozy.

Furniture is large and comfortable, colors are bright and cheery, and regardless of the color palette the spaces almost always feel warm. You can easily translate the style into the perfect family environment but you can just as easily emphasize the more formal pieces and make your room the perfect adult getaway.

3. Classic

What's old is new again! The beauty of Classic style is how well it takes all of the beautiful forms, colors and textures of the past and reinvents them in a way that feels both fresh and inspired.

The style itself is a mix of European influences and French, English and Italian antiques and replicas are often used together. Furniture is well proportioned and comfortable and the rooms give off an air of sophistication and grace. Oil paintings depicting still-life or nature scenes and emphasizing symmetry of pairs helps maintain the traditional nature of the room. Windows are often covered with opulent fabric shades and/or drapery.Traditional rooms give off an air of history that seems to say "I was here long before you, and will remain long after you've gone." And yet, even with this level of sophistication, the rooms are soft and inviting.

I feel like this is pretty right on and good to know so I keep from buying random crap (like little asian buddahs that I love, but that don't look at all at home in my house). Check it out and let me know what your style is!

Uninspired

2009-03-04T09:33:00.000-08:00

I've been feeling pretty uninspired about this blog recently. I've started posts, written about half, then deleted it because it was dumb/not interesting/far too nerdy (trust me on that last one-that cat needs to stay in the bag). However, I thought I'd share a few little snapshots from our lives...

Love IKEA! I visited Ikea last weekend and shrieked with joy at every turn. Seriously, that place is amazing. I also learned that Ikea is pretty gay. Everywhere I turned there were budding gay couples purchasing throw pillows to match rugs, to much trash cans for their new cohabitating lives.

We went to see Coraline in 3D. The 3D was awesome; the movie was ok. It was really scary and dark for me (an adult who still finds the discovery channel to be too intense). The other part of this movie that BLEW MY MIND was the 50 year old woman character who had breasts bigger than Pamela Anderson. No really, they were HUGE. This was kind of funny until she jumps out of her clothes and is only covering those gals WITH PASTIES! I'm sorry, you could see her triple E sized boobies in 3D detail! IN A KIDS MOVIE! I was horrified (and I'm not easily offended). If I were a parent, I'd probably write a letter. Body parts like that dancing around in a non-animated move would get an R rating.

It's American Idol season, which means Amanda can be found watching all the singing glory (and horror) for 2 hours on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. I like AI when there are about 5 people left; right now, not so much. And for 2 hours 2 nights in a row. No thanks. However, according to facebook, I'm clearly the minority. I can log on and see that all my friends are watching every minute.

Speaking of Amanda, she's developed a new hobby. Not new to the world, just new to her. She now collects cans and bottles to receive the 5 cent return on them. We are trying to remind her that she is taking income from homeless people, but thus far, she's unphased. Hey, money is money, and I'll take it (especially if it keeps all those things out of the landfill)!

Oh and I totally ate the McDonald's free sample! CHICKEN NUGGETS BABY! It was so fun to get them for free, but man, my tummy really hurt after. Seriously, I don't know what's in those things but from the way I felt the rest of the day, it probably wasn't chicken.

Quoting the Quote Queen

2009-02-28T08:38:00.000-08:00

I have this friend who LOVES! quotes. In fact, when she got married, I'm pretty sure she registered for a quote dictionary. She has about 90,000 quote books and often adorns emails, envelopes, and messages with eloquent words about life as said by rather obscure people thousands of years ago.

I actually find this little quirk of her's rather charming. I've been thinking about this old friend (whom we'll call Layla) recently and thought I'd share a few of my favorite quotes with you in her honor. (NOTE: This is a not-so-subtle way of me insisting that said friend call me. She's been a slacker as of late. Yeah, I'm calling her out on the world wide web. That's how I roll.)

#1: Sidney Poitier, Measure of a Man

Freud once said that life is love and work. But if you do bad work, it can’t provide the meaning in your life that you need from it. I feel most critical of myself when I notice any trace of slovenliness in my work. My work is me, and I try my damnedest to take very good care of me… [pg 161]

#2: Keith Olbermann, MSNBC

The world bursts at the seams with people ready to tell you you're not good enough. On occasion some may be correct. But do not do their work for them. Seek any job; ask anyone out; pursue any goal. Don't take it personally when they say "no"- they may not be smart enought to say "yes."

#3 James Allen, As A Man Thinketh

To put away aimlessness and weakness, and to begin to think with purpose, is to enter the ranks of those strong ones who only recognize failure as one of the pathways to attainment; who make all conditions serve them, and who think strongly, attempt fearlessly, and accomplish masterfully.

#4 Rumi, 13th Century

Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing,there is a field. I'll meet you there.When the soul lies down in that grass, the world is too full to talk about. Ideas, language, even the phrase "each other" doesn't make any sense.

#5 F. Scott Fitzgerald

The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function.

Lastly, for what it's worth, I really enjoy this poem. Any favorites out there I should know about or pass on my quote-fiend friend? (Now that I've played the quote game, maybe Layla will call, email, send a telegram, or courrier pigeon!)

Eyes Wide Shut

2009-02-26T09:58:00.000-08:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, I am having a tired week. Does anyone ever experience this? I'm sleeping fine, going to bed early enough, and I'm not terribly busy. However, I've been dragging since Tuesday!

This morning is the worst of it all. I have an ever growing to-do list with phone calls to make and clients to see. My eyes, though, only want to see the backs of their lids. I feel exactly like that woman. Puh-lease can I just put my head down instead of finishing a report? Pretty please? With sugar on top?

I couldn't have said so better myself.

2009-02-23T13:51:00.001-08:00

The movie Milk is, in one word, amazing. I couldn't recommend it more highly to you, the blogsphere. Sean Penn is awe-inspiring; the story is beautiful yet tragic yet hopeful. Last night, Sean Penn won best actor and the movie took best original screenplay. It isn't often that I find Hollywood reflecting values like love and hope. However, in this acceptance speech that is the best I've ever witnessed, I see only hope and love.

where the rubber meets the road...

2009-02-21T11:53:00.001-08:00

You folks know how I feel about eating food that is actually food. Ya know, REAL food as compared to process food products that are so far removed from their original sources, one wonders how on earth such a thing as "white-wheat bread" is even possible. I suppose we did send man to the moon, thus food product invention is limitless. I digress. You get it, if it doesn't mold, I'm not buying or eating it. This rule however does not apply to Easy Cheese, which I consume with great delight on those B. family vacations. Joining your partner's family has its benefits, you know, like, love, family, nieces and nephews, and, well in my case, easy-cheese.

Again, digression, moving on... another thing that you likely know about me is that I love a good bargain. I'm not above digging through wracks of sale items to find last season's shirt for 99 cents while simultaneously shooting diabolical glances to any gal that even thinks of touching a wrack I'm not through scouring. Do Not Cross Me While Shopping, Oh No! I will cut you. I'm not always proud of this behavior, but alas, it gets the best of me. So you can't possible be surprised to find out that I LOVE free things. Love, as in, will spend, literally, HOURS devising, scheming, and plotting ways to fairly and honestly acquire items that I don't have to pay for. This often consumes large amounts of my brain capacity. There is a point here about spending that time doing other, more productive, things, but I can't conjure it up. All my thought-potential is now consumed and teeming with excitement because I said the "F" word.

OK, so now we are ready for the story. On Wednesday afternoon, I get an email with only this image:
The confusion that ensued was tremendous! Do I get FREE things from a place that, I'm certain, sells no real food and certainly no vegetables, only food products containing no redeeming nutritional value? Honestly, I spent the rest of the week contemplating whether I could actually stomach (literally and figuratively) the FREE McDonald's.

Think you know what I decided in the end? Leave a comment with your guess. I'll send a FREE little something to one random reader who accurately reports my choice!

Food Glorious Food

2009-02-17T09:32:00.001-08:00

Just a quick update about all the food adventures we've gotten ourselves into:

First, the fruits and veggies challenge is going great! We both feel better, and have a taste for whole, natural foods. It's not feeling near as difficult to fit so many into the day. We are flying through our produce, however. The grocery store is my new best friend. I highly recommend the challenge. If you are at all competitive, it's a good push.

Second, I made those delicious Martha Stewart cupcakes for a Valentine's Day get together (you can get the recipe here). They are super easy to mix, bake, and frost. Those cutsy little letters are insanely hard. For my first try, I attempted "LOVE". When I realized it looked more like "LARVE", I went with "XOX". They are rather tasty nonetheless. I highly recommend them.

So yeah, I did have one sugar filled cupcake. Thus, I'm qualified to tell you about the taste. However, when one hasn't been eating any sugar, these little cupcakes are SWEET!! It was a nice experience all together, though. I ate one, and that was all I wanted, which is exactly how it is supposed to be. Ahhh yes, freedom from my sugar prison at last!

Lastly, if you are looking for awesome meals with loads of veggies, I suggest this, this, and that. YUM! And, don't be afraid to use whatever veggies are in your fridge. No need to buy exactly what the recipe calls for. You know what you need to use. Now go cook some veggies for your family!

Dreaming the day away

2009-02-15T10:29:00.000-08:00

It is pouring rain outside, which I'm rather glad about given that pesky drought problem we are facing. Amanda and I are enjoying a quite, still Sunday morning. She is engrossed in Harry Potter: The Goblet Of Fire on one end of the couch, and I have my nose stuck in my computer. Rainy days somehow have away of inviting my mind to wonder with possibilities. I'm in a home decor, little treasure kind of mood. Here a few things I've found today and have instantly taken a liking to.

1- I love this old, funky picnic table. When I have a pack of kids traipsing in and out of my kitchen, I want something like this.

2- How cute is the old screen door used for the pantry? Sign me up for that too. I think it would compliment that picnic table rather nicely.

3- I think office/nook areas like this are wonderful. I'm so attracted to all the patterns and textures. It looks so inviting.

4- I pretty much dislike everything about this kitchen except those prints hanging way too high on the wall. They are a little bit whimsical and fun.

I found lots of other things as well. Turns out, there are home decor blogs aplenty. In fact, they might be too plentiful. I had to cut myself off. However, I also came across this quote (a treasure of a different sort):

" People need to see that, far from being an obstacle, the world's diversity of languages, religions and traditions is a great treasure, affording us precious opportunities to recognize ourselves in others." (Youssou N'Dour, Musician)

I adore this quote, but forgot that I knew it. This happens to me often with all the endless chatter swimming in my brain. Anyhow, I find endless meaning and richness in my life by trusting this concept, believing it to be true, and seeking application in my everyday life. Given that I just (re)discovered the quote, this will by focus for the week. Anyone else out there find wisdom here?

Week in Review

2009-02-13T12:39:00.001-08:00

Ever have those weeks that come and go in such a flash it is hard to remember what they were all about? Oh, good. Glad you understand. Such has been our week! In an effort to remember the small and happy things in life, here are a few highlights:

Started eating lots of veggies. Still feeling like a walking produce stand, but certainly noticing the diminishing need for junk food and empty snacks. Taught a few classes. Did a happy dance when there here no incidents like these. Amanda bowled a 223! Amanda bowls on Wednesdays and is getting pretty darn good. Held 2 conference calls in my pajamas. I love working from home. Also found some exciting work opportunities. Keep your finger crossed, say a prayer, do a dance (whatever works for you) because these projects are exciting! Went to Costco. love costco. Made loaded baked potatoes for dinner last night. YUM! Amanda did the laundry; THANKS! Max-the-dog started wearing sweaters. Oh no, are we turning into those people? Working on a table runner for the dining room. Booked our vacation house for june (!) Ate more veggies. and TA-DA! it is Friday afternoon.

I need a nap.

I'm so glad I went to the U of M!

2009-02-11T09:46:00.000-08:00

To celebrate, the Memphis Tigers' recent ascension into the NCAA top 10, I thought I'd take a little trip down memory lane...and drag you all along. One of the strange things I've experienced since living in this area is that there aren't many college sports fans. My musings about college basketball are tolerated at best. Can't relate to loving your school so much you'd paint your body and stand in the snow? Sucks for you because that kind of pride is awesome. Anyway, here are a few of my favorite college memories.

FAVORITE MEMORY #1: UP TIL DAWN

I did a lot of things in college, and on the top of my favorite-list were the years I spent raising money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. As evidenced by the picture to the left, it wasn't all work. We had a blast!

FAVORITE MEMORY #2: DORM LIVING!
I lived with these beautiful women for three years in Rawls Hall. Dorm life was where it was at. Living on campus at the U of M was a regular ole party and maybe that got in the way of some studying, but you know, I wouldn't have done it differently.

FAVORITE MEMORY #3: TIGER SPORTS!
What's better than the student section, drunk frat boys, and intense rivalries? The only obvious answer to this question is NOTHING!

So now you see why I love me some Memphis Tigers. There were lots of other incredible times and activities in college, but I don't so much have digital images of these. But anyway, GO TIGERS GO!

DAY 1: SUCCESS!

2009-02-09T10:32:00.000-08:00

5 fruits and veggies in one day sounds easy enough, but let me assure you, not so much. By 10 pm, I felt like a walking green bean. However, after only one day, I see the wisdom in this dietary suggestion. There was no room in my tummy for unhealthy snacks like chips or oatmeal bars. I was full! Here's to the rest of the week, when I actually have work to do and places to be.

Daily 5 Challenge: Can you take the heat?

2009-02-08T11:47:00.000-08:00

See those things over to the left? They are called vegetables. While reading this book today (which is awesome), I learned that only 30 percent of adults and 20 percent of children get the recommended 5 servings per days. I asked Amanda if she thought we eat enough of them. She emphatically answered no. I think we do better than most, but still not great.

So this week, starting today, she and I pledged to eat 5 fruits and veggies everyday. Our reward is a trip to my favorite frozen yogurt shop, where they happily offer multiple no-sugar varieties. So there it is, we are joining the 30% and we are recruiting. Leave a comment if you are with us this week!

Did you?

2009-02-05T22:40:00.000-08:00

Did you find typos in my last blog post? Well, you aren't alone. Let my last entry be a lesson: Don't blog while on a conference call. All manners of typos result. Sory.

Facebook to Blog Translation

2009-02-05T08:53:00.000-08:00

If you are a facebooker you've seen lots of "25 random things about me" posted by all your friends. I think it is a neat idea so I'm posting it here.

1. We are in the middle of a very scary drought here in the Bay Area. We will likely have to ration our water come spring and summer. I've placed framed signs near my sinks reminding everyone to conserve. They make most of my friends roll their eyes, which I precisely why we are in a drought in the first place (and the pesky thing that it global warming).

2. I love to teach. I teach 3 classes right now and for as long as I can remember I've taught some sort of class or workshop. While this is true, I have no desire to become a school teacher.

3. When I was an active member of the LDS church, I was called to teach Gospel Doctrine (Adult Sunday School) less than one year after I'd been baptized. I loved it even though it was one of the scariest things I've ever done. I was 18.

4. Amanda and I love to dance the night away to old 80's hits. SHOT THROUGH THE HEART AND YOUR TO BLAME!

5. My closest friends are 25, 26, 38, 43, 54, and 59. I love having a multi-generational group of friends. I learn so much from how they see the world and find nothing odd about hanging with folks more than twice my age.

6. I can never spell the word definitely. I usually avoid it when writing.

7. When I was in college, I had to write a crazy amount of psychology papers. To pass the time and make the task more exciting, I would try to use my friends' biology phrases in my papers. It was great fun. I'm a nerd, but we've already established that.

8. Most of my family calls me Shellie. I don't mind. The only reason I use Michelle now is that there was another Shelly in my 1st grade class.

9. Some of my favorite memories are playing years of softball with my dad as the coach.

10. I recently read, "Sister of My Heart" about two girls in India. All I could do the whole time was think of this girl, the sister of my heart, whose been with me since birth. I miss her all the time:

11. I have wonderful parents. Seriously, they blow my mind.

12. I hate clutter and thus I'm a big believer in THROWING IT OUT! I even like to help other people throw out their crap.

13. I feel very lucky because Amanda hates clutter too. I could see serious disagreements ensuing if she wanted to keep everything...in piles...all over the house.

14. I believe having meals around a table is extremely important and not at all out-dated.

15. I've always been a glass-half-full kind of gal. It works for me.

16. I've seen every episode of The West Wing more than twice. I often break into west wing quotes and fail to understand why you don't know what I'm talking about.

17. I believe personality tests are, for the most part, accurate and useful. I don't mind being typified.

18. I'm a BIG believer in therapy. Come on, you can't be that shocked, I have two psychology degrees.

19. I can't watch the smallest amount of violence. Even CSI is sometimes too violent for me. My mom is the same way and I think it makes Amanda crazy. Yet, I'm often glad I don't have those images swimming around in my brain.

20. I think 25 random things is too many. Thus, I'm stopping at 20. Well, now I came up with 5 more things and am not so distracted...

21. I love the game Settlers of Catan. I understand that it is one tiny stone's throw away from Dungeons and Dragons, but that's how I roll.

22. I enjoy making mix cd's and homemade tee-shirts.

23. Snail mail still takes the cake in my book. I keep an old fashion address book. If your address is in there, small little cards will likely land in your mailbox.If you want a little note where your bills normally arrive, send me your address already.

24. I believe in Karma.

25. I like learning random things about other people.

Dear Mom and Dad, I apologize for all things between ages 12-17

2009-01-31T11:17:00.000-08:00

Over the years, I've experienced many-a-signs that say, "Welcome To Adulthood". Today, I experienced the last nail in the coffin, the straw that broke the camels back, the fat lady singing the end of my youth...

I'm lucky enough to teach SAT prep classes to high school students. This is a gig that I actually really enjoy, and the company is fantastic! However, what I don't enjoy are those few students that think they are oh-so charming, and funny with their sarcastic answers and attitude-loaded responses to EVERYTHING. Here are 2 conversations I had today, without exaggeration, that might drive me to consume adult beverages in copious quantity before noon.

Convo #1

Kid: Well, this email says I was suppose to go to Blah Blah High.
Me: Right, sorry about the confusion, we actually sent you a correction that looked like this. [shows new email].
Kid [turning to friend]: This says confirmation, ya know like confirming where I'm going. [friend chuckles, kid rolls eyes]
Me: Right, your principal changed it. I'm glad you found this new location.
Kid: Well, it wasn't hard.
Me [thinking to myself, "why am I still in this conversation?"]: The test will start inside in 5 minutes.
Kid [walking away]: Thanks for nothing.

Convo #2

Kid #2: I didn't bring my pencil or calculator.
Me: Ok, you can borrow my pencil, but I don't have a calculator, just try your best.
Kid: Umm...this is a lame pencil, I can't use it.
Me: Why exactly is that?
Kid: I can only use mechanical pencils.

For the love of all that is good and holy, all you parents reading, please teach your children to write with mechanical and NON-mechanical pencils lest I shove my lame, old school pencil into my right eye.

Date Night: New In Town

2009-01-31T10:16:00.000-08:00

First things first: I don't enjoy going to the movies. Mostly, I am cranky that it cost 10 bucks to see a show that I can see for $1 in 2 months. Rip Off! However, Amanda LOVES the going to the theater. She loves the previews, the popcorn, the whole works. One of her bones of contentions with me is that I rarely want to go to the movies with her. And rarely really means never in this context.

In an effort to offer an olive branch of peace in this area, Amanda's Christmas gift from me was a date night to the movies every month. She picks the movie, theater, time, etc. I don't argue. I see whatever she wants (except violent stuff; I don't do violence).

Last night we enjoyed a great date night to see "New In Town" with Renee Zellweger. To my surprise, I so enjoyed it. While the movie is the typical romantic comedy type, it was super-cute and wholesome.

The show is set in a quaint Minnesota Town, New Ulm. All the characters from this town lead uncomplicated lives and enjoy their community, their homes, and their scrapbook clubs. Rennee plays a gal climbing the corporate ladder, who initially finds these people to be simpletons. J.K. Simmons (the guy who played the dad in Juno) is hysterical, as is Siobhan Hogan (who is in a million things, but I never knew her name).

As typical of most movie I enjoy, this one is opening to not-so-hot reviews. I'm not sure if it's the kitchen tables that look like mine, the small town plot line that so resembles my life, or the theater sans teenagers, but this film was down right charming.

My Rating Suggestion: Rent the DVD

How these two gals stay organized

2009-01-29T10:36:00.000-08:00

In my daily blog-stalking ritual, I've seen a lot of women begging and pleading for home organizing tips at the start of this year. Mainly, these request center around the dreaded mail pile. It can be daunting to deal with all that ridiculousness that comes via the USPS. Alas, I have a system. I've introduced it to many and it works in some way for all of them. Here goes nothing:

Step 1: Opt out of all junk mail. Go Paperless (if you can stomach it).
Do this for you and your spouse. Here is a great place to start. If you look at your junk mail when it arrives, there is usually a number or website to cancel it. A second option is to go paperless on your various monthly statements. I'm not there yet; I feel too scattered without a statement in my hand. Plenty of people do it and simply save the e-statements to their hard drives. Whatever you do, you will be amazed at the ever shrinking pile of mail. Just think of all the time and trees your are saving .

Step 2: Set up a filing system.
Get a filing cabinet if you don't have one all ready (craigs list always has them for cheap or free). Make a file for every one of your bills and accounts. You probably already have this going, which leads me to Step 2.a

Step 2a: Keep it current.
Clean that filing cabinet out every year. Here are some helpful hints about how long to keep things:

monthly bills: 1 year (no one will need to know what you paid for your cell phone in oct of 06)
Payroll information: 3 years (paystubs, merit increases, etc)
Tax information: 7 years (ie: past years filings, w2,etc)

Use your best judgment. People have different guidelines, which is fine. The point here is to avoid keeping your every cable bill you've paid in your life time. Yes, this happens. Imagine that pile at age 60. YIKES!

Step 3: Bring in the Mail.
Only bring your mail in your house when you have time to deal with it. I get my mail about 3 times per week. This eliminates the mid-week pile up on the counter/table/desk.

Step 4: Touch it Once.
When your mail comes inside, deal with it right then and complete all the steps. Trash the trash, pay the bills, make the call, THEN FILE IT! If it needs a new file, make the file, RIGHT THEN. Think about how many of your mail items get shuffled from pile to pile, from this flat surface to another. My mail time takes about 15-30 minutes, and generally ends with a trip back out to the mail box to drop off the outgoing. The other benefit to this is that things get paid on time, always.

(sidenote: I have friends who pay sit down once a month a pay everything, which also works. I suggest a simple file folder to hold only the current months bills. If you switch to an in basket, you'll be tempted to fill it up.)

Step 5: Enjoy your mail free home!
Ahhh. See, now there is no filing to have to catch up on and everything is taken care of. No more looking at a pile and worrying about finding time to deal with it. Plus, you now know where everything is in case you need it 5 months later. oh the joys of organization.

Got a better idea? Then, leave a comment and share it already! I love new organizing ideas and tips.

The Veredict Is In...

2009-01-28T11:10:00.001-08:00

It's official, Max-the-dog has no idea he isn't human. No wonder he gets so pissy when I don't feed him at the dinner table.

The Great Alarm Clock Debacle

2009-01-27T07:44:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, Amanda is good at oh so many things. This is something that runs in her family. Anything she attempts, she does well. This involves a multitude of tasks ranging from furniture repair to sports to music. You get the picture; she is awesome.

It is important to keep this in mind when I explain to you one of the most recent occurrences in our home. Another thing critical to this story is that, until recently, I have been the keeper of the alarm clock. It lived on my side of the bed . This was fine, until Amanda needed to get up VERY early for her golfing affairs. I become increasingly irritated when the alarm would go off at 5 AM and she would want me to hit snooze until 5:45. ummm....no thanks.

Thus, she became the keeper of the alarm clock. awesome. I get up when it goes off the first time for me so as not to bother her and she can deal with it when she needs to get up super early. It was the oh so perfect arrangement.

However, in the subsequent weeks, we are learning that maybe it isn't so perfect of an arrangement. After jumping over the hurdle of setting the alarm clock for 5PM, we stumbled onto another problem. Each night Amanda will set the alarm for the following day's activities, and we fall asleep. Just about the time we are drifting off to dream-land, THE ALARM CLOCK GOES OFF. This is a mystery to me because the alarm does indeed appear to be set accurately, yet this never happened when I was the keeper of the alarm clock. odd.

Last night, Amanda turned into a crazed cartoon-like character when the bedtime ritual went something like this:

11:20 Alarm set, lights out
11:50 ALARM: WAKE UP!!!
11:51 Amanda resets the alarm and sighs (I giggle)
12: 15 Horn honks outside for 3 minutes straight, Amanda investigates
12:25 Lights back out, attempt to fall back asleep
12:30 ALARM: WAKE UP!!! TAKE 2

If you were a fly on our bedroom wall at that moment, you may have seen something similar to this:

Now, we are in a fight about who is the keeper of the clock.

When strangers aren't so strange

2009-01-26T10:14:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I was to attend a friend's birthday celebration. I had a very simple task of bringing chips and birthday candles. Well, I tell ya, this task was not so easy to complete. I was running late, forgot my list, forgot my wallet, AND my dog escaped from the car in the grocery parking lot. Gosh!

I finally get in the store, grab all my items, run to the express lane, swipe my debit card, grab my groceries, and starting heading for the door. The cashier says, "Ma'am your card is expired." crap. Sure enough, it expired on the 15th. I put my groceries back and tell the cashier I'll run and get a check from my car. THEN the man behind me says, "Don't worry about, just add it on to my things," and handed the cashier a twenty. I was stunned! This totally stranger was paying for my chips! I offered to give him a check, he refused, and that was that.

This little act of kindness really brightened my day. Right at that moment, I committed to doing some thing similar for a total stranger this week. The truly wonderful part is, now, I'm looking for opportunities to make someone's life a little easier and, I swear, it is bringing me so much joy.

Grey Skies

2009-01-21T15:22:00.000-08:00

I'm finding myself rather melancholy today. Winter is back in the wine country, which I think is certainly affecting my mood . I suppose though, we do need the rain. Amanda is off at work teaching some folks to swing a bit better. The house is rather quiet except for the crackle of the fire. I do love our fire place.

Yesterday was a wonderful day spent in awe of what makes our country an amazing place to live. We so often think of the American Dream as bigger houses, cars, and bank account balances. However, to the rest of the world, I think the American Dream cites a peaceful transfer of power and true democracy. We (myself included) spend so much time complaining about this party or that party, about this government failure or that one; I think we too easily forget that our problems would be gladly traded by multitudes of world citizens. I love the young spirit in the Obama Family; I love the importance they place on home and family. I hope our connection to this event and our country continues. I don't want to feel it slip away.

In other news, I've been looking for work for sometime now and that is proving to be a challenge. My recent "unemployment" is a terribly complicated situation and I'm ready for it to end. So, as I said, I'm looking for other jobs and not finding much. This is certainly not what I expected after graduate school, what a huge disappointment. If you are the praying type, prayers for resolution in this department would be greatly appreciated.

Overall though, I feel most grateful for this life I lead. I have a home, wonderful family and friends, and peace of mind. Though the skies are grey, things could certainly be worse.

(not my picture. its from google image search)

One great accessory to an already great day

2009-01-20T20:27:00.000-08:00

As much as I loved this inauguration day with all that patriotism and stuff, I may have loved this hat more. Seriously. When I'm 67, you can count on me rockin' something just this awesome. Maybe the hat comes with those vocals cause that would be even better.

Inaugural Thinking

2009-01-19T23:22:00.000-08:00

Many times since election night I've tried to reflect on the importance of Barack Obama's victory to me. I've attempted to gain perspective and share some of my thoughts and emotions. The truth is, however, I'm not entirely sure one can gain a whole lot of perspective about a man not yet president.

What I do know is this, that while there are issues on which I disagree with our incoming President, tomorrow the Obama Family will move into a building constructed by slaves who only counted as property. That tomorrow at 12pm, Barack Obama will place his hand on a Bible and swear to protect and defend this country. He will do so on a Bible last used to swear in the very man who started the process that allows the President-Elect to even be able to stand on that podium. Tomorrow, many a black child will be able to understand that what has been possible for me can also be possible for them. This small thought has put tears in my eyes nearly everyday since the election.

For the first time in, dare I say, years, I feel as if we are coming into our own as a country and as a people. We are talking once again about the importance of family, service, and compassion. We are realizing, collectively, that no matter our race, religion, or creed, we strive for something higher than ourselves. What's more is that we are doing it together, which is what touches my heart and gives me hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Update: Operation No Sugar

2009-01-19T10:13:00.000-08:00

I've officially been sugar-free for 20 days now and thought I'd provide a bit of an update. It may seem crazy, but I absolutely love this decision. I feel remarkably better and really don't even want sugar. My body does really know what it can and can't handle.

For starters, the first 4 days were torture. PURE AWFULNESS. I had some nasty headaches and cravings. Every time I saw a cookie, I felt like I might need to strangle someone. Luckily for those in my path, that went away pretty quick. I stayed cranky for 3 days, and developed some serious compassion for junkies in the process. If coming off sugar was that hard, I can only imagine what it might be like for say, crack. Anyhow, I made it through with no injuries to confess.

What I noticed after that first week was insane. Normal everyday foods started to taste better. Fruit became incredibly sweet, as did other things like corn, carrots, and peas. What?!? There is natural sweetness out there not linked to refined sugar? Shocking. I've also noticed I sleep better, have more energy, and I never feel the "low-blood-sugar-I'm-about-to-faint" feeling that I used to feel almost everyday. I'd say this is by far worth it.

I've also become a crazy label reader. Everything has sugar. Really, even foods that aren't supposed to be sweet. I was eating some chips, the other day; 4th ingredient SUGAR! Also, have you tried to by sliced bread recently without sugar? It is crazy hard. No wonder we live in an obese society: the average person eats over 100 lbs. of white sugar per year.

I've been using some all-natural sugar substitutes (not the splenda or equal types) in baked goods and it all comes out pretty good. Certainly not as sweet as chocolate chip cookies, but tasty none-the-less. One of my favorite treats is this smoothie; The Peanut-butter Split:

Ingredients:

1 ripe banana, chopped and frozen

1/2 cup milk

1/4 low-fat plain yogurt

1 1/2 tsp all natural peanut butter

Put it all into a blender and hit go until smooth. drizzle in a little honey for extra yummies!

In 4 or 5 weeks, I can decide, on certain occasions, to enjoy a piece of pie or a cookie. I'll probably stick to splurging on something chocolaty because that is the only thing I truly miss.

Take-Out Menus

2009-01-16T08:57:00.000-08:00

As most of you know, I do nearly all of the cooking around here. I don't mind because I happen to really enjoy it. Last night, I made my own "Thai Take-Out" and it turned out pretty tasty. This recipe is from a cookbook I got for Christmas (thanks momma!) and it is perfect if you are tired of eating the same old meals. Enjoy (and let me know how it turns out in your kitchen)!

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (I actually used thighs cuz that's what I had)
3 medium carrots
1 medium onion
1 bell pepper (any color)
1/2 -3/4 lbs fresh green beans
1 tbs olive oil (or whatever you use to cook)
2 tsp curry paste (see here -you could also use curry powder if you have it)*
1 can light coconut milk*
2 cups chicken broth
1 1/3 c uncooked plain couscous
1 tbs butter
2 tbs fresh cilantro

*these items can be found in most regular grocery stores in the Asian foods aisle near those crunchy wonton noodles*

1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Heat skillet over medium-high heat and add oil. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Cook chicken until no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from pan.

2. While chicken cooks, peel and chop carrots, onion, red pepper, and green beans. I cut them to be about the same size as the chicken, but anything goes here. Add carrots, onion, and green beans to skillet after chicken is done. Saute for about 5 minutes, then add peppers. Continue to saute until veggies are crisp-tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in curry paste and coconut milk. Add chicken back in and simmer until sauce begins to thickens (about 5-7 minutes).

3. In a medium sauce-pot, bring broth to a boil over high heat. Once at a boil, remove from heat and stir in couscous and butter. Cover; let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork when finished and stir in cilantro.

4. Serve Thai chicken on a bed of delish couscous and enjoy!

Obviously rice would work instead of the couscous and pretty much any vegetable you have on hand could be substituted. Think take-out; one never know what veggies are going to come with that Garlic Chicken or Mu-Shu Pork!

Things that don't make sense to me

2009-01-13T22:08:00.000-08:00

1. Microwave meals. Seriously, these things do not taste or smell like food to me. When I try to imagine when that alfredo sauce was actually fresh, my brain freezes and needs a reboot.

2. Dark nail polish. Lately, I've been noticing a few celebrities with dark dark dark brown, red, or black manicures. I'm not talking Avril Lavigne here, I'm talking classy gals...well classy minus that pre-teen nail polish. Weird.

3. Mullets. There is a news anchor here named Dan Ashley who wears super-nice suits complemented by a mullet. Some really funny people wear mullets as a joke; then there is Dan Ashley and that gal that works construction on my street who just wear them. Word to the wise, if you ask for a hair cut that is short on the top and sides but long in the back, you are going to get a mullet. This is always bad. always.

4. People who don't like peanut butter. I don't know many in this category, but WOW this does not make sense to me.

5. People who speed in the slow lane. I don't like to drive fast, thus I drive in the right lane. If you want to go faster than me, GET OVER. I'm not going to go any faster just because you are looming behind me. Why must you stay back there? I'm going to get a bumper sticker that reads, "I'm not in your hurry."

Anyone out there have others to add to the list?

When Jack Frost calls in sick...

2009-01-13T11:31:00.000-08:00

Turns out winter was tired this year and decided to call in back-up support from his gal Summer. That's right, while many of you are bundling from head to toe, I'm digging out my sandals. High yesterday was 78; today about the same. Tomorrow, you ask? SAME! For the next 7-10 days, SAME! Anyone dare a shout-out to the global climate crisis? Not I, because this is great and snow in June won't be. Until then, hasta la vista, baby; I'm going outside.

Big Fat Resolutions

2009-01-07T10:01:00.000-08:00

Over the past few years I've noticed an insane amount of new year's focus on weight loss. So many woman in my life want to lose 5, 10, 25 or more pounds. Some of them need to lose the weight for health reasons, other's maybe more for vanity. Either way, there is an insane amount of focus on our bodies, how they look currently, and how they should look in the not-so-distant future. Honestly, it all makes me tired.

I've certainly battled my own food issues and have come to peaceful, resolved place about what goes into my body and why. In the low points, I struggled to eat at all. Luckily, those times are many years behind me. I suppose I write this to say, I get it.

Here's what I also get, food, for so many of us, is connected to our emotional well-being. We celebrate, comfort, reward and punish all with food. It is no wonder so many of us struggle with weight-gain. It is entirely too common in our culture to eat (or not-eat, in some cases) instead of feel. However, and to my main point, significant and healthy weight-control cannot be achieved without attending to the emotions that got you where you are. period.

I have this wonderful friend who lost upwards of 80 pounds in 2008. The thing about this gal is that she did it right. At the risk of sounding all Dr. Phil-like, she first admitted and owned where she was, and then started to get really honest about why and how she got there. It was not an easy place to start. I can attest to that and it wasn't even me. The thing was, though, she started a beautiful healing process that she will continue her whole life.

It is important to note that if you knew this girl you would have never imagined she "needed to heal". She's normal, fun (and rather funny), and a regular ol' joy to be around. But something was off and she had gained some weight. She's the only person I know to have done this so well. She fought her inner-demons and all the while lost some weight as a result. The weight came second. No diets, no black-listed foods, no prepackaged crap diet food, none of that. She started with this book, which I couldn't recommend more.

I write all of this because my heart breaks and I feel heaps of sadness when I see so many women struggling with their size. However, I gotta get real. It ain't gonna happen overnight, people. Nothing is going to work but fighting the good fight.

Remember all those commercials about magic pills this, or secret diet food that? Yeah, un-remember them. There is no amount of magic in the world that can help you lose weight without changing your daily habits. not. gonna. happen. end of story. If you wanna get real about your size and make sustainable change in your life, then grab a vegetable, hop on a treadmill, and then spend some time reflecting about what really got your weight up to start with! Now take that People Magazine, with your stupid "10 best diets of 2009".

My most recent endeavor

2009-01-06T10:53:00.000-08:00

In mid-October I came across an old sewing machine. My good friend Serene had been holding a Singer hostage for some years in her garage. I begged and pleaded (more liked asked once) and voila, I became the foster parent for this beauty. As such, I've felt that it is my duty to love it and put it to good use. And sew I have.

My first project was this halloween costume for Serene. Serene and her beau, Ed, were Jack and Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Not bad, huh? Anyhow, the terrible part about this project was carting the machine and all its fixins back and forth from the dining room to the closet, OVER AND OVER AGAIN. I couldn't take the mess in my dining room and I'm certain Amanda was tired of getting the sewing machine down from the highest shelf in the house. My Christmas sewing efforts, which included 5 aprons, a table cloth, and a some other miscellany, nearly threw.me.over.the.edge. So my first project for the new year was this:

I know, its not a great picture, BUT I HAVE A CRAFT AREA. I have a closet, with a door to hide the mess, but I can leave things a mess until I'm finished. I was so enthused I finally completed these pillows. Hooray!

A special thanks to Amanda Jean, who always totes and moves and cleans when I get a bee in my bonnet about a NEW! idea for our home. She really is the greatest and she loves my pillows.

High School...was a long time ago.

2009-01-05T10:59:00.001-08:00

For the last four years, when we head back home for Christmas we inevitably try to see all people that have been in our lives. Of course it's crazy! I mean, there are not enough hours in the day. What with the eating and sleeping, and now there's all the diaper changing...your friends really do take second place.

Seriously though, there are a few choice people that I make sure to spend time with. Here are some.

Ten years ago:

Just this past December:

It's funny to sit and think about knowing people for 10+ years. When you're in high school, almost 30 seems so old. Is there anyone else out there that still feels 19?

What are little girls made of?

2009-01-03T09:20:00.000-08:00

Well...not all girls. After a December filled with fudge, pies of many colors, macaroons, magic cookie bars, buckeyes, rice crispies, a whole bunch of other sugar-filled goodness, I'm going back to my non-sugar days for the next little while.

I've been reading about the blood sugar issue I've had my whole life (hypoglycemia), and it turns out there is loads of medical mumbo-jumbo as to why I get "the sugar cranks". Glad to finally know that at the ripe old age of 26.

Anyhow, if I happen to find any yummy recipes sans sugar, I'll share. However, consider yourself warned, I doubt anything I find will beat the magic in those cookie bars.

Happy New Year, Y'all!

2009-01-02T16:20:00.000-08:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Defining Pet Peeves

2008-12-29T09:38:00.000-08:00

DISCLAIMER: I, Michelle, am a serious nerd. I worked at a Science Museum in High School, was on the debate team, and watched Star Trek. I own my nerdiness; I work my nerdiness.

Each morning starts about the same way for me. I pour a cup of coffee, let my dog out, sit down in the den, and check my email. The first email I read everyday is from The Dictionary Doctor. That's right folks, I get word of the day emails. I love words, grammar, and sentences (see disclaimer above). Some of the words Dr. Dictionary sends me are awesome: otiose, sobriquet, malfeasance, etc. See, sheer awesomeness.

Now to the part that chaps my hide. I HATE when Dr. Dictionary sends me words that I a) know and b) feel like any reasonably intelligent person would know. The past 5 word-of-the-day emails have contained ramble, qualify, edify, cadence, and jaded. SERIOUSLY?!? Qualify?!?The only obvious thing to do today, on the 5th day of this lunacy, was to fire Dr. Dictionary and switch to a better nerd-ery service. So take that, stoopid Dictionary Doctor!

Melware

2008-12-28T08:25:00.000-08:00

Christmas was very good to me this year. One of my favorite gifts was my gift from Amanda, which requires a little back story. A few months ago, we went with the Yekrats to their cabin in Boone-VUL. While there, I discovered this perfect coffee mug.

Everything about this mug is perfect; the weight, the shape, the design, EVERYTHING. Thus started my hunt for a perfect coffee mug. It did occur to me early in the search to take the cabin mug and replace it with one from my cupboard. Brilliant! As it turns out, not so brilliant. This was Momma Yekrats FAVORITE mug we were dealing with. Taking it might have incurred a wrath upon my head more intense than the seven plagues. Momma Yekrats is awesome, but crossing her is not a hobby many pick up. So, alas, I am without a coffee mug, which remains true until Christmas. Then my oh-so-lovely-and-thoughtful Amanda got me this...

So yeah, it is awesome. I love that it is handmade and that my favorite image of my dog is on the side. Wait, what was that, where did she get it? Riiiight. Amanda's dear friend Melanie is a ceramicist. She makes incredible things and I am lucky enough to be the proud owner of her work. Oh, you want one? Well you are in luck because she sells some here. Now go buy one, already.

oh the oddities...

2008-12-27T15:22:00.000-08:00

I've been keeping tally of all the strange things we've been experiencing in Tennessee. (It is important to note that I've also been keeping tally of all the wonderful things here, but that is a different post.) While these two experiences endear the south to me, they also leave me thinking, "What the hell is happening here?"

First, while driving in downtown Memphis, we saw a sign tied to a fence which read "REAL HARD MONEY (901) 555-5555. I really wanted to call, for no other reason than to hear what was certain to be a hilarious description of real hard money. The only thing that held me back was an intense fear that "real hard money" was some sort of southern code for "for a good time call".

Second, the Wal-Mart greeter working yesterday wore a very large name tag conveying that said greeter's name was Dimple. Seriously, Dimple? The only thing running through my mind in that moment was a large flashing question mark. No words, no coherent thoughts, just utter disbelief. Then I couldn't decide which would be worse: a situation wherein Dimple's mother chose the name, or that where Dimple decided to call her self Dimple. Either way, this is a very bad situation.

The back of your head is RE-DIK-U-LOS

2008-12-22T18:19:00.000-08:00

We just arrived in Nashville, enjoyed a nice dinner, and jumped into our pjs. Our hearts are full from our time in Memphis. Some of the highlights include:

heaps of joyous laughter from the cutest little ones,
reunions with old friends with lots of laughter and lots of love,
a delightful family Christmas program about the birth of Christ with costume-clad family members,
food, glorious southern-food,
3 hour board games,
and learning the truth about business socks.

Merry Christmas From The Family!

Visiting the Beauty Technician

2008-12-20T09:13:00.000-08:00

Too bad Amanda's favorite stylist lives in Memphis. We all LOVE this cut and color.

Potatoes, we're breaking up

2008-12-17T10:34:00.001-08:00

Today is officially Vegetable Wenesday. I don't normally need to designate a day to eat vegetables in my day-to-day life. However, you'll soon see why I did from the list below:

Things Michelle Ate on Tuesday:

2 cups of coffee
apple
banana
Fried Catfish fillet
Fried shrimp
French Fries
Fried Okra
Sweet Tea (which likely contained 2 cups of sugar)
Chili
Chips
Rotel (nacho-cheese dip)
Guacomole
Delicious Magic Cookie Bars

It is important to note that the apple and banana were a valiant attempt at a Vegetable Tuesday. Failure ensued shortly thereafter when we entered The Flying Fish. So, you see, last night when I got home at 3am (Thanks ladies!) my body sat me down for a little come-to-jesus meeting...

"You need vitamins, minerals, and fiber STAT."
I replied, "potatoes, okra, and avacados all have vitamins."
"Really, you are going to argue with me on this?"
" Well, I thought I'd give it a shot."
"Really? Are you serious?"
"I guess I should change it up a bit tomorrow?"
"Duh."

Welcome Home, hunny!

2008-12-14T07:32:00.000-08:00

Friday, Amanda and I traveled through Atlanta to arrive in Nashville around 3pm. While waiting in Atlanta, we obviously needed to eat a meal containing all things southern. This meant a trip to POPEYES! The ordering process went something like this:

- "Welcome to popeye's, baby. Whacha havin?"
* " A number 4, please"
- " Spicy, Mild, or Nekked hunny"
* "oh, half spicey, half naked."
- " you eva had the nekked?"
* "umm-hmm"
- "ok, baby, it's going to be about 5 minutes for the nekked- you can wait
over there with those other nekked folks"
* "lucky me."

Our frist two days in Tennessee have been delightful and filled with good eats and good people.

Unconditional Love

2008-12-11T13:30:00.000-08:00

Let me preface this post by saying that I should be packing right now. No really, I NEED to be packing right now. We will leave our home at the ungodly hour of 3AM, and if I were packing right now I might get that measly, unimportant thing called sleep.

The problem is I hate packing. Well, truth be told, I don't hate packing for packing's sake. I hate it because it reminds me of the tenth circle of hell that I will descend into at 5AM: Airport security and check-in. You know, the place where I stand in crazy long lines until someone can tell me my bag is .5 pounds over and that will cost me 350 bones. The place I'm ordered through, single file, slowly shedding all my outer wear while listening to Mrs. Fletcher who has never flown before chatter nervously about the possibility that she might miss her flight that takes off in 4 hours. I reach the end of that line, noting that my flight is in 25 minutes, and am greeted by some very large and masculine woman who gets to "wand" me in a way that makes me feel like a scared third grader.

And just when I'm about to vomit on my underclothing out of fear and angst, I get to see signs of eagles, twin towers, and American Flags. I'm patriotic and those signs are fine, I suppose. It is the placement that makes me ill. Really? I'm suppose to believe this security experience is ensuring the safety of me and 100 of my new closest friends? (and, trust me, we are friends after this kind of trauma) If you were truly interested in our safety, ma'am, you wouldn't have made me DUMP OUT MY COFFEE before the sun comes up. That is never a safe move.

Anyhow, after that joyous holiday experience I run to my gate, pay 9 dollars for bad coffee, and finally arrive in to my seat on an overcrowded plane. All I'm saying is I must love my parents a whole lot to go through this and STILL be excited.

See you tomorrow TENNESSEE!

Wherein Life Teems with Excitement

2008-12-07T11:31:00.000-08:00

Friday at 6 AM, Amanda and I are jetting off back to our roots. That's right, we will be spending the majority of this month in The Volunteer State. I would be blogging about other things right now, but, to be honest, this trip is consuming all of our thoughts and conversations.

We are excited to eat soup and play games with the Memphis Bunch, to last minute shop with the Nashville Gang. We can't stop thinking about the Christmas Eve party, the Christmas program where these cute kids dress up like wise-men, and watching movies in those AWESOME recliners my dad has. We can't wait to spend time with parents, god-parents, nieces, nephews, old teammates, and old friends. Too bad I have a 2-page to do list to complete before any of this happens!

Anyway, It should be a rip-roaring good time as evidenced by these pictures from tender-tennessee Christmases past.

Sharing the Wealth

2008-12-05T09:24:00.000-08:00

For about a week now, Amanda and I have been listening to Christmas Songs on Pandora. However, their holiday selection is...err...limited. After hearing Let It Snow for the 19th time in one evening, I was on a mission. I needed new holiday music. And new holiday music I found. I can't recommend this album more. It actually sounds like music I enjoy, for only $7.99.

POP-stars

2008-12-03T22:30:00.000-08:00

And this pop- star is much better than Brittany or Lindsay... Amanda and I are such big fans of Popcorn and have recently made the switch from that strange microwave stuff to the real deal. I can't recommend "homemade" popcorn more. We eat it so much, I've got it down to a fine science...

1. Preheat a deep pot on the stove over medium-ish heat (about a 6).

2. Melt equal part olive oil and butter in the pot, enough to cover the bottom. I use two tablespoons each for a big soup pot.

3. Place on test-kernel in the pot and wait for it to pop.

4. Once the test kernel pops, cover the bottom of the pot with kernels and cover with lid. About 1/3 of a cup kernels will pop about 4 cereal bowls full.

5. Shake often to prevent burning. When the pops slow to about one every 5 seconds remove from heat.

6. Salt liberally with plain old table salt. I find the it works the best, better than kosher or sea salt.

Voila! You've got a great snack that is healthier and cheaper (by alot) than its microwave counter-part. Oh, you are a fan of kettle-corn? No worries, just replace 1 tablespoon of the olive oil with Karo Syrup. YUM!

Deep Fried Holidays

2008-12-01T11:16:00.000-08:00

The salient details about our holiday weekend are below. A more detailed (and illustrated) post is to come.

1. Frying = heavenly. The list of things fried this weekend includes: turkey, brussel sprouts, cheese, twinkies, and pickles. Thanksgiving will never be the same.

2. Should one wish, one can watch CSI at anytime of the day on multiple channels.

3. Some people want to make voodoo dolls of their family members. Amanda and I emphatically do not.

4. I have perfected Rum Punch (JUICE!)

5. Guitar Hero is fun. So fun that Amanda plays for 2 hours and thinks she's be playing for "a half hour or so."

6. We have a life full of amazing people. Our hearts are filled with gratitude and love for our California-family.

7. We will be in Tennessee in 11 DAYS!

Experiencing Gratitude

2008-11-27T09:38:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! I particularly enjoy Thanksgiving, I think, because it is the one day when people all across this great country of ours gather together in the name of gratitude. We celebrate the experience of gratitude collectively as a people. I can't think of many things more wonderful than that!

I'm walking a little lighter today as we bow our heads to acknowledge all the great blessing we enjoy. Love to you all, as we welcome this holiday season.

Hey Sarah, How's the Weather?

2008-11-21T09:05:00.000-08:00

My folks are coming to visit this weekend (YAY!) and Amanda remarked that they picked a good time to come given that is COLD in Tennessee (and it's super nice here). After a lengthy discussion wherein we were baffled by people who live in cold places, I relayed to her this conversation I had with my good Sarah two days ago:

Sarah: So what else is new? How's the weather?

(Side note: Sarah ALWAYS talks about the weather. It is kind of endearing, until she gets mad at me.)

Michelle: I'm cold today, I mean the sun isn't even out yet and it is 11am. How rude.

Sarah (with great deal of angst in her voice): I'm sorry, dear, what is the temperature there again?

Michelle: I'm cold.

Sarah: uh, huh....

Michelle: no really, my feet are freezing. I think I might have to go find my trouser socks to wear with my flats. And man, I really hate wearing socks.

Sarah: I have to go now to put on three coats and an extra pair of gloves to walk and get the mail. click.

About Sarah

Sarah lives in a fabulous Chicago apartment and is OBSESSED with the weather. Her obsession carries even though Chicago has terrible weather; it's hot and humid in the summer and frigid all winter (which, by the way, spans from October until April). Sarah likes long walks on the beach and candlelight dinners with champagne. This post is dedicated to her, in all her freezing glory.

Past Meets Future

2008-11-20T11:13:00.000-08:00

These embroidered text messages are quite funny to me. You can see the whole collection here. Let's hope this isn't how we preserve history from the texting generation.

Kicking Sugar

2008-11-18T08:41:00.000-08:00

I may have mentioned once or twice that I have a massive sweet tooth and I'm pretty sure I've inherited it from my mom and pops. Generally everyday, I treat myself to a little something sweet. A cookie here, a brownie there, you get the picture. The only problem with this love affair I have with Sugar is that sugar doesn't love me back. And, during the holidays, my sugar intake gets down right out of control. Everywhere I go there are homemade candies, cookies, and treats. At every gathering or meeting, a holiday tin appears. All things in moderation are fine, but a sweet taste at every meetings becomes less-than-moderation.

When I eat too much sugar, I don't feel well, I don't want to eat well, and I'm super cranky. So this season, I'm being proactive. I'm actually dropping sugar...completely. This is not an uncommon thing for people to do in the Golden State, so I got some good information and took the plunge on Sunday. I know that the first 3 days are the worst in terms of cravings, crank attitudes, etc. as all the sugar is finally being processed out of my system.

So far, so good. All I can really report is that I notice I'm snacking a lot less. I don't often want to eat salty snacks. In the past two days, I've gone to my cabinets and I've look around and walked away with no snack. That's been mildly annoying but nothing that is impossible to handle. Hopefully though, after today, I'll stop eyeing every piece of sweet yummy like it is gold treasure.

It is important to note, I'm not planning on doing this forever. I mean, we are leaving for vacation soon and I know a couple of family members who can bake like nobody's business. However, if I can avoid going into that vacation like a fiend needing a fix, everyone will be better off. Wish me luck!

Loving What Is

2008-11-17T13:48:00.001-08:00

Often times, I find "Self-Help" books elicit my most intense and dramatic eye-roll. Not because I find them to be untrue, but because I find them to be filled with age old wisdom passed off as something new and shiny meant to provide an overnight "cure-all" for the ever growing number of folks who want instant change in their lives with none of the work required.

Byron Katie's Loving What Is is a far cry from that kind of book and instead offers an incredible way to look at our thoughts and their impacts on our lives. I highly recommend this book and this author for anyone looking for simple insight into the way we perceive others and the impact of those perceptions on our relationships and lives.

After reading Katie's book, I found I was able to find forgiveness and compassion for old wounds by shifting my own understanding of my contribution to the issue. Also, it was this book that taught me how to truly say no to things I didn't feel I could do. I broke the crazy cycle of overcommitment thanks to Byron Katie, AND I haven't once gotten "the guilities" after saying no. Loving What is showed me the way to maintain my self-respect and boundaries while serving others and how to do so while being filled with joy and love. I have since fallen in love with "what is" my life, rather than "what I think my life should be".

Wanna know more? Check out Oprah's interviews with Byron Katie by searching "Oprah's Soul Series" in iTunes.

Rebel-lisious

2008-11-14T12:30:00.000-08:00

I dusted off my old Canon Rebel the other day when walking Maxdog. If you ever wonder what our life looks like on an average day, this is it. Notice that Max is standing directly in the center of the street completely unconcerned about potential oncoming traffic.

I also snapped this shot to celebrate Obama's victory.

The Prop 8 Fall Out

2008-11-11T10:28:00.000-08:00

For the days since the election, many people of myriad religions and beliefs have asked me about my reaction to the passage of proposition 8 (California's Ban on Gay Marriage). I have many thoughts and will try to share a bit of my perspective here.

First, while I am deeply sadden about this ban, I know that this is the beginning of a very long process that will ultimately allow me to marry Amanda. It is inevitable, at some point during my life time gay marriage will be legal, and it will be so nation-wide to boot. It is highly likely that my children will know very little of this issue; much like I know very little of the experience of racial segregation. This brings comfort.

In the days since the election, I've seen some horrible and embarrassing things from supporters and opponents of proposition 8. I've seen so called people of God act in ways that certainly aren't full of any God-like love and compassion. I've seen the gay community stand up in protest and display such hateful judgment that I can't tell the difference between their behaviors and the behaviors they are protesting. All of this is deeply saddening.

I'm not glad Prop 8 passed, but there is a silver lining. Before your eyes fall out of your head from shock, let me explain. If we had successfully defeated proposition 8, the margin would have been slim and 50% of this state would have continued on preaching against the evils of gay marriage. What we get instead is a serious dialog about what it means for our society that I can't have my relationship legally recognized by this state. We get to bring to the table all the people that are involved in this issue and start a healing process. All-the-while, law suits travel through the courts and take care of all the legal issues. A conversation is now beginning that will bring more love and understanding than 51% of the votes ever could.

Specifically, I've heard a lot of good folks appalled by the Mormons, who gave millions of dollars to the Yes on 8 efforts. To those people, I'll say this. Unsurprisingly, I think the LDS church (and many others for that matter) is getting it wrong about homosexuality. However, if we continue to vilify LDS people we will get no where. If LDS folks continue on similar to Gary Lawrence, who compares "the gays and their allies" to the followers of Satan, we'll get no where. (A side note to Gary: If you want people to think more highly of Mormons, stop with these kinds of articles.)

What I do know is this, many of the people closest to my heart are LDS and will forever be so. We've found a way to brave the divide and understand that, even still, we are more alike than we are different. Given that we all know someone who is gay or supportive of gay-rights, I urge you all to drink some courage-juice and dive into the hard conversations. If you do so with an open heart, I promise you, you'll be forever changed. To those of you reading that I know and don't, I stand open to more of these conversations. I can't promise that we won't offend each other, only that we will clean up the mess as we go.

I carry a great deal of patience for this issue and I am grateful for a peace that passes all understanding. I know, somewhere way down deep in my heart, that we need to talk this one out. We need to hear and bare witness to each party's experience. When we can move together in the world with respect in our language, actions, and hearts, we will see this bitter angst melt away and we will stand together, honoring the diversity in all families, as one people.

Ringing in the Season

2008-11-11T08:33:00.000-08:00

I find that these few weeks between Halloween and Thanksgiving are some of my favorite. When else during our year do we see store windows painted, reminding us to be thankful. As I've mentioned before, I really enjoy the experience of gratitude. To celebrate the beginning of Fall, and this Thanksgiving season I'm listing a few things for which I'm grateful.

My home, which is my haven.
Loving to cook. I really enjoy cooking and breaking bread with others. In the neighborhood? Then come over for dinner already; it brings me so much joy.
Family. Look at those folks to your right- they roll my socks up and down.
Friends that feel like family.
Teaching. I so enjoy working in the classroom and am grateful I find a way to do it every semester.
The telephone. How else will my wild friends in far away lands fill me on their day to day craziness?
Coffee. Something about sipping and smelling a fresh cup of coffee feels like home.It is truly delightful.
Amanda. She makes my heart sing.
Listening. The key to all understanding is truly hearing another. I am grateful to listen others' experience of this life.
I suppose, overall, I'm grateful for this life which is so perfectly flawed. I love living and am grateful for each breath that reminds me I am so wonderfully human.

No More Spitting (AKA: The Final Election Day Post)

2008-11-04T22:56:00.001-08:00

After a crazy long day, I'm thrilled to hit the pillow with this outcome. I'm exhausted and have many thoughts about the new direction of our country. I suppose all I can say now is that I'm honored to bear witness to the kind of history that will live on for many years to come. I'm honored to be a part of a generation that believes in work coupled with hope, service coupled with opportunity. Yes we can!

My Michelle

2008-11-04T19:38:00.000-08:00

my heart

is full

of you.

Michelle sprung out of bed at 7:22am saying to me, "I wanted to get up at 7:00"...she promptly began running through the house with excitement just to be able to VOTE. There are many things that I love about her. I'm pretty sure her passion for the election of our nation's leader is at the top of the list. I hope that those who read this blog participated in this, the biggest election of our lifetime. By now (8:30pm) we know "YES WE CAN".