It’s About Time!

That title sums up many topics today. About Time that I started blogging again (I had to look at Andrea’s blog to even remember where mine was). About Time that I started exercising (started being the key word). About Time that I got creative again (maybe blogging will help, you know, the accountability factor).  But mainly I wanted to see who has shared my exercise procrastination.

 

My employer offered a sweet deal: sign up for the gym, no contract, no initiation fee, just the opportunity to get healthier.  Since I am the one who writes the staff newsletter and am the face of the company at various times, it seemed “About Time.”  I signed up, toured the gym (it’s lovely, by the way).  Not as many skinny women as I expected and that’s a good thing; lots of men of all sizes and that’s good, too, I suppose.

 

I was surprised, however, by how many excuses I could come up with and still feel that they were legitimate:

• I was too cold.

  

  Disclaimer: This is not me! (Photo credit: Simon Davison)

• I was too hot.

   
• I was too hungry.
• I didn’t have a padlock for my locker.
• I forgot my water bottle.
• I was tired.
• I don’t know how to turn on the treadmill.
• I’m too embarrassed to walk in alone.
• I forgot my socks.
• I might see someone I know.
• It’s too late.
• It’s too early.

Seriously, I have used most of those.  I’ve been doing really well the last couple of weeks. I have successfully reframed some of them in my mind and that’s helped immensely. The biggest one lately is that I’m so cold that I just want to go home and curl up to get warm. But I have realized that you really can’t get much warmer than the gym -especially if you’re exercising.  Even if you want to fake it, you can always get in the sauna or hot tub.  See how it works?  One excuse that no longer works!

What about you?  What is the most creative you’ve gotten for not going to the gym? The woman in the picture is excused.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I Still Feel Your Presence

This is a personal note to my very dear friend (who just happened to be my former mother-in-law), Ruth Olsen. Today is your birthday, October 10.  Can you imagine if you were here to celebrate it?  Oh, how much fun we would have!  I can see you now: smiling, ever smiling. Do you know that you never really walked down the hall?  You always kind of danced. Yes, that’s it. You danced.

I have needed your advice and friendship so many times over the last four years. But then I always seem to know what you would say anyway: be happy and yes, you can do it.

I miss you every day,  Mom. Happy birthday!

My Personal Park Bench

This is the result of a digital storytelling workshop that I just finished. I’m very proud of it and look forward to doing more. I hope you enjoy it.

A “Found” Day Filled with Unexpected Pleasures

Trevor and I spent an unplanned day together and what a joy it was.  I picked him up from his soccer game. I think he just likes to put the shoes on and run around.  His attention span is short and it makes for great viewing fun.

He sure looks old, doesn't he?

We went to the store to buy him some pants and he was so appreciative. Yes, that’s our Trevor. He loves everything that you do for him and will definitely tell you.  (Can we clone this in grown men?)  When I would suggest a certain shirt, he might comment “I have a shirt kind of like that so that would be a waste.”

As we drove into Snoqualmie, I pointed out Mt. Si in all its splendor with the sun’s rays hitting it just right. Trevor started telling me what he had learned about mountains.  “Nana, that mountain is made from one rock. Just one rock.  When I read that, there should have been three or four exclamation points but there was only one!  There should have been at least two and maybe three or four but there was only one!”  When was the last time you were so excited and impressed with something you read?

We stopped for lunch at the local candy shop/café.  According to T - “the best cheeseburger I’ve ever had” and “they sure know how to decorate nicely in here”  – then headed up to the Falls. 

Chillin' at the Chew-Chew Café

I had just finished my teaching lesson for the day about how there wouldn’t be alot of water because it hadn’t snowed yet and no snow melt/rain run-off,etc, when we came around the corner to maybe more water than I’ve ever seen there!  Wow. Guess I’d better brush up on my weather patterns.

Trevor did not like the overlook at all, way too much water and noise.  The overspray was amazing!

We headed back to see the train and treat ourselves to a pumpkin cookie – again “awesome” and found Halloween crafts table set up inside one of the rail cars.  I enjoyed seeing Trevor’s immediate need to make something for his big brother.

Heading back on Highway 18, we exited at Hobart and discovered the Cedar River Naturalist Tours.  As we got out of the car, Trevor said “Take your camera so we can tell the story to my family.”  (Ahhh, mindful child of a scrapbooker – wanting to document every moment.)  I was hoping to see many spawning salmon but alas, nary a one.  Apparently they are staying in Renton according to the naturalist on site.  But the river was beautiful and we had a lesson or two.  I may head back up there tomorrow or next weekend because they’re offering tours of the dam and small power plant there before it closes for the winter.

Looking through the special glasses

Naturalist Fred tells us about salmon runs

All in all, just the kind of day that I needed to take the edge off these stressful weeks.  Thanks, Trevor. 

Avery and Bryan

 

What Will They Be?

(I wrote this in August but apparently forgot to hit the “Publish” button.)

I spent a wonderful day with two of my favorite grandsons yesterday (the third couldn’t quite make it out of his diapers just yet) and as usual, they captivated and inspired me.

Gavin just turned 10 and all who know and love him also know that he is the creative talent, the genius of imagination. His birthday thank you to me was not only the text but a drawing of each of the presents that I had given him – in perfect detail.

Trevor, at almost eight years old, has the heart and gentle soul of a poet and the eternal optimism of . . . well, of an eternal optimist!  His favorite phrase is “My life is awesome!”  Yesterday we encountered very heavy traffic, so much so that we slowly made our way to the nearest exit and got back on the highway traveling in the opposite direction. When we crossed the overpass and glanced at the totally frozen line of cars for as far as we could see, Trevor exclaimed, “my eye can’t catch that far!”

That’s my Girl – IronGirl, that is.

Andrea ran the IronGirl 5K on Saturday. Congratulations, you did it!

Now Boarding

Have you told someone you loved them today?

http://nowboardingstaciann.blogspot.com/2009/02/story-from-flight-1549-accenture.html

It’s your day – do it however you want!

Happy Mother’s Day!

I had a delightful day today spent in the best way possible – with my family.  Got to see Gavin sing at church (not his favorite thing to do, he told me), then went to Andrea’s house for dinner and time together with her family, Devin and Bryan’s parents.  It was so nice.  I love this kind of day and don’t get it often enough.

This is the video that Devin sent today. http://tinyurl.com/qu9xt2

Just remembered that I have a blog . . .

guess I should start writing again.

Thanksgiving Table

We all know that Thanksgiving is an American tradition so it was with interest that I read this article about ex-pats celebrating in Italy.  How fun it must have been to expose native Italians to all the trimmings of a Thanksgiving Day feast?

Here is an excerpt but the article is linked below as well:

“As all 14 of us sat down to the beautiful table with the huge turkey laid out in splendor, there was a gasp from the Italians. “It is just like the movies,” they all exclaimed in wonder.

As all the serving dishes were passed around, our Italian friends asked if the food was all to be placed on the same plate. Do you eat it all at once? They were amazed you would not eat all this food in courses, as they do with their meals.”

Thanksgiving in Italy True Blessing

I’ll be spending Thanksgiving with my parents, sister, aunt, and cousin in San Diego.  At this time of year especially, I realize how lucky I am to have good health, interesting work, loyal friends and wonderful, beautiful, loving family.  How about you?

Too cute for words . . .

Bryan and Avery – what a pair!

Merry Christmas!

It has been almost a month since I was here.  So much has happened: I’ve been on jury duty for two weeks, my mom had brain surgery, I found out I will need surgery, work, holidays, snow and on and on.  And yet, I find that while I am very stressed at times, I am so lucky. So I thought it would do me good to actually get it all written down (and after all, a blog is just my personal diary open to the world so I can write whatever I want!).  Please indulge me.  So in no particular order, I am thankful for:

• My family is right here!
• My favorite daughter is an amazing friend and even better mother
• My favorite daughter has given me three wonderful grandsons – and a great son-in-law, too
• My favorite son is a joy to be around. He is a wonderful man and will make someone a fantastic husband
• I have many people in my life that I call “friend”
• I own a home – in good condition with heat, lights and a roof in fairly good shape
• I have a job – so I can maintain that home and provide for myself and others as I see fit
• I am able to volunteer my time and energy to an organization which helps women
• I am healthy and wake up every morning loving life (well, most mornings)
• I was in London and Paris this year and
• I did it all by myself!
• I get to see my mom and dad, aunt and cousin next week

That’s enough for now. My life is blessed. I hope you feel the same about yours.

Merry Christmas!

What happens to Seattle when it snows?

Seattle December 2008

With apologies for any political bent this may imply, I thought this poem was funny.  It aptly describes our latest snowstorms and all that we endured for several days.  Opinions are those of the author (Al in Colman Triangle – see Seattle P-I for more info) and not necessarily shared by me.  (The letter grade refers to how Seattle rates itself in dealing with winter storms.)

“Twas the night before Christmas, and next to the Sound,
not a creature was stirring, all are snowbound.
Sound Transit quit running, no matter the fare,
and the mail and garbage men said they couldn’t get there;
The children were sliding Queen Anne in their sleds,
while roofs were collapsing on old people’s heads
Ma in her boots and I in my cap,
we’re stuck in the snow and the ice and the crap.
When at the Home Depot there arose such a clatter,
I slogged from my truck to see what was the matter.
A group of sad souls there were waving their cash,
they couldn’t buy shovels, those had gone in a flash.
Tires were spinning and just couldn’t go,
chains broke and scattered in the old dirty snow.
Then what did my eyes look over and see?
Eight representatives of SDOT.
With a fat politician so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it was Mayor “Saint Nick”.
More rapid than gun bans his excuses they came,
“To save our environment the roads stay the same!
On Broadway! On Boren! On Yesler and Denny!
Can’t clear off these roads, unless we boost tax a penny!
Then sliding down Thomas and over the wall(!)
The buses hung over and ready to fall!
He still insisted it wasn’t his fault,
as the world’s greenest mayor he just couldn’t use SALT!
“It’s bad for the environment, it could hurt the fish”.
(But the Puget Sound’s SALT WATER you ignorant kish!)
So snowbound Seattle continued to stew,
and Mayor St. Nick had not even a clue.
While I stood there astonished, on the adjacent TV sets,
the airport was packed, can’t get de-icer for jets.
And others can’t get down the roads to the ferry,
And the city decided to close 4th, and Cherry.
An accident closed the I-90 bridge,
And no one could get up or down Finney Ridge.
Shovels, and salt had just flown off the shelf,
so I laughed when I heard him in spite of myself;
Then with a wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
He tried to convey we had nothing to dread;
He spoke many words (but did little work),
and Seattle knew they shouldn’t have elected this jerk.
Then thumbing his nose at his citizens plight,
he turned to the crowd and exclaimed “we’ve done right!”,
and then went to his limo refusing to yield,
And left to get solar panels installed at Qwest Field.
Then I heard him exclaim, as he skidded past me
“Happy Holiday to all, I give us a “B” “

I’m Just a Cockeyed Optimist!

That’s all.

 

(Thanks, Rodgers & Hammerstein.)

“Time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit.”

It’s three o’clock in the morning. I can’t sleep and am just surfing the net because it’s so productive (right!). So decided to listen once again to the inaugural address.  So here it is for your enjoyment (link on the upper right).

Just another day with Trevor . . .

Chicken Quiche in Lemon Pastry Shell*

2  whole chicken breasts,skinned, boned and cut into 1 inch cubes

1¹/2   teaspoons salt

1/8   teaspoon white pepper

 ¹/4   cup corn oil

1       large onion, thinly sliced and separated into rings

1       large, firm tomato, peeled, seeded, cut into cubes and drained

3          large eggs

 ³/4   cup milk

 ³/4   cup light cream

 4¹/2 – 5  ounces Gruyere cheese, cut into small cubes

¹/4   cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

pinch of ground nutmeg

 1   teaspoon butter, cut into small pieces

 

Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper to chicken. Heat corn oil, saute chicken slowly, 5 to 6 minutes. Remove chicken, add onion rings and cook until nearly tender. Add tomato, cover and cook 7 minutes or until moisture evaporates. Beat eggs, add milk, cream, cheeses, nutmeg and remaining teaspoon salt. Arrange onion, tomato and chicken on bot_-tom of pastry shell. Pour over egg mixture and dot with but­ter. Bake in a pre-heated 375 degree oven for 35 to 40 minutes. Check by inserting knife 3 inches from edge. If the knife comes out clean it is done.

 

Lemon Pastry Shell: Use grated lemon rind and juice of ½ lemon if making from scratch, or prick frozen pie shells and squeeze the juice of one lemon.  Bake at 425 degrees for 10 minutes for partially baked shell before adding quiche ingredients.

Extras: 

1. The tomato is optional but adds nice color and flavor. A can of unseasoned diced tomatoes works in a pinch.
2. This is a great brunch or light dinner served with a green salad and croissants – special friends have loved it!
3. Optional Sauce which I have never made but sure sounds good right now: 10 small chopped mushrooms, 3 T butter, 2T flour, 1/2 c light cream, 2 T chutney, 1/2 pint sour cream, 1/4 c sherry. Saute mushrooms in butter. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add flour and blend. Add cream and cook, stirring constantly, until sauce is thickened. Add chutney, sour cream and sherry. Cook until heated thoroughly.

 *Taken from the Colorado Cache Cookbook, a publication of the The Junior League of Denver. My book is so well-loved that the cover is missing so I don’t even know the year of publication but it’s at least 25 years old!

“Where are the Gritters?”

London Snow - click for full story

What’s that you say? Gritters?  I came across some articles about London dealing with a major snowstorm, the first in 18 years. It reminded me of my trip to London last year.  When I arrived, fully expecting rain because it is after all London, it started snowing!  I was trying to ride on the top deck of the red double decker bus and had to move to the lower level because the metal seats were freezing my bum!  Fortunately the snow only lasted for about 30 minutes, just enough to add to my sense of “OMG, what did I get myself into?”  (That, and the bus rounded the corner with a view of the Tower of London straight ahead and I totally forgot how cold I was.)

Then I found this article where Londoners were complaining about the lack of gritters, as in “the network had not been thoroughly gritted”.  Now there is a word that I had never heard before.  ”Some councils refused to send their gritting lorries up side streets, claiming snow was too deep and that they did not want cars to be damaged.”

The funny thing is if you substitute Seattle for London the story would make perfect sense – except for the gritter part.