Fighting Fare...
This made me laugh; I looked up the definition to fighting and the first one read:
'a. To attempt to harm or gain power over an adversary by blows or with weapons."
"Luis, we're suppose to attempt to harm each other by blows or with weapons fairly!"
No that is not the definition we are suppose to use in this circumstance but I just wanted to share that. HA!
Last night we had dinner with friends and we started talking about fighting fair and we compared stories of how each one of us fights and how "good" we are at fighting fair. It's funny, our friends were saying how you could be doing so great at fighting fair and one bad move by one party and it's all down hill. Because really, if you're doing well and one person decides to break the rules, how can you maintain fairness? True.
For Luis and me, he will tell you with no hesitation that he is really bad at it. So for me, because he is so bad, I try my very hardest to maintain fairness; but as I think about it now, because I do that, I get to also use it against him when we talk about things later. For example: we're fighting. Even if he's right, because he blows up, I win because I don't. So, my question, is that fair? (probably not exactly).
Another funny thing, after we have resolved whatever the argument, I'll ask him what I can do to help him fight fair. He tells me to let him know in the midst of the argument to stop being mean, fighting unfair, etc. YEA RIGHT!
Here is a bad (and fake) example of that scenario...
Luis "Babe, you're dumb! You don't know what you're talking about. (slams door)"
Me (in extremely calm voice) "Luis, let's make sure we fight fair."
Luis "YOU'RE DUMB! YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT!" (slams door).
Ok, now that is a really awful example but you get the picture. There is no way that will go over well.
So what's the secret? Practice makes better? That's really not that motivational though because who wants to motivate themselves by the idea that the more fights we have, the better we will be?
It's a tough question. I will be sure to let you know when I find the answer.
To be continued...
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
My Kitchen smells more like Indian than Asha's
Hello. Happy Saturday...if you haven't been outside, you should check it out - it feels like spring! Just close your eyes so you don't have to see that ugly melting snow. Ya know, I appreciate the warm up in temperature, however, I am fairly annoyed with every other weekend having a mud pit in my back yard, which, in return means muddy dog feet multiple times a day. Come on weather, make up your mind. I'm thinking of "Just say a simple, 'Yes, I will,' or 'No, I won't.' Anything beyond this is from the evil one." (Matthew 5:37)... Bad parallel? I'm just sayin, be winter or warm up for good! Let's make up our minds here.
So it is the last weekend in January and I get paid on Monday...until then things are tight (in the budget area, if you know what I mean). I seriously have never seen my fridge so empty - this is not an exaggeration by any means. In hopes of avoiding the grocery at all costs, I dug through the ingredients I had, trying to find a way to be thrifty. Onions and red potatoes...canned tomatoes, spices...water... I knew there had to be some sort of soup out there I could make (and hopefully double in order to keep us fed for the remainder of the weekend).
...SCORE...Curry Tomato Soup!
INGREDIENTS:
(this is the original list, I doubled the majority of ingredients)
1 package firm tofu (optional)
5 potatoes
1 onion
2 carrots
1 can diced tomatoes
3 cloves garlic
1 Tbsp curry powder
1 tsp paprika
1 Tbsp butter
recipe calls for green beans (this I did not have...they were not missed)
5 white mushrooms (this I also did not have...I'm sure they would have been delicious)
In a large pot, melt butter on low-medium heat. Add chopped onion, curry, paprika and garlic - saute for ~2 minutes. Add potatoes and stir to coat. Add 2 cups of water (or enough to cover potatoes). Cook ~5 minutes.
Add carrots, tomatoes, and any other veggies - cook till potatoes are soft. Add water if soup is too thick.
Finally, add tofu and cook for additional 5 minutes. Serve with rice or bread. YUM!
Original recipe c/o Grouprecipes.com.
After dinner Luis and I left the house for a while. Upon returning, it still smelled like Indian food. Luis said "Our house smells more like Indian than Asha's!"
So it is the last weekend in January and I get paid on Monday...until then things are tight (in the budget area, if you know what I mean). I seriously have never seen my fridge so empty - this is not an exaggeration by any means. In hopes of avoiding the grocery at all costs, I dug through the ingredients I had, trying to find a way to be thrifty. Onions and red potatoes...canned tomatoes, spices...water... I knew there had to be some sort of soup out there I could make (and hopefully double in order to keep us fed for the remainder of the weekend).
...SCORE...Curry Tomato Soup!
INGREDIENTS:
(this is the original list, I doubled the majority of ingredients)
1 package firm tofu (optional)
5 potatoes
1 onion
2 carrots
1 can diced tomatoes
3 cloves garlic
1 Tbsp curry powder
1 tsp paprika
1 Tbsp butter
recipe calls for green beans (this I did not have...they were not missed)
5 white mushrooms (this I also did not have...I'm sure they would have been delicious)
In a large pot, melt butter on low-medium heat. Add chopped onion, curry, paprika and garlic - saute for ~2 minutes. Add potatoes and stir to coat. Add 2 cups of water (or enough to cover potatoes). Cook ~5 minutes.
Add carrots, tomatoes, and any other veggies - cook till potatoes are soft. Add water if soup is too thick.
Finally, add tofu and cook for additional 5 minutes. Serve with rice or bread. YUM!
Original recipe c/o Grouprecipes.com.
After dinner Luis and I left the house for a while. Upon returning, it still smelled like Indian food. Luis said "Our house smells more like Indian than Asha's!"
Sunday, January 23, 2011
At Your Request.
Thanks for asking! I am very excited to share these recipes!
Disclaimer: I find my recipes from many different sources. Unfortunately, it is a little more difficult to share because for the most part, I add something, delete something or in some way change every recipe I use... and never write down what I do.
...don't be scared though...
Also, lots of recipes call for salt. I never add salt - it's over-rated.
Let me give this a whirl.
First things first: Fish Tacos (Luis kicked himself in the face, these were so good).
INGREDIENTS:
Calling for mahi mahi, I used White Roughy - there come 2 large pieces of fish, separately wrapped. (I randomly picked out a fairly priced package of frozen fish at Trader Joe's - you could also use tilapia or orange roughy.)
1/4 cup canola oil
1 lime, juiced
1 tbsp chili powder
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
flour tortillas
GARNISH:
fresh tomatoes
shredded white cabbage
sour cream
red onion
cilantro (if you are a fan)
salsa
Place fish in medium sized dish. Mix together oil, chili powder, lime juice and cilantro. Pour over fish and let marinate for 15 - 20 minutes.
Place fish onto HOT skillet (I put extra oil in skillet to avoid a stuck fish). Be careful, you will get splash back. Cook fish on the first side 4-5 minutes and flip. Cook second side 30 seconds - 1 minute. Depending on what type of fish you use, this time will fluctuate. I kept my fish on a little longer for added crispiness.
Let fish rest for 5 minutes and flake with fork. Throw your tortillas on the skillet for ~15 seconds. Divide fish and serve it up! It's as easy as that - ENJOY!
(original recipe c/o the Food Network)
Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers
INGREDIENTS:
3 large peppers (experiment with different colored peppers!)
1 (14.5 oz can) diced tomatoes
2 cups couscous (I used whole grain couscous from Trader Joe's)
fresh eggplant, zucchini, yellow onion and mushrooms - you can adjust additional veggies to your preference. I did not measure a specific amount of veggies just threw in some.
Oregano, basil and garlic spices to taste - I recommend basil and garlic only.
1 cup italian cheese
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
In a large skillet (spray with oil), combine tomatoes, vegetables and spices - grill over med-high heat for a few minutes (until onion is softening)
Stir in couscous and 1/2 cup water. Cover, remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes. Stir.
Fill peppers with mixture and top with cheese. Put peppers in baking dish with 1/3 cup water in bottom of dish. Cover lightly with foil, bake 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is melted. ENJOY!
(Original recipe c/o Cooks.com but I butchered it)
Vegetable Curry
INGREDIENTS:
3 tbsp. vegetable oil
2 medium onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp. curry powder
1 tsp. tumeric
1 tsp. whole cumin seed
1 cup chopped tomatoes
1 medium head cabbage, chopped
3 medium carrots, diced
4-5 small potatoes cut into 3/4 cubes (I used red potatoes)
Vegetable broth OR water
I also like to add additional veggies - zucchini, eggplant, cauliflower.
In large skillet, add oil. Add onions and garlic and fry for 4-5 minutes. Add curry powder, tumeric and cumin seed(and any additional veggies). Continue frying for 3-4 minutes. add tomatoes . Depending on tomatoes, you will now have somewhat of a sauce. I always need to add vegetable broth (or water) here to get sauce. I add ~2 cups.
Add cabbage, carrots and potatoes - stir until all are covered by sauce. (if necessary add more vegetable broth). Reduce heat and simmer 30-45 minutes. Add water any time sauce is below 2/3 depth on vegetables.
Serve over rice. This might be my favorite!! ENJOY!
Original recipe c/o "More-with-Less"
Salmon and Veggies
I have to be completely honest - I did not do anything special here. I got the salmon from Trader Joe's and it was already seasoned. I threw it on an sprayed baking sheet along with tomatoes, onions and green peppers and threw it in the oven (you could spritz with lemon juice also. Cover with foil and bake at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes - you can check readiness by fluffing with fork. FYI - it is hard to overdo fish in the oven. Serve with rice or couscous. SUPER SUPER EASY. ENJOY!
Indian veggies
INGREDIENTS:
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp margarine
2 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
3/4 tsp turmeric
2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
2 onions, diced
4 tomatoes, chopped or one 12 oz can diced tomatoes
3 carrots, sliced
2 potatoes, chopped into one inch pieces (I use red potatoes)
3/4 cup water
Heat the oil and margarine over medium heat. Add garlic and spices and reduce heat to low. Cook for one minute, stirring once or twice.
Add onions and sautee for 3 minutes, or until onions turn clear. Add tomatoes, carrots, potatoes and water. Cover your pan and allow to cook for about 20 minutes, or until potatoes are done, stirring occasionally. Serve over rice. ENJOY!
Original recipe c/o About.com.
Mock Chicken Salad (can also be used as hummus)
INGREDIENTS:
2 cans garbanzo beans
1 red onion
1 green pepper
lime juice
ranch dressing and/or mayo
Mash garbanzo beans - do not mix in juicer or food processor.
Add extremely thinly sliced peppers and onions.
Add lime juice to taste. I add ranch to taste directly into the mixture - you could also just add as dressing on sandwich or mayo if preferred. Serve on toast with lettuce and tomato. If using as hummus, you may be OK using a mixer. Serve with crackers.
This is also SUPER SUPER easy and excellent! ENJOY!
Well, that is all for now. I will continue adding recipes from now on :)
Disclaimer: I find my recipes from many different sources. Unfortunately, it is a little more difficult to share because for the most part, I add something, delete something or in some way change every recipe I use... and never write down what I do.
...don't be scared though...
Also, lots of recipes call for salt. I never add salt - it's over-rated.
Let me give this a whirl.
First things first: Fish Tacos (Luis kicked himself in the face, these were so good).
INGREDIENTS:
Calling for mahi mahi, I used White Roughy - there come 2 large pieces of fish, separately wrapped. (I randomly picked out a fairly priced package of frozen fish at Trader Joe's - you could also use tilapia or orange roughy.)
1/4 cup canola oil
1 lime, juiced
1 tbsp chili powder
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
flour tortillas
GARNISH:
fresh tomatoes
shredded white cabbage
sour cream
red onion
cilantro (if you are a fan)
salsa
Place fish in medium sized dish. Mix together oil, chili powder, lime juice and cilantro. Pour over fish and let marinate for 15 - 20 minutes.
Place fish onto HOT skillet (I put extra oil in skillet to avoid a stuck fish). Be careful, you will get splash back. Cook fish on the first side 4-5 minutes and flip. Cook second side 30 seconds - 1 minute. Depending on what type of fish you use, this time will fluctuate. I kept my fish on a little longer for added crispiness.
Let fish rest for 5 minutes and flake with fork. Throw your tortillas on the skillet for ~15 seconds. Divide fish and serve it up! It's as easy as that - ENJOY!
(original recipe c/o the Food Network)
Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers
INGREDIENTS:
3 large peppers (experiment with different colored peppers!)
1 (14.5 oz can) diced tomatoes
2 cups couscous (I used whole grain couscous from Trader Joe's)
fresh eggplant, zucchini, yellow onion and mushrooms - you can adjust additional veggies to your preference. I did not measure a specific amount of veggies just threw in some.
Oregano, basil and garlic spices to taste - I recommend basil and garlic only.
1 cup italian cheese
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
In a large skillet (spray with oil), combine tomatoes, vegetables and spices - grill over med-high heat for a few minutes (until onion is softening)
Stir in couscous and 1/2 cup water. Cover, remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes. Stir.
Fill peppers with mixture and top with cheese. Put peppers in baking dish with 1/3 cup water in bottom of dish. Cover lightly with foil, bake 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is melted. ENJOY!
(Original recipe c/o Cooks.com but I butchered it)
Vegetable Curry
INGREDIENTS:
3 tbsp. vegetable oil
2 medium onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp. curry powder
1 tsp. tumeric
1 tsp. whole cumin seed
1 cup chopped tomatoes
1 medium head cabbage, chopped
3 medium carrots, diced
4-5 small potatoes cut into 3/4 cubes (I used red potatoes)
Vegetable broth OR water
I also like to add additional veggies - zucchini, eggplant, cauliflower.
In large skillet, add oil. Add onions and garlic and fry for 4-5 minutes. Add curry powder, tumeric and cumin seed(and any additional veggies). Continue frying for 3-4 minutes. add tomatoes . Depending on tomatoes, you will now have somewhat of a sauce. I always need to add vegetable broth (or water) here to get sauce. I add ~2 cups.
Add cabbage, carrots and potatoes - stir until all are covered by sauce. (if necessary add more vegetable broth). Reduce heat and simmer 30-45 minutes. Add water any time sauce is below 2/3 depth on vegetables.
Serve over rice. This might be my favorite!! ENJOY!
Original recipe c/o "More-with-Less"
Salmon and Veggies
I have to be completely honest - I did not do anything special here. I got the salmon from Trader Joe's and it was already seasoned. I threw it on an sprayed baking sheet along with tomatoes, onions and green peppers and threw it in the oven (you could spritz with lemon juice also. Cover with foil and bake at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes - you can check readiness by fluffing with fork. FYI - it is hard to overdo fish in the oven. Serve with rice or couscous. SUPER SUPER EASY. ENJOY!
Indian veggies
INGREDIENTS:
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp margarine
2 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
3/4 tsp turmeric
2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
2 onions, diced
4 tomatoes, chopped or one 12 oz can diced tomatoes
3 carrots, sliced
2 potatoes, chopped into one inch pieces (I use red potatoes)
3/4 cup water
Heat the oil and margarine over medium heat. Add garlic and spices and reduce heat to low. Cook for one minute, stirring once or twice.
Add onions and sautee for 3 minutes, or until onions turn clear. Add tomatoes, carrots, potatoes and water. Cover your pan and allow to cook for about 20 minutes, or until potatoes are done, stirring occasionally. Serve over rice. ENJOY!
Original recipe c/o About.com.
Mock Chicken Salad (can also be used as hummus)
INGREDIENTS:
2 cans garbanzo beans
1 red onion
1 green pepper
lime juice
ranch dressing and/or mayo
Mash garbanzo beans - do not mix in juicer or food processor.
Add extremely thinly sliced peppers and onions.
Add lime juice to taste. I add ranch to taste directly into the mixture - you could also just add as dressing on sandwich or mayo if preferred. Serve on toast with lettuce and tomato. If using as hummus, you may be OK using a mixer. Serve with crackers.
This is also SUPER SUPER easy and excellent! ENJOY!
Well, that is all for now. I will continue adding recipes from now on :)
Sunday, January 16, 2011
What's for Dinner?
Two weeks down already in the new year! I hate to say such a cliché thing, but..."time flies...and, I can't believe it." In all honestly, living in a world of 92% routine is a scary thing. Days, then weeks, then months, then years are in the past. I always feel a little guilty when I'm complaining about a slow day, because then, when the month is over I say, "Man, I wish time would slow down."
Back to dinner; food has been a very large part of my 2011. I feel like I have been to the grocery store more in two weeks than I have in the past 5 months! In my last blog, I wrote about our decision to go organic. Well, along with that decision has come new recipes, new budget, new pantry and fridge. Luckily I get off work at 5pm and my husband is not a picky eater. AND, most of all, thank God for google!
Over the past two weeks, I have been cooking organic lunches and dinners, face masks and juicing multiple times a day. The goal is for 51+% of each meal to be raw...let me just clarify that this is incredibly difficult and rarely happens. This is, however, the reason for so many trips to the grocery. We try to have a salad with every dinner and sometimes have totally raw dinners, but Luis does not always appreciate those options...
The greatest thing about our new menu has been discovering new flavors, cooking with color and feeling physically and mentally really great about our choices.
Some of the new recipes include:
Couscous and vegetable stuffed peppers
Vegetable curry
Fish Tacos
Salmon and vegetables
Tofu Stir-fry
Mock Chicken salad sandwiches made with garbanzo beans
Spaghetti with vegetables
Eggplant lasagna
And the list goes on...
Now, if you're wondering about the face mask I mentioned, this is a concoction of diced tomatoes, lemon juice and oats.
When I first used this mask, I wondered if Luis was questioning his decision to marry me! :) HA!
And finally, juicing. Juicing is a large portion of the Gerson diet. Gerson recommends juicing 12 times a day. Yes, this is impossible unless you devote your day to it because you cannot make a bunch on juice and drink it over the coarse of the day. It has to be drank right away otherwise the enzymes are gone and therefore, the entire health benefit is lost. We try to juice twice a day - although this, as you can imagine, is expensive so once a day is my goal.
It's really very surprising what tastes good when juiced together. Luis and I have experimented with different cocktails of apples, oranges, carrots, yams, pineapples, cucumbers, etc. We have not gone down the tomato juice path just yet; we will though.
So that is the status quo of the Polo household.
Back to dinner; food has been a very large part of my 2011. I feel like I have been to the grocery store more in two weeks than I have in the past 5 months! In my last blog, I wrote about our decision to go organic. Well, along with that decision has come new recipes, new budget, new pantry and fridge. Luckily I get off work at 5pm and my husband is not a picky eater. AND, most of all, thank God for google!
Over the past two weeks, I have been cooking organic lunches and dinners, face masks and juicing multiple times a day. The goal is for 51+% of each meal to be raw...let me just clarify that this is incredibly difficult and rarely happens. This is, however, the reason for so many trips to the grocery. We try to have a salad with every dinner and sometimes have totally raw dinners, but Luis does not always appreciate those options...
The greatest thing about our new menu has been discovering new flavors, cooking with color and feeling physically and mentally really great about our choices.
Some of the new recipes include:
Couscous and vegetable stuffed peppers
Vegetable curry
Fish Tacos
Salmon and vegetables
Tofu Stir-fry
Mock Chicken salad sandwiches made with garbanzo beans
Spaghetti with vegetables
Eggplant lasagna
And the list goes on...
Now, if you're wondering about the face mask I mentioned, this is a concoction of diced tomatoes, lemon juice and oats.
When I first used this mask, I wondered if Luis was questioning his decision to marry me! :) HA!
And finally, juicing. Juicing is a large portion of the Gerson diet. Gerson recommends juicing 12 times a day. Yes, this is impossible unless you devote your day to it because you cannot make a bunch on juice and drink it over the coarse of the day. It has to be drank right away otherwise the enzymes are gone and therefore, the entire health benefit is lost. We try to juice twice a day - although this, as you can imagine, is expensive so once a day is my goal.
It's really very surprising what tastes good when juiced together. Luis and I have experimented with different cocktails of apples, oranges, carrots, yams, pineapples, cucumbers, etc. We have not gone down the tomato juice path just yet; we will though.
So that is the status quo of the Polo household.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Netflix & Wellness
I say it again, "Netflix has changed our lives," for the better might I add.
Luis has become quite fond of the documentary options, on demand, that Netflix on our Wii offers. It started out with conspiracy theories on 9-11, documentaries on Islam and the Federal Reserve but now is targeted at food and the body; this is where I entered the picture.
I will first tell you about Luis and my diet habits over the past 3 (+ a little) years.
The following movies/documentaries have contributed to a huge change in lifestyle and budget arrangements for not only ourselves but a few close friends and family members (my Mom is one of them):
1. Food Matters
2. Food Inc.
3. The Gerson Miracle
I Recommend #1, Food Matters to everyone! #2 and #3 I also recommend to everyone! And I am not blowing smoke, as I am not one to fall easily for bull shit especially when it means a major change in budget and spending habits (I'll save this for another blog, but just know it is very hard for me to adjust). Also, it only takes a couple hours to watch these movies and then you can make your own decisions.
Anyway, my main reason for writing about this is just because it is a big deal in my life and I wanted to write about it; but also because I definitely think it is worth looking into and it is something that is becoming a passion in my life - health and wellness and cooking and enjoying.
A few facts that are rather alarming...
Food For Thought...
Have a Happy and Healthy New Year.
Luis has become quite fond of the documentary options, on demand, that Netflix on our Wii offers. It started out with conspiracy theories on 9-11, documentaries on Islam and the Federal Reserve but now is targeted at food and the body; this is where I entered the picture.
I will first tell you about Luis and my diet habits over the past 3 (+ a little) years.
Year 1: Luis is a poor bartender, Sarah is a poor college student working at Panera. Diet = ramon noodles, spaghetti, beer, Panera, spaghetti, mac & cheese, coffee, McDonalds.
Year 2: Luis and Sarah move in together. Sarah is a waitress until hired on at current place of employment, Luis an interpreter until Urban Active comes along.
Diet = Spaghetti, lots of deli sandwiches, some beer, chicken casseroles, red meats, Mac & cheese, eggs and hash-browns, tofu stir-fry, McDonalds, Subway, sushi.
Year 3: Luis and Sarah are married. Sarah is working at current place of employment, Luis starts nursing school.
Diet = Spaghetti, tofu stir-fry, fresh fish, red meats, cheerios, eggplant, mac & cheese, McDonalds, some beer & wine, coffee, fresh fruit, eggs.
Start of Year 4: Sarah is working at current place of employment, Luis is in nursing school.
Diet = fairly healthy to 90% organic; lots of veggies, fruits, rice, salad, No meat, little fish (sushi!), water, coffee, some beer & wine.
The following movies/documentaries have contributed to a huge change in lifestyle and budget arrangements for not only ourselves but a few close friends and family members (my Mom is one of them):
1. Food Matters
2. Food Inc.
3. The Gerson Miracle
I Recommend #1, Food Matters to everyone! #2 and #3 I also recommend to everyone! And I am not blowing smoke, as I am not one to fall easily for bull shit especially when it means a major change in budget and spending habits (I'll save this for another blog, but just know it is very hard for me to adjust). Also, it only takes a couple hours to watch these movies and then you can make your own decisions.
Anyway, my main reason for writing about this is just because it is a big deal in my life and I wanted to write about it; but also because I definitely think it is worth looking into and it is something that is becoming a passion in my life - health and wellness and cooking and enjoying.
A few facts that are rather alarming...
"Fact: It is illegal to treat cancer in the U.S. with anything but surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
Fact: Chemotherapy hurts your immune system by lowering the number of white blood cells produced in your body. White blood cells are important in preventing and fighting infections.
Fact: Radiation is cumulative. All forms interfere with cellular activity and suppress immune system function.
Fact: No surgery is risk free.
Virtually nothing is done in medical school to teach students that nutrition may often be the most important element of diagnosis and treatment."
Food For Thought...
Have a Happy and Healthy New Year.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Thanksgiving
Well, I have been a serious slacker when it comes to blogging. Although, I haven't stopped thinking about blogging...if that counts for anything :).
Anyway, I am up early on this rainy, cold Thanksgiving morning and my family is curled up enjoying the extra sleep this holiday. All I can think of is how thankful I am to have them.
God has been alive and working hard in my life. Luis and I have been together a little over a year. Shortly after we were wed is when I began really searching for God and asking him to work in me and to change my life. That change has brought with it an abundance of emotions.. it has been hard, lonely, fun, exciting, rewarding, scary and amazing at the same time.
It has been Awesome.
This morning I am taking the time to digest and be thankful for what God has given me.
I am thankful for Luis who puts up with me and loves me unconditionally. He is the biggest blessing I could have ever asked for or imagined. Because of him, I was able to make a change in my life and begin a relationship with God. Luis never fails to amaze me...or entertain me! He keeps life light and always real.
I appreciate that he doesn't sugar-coat things, no matter who he's talking to. I appreciate his charm and pure sincerity and that he knows when I need it most. I appreciate his love for God and that we can grow together and be a motivator for each other to do so. I wouldn't change a thing about him and am so so so lucky he chose me.
I am thankful for my family both the family which I was born in to and the family that I have become of part of since marrying Luis. I am thankful for each and every member as they bring a unique view and feel to our group and make life better by being there. I am especially thankful today for my Mom. She is half way through chemotherapy and going strong. I am infinitely thankful for her health.
I am thankful for my friends. Life has taken me down many paths and introduced me to many people. I am thankful that they are or have been at a time, a part of my life. These people are my support and I truly cherish the friendships I have and those I will have someday.
I am thankful for food. I love food and especially, on this day when so many people were up long before I to prepare a meal, I am thankful that families can come together and celebrate with delicious food.
Food has been exciting lately as I have been exploring new recipes and new styles; Luis gets to be my guinea pig!! It has been a great and healthy experience.
I am also thankful for coffee :) and wine :) both great excuses to go out and relax with a friend.
I am thankful for beauty and the ability to appreciate that which God gives us. I am conscious to be aware of my surroundings and to take in that which God has given life. A friend told me to receive all things beautiful as gifts from God, put there, for me. And to thank Him.
I am thankful for my job, my home, my car, and all the things we take for granted.
Finally I am thankful for what life has in store. I am excited to see where God will lead us. I am listening and pray for the courage to always pursue.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Mom
I've been wanting to write this for a couple weeks now...
July 7th, Mom went in for a regular colonoscopy. She had been diagnosed with diverticulitis and although they expected to find nothing, wanted to do the test to be sure. I was going on my work week like every other. I was thinking of her and feeling bad because she had to go through that uncomfortable procedure but was more looking forward to that coming weekend when she was coming down to be with us for my baptism. Wednesday night Mom called me - her voice was immediately shaky - I asked how the test went and she said "Well, not so good." I think I new right away what that meant.
She told me that they had found a mass; both of us were in tears. All the memories came flooding back from when I found out the bad news that my Dad had cancer.
Mom said that she would meet with the doctor on Monday when he would know the results; either way surgery was coming. Towards the end of our conversation, we agreed to hope for the best and look forward to seeing each other on Friday. Our "goodbye" was filled with tears and the moment I hung up I was overcome with sadness and emotion and I know she was as well.
That weekend Mom came down for my baptism. It was great to see her and it made my baptism all the more special. We didn't talk about it; although it was on all of our minds.
Monday was forever long. I couldn't hardly sit still and got minimal work done. Her appointment was right around 3:00 in the afternoon. I left work about an hour early because I couldn't take it any longer. I waited by the phone and waited and waited. Finally I sent a text to my brother to see if he had talked to her. It was about 7pm and he called me. He said it was cancer. I kept composure - he said she was out to eat with some friends and would probably call me shortly. She did and she sounded stronger than ever. Her voice helped me to keep it together. She said it was cancer and that surgery was going to be in 3 weeks on July 30th. The surgery would be to remove the mass as well as some lymph nodes for biopsy.
Those 3 weeks were the longest 3 weeks!
I drove to Findlay the 29th and surgery was the next morning. That night Mom shared an awesome story with me about her day. She worked half a day and before leaving, the Priest pulled everyone together to pray. First of all, the 29th was Mom and Dad's wedding anniversary and so a special day and, no doubt, she was thinking of him. During the prayer service the Priest read and pray, opened it up to all others to pray and then there was a song. The song was "Yahweh, I Know You Are Near." This was a song they had played at their wedding. Mom said she couldn't help but burst in to tears. There's no doubt in my mind, Dad was sending his love. I was so excited to hear this story.
Friday morning came quick. We had to be there at 9am. We went back with her to be prepped for surgery. She showed no signs of being nervous at all. I, on the other hand, couldn't sit still. And, it was time to go. We prayed over her and said our "goodbyes." I was just thinking "deep breaths. everything will be fine. keep it together. you're good. it's all good. etc. etc. etc." When we walked back out in to the waiting room and her good friend was there to give me a hug and ask how I was - I knew I was scared.
Surgery took about 2 1/2 hours. Mom had the biggest crowd waiting for her. It was so good to feel so much love from everyone.
When the surgery was over we went back to the consultation rooms to talk to the doctor. He said he felt great about the surgery. Everything looked good and he was extremely pleased.
The rest of the day was pretty quiet. We sat in her room with her. She woke up here and there but was out most of the day. Over the next few days, I was amazed at how many people came to see her. She had her own florist in her room!! It's awesome to know how many lives she touches and how many people love her.
We had to leave on Sunday. This was hard. I knew Matthew was going to be with her all week, but I just wanted to be sure she was taken care of and was nervous to leave.
It was hard being in Cincinnati all week. I spoke to her every day though and could tell each day she was getting stronger.
We were all anxious to hear the results of the lymph nodes. Monday, no results; Tuesday, no results; Wednesday, finally results. The news was - out of 31 lymph nodes taken, one was cancerous. Mom, again surprised me by how calm and collected she was. She was at peace. We say it's like the best of the worst news.
The next step is six months of chemotherapy. I pray that she stays just as strong and her spirit never trembles. I pray for a quick six months and that this chemo zaps any bit of cancer left in her body.
July 7th, Mom went in for a regular colonoscopy. She had been diagnosed with diverticulitis and although they expected to find nothing, wanted to do the test to be sure. I was going on my work week like every other. I was thinking of her and feeling bad because she had to go through that uncomfortable procedure but was more looking forward to that coming weekend when she was coming down to be with us for my baptism. Wednesday night Mom called me - her voice was immediately shaky - I asked how the test went and she said "Well, not so good." I think I new right away what that meant.
She told me that they had found a mass; both of us were in tears. All the memories came flooding back from when I found out the bad news that my Dad had cancer.
Mom said that she would meet with the doctor on Monday when he would know the results; either way surgery was coming. Towards the end of our conversation, we agreed to hope for the best and look forward to seeing each other on Friday. Our "goodbye" was filled with tears and the moment I hung up I was overcome with sadness and emotion and I know she was as well.
That weekend Mom came down for my baptism. It was great to see her and it made my baptism all the more special. We didn't talk about it; although it was on all of our minds.
Monday was forever long. I couldn't hardly sit still and got minimal work done. Her appointment was right around 3:00 in the afternoon. I left work about an hour early because I couldn't take it any longer. I waited by the phone and waited and waited. Finally I sent a text to my brother to see if he had talked to her. It was about 7pm and he called me. He said it was cancer. I kept composure - he said she was out to eat with some friends and would probably call me shortly. She did and she sounded stronger than ever. Her voice helped me to keep it together. She said it was cancer and that surgery was going to be in 3 weeks on July 30th. The surgery would be to remove the mass as well as some lymph nodes for biopsy.
Those 3 weeks were the longest 3 weeks!
I drove to Findlay the 29th and surgery was the next morning. That night Mom shared an awesome story with me about her day. She worked half a day and before leaving, the Priest pulled everyone together to pray. First of all, the 29th was Mom and Dad's wedding anniversary and so a special day and, no doubt, she was thinking of him. During the prayer service the Priest read and pray, opened it up to all others to pray and then there was a song. The song was "Yahweh, I Know You Are Near." This was a song they had played at their wedding. Mom said she couldn't help but burst in to tears. There's no doubt in my mind, Dad was sending his love. I was so excited to hear this story.
Friday morning came quick. We had to be there at 9am. We went back with her to be prepped for surgery. She showed no signs of being nervous at all. I, on the other hand, couldn't sit still. And, it was time to go. We prayed over her and said our "goodbyes." I was just thinking "deep breaths. everything will be fine. keep it together. you're good. it's all good. etc. etc. etc." When we walked back out in to the waiting room and her good friend was there to give me a hug and ask how I was - I knew I was scared.
Surgery took about 2 1/2 hours. Mom had the biggest crowd waiting for her. It was so good to feel so much love from everyone.
When the surgery was over we went back to the consultation rooms to talk to the doctor. He said he felt great about the surgery. Everything looked good and he was extremely pleased.
The rest of the day was pretty quiet. We sat in her room with her. She woke up here and there but was out most of the day. Over the next few days, I was amazed at how many people came to see her. She had her own florist in her room!! It's awesome to know how many lives she touches and how many people love her.
We had to leave on Sunday. This was hard. I knew Matthew was going to be with her all week, but I just wanted to be sure she was taken care of and was nervous to leave.
It was hard being in Cincinnati all week. I spoke to her every day though and could tell each day she was getting stronger.
We were all anxious to hear the results of the lymph nodes. Monday, no results; Tuesday, no results; Wednesday, finally results. The news was - out of 31 lymph nodes taken, one was cancerous. Mom, again surprised me by how calm and collected she was. She was at peace. We say it's like the best of the worst news.
The next step is six months of chemotherapy. I pray that she stays just as strong and her spirit never trembles. I pray for a quick six months and that this chemo zaps any bit of cancer left in her body.
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