I love Le Creuset everything. I have their dutch oven and I use it for EVERYTHING! I love how pretty they are, I love how evenly they cook everything, I just love everything they make! Recently I managed to get to one of their outlets and I got a beautiful butter bell. I really needed it, because I have 3 butter thieves in this house and they all have 4 legs!
Anyways, I've been wanting a grill pan for my stove top, and while I was perusing Le Creuset's website I found this:
Dreamy Grill Pan
It just shot to the top of my wish list! If anybody has an extra hundred dollars they want to send me, I'd appreciate it! LOL!
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Monday, May 6, 2013
New Motto
I feel like my trip home was much needed. Fourteen months is too long to go without seeing your family and friends. I needed that re-set that comes from being separated from your normal life - enough time to get some perspective and figure out the ways that day to day life can be improved upon.
[BTW- I have a terrible habit of ending sentences in prepositions! I simply cannot help myself]
I don't have a terrible life in California. I actually am a really lucky individual, living the life that I do. However, after all but one of your friends have left, and your husband is working all the time, things can get a little...lonely. Bad patterns can erupt. For instance, before my trip, I really didn't do much every day. I've watched many more hours of television than I would like to admit. But, when you don't have any plans, and you don't much to do, it feels like the natural progression. So, you sit on the couch all day long. It doesn't feel good...the guilt starts to creep up!
Fast forward to my trip. I was a busy, busy bee the whole time I was there. Go go go go go go go. Although I felt exhausted from doing so much, it was certainly a wonderful change of pace. I decided that something needed to change in my real life back home. Of course, my first week back, I was sick as a dog, so that really interfered with my new plans! This week, I'm ready to have a change. My house has been clean for a whole 9 days. For anyone who knows me, they know that's pretty astounding. I feel like that's the first part of my changing my daily life here. It feels good.
My new motto is: Just because you don't have anything to do, it doesn't mean you shouldn't do anything.
So now even when I have an empty day (like today) I will still be productive, I will find things to do, and I will be happy to not be on the couch all the livelong day.
[BTW- I have a terrible habit of ending sentences in prepositions! I simply cannot help myself]
I don't have a terrible life in California. I actually am a really lucky individual, living the life that I do. However, after all but one of your friends have left, and your husband is working all the time, things can get a little...lonely. Bad patterns can erupt. For instance, before my trip, I really didn't do much every day. I've watched many more hours of television than I would like to admit. But, when you don't have any plans, and you don't much to do, it feels like the natural progression. So, you sit on the couch all day long. It doesn't feel good...the guilt starts to creep up!
Fast forward to my trip. I was a busy, busy bee the whole time I was there. Go go go go go go go. Although I felt exhausted from doing so much, it was certainly a wonderful change of pace. I decided that something needed to change in my real life back home. Of course, my first week back, I was sick as a dog, so that really interfered with my new plans! This week, I'm ready to have a change. My house has been clean for a whole 9 days. For anyone who knows me, they know that's pretty astounding. I feel like that's the first part of my changing my daily life here. It feels good.
My new motto is: Just because you don't have anything to do, it doesn't mean you shouldn't do anything.
So now even when I have an empty day (like today) I will still be productive, I will find things to do, and I will be happy to not be on the couch all the livelong day.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
April Travels
I've been a little quiet on here for a few weeks, but April has been a little crazy. My birthday is in the beginning of April, which was fun! I'm one of those people who love everyone's birthdays, and my own is no exception. Jake got me a sewing machine for my birthday, and I'm working on some curtains right now! My best friend sent me a personalized sewing machine cover for my birthday present, which was a wonderful surprise! Jake and I ate at a lovely local Italian restaurant that I'd been wanting to try for months, and it was yummy!
After my birthday I started gearing up for my trip back home. I hadn't been home in 14 months, which is a REALLY long time! My family back home just joined the modern times and got fast internet, so for all that time I didn't even get to see their faces via skype! Theoretically, now we can skype :). Before I actually flew back East, I spent 2 days in San Jose with a family that I lived with for a month while I was taking care of their children. It was wonderful to get to see the family again, and to spend some time with them!
On my third day with my San Jose friends, I went to the airport and flew 3,000 miles back East. I spent the second half of the day flying, getting in just after midnight. The next ten days were spent visiting as many people as I possibly could! By the end of my trip, I was feeling ill from allergies/exhaustion/running around like a madwoman! I tried to take it easy and spend as much time as possible with my sisters and family. I went to a wedding of friend from my middle school days, and luckily I was able to run into other middle school friends from when I was a home-schooler! Certainly the best part of being back home was seeing SO MANY PEOPLE! Like I said, I hadn't been home in almost a year and a half, which is just far too long! I didn't get to see everyone, but I'll be home again in a few months and make sure to see them then.
The other special thing that happened while I was home was that my eldest cousin had her baby...the first new baby in our family! I got to see the baby and was happy.
The day I flew back West, I woke up at 4 am with some stomach issues. I was sick, and sick, and sick. Flying was something I was not sure I could accomplish. At that point I'd been up for hours, felt terrible, and the last thing I wanted was to be crammed in a plane with 150 strangers! My solution was to cry about it (of course!) and when that didn't make me feel better, I set to make it through, even if that meant puking on a plane (the horror!!)
After about hour one (of seven) on the plane, I started to feel better. I had taken two Dramamine and tried to sleep as much as possible. My Mama got me some Saltines, and I drank ginger ale and prayed I would make it!
I did. Getting home took twice as long as usual, which you can imagine was wonderful as a sickie. Saturday was a stomach bug day, Sunday was stomach and throat (bad enough to spend two + hours in the urgent care because I was convinced it was Strep throat), Monday was throat and cold symptoms, and since then it's been just cold symptoms. I am hoping that I finally kick this virus by the weekend, because I am tired of being ill!
Some pics from my trip home:
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After my birthday I started gearing up for my trip back home. I hadn't been home in 14 months, which is a REALLY long time! My family back home just joined the modern times and got fast internet, so for all that time I didn't even get to see their faces via skype! Theoretically, now we can skype :). Before I actually flew back East, I spent 2 days in San Jose with a family that I lived with for a month while I was taking care of their children. It was wonderful to get to see the family again, and to spend some time with them!
On my third day with my San Jose friends, I went to the airport and flew 3,000 miles back East. I spent the second half of the day flying, getting in just after midnight. The next ten days were spent visiting as many people as I possibly could! By the end of my trip, I was feeling ill from allergies/exhaustion/running around like a madwoman! I tried to take it easy and spend as much time as possible with my sisters and family. I went to a wedding of friend from my middle school days, and luckily I was able to run into other middle school friends from when I was a home-schooler! Certainly the best part of being back home was seeing SO MANY PEOPLE! Like I said, I hadn't been home in almost a year and a half, which is just far too long! I didn't get to see everyone, but I'll be home again in a few months and make sure to see them then.
The other special thing that happened while I was home was that my eldest cousin had her baby...the first new baby in our family! I got to see the baby and was happy.
The day I flew back West, I woke up at 4 am with some stomach issues. I was sick, and sick, and sick. Flying was something I was not sure I could accomplish. At that point I'd been up for hours, felt terrible, and the last thing I wanted was to be crammed in a plane with 150 strangers! My solution was to cry about it (of course!) and when that didn't make me feel better, I set to make it through, even if that meant puking on a plane (the horror!!)
After about hour one (of seven) on the plane, I started to feel better. I had taken two Dramamine and tried to sleep as much as possible. My Mama got me some Saltines, and I drank ginger ale and prayed I would make it!
I did. Getting home took twice as long as usual, which you can imagine was wonderful as a sickie. Saturday was a stomach bug day, Sunday was stomach and throat (bad enough to spend two + hours in the urgent care because I was convinced it was Strep throat), Monday was throat and cold symptoms, and since then it's been just cold symptoms. I am hoping that I finally kick this virus by the weekend, because I am tired of being ill!
Some pics from my trip home:
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Pretty Dogwood Trees
GREEN
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One of our new chicks, Pecan
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Morning Routine
Every morning, Jake gets up way, way before me to go to work. As soon as Jake gets out of bed, Archer hops up to snuggle. We sleep together for a few hours and then get up. It's heaven! This morning, Jake closed a door somewhere else in the house, and Archer heard it shut. He must not have known that it was Jake in the house, because he started barking, growling, and grumbling. It was so comical to me, but I'm glad that I know my security is # 1 to him! I had to ask/nudge him with my foot several times before he stopped grumbling. He's the best dog ever!
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Dentist Update
I went to the dentist this morning. My first cleaning in 2.5 years went pretty well! I still have beautiful teeth. I love being told that I take good care of my teeth! I always feel like a winner when I leave the Dentist's office! Unfortunately, today I only felt like half of a winner. I did not have any cavities, which is fantastic. That victory was short lived...because not only do I now grind my teeth and need a night guard, I also have 2 lower wisdom teeth that need extracting.
MONEY MONEY MONEY!
Now, when I come home from NC, I have an appointment with an Oral Surgeon, then the next day I have an appointment to get molds of my mouth taken. My surgery to remove the evil wisdom teeth is on May 10...super not excited!
The night guard is going to cost 236 dollars, and worst case scenario my wisdom teeth surgery could cost me up to 500 dollars after insurance. Wow, sometimes being a grown up sucks!
MONEY MONEY MONEY!
Now, when I come home from NC, I have an appointment with an Oral Surgeon, then the next day I have an appointment to get molds of my mouth taken. My surgery to remove the evil wisdom teeth is on May 10...super not excited!
The night guard is going to cost 236 dollars, and worst case scenario my wisdom teeth surgery could cost me up to 500 dollars after insurance. Wow, sometimes being a grown up sucks!
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Sewing Machine!
February was a pretty terrible month, all around. However, March has been pretty good, and April is going to be awesome! My birthday is in the beginning of April, and as my birthday present, I asked for a sewing machine. It got here on Monday! It's so pretty! I researched a lot of machines, and this particular one had over 1,000 positive reviews on Amazon, which I think is pretty dern good!
A picture of my new machine:
It is sitting on my new sewing table! It's actually a dining table that I picked up from IKEA over the weekend. Usually, when it comes to putting anything together, I immediately give Jake that task. BUT, my Mom is super handy around the house, and I thought that it was about time that I started to learn how to do stuff! I built the entire table ALL BY MYSELF! By built, I mean assembled, because it came from IKEA...they basically build it for you. I did use a drill for the first time! Jake did help a tiny bit, but not too much, and it was nothing I couldn't have done by myself ;).
picture of the table:
My table! It has 6 drawers, 3 on each side. Each wing of the table can also fold down, so it can become super tiny (in true IKEA fashion!) I ended up moving it out of the corner, so that I can sit behind the table and face my beautiful bookshelf that's so beautifully organized! I think that's better than staring at the wall.
My new pincushion:
A picture of my new machine:
It is sitting on my new sewing table! It's actually a dining table that I picked up from IKEA over the weekend. Usually, when it comes to putting anything together, I immediately give Jake that task. BUT, my Mom is super handy around the house, and I thought that it was about time that I started to learn how to do stuff! I built the entire table ALL BY MYSELF! By built, I mean assembled, because it came from IKEA...they basically build it for you. I did use a drill for the first time! Jake did help a tiny bit, but not too much, and it was nothing I couldn't have done by myself ;).
picture of the table:
My new pincushion:
Some fabric I picked out:
I am going to make some valances for above the front door, and maybe some kitchen curtains or something. I just love how cheery it is!
Friday, March 22, 2013
Irene Ritter
This post is about an amazing woman named Irene. But first, a little family history of mine:
I think that I consider family bonds a little differently than a lot of people, because my family is so...well, jumbled? It's wonderful, and I'm so happy that I've had many people in my life who've loved me. But, it can get a little confusing! Just like many people, I have a Mom and a Dad. They divorced when I was a baby, and my Mom remarried. I have an awesome Step-dad. In fact, Jake reminds me a lot of my Step-dad! My Mom had two more daughters, giving me two fantastic half-sisters (who are totally my whole sisters). My Dad also remarried, giving me a Step-mom and two step-brothers. Then, they divorced, and I lost contact with my step-mom (whose name is also Robin) up until a few years ago (thank you, Facebook!). After that, my Dad was with a wonderful woman for about 10 years. She also has 3 kids, who are also cool. My Step-dad has a cool brother and Mom, giving me another Uncle and Grandma. My Granddad was married to Irene (they married a few years before I was born) and she was totally my Grandmother, even though we weren't related by blood. See what I mean? It's a little hard to keep track of...Jake can't even keep up if I don't explain it sometimes!
Of all of my grandparents (1 grandfather, 3 grandmothers) I really connected with Irene the most. She had this amazing talent where she could make anyone feel like they were the most special person in the room. Looking back, I think part of why she had so much energy was because she was only in her fifties when my cousins (3: 1 slightly older, 2 slightly younger) and I were young. Lots of silly songs and games, and just creativity happened around her. It didn't matter that she wasn't biologically related to me. She was AWESOME. My cousin gave her a nickname: Irene the Dream Hakeem Olijawan (shortened to Irene the Dream). She liked it when I called her Granny. I liked that too. My Grandparents lived in the coolest house, filled with artifacts from all of their travels, with a pool, and fun gardens to explore, and lots of artwork all over the place - Irene always loved art. Then, for her birthday present, she went to what she described as "art boot-camp." She loved it! She started doing stone carving, and let me tell you, she made some seriously incredible stuff.
Then, when I was around 14 or 15, they divorced. It was really hard on my cousins and me, because Irene was the best part of the Grandparent unit. It was a disappointment to all of us. After their divorce, I went and stayed with Irene for a week, and it was such an amazing trip! But as the years passed, we slowly grew out of touch. I started calling her again about 3 years ago, but I didn't want to interrupt her life. Looking back, I feel so silly thinking that! But, I still called her about the important events in my life. When I wanted to take a break from school and marry Jake, I called her for her opinion. She told me to absolutely do it. She said: go for it! Being a wife and a mother is amazing! I took comfort in having her support my decision. Then, when I drove across the country, I took a pit stop in her city. I was able to visit her for a few wonderful hours. It was like nothing had ever changed! I am so happy that I chose to go a couple hours out of the way that day, because it was the last time I ever saw her. Unfortunately, I hadn't reached out to her this past year. I wasn't aware that she was sick with Pancreatic Cancer. I feel guilty for not reaching out to her for such a long period of time...but we're moving back to the East Coast soon and I thought that it would be the perfect time to reconnect then! Too little, too late.
Irene died on February 6th. Luckily for me, my Mother made it possible for me to go to her memorial. It was beautiful. Her house was packed with people who loved her, we threw Daffodils in the pool with a wish, her niece sung 'Cabaret', both of her children spoke, and then we all sang 'Irene, Goodnight'. Despite the conduct of my Grandfather during their divorce, Irene's family welcomed us with open arms. Her daughter saw me, called my nickname (Pookie) and grabbed me into a big hug. When one of Irene's grandsons asked his Mother who we (my 2 cousins and myself) were, she replied that we were Irene's 'first grandkids'. I cried and cried and cried. I still cry, thinking about her.
When someone you really love dies, it's hard not to be recognized as being related to them. In her death announcement, it mentions her 5 biological grandchildren, but there's nothing about her 4 'first grandkids'...but in the end, it's not about us at all. It's about her. I think it causes a little pang of hurt for us first grandkids to not necessarily be recognized as Irene Ritter's grandchildren by the rest of the world, but in the end, we're the lucky ones. We have 20 years of memories with a fantastic woman. Her eldest biological grandchild is 11. It makes my heart hurt so badly to think that they won't get to know her as they continue to grow. Seventy is such a young age to go. The world truly lost someone unique.
This description of her fits her to a T:
Irene's death announcement
Take a look at her artwork! Make sure you read the names...those are the best part!
Irene's Art
At the memorial, it was mentioned that Irene wanted all of her pieces to stay in the family for her Grandchildren, as she couldn't bear to think of them going anywhere else. Each stone carving was like a little piece of her soul, and she was very attached to all of them...rightfully so! Still, as a child I had always dreamed of having a piece of hers in my own house one day. It was sad to think that might never happen. So, I decided to ask. I asked that if there was anything they could ever potentially part with, to please let me know, as it would mean the world to me. Today, I talked to Irene's daughter, and my wish is coming true. I am going to have one of Irene's unfinished pieces (even leading up to the end of her life, Irene had creativity flowing out of her) and I am so grateful! Irene's daughter said that it's a bird, which I think is very fitting. She also said that Irene loved me...which I knew already, but it was still nice to hear.
Sorry that this post is a little long...but it's what's in my heart.
I think that I consider family bonds a little differently than a lot of people, because my family is so...well, jumbled? It's wonderful, and I'm so happy that I've had many people in my life who've loved me. But, it can get a little confusing! Just like many people, I have a Mom and a Dad. They divorced when I was a baby, and my Mom remarried. I have an awesome Step-dad. In fact, Jake reminds me a lot of my Step-dad! My Mom had two more daughters, giving me two fantastic half-sisters (who are totally my whole sisters). My Dad also remarried, giving me a Step-mom and two step-brothers. Then, they divorced, and I lost contact with my step-mom (whose name is also Robin) up until a few years ago (thank you, Facebook!). After that, my Dad was with a wonderful woman for about 10 years. She also has 3 kids, who are also cool. My Step-dad has a cool brother and Mom, giving me another Uncle and Grandma. My Granddad was married to Irene (they married a few years before I was born) and she was totally my Grandmother, even though we weren't related by blood. See what I mean? It's a little hard to keep track of...Jake can't even keep up if I don't explain it sometimes!
Of all of my grandparents (1 grandfather, 3 grandmothers) I really connected with Irene the most. She had this amazing talent where she could make anyone feel like they were the most special person in the room. Looking back, I think part of why she had so much energy was because she was only in her fifties when my cousins (3: 1 slightly older, 2 slightly younger) and I were young. Lots of silly songs and games, and just creativity happened around her. It didn't matter that she wasn't biologically related to me. She was AWESOME. My cousin gave her a nickname: Irene the Dream Hakeem Olijawan (shortened to Irene the Dream). She liked it when I called her Granny. I liked that too. My Grandparents lived in the coolest house, filled with artifacts from all of their travels, with a pool, and fun gardens to explore, and lots of artwork all over the place - Irene always loved art. Then, for her birthday present, she went to what she described as "art boot-camp." She loved it! She started doing stone carving, and let me tell you, she made some seriously incredible stuff.
Then, when I was around 14 or 15, they divorced. It was really hard on my cousins and me, because Irene was the best part of the Grandparent unit. It was a disappointment to all of us. After their divorce, I went and stayed with Irene for a week, and it was such an amazing trip! But as the years passed, we slowly grew out of touch. I started calling her again about 3 years ago, but I didn't want to interrupt her life. Looking back, I feel so silly thinking that! But, I still called her about the important events in my life. When I wanted to take a break from school and marry Jake, I called her for her opinion. She told me to absolutely do it. She said: go for it! Being a wife and a mother is amazing! I took comfort in having her support my decision. Then, when I drove across the country, I took a pit stop in her city. I was able to visit her for a few wonderful hours. It was like nothing had ever changed! I am so happy that I chose to go a couple hours out of the way that day, because it was the last time I ever saw her. Unfortunately, I hadn't reached out to her this past year. I wasn't aware that she was sick with Pancreatic Cancer. I feel guilty for not reaching out to her for such a long period of time...but we're moving back to the East Coast soon and I thought that it would be the perfect time to reconnect then! Too little, too late.
Irene died on February 6th. Luckily for me, my Mother made it possible for me to go to her memorial. It was beautiful. Her house was packed with people who loved her, we threw Daffodils in the pool with a wish, her niece sung 'Cabaret', both of her children spoke, and then we all sang 'Irene, Goodnight'. Despite the conduct of my Grandfather during their divorce, Irene's family welcomed us with open arms. Her daughter saw me, called my nickname (Pookie) and grabbed me into a big hug. When one of Irene's grandsons asked his Mother who we (my 2 cousins and myself) were, she replied that we were Irene's 'first grandkids'. I cried and cried and cried. I still cry, thinking about her.
When someone you really love dies, it's hard not to be recognized as being related to them. In her death announcement, it mentions her 5 biological grandchildren, but there's nothing about her 4 'first grandkids'...but in the end, it's not about us at all. It's about her. I think it causes a little pang of hurt for us first grandkids to not necessarily be recognized as Irene Ritter's grandchildren by the rest of the world, but in the end, we're the lucky ones. We have 20 years of memories with a fantastic woman. Her eldest biological grandchild is 11. It makes my heart hurt so badly to think that they won't get to know her as they continue to grow. Seventy is such a young age to go. The world truly lost someone unique.
This description of her fits her to a T:
Irene's death announcement
Take a look at her artwork! Make sure you read the names...those are the best part!
Irene's Art
At the memorial, it was mentioned that Irene wanted all of her pieces to stay in the family for her Grandchildren, as she couldn't bear to think of them going anywhere else. Each stone carving was like a little piece of her soul, and she was very attached to all of them...rightfully so! Still, as a child I had always dreamed of having a piece of hers in my own house one day. It was sad to think that might never happen. So, I decided to ask. I asked that if there was anything they could ever potentially part with, to please let me know, as it would mean the world to me. Today, I talked to Irene's daughter, and my wish is coming true. I am going to have one of Irene's unfinished pieces (even leading up to the end of her life, Irene had creativity flowing out of her) and I am so grateful! Irene's daughter said that it's a bird, which I think is very fitting. She also said that Irene loved me...which I knew already, but it was still nice to hear.
Sorry that this post is a little long...but it's what's in my heart.
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