In case I'm away for the next week or something, it's because I'm about to have some surgery tomorrow morning. A laparoscopy and hysteroscopy to be specific and technical.
Or, you know, in regular words: a surgery for my doctor to burn off all the endometriosis and get rid of some tissue in my uterus that's making it the wrong shape.
So I will be getting anesthesia out of my system and/or on pain medication this weekend. That's either like losing three days of your life or getting the best and deepest kind of sleep you've ever had.
I'll go with the restful sleep scenario.
Anywho, I had to stop eating this morning at 10:30. And just to be clear, that's 24 hours before the actual surgery. While I figure that after they stick that IV in and get the anesthesia in my system I won't much care that my stomach is empty, right now? Right this minute? I feel I am starving.
But then I read this. You might say it made me realize that going without food for a day is nothing.
There are people all over who are going for days (that's plural) with nothing to eat. You can help.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Farming in the Suburbs
OK, the garden.
I realize an update is long overdue, so here you go:
While John has gone above and beyond digging this garden and putting in a limestone border and stepping stones, I have dutifully bought just the right selection of plants for this time of year and quickly researched the correct plant placement in a garden of this particular size (which basically boils down to thumbing through multiple library books I borrowed, looking at the pretty pictures, then asking my dad, "So, how should I put these plants in this garden?").
Thank goodness for dads who know about gardening!
Then we planted the little vegetables: tomatoes, green and red bell peppers, zucchini and yellow squash.
And I would just like to say that so far? All those plants? They're still alive. A few of them might even be a bit bigger than they were two weeks ago. Thank you very much.
But just to stay humble, I admit that some of the leaves are turning yellow, most likely from over watering. Unfortunately, just as I decided to let up on the watering the sky decided to deluge my garden (and maybe the surrounding 100 square miles) with a torrential rain...for two days...or, you know, the rest of this week.
Come next weekend I will let you all know if the plants have survived.
Furthermore, I have re-planted herbs in my herb garden.
Except for the cilantro (which is, by the way, is also turning yellow!), I planted seeds. (OK, well, the oregano and rosemary have been in that bed practically since we moved into the house, so really I mean I planted basil and thyme seeds.)
Guess what?
Tiny basil and thyme plants are sprouting!!! And in case you're not catching the enthusiasm, I absolutely LOVE putting seeds in the ground and watching living things sprout right out of the dirt and grow into huge plants! It's fabulous!
Are you excited?!?
(The reason I'm so optimistic about the herbs is because I've done herbs before this way and it has always worked out. I imagine herbs are heartier than vegetables. We'll see if the vegetables prove themselves after all the water abuse.)
If the garden actually does produce something edible, I can guarantee grand schemes of farming the entire backyard will soon be in my head: strawberries, spinach, broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes, onions, greens, peas, green beans, blueberries, corn. Heck, do you think we could start an orchard in the side yard? What about a farmer's market? Or a cafe? We could become professional farmers! Where would we put the chicken coop?
Umm, alright. Getting carried away. I'll just focus on my current crop's survival.
Can you call it a crop when there are only four vegetables?
If garden-talk isn't getting you excited, you might want to spend some time reading the great blogs being written right from India this week. I was especially moved by Anne's.
I realize an update is long overdue, so here you go:
While John has gone above and beyond digging this garden and putting in a limestone border and stepping stones, I have dutifully bought just the right selection of plants for this time of year and quickly researched the correct plant placement in a garden of this particular size (which basically boils down to thumbing through multiple library books I borrowed, looking at the pretty pictures, then asking my dad, "So, how should I put these plants in this garden?").
Thank goodness for dads who know about gardening!
Then we planted the little vegetables: tomatoes, green and red bell peppers, zucchini and yellow squash.
And I would just like to say that so far? All those plants? They're still alive. A few of them might even be a bit bigger than they were two weeks ago. Thank you very much.
But just to stay humble, I admit that some of the leaves are turning yellow, most likely from over watering. Unfortunately, just as I decided to let up on the watering the sky decided to deluge my garden (and maybe the surrounding 100 square miles) with a torrential rain...for two days...or, you know, the rest of this week.
Come next weekend I will let you all know if the plants have survived.
Furthermore, I have re-planted herbs in my herb garden.
Except for the cilantro (which is, by the way, is also turning yellow!), I planted seeds. (OK, well, the oregano and rosemary have been in that bed practically since we moved into the house, so really I mean I planted basil and thyme seeds.)
Guess what?
Tiny basil and thyme plants are sprouting!!! And in case you're not catching the enthusiasm, I absolutely LOVE putting seeds in the ground and watching living things sprout right out of the dirt and grow into huge plants! It's fabulous!
Are you excited?!?
(The reason I'm so optimistic about the herbs is because I've done herbs before this way and it has always worked out. I imagine herbs are heartier than vegetables. We'll see if the vegetables prove themselves after all the water abuse.)
If the garden actually does produce something edible, I can guarantee grand schemes of farming the entire backyard will soon be in my head: strawberries, spinach, broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes, onions, greens, peas, green beans, blueberries, corn. Heck, do you think we could start an orchard in the side yard? What about a farmer's market? Or a cafe? We could become professional farmers! Where would we put the chicken coop?
Umm, alright. Getting carried away. I'll just focus on my current crop's survival.
Can you call it a crop when there are only four vegetables?
If garden-talk isn't getting you excited, you might want to spend some time reading the great blogs being written right from India this week. I was especially moved by Anne's.
Friday, April 17, 2009
A Fount of Informative Information
It is a rainy, rainy day here! I have desperately wanted to take a nap all day, but alas, that was not meant to be today.
(Instead I'm choosing to post some information that is random, yet interesting and...ummm...informative, which I suppose is the definition of "information".)
(And now, after that enlightening paragraph, we are all witnesses to the wonders that a nap would have done me this afternoon but did not.)
1. A group of folks who love the idea of releasing children from poverty are leaving on a Compassion blogging trip to India in seven days. If you've been reading this blog, you'll know that we took a Compassion trip to Uganda last year to visit the boy we sponsor. While we did some live blogging on our trip, I can guarantee these bloggers will have more high-tech, professional posts.
Because they blog for millions. I blog for tens.
Feel free to visit their blogs and take a virtual trip to India:
2. John and I were part of Church Under the Bridge in Waco during college. We still keep in touch with the pastor and his wife and really miss worshiping with people of all backgrounds, races, socio-economic groups, and cultures under an interstate bridge. For those of you interested in what this experience is like, RELEVANT Magazine has an article you can read to catch a glimpse of this (unfortunately) unique church.
3. My dinner tonight will consist of leftovers, but I wanted to share the recipe with you all because these are my absolute favorite meatballs. Instead of breadcrumbs, I use some oatmeal and cornflake crumbs (mostly because I'm not eating wheat anymore). And I do believe these are tastier with ground turkey rather than ground beef, but that is my humble opinion.
Oh, and I much prefer couscous to rice. Again, personal preference.
(Instead I'm choosing to post some information that is random, yet interesting and...ummm...informative, which I suppose is the definition of "information".)
(And now, after that enlightening paragraph, we are all witnesses to the wonders that a nap would have done me this afternoon but did not.)
1. A group of folks who love the idea of releasing children from poverty are leaving on a Compassion blogging trip to India in seven days. If you've been reading this blog, you'll know that we took a Compassion trip to Uganda last year to visit the boy we sponsor. While we did some live blogging on our trip, I can guarantee these bloggers will have more high-tech, professional posts.
Because they blog for millions. I blog for tens.
Feel free to visit their blogs and take a virtual trip to India:
2. John and I were part of Church Under the Bridge in Waco during college. We still keep in touch with the pastor and his wife and really miss worshiping with people of all backgrounds, races, socio-economic groups, and cultures under an interstate bridge. For those of you interested in what this experience is like, RELEVANT Magazine has an article you can read to catch a glimpse of this (unfortunately) unique church.
3. My dinner tonight will consist of leftovers, but I wanted to share the recipe with you all because these are my absolute favorite meatballs. Instead of breadcrumbs, I use some oatmeal and cornflake crumbs (mostly because I'm not eating wheat anymore). And I do believe these are tastier with ground turkey rather than ground beef, but that is my humble opinion.
Oh, and I much prefer couscous to rice. Again, personal preference.
Moroccan Meatballs
Serves 4
1 c. fresh bread crumbs
1/3 c. milk
2 Tbs. olive oil
1 med. Onion, finely chopped
2 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
¼ tsp. cayenne
28 oz. can diced tomatoes
Kosher salt
black pepper
1 lb. ground beef or turkey
2/3 c. finely chopped cilantro
Combine the breadcrumbs and milk in bowl and let sit 5 min. Meanwhile, heat oil in heavy 10” skillet over med. heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 min. Add 1 tsp. cumin, the cinnamon and 1/8 tsp. cayenne and cook 30 seconds. Add tomatoes and their juices, 1 c. water, and ½ tsp. salt. Bring to boil. Lower heat and simmer 15 minutes.
While sauce simmers prepare meatballs; Mash breadcrumbs and milk with fork to smooth paste. Add beef (or turkey or combo), remaining 1 tsp. cumin, half of the cilantro, 1 ½ tsp. salt, several grinds of pepper, and the remaining 1/8 tsp. cayenne to the breadcrumbs. Mix with hands until thoroughly combined. Roll couple of Tbs. into 1 ½” balls (about 30 balls). Nestle meat balls into the sauce, cover and cook 10 min. Remove lid and continue to simmer for another 5 min. to thicken sauce. Stir in remaining cilantro and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
All the Celebration!
It's almost too much!
Easter Sunday was also my birthday, and Monday was our anniversary. We had family in town for all the celebrations and got together with more family for Easter. Seeing as this was a "milestone" birthday for me and I was a little depressed and grieving some of the ways I thought my life would be at this point and it's not, it was a welcome relief to have loved ones around for the weekend!
I do indeed have an update on the garden experiment, but you'll just have to wait with baited breathe for a later date when I have time to give that post the justice it is due.
For today, I'd like to say that spending time with my almost 22-month-old nephew was the best birthday gift I could have asked for! In case I haven't mentioned it (you know, twice or 73 times before now), he is the sweetest, happiest, funniest, cutest little boy in the world.
(That is not a subjective opinion in any way! Oh no. Just ask anyone who's met him.)
I also want to give a shout out to my wonderful husband who came home from work on our anniversary bearing these:
Yep. You can all be jealous. Despite the trials and grief we're going through with the infertility, my marriage to J is a definite highlight in my life!
Easter Sunday was also my birthday, and Monday was our anniversary. We had family in town for all the celebrations and got together with more family for Easter. Seeing as this was a "milestone" birthday for me and I was a little depressed and grieving some of the ways I thought my life would be at this point and it's not, it was a welcome relief to have loved ones around for the weekend!
I do indeed have an update on the garden experiment, but you'll just have to wait with baited breathe for a later date when I have time to give that post the justice it is due.
For today, I'd like to say that spending time with my almost 22-month-old nephew was the best birthday gift I could have asked for! In case I haven't mentioned it (you know, twice or 73 times before now), he is the sweetest, happiest, funniest, cutest little boy in the world.
(That is not a subjective opinion in any way! Oh no. Just ask anyone who's met him.)
I also want to give a shout out to my wonderful husband who came home from work on our anniversary bearing these:
Yep. You can all be jealous. Despite the trials and grief we're going through with the infertility, my marriage to J is a definite highlight in my life!
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Happy Birthday to Me!
It's not quite my birthday yet, but I already have my birthday gift from John: a vegetable garden!
Actually, his part was the digging up and preparing of the plot where the garden will be. I get to plant it and take care of it. (And, yes, it really honesty is something I want to do. What can I say? Call me "Plant Girl".)
(OK, don't. At least not yet. Let's see if I can actually keep plants growing and produce some kind of harvest first, shall we? OK.)
I figure every once in a while you need to start a new hobby. And what with the "tough economic times" and the price of food going up, this hobby couldn't get started at a better time!
I have some photographic documentation of my birthday gift in progress over the last two weekends.
Here we have the area after being mowed and weed-eated (is that a word?) to rid the plot of as much extraneous grass (aka "weeds") as possible.
The ground has now been tilled and a trench dug around the outside to accommodate the limestone border.
Isn't John doing a great job making sure the limestone is level and everything?
Now it's time to mix up the dirt. Oh, sorry. I've just been reminded that it is "soil", not dirt. I'm sure it's all a very specific mixture of organic material, peat moss, top soil, and sand but there is definitely a reason I am not the one out there with a till, a rake, and a shovel. I do not want to understand the science of soil. I just want to plant things and watch them grow.
And hopefully reap the harvest of our own organic vegetables. Someday soon.
Ta-da! It is ready to be planted.
Since next weekend really is my birthday, I will happily visit some nurseries and purchase my plants and/or seeds. More documentation of the vegetable garden experiment is sure to come.
Actually, his part was the digging up and preparing of the plot where the garden will be. I get to plant it and take care of it. (And, yes, it really honesty is something I want to do. What can I say? Call me "Plant Girl".)
(OK, don't. At least not yet. Let's see if I can actually keep plants growing and produce some kind of harvest first, shall we? OK.)
I figure every once in a while you need to start a new hobby. And what with the "tough economic times" and the price of food going up, this hobby couldn't get started at a better time!
I have some photographic documentation of my birthday gift in progress over the last two weekends.
Here we have the area after being mowed and weed-eated (is that a word?) to rid the plot of as much extraneous grass (aka "weeds") as possible.
The ground has now been tilled and a trench dug around the outside to accommodate the limestone border.
Isn't John doing a great job making sure the limestone is level and everything?
Now it's time to mix up the dirt. Oh, sorry. I've just been reminded that it is "soil", not dirt. I'm sure it's all a very specific mixture of organic material, peat moss, top soil, and sand but there is definitely a reason I am not the one out there with a till, a rake, and a shovel. I do not want to understand the science of soil. I just want to plant things and watch them grow.
And hopefully reap the harvest of our own organic vegetables. Someday soon.
Ta-da! It is ready to be planted.
Since next weekend really is my birthday, I will happily visit some nurseries and purchase my plants and/or seeds. More documentation of the vegetable garden experiment is sure to come.
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