Grace In Small Things - Part 11

A few things from today....

1. Sleeping in until noon. Pure. Bliss.

2. Making chili from scratch, and with dried beans. This is the first time I have ever used dried beans. The extra effort was worth it...it really did taste a whole lot better. Can't wait to enjoy the leftovers tomorrow!

3. Going out to run my errands in the downpour this afternoon wearing flip flops and a tank top and getting completely soaked. And totally loving it.

4. Trying a new cake recipe for the first time and having it go wrong. Upon discovering my disappointment, husband researches and finds the answer to the problem (high altitude!). We ate the cake and enjoyed it anyway.

5. Having an opportunity to use crayons, glue and glitter!

Simple Pleasures

Oh, hello lovelies!

I don't wear earrings much, but I really felt like donning a pair today. I love the somewhat vintage look of this pair. Sometimes it's fun to be a girl.

Grace In Small Things - Part 10

Yay, the rain is back!! I thoroughly enjoyed the storm today, brisk winds and all. And look what it left behind!

I saw quite a few rainbows on my drive home from work this evening, but this beauty was beaming right over our neighborhood. Rainbows are beautiful in their simplicity and they always cause the little girl in me to peek out and giggle in delight.

After the storm subsided, I went out on the deck to breath in the scent of the freshly fallen rain and to enjoy this beautiful sunset.

I went out in my pajamas and with bare feet. I kinda liked the feeling of the cold, wet wood under my feet. This is why I hate wearing shoes, folks. You completely miss out on all kinds of wonderful sensations on your toes.

The one thing that could have made this evening more enjoyable is a hot cup of tea. In fact, I think I'll go brew me a cup right now. It's never too late for a cup of tea.

When One Thing Leads To Another...

So there I was....Thursday. I was having my lunch, minding my own business when I received a text message from my sister, Amy:

"This kitten needs a home."

Accompanying the text was a photo of said kitten. Fluffy gray darling little thing.

It seems that a woman brought a litter of 8 week old kittens into the veterinary clinic where Amy works. She witnessed someone throwing them out of their truck, wrapped in a blanket, onto the side of the road and then driving off. Before this woman could get to the kittens to save them, two of them wandered out into the street and were hit by cars. But she grabbed the rest of the kittens and brought them to the clinic, where the staff was attempting to find homes for them.

It's been just over a month since we lost Lucy, and Nick and I had decided that we weren't going to get any more pets for a while. We are still so heart broken over our loss. We have Snoopy and Marbles and they are good, loving members of our family. So when I received the text from my sister, despite wanting to help, my first instinct was that it was way too soon.

On Friday Amy told me that they had found homes for all but one of the kittens, a gray female tabby. I was relieved and was feeling significantly less guilty. They'll find a home for that last one...I don't need to worry. So since I pass her clinic on the way home from work, I figured I'd stop in, bring her a coffee, and have a peek at the kitty. Just for fun. I had zero intentions of bringing her home with me.

Meet Penny.

That's right. I was a fool to think that I could look a homeless kitten in the face and not completely die from heart failure. Which I did. And before I knew it, I was on my way home with a new member of our family.

I must admit that on the way home, I was having second thoughts. In addition to wondering what the hell Nick was going to say, my heart still has not healed from the loss of Lucy and I felt like it was really too soon. This was very impulsive and I felt pangs of guilt that another kitty is taking Lucy's spot which, quite frankly, is a hole that can never be filled.

But I know that I am not replacing Lucy. She can never be replaced. And after spending the past two days with Penny, we are completely smitten. Her spunk and playfulness has already brought us lots of laughter and smiles. She follows us around and attacks our feet and all the kitty toys are out and being played with again.


She is so tiny...fits in the palms of both hands...but she has a lion-sized attitude. Her head is slightly big for her neck, which makes her more wobbly than the average kitten, and cuter to boot. And don't even get me started on her little mews. Precious.

She has already made herself more or less at home and is very keen on investigating every little inch. Marbles, as per usual, is at ease with this new presence. Snoopy on the other hand....well, he needs some time to think it over.

And Nick? Well, I'm not murdered if that is any indication. In fact, I think he's rather smitten with her as well.


So welcome to our family, Penny!

I look forward to the fun, love and mischief that is to come.

World Conquest Will Soon Be At Hand

Much to discuss. But there is so much time and so little to do!

Wait, strike that. Reverse it.

I shall make updates soon. In the meantime, here's a photo of Snoopy in which he is instructing me to do his evil bidding so that he may return to his very important task of napping.

One can't be expected to take over the world without a proper nap first.

Thy will be done, Master.

Gardening In The Rain

Well, it's still raining. And it's still chilly. It's starting to feel like Seattle around here, not at all typical June weather for Utah. I'm actually rather enjoying it. I'll admit I do miss the sunshine, but I find a window-rattling thunderstorm completely irresistible. And I don't mind not having to water the lawn, either!

Seeing as how this rain doesn't seem to have much intention of letting up any time soon (and I had some free time on my hands) I decided to get some gardening done. I grabbed a jacket, my iPod and my garden gloves and headed out in the rain.

The soil wasn't so much soil at this point as it was mud. It's been quite some time since I had an opportunity to play in the mud. I enjoyed it immensely.

I planted some bright orange and yellow French Marigolds. At least I think they're the French variety. Don't quote me on that. They're Marigolds, anyway.

I can't remember what these are called. But pretty, eh?

I wouldn't say that I have the greenest thumb, or much of an eye for design with plants. But I think our modest little garden looks just a bit brighter.

Poppet thinks so too.

We also have some lilies that are close to blooming. Look at all the buds! I'm fairly eager for these puppies to open up...then we'll really see some color!

It was lovely, and rather therapeutic, to sit out in the rain and work in the dirt while listening to my favorite music. By the time I was finished, I was soaked down to my underwear. I didn't mind one bit.

Grace In Small Things - Part 9: Fun In The Sun

Enjoyed some fun in the sun with Amy and William yesterday! We took a dip in the pool and then soaked up some rays.

I won't lie to you...I wanted to chomp just a little on that baby chub. I may have taken a nom or two when Mom wasn't looking. Shhh, don't tell!

Would you just look at that face? I believe this is William's version of "Blue Steel".

A sweet day spent with my sweetest peeps! Good talks with my sis, splashin' in the pool with my nephew and a Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki sandwich from Subway.

Can life get any better? I submit that it can not!

Grace In Small Things - Part 8

I have neglected this project for far too long! I've been taking time to reflect these past few days and have been given a lot to think about. It's time to shift focus to the positive and to once again practice gratefulness each day. So without further ado:

Five things that graced me today:

1. Waking up and falling asleep next to the love of my life and the most wonderful man I know. I am grateful for this each and every day.

2. Sitting in the dark, next to an open window, listening to a glorious thunder storm and breathing in the scent of summer rain.

3. A new and unexpected friendship, which has taken a turn for the awesome. I'm talkin' about you, Miss TLK!

4. My new cupcake earrings (I bought them in the kids section at Claire's!)

5. Nick and I going out for a shake. I rode home with my legs hanging out the window and feeling the rain on my toes.

It's the little things that all add up to make a life. What has blessed your life today?

Kitties and Cakes and Keane, Oh My.

It's only been a week since we lost our Lucy Girl, but it already seems like a distant dream. There is just no way that could have possibly happened. We still see her lurking out of the corners of our eyes sometimes. A few mornings I've caught myself about to call for her in a sing-song voice, as I did every morning. Then I remember and my heart sinks. Oh. Damn it. We miss you, little lady.

We've been very appreciative for all the kind thoughts and cards that have come our way. We are grateful to have so many people in our lives that understand what it means to love an animal and the way they get into our hearts and never ever leave. You know who you are. And we thank you.

The past week has been a bit busy, which is probably for the best (had I nothing else to do, I would have spent my time moping about the house). The Amazing Willow and I are taking a cake decorating class, and this week we completed our first project.


Here it is, people...my first proper cake. You can tell because it says so! I couldn't think of anything else to write, so I just got straight to the point. Not too shabby for a first time, eh?

The class itself was $25, which sounded like a real bargain. It wasn't until after we enrolled that we learned we'd have to buy a slew of supplies and make all our own cakes and frosting at home and from scratch. So far, we're into this thing about $100.

My cake looks like it's worth $100, doesn't it?

Anyhow, between cake class and baking cake and making enough frosting to frost the pyramids in Egypt, I've been a busy bee.

Last night Willow and I went to the Keane concert. We had purchased the tickets quite a while ago but by the time this week rolled around I quite honestly wasn't feeling like going to a concert. But as it turns out, a great time was had and I think it was good for me to get out of the house and do something fun.

We almost became the victims of road rage, enjoyed a yummy dinner, hit a car in the parking lot and froze our asses off to meet rock stars. See? Fun!

It actually was a lot of fun (see here for full details). It'd been quite a while since I'd been to a concert and it was almost cathartic to stand shoulder to shoulder in a huge crowd, all singing as loud as we can along with the band. Keane is one of my all-time favorites.

The Sound of Silence

Our little Lucy Girl is gone.

She had developed lymphoma and it began to take her quickly over the last month. We allowed her to pass away peacefully last night, and we were by her side until the very end.

Lucy was an incredible presence in our lives. She carved out a piece of our souls and that's where she lived. She completely owned us. She had a little spark about her that always brought a smile to our faces whenever she was around. She was full of little quirks (like stealing my blush brushes and hiding them under pillows) and was always so sweet and charming. And she always knew when we needed her.

There was a time about three years ago when I was not yet diagnosed with my MS, and nobody knew what was going on. Vertigo had hit and I spent 8 straight hours on the bathroom floor, puking my guts out. I was miserable and scared. Lucy did not leave my side. She layed on the floor with me and I could feel her pawing at my arm while I puked, as if in comfort and worry.

Lucy also had a very strong connection to Nick. She had complete possession of his heart and her happiest place was wherever he was. She'd spend a lot of time with him in the computer room, lounging on the back of the chair or in his lap. She also loved to sprawl across his desk, usually taking up the entire mouse pad or otherwise hindering his room to work. But he never minded.

Lucy rarely slept on the bed while we were in it (I think we moved around too much for her liking), but when she did she was pressed up tightly against Nick. After Nick came home from his knee surgery, she slept with him every night for the first few weeks.

Lucy had a series of nicknames over the years. Lucy somehow changed into Lucy La La. Then I started calling her Lucy McGuilicutty (like from the I Love Lucy show). Sometimes Nick would come home and call out "Lucy, I'm home" in the Ricky Ricardo accent. Then somehow Lucy McGuilicutty changed into Magilla Gorilla (that old Hannah Barbara caratoon). The Gorilla Girl. Then Gorilla Snacks or sometimes just Snacks for short (honestly, I don't know how snacks got involved). But the one that always stuck, and will be forever and always, is Lucy Girl.

Lucy has left a giant hole in our hearts. The sound of her not being here is so very loud. And everywhere we look we see where she used to lay in sunbeams or her favorite spot to look out the window or where she clawed up the carpet on the corner of the stairs.

There are three food dishes still. Even though it kills me to look at them, I'm not yet ready to put one away.


We love you, Lucy. We will miss your spark and your sass and your sweet little touch. And while our hearts ache, we are comforted that you are at peace and are no longer suffering. Thank you for all that you gave us.

Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog

A 43- minute musical film, written and directed (and music) by Joss Whedon! (You know, the Buffy the Vampire Slayer/Firefly guy!)

Starring Neil Patrick Harris! And probably some other people!

I know, I know...I'm probably like the last person to hear about this as apparently it was sort of an internet sensation. What can I say, sometimes I live in a bubble. But my bubble has been popped and I don't know about you, but nothing says comedy like a singing super-villain. A Neil Patrick Harris singing super-villain.




I also learned that, due to it's popularity, this video has been released on DVD with commentary by Joss Whedon. Brilliantly, the commentary was also done in musical form. It rhymes and everything.

Sweet.

Return From Wonderland

Wow, where have I been?

Down the proverbial rabbit hole.

March and April were not kind months. We had some pretty big changes, I faced a few new health issues and we received some grim news. Something about all this...be it the events themselves, the combination of so many things happening at once or just a roll of the dice...triggered some major anxiety. I found myself in a constant state of amplified stress and anxiety. This completely snowballed, building on itself and intensifying as the days went on.



The thing about anxiety is that it tends to amplify everything. Even the smallest tasks can seem like a mountain to climb and all logic, like Elvis, has left the building. I had no means within me to make even the simplest decision or to enjoy the things I love most without becoming completely overwhelmed; I hadn't picked up my camera or a spatula in weeks. Furthermore, the smallest changes (like a new haircut, for example) was enough to trigger a full-on panic attack.

The specifics of how this process gets triggered is still a mystery to me and I have yet to discover a solid pattern. But I do know that my predisposition to this disorder is entirely biological. It goes back generations.

But it is what it is. I could feel it coming on and attempted to prepare myself and my husband, but had no inkling as to how intense, or how drawn out, this episode was going to be. It's been physically and emotionally exhausting. I resorted to relying on a combination of Valium and energy drinks to make it through the day. I was listening to a lot of Morrissey.

Ultimately, some events resolved. Conversations were had. Tears were shed and a weight was lifted. And at last I can feel myself coming down off this bastard of an emotional roller coaster.

* * * * *

Today I went out to my garden and picked some Tulips. A little friend came too.

We laid on the grass together, relishing in the sun and the earth, and I heard a little voice say ever so quietly "ah...there you are!".

And I smiled.

Birthday Shout Out!

Happy Birthday to one of the most creative gals I know! I am loving your designs! You are really inspiring me to get off my butt and get back to stitching. Thank you for your friendship and support...it means the world!

I wish you a very lovely birthday, full of sunshine, good people
and hopefully some cake!!

Love,
Niki


P.S. If you haven't already, you should really check out her darling vinyl creations as well as her kick ass iPod and camera cases. As soon as Lent is over, I'm getting this one!

Caution: Massive Cuteness Ahead

Spent a lovely afternoon yesterday with my sister, Amy, and my nephew, William. He's nearly 4-months-old and is getting cuter and chubbier by the day.

OMG, Cute!


Oh boy...the pouty face. I hear ya, bud. Sometimes the world just isn't right.



But then mommy kisses your toes and all is well once more!


*sigh* If only life could stay this simple. Although no one has kissed my toes in a while. Maybe I should give it a try, see if it helps. This could be the hidden answer. Quick, somebody write the President!

Pay It Forward

This is how it works..... The first 3 people to leave a comment on this post will receive a hand made gift from me during this year. When and what will be a surprise. BUT, in order for you to leave a comment on my blog, you have to post this on your blog first (if you don't have a blog, your myspace or facebook works too). That means that sometime during this year you will send a gift to 3 people as well. Get it? Let's spread some happy!

I was lucky enough to be one of the first three commenters on my friend Angie's blog. Along with her kindness, thoughtfulness and brilliant sense of humor, Angie is also super creative. She makes some fabulous bead creations. Just look what I received from her as my Pay It Forward handmade gift:


Wow! I absolutely love it! The color combination is so bright and uplifting. The silver beads say "harmony" and "balance", two things I am currently focusing on improving in my life. And now I have a beautiful reminder to wear every day, not only of my intentions, but also of my friend!

Thank you again, Angie!

Sometimes I Amaze Myself

So during my morning routine on Wednesday I discovered that I was just about out of facial moisturizer.

Crap.

I also remembered that I made a commitment to not purchase anything during the season of Lent.

Double crap.

My skin is fairly dry in the Winter months and I really need a good moisturizer to avoid looking 20 years older than I actually am. I thought briefly about just bagging the whole thing, but then remembered that Lent is about sacrifice and I wasn't going to give up because of my vanity. I made a commitment and I was going to stick to it. So I turned to the internet to research recipes for home made facial moisturizer.

I found plenty of decent looking concoctions, but I didn't have all of the ingredients required to make them on hand. There were, however, two common components that kept popping up: aloe vera and grapeseed oil.

Upon further research, I found that both elements were highly moisturizing and had anti-bacterial and regenerative properties, which made them ideal for use on the face. I also found that these two ingredients were in the store-bought moisturizer I was already using. Best yet, I had both of them under my bathroom sink.

So I grabbed a small, clean jar and a kitchen spoon and started mixing, adding and stirring until the consistency felt about right. Here's what I ended up with:

4 parts aloe vera
2 parts grapeseed oil
2 drops of pure essential oil for fragrance (I used ylang ylang..it smells so fresh!)

I've been using this morning and night since Wednesday and, much to my surprise, I LOVE IT!! I think this concoction actually moisturizes better than my store-bought cream. It absorbs quickly, is non-irritating and I haven't seen one sign of a breakout.

It's also not bad on my hands and feet.

I have to admit, I'm a bit pleased with myself. I never thought I'd actually try making stuff like this at home, let alone put it on my face. But I stuck to my commitment and as a result, discovered something pretty neat (well, I think it's neat) and was able to find an effective solution without hitting the store!

Pretty In Pink

I rummaged through my cupboards last night looking for something to do. I found a cherry chip cake mix and two tubs of frosting, one cherry and one cream cheese. Perfect.

The cherry flavor frosting is very reminiscent of the old Bonne Bell cherry lip balm. I enjoyed it enormously.


Though really, you can't go wrong with classic cream cheese frosting. Delightful. Guess how many I ate...

When I wasn't baking and frosting and putting pink sprinkles on things, I spent the rest of my day purging. I sorted out all the clothes and make-up I'm not using, dividing it up between what will be donated and what is trash. I was amazed at how much stuff I have that I'm not even using! Half of it, I didn't even know where it came from and some of it still had the tags on. Nice.

As a result, I have six bags of clothing to go to the Road Home this week. There are plenty of women who could really use these clothes; it's wasted far too much time in my closet. I also went through our medicine and tossed loads of expired cold remedies.

Ahhh, I love purging! It's so therapeutic.

Lent

I haven't participated in the Christian tradition of Lent since...well, ever. Though I was baptized and raised a Roman Catholic, our participation only went far enough to satisfy our traditionally Catholic grandmother. And while I'm no longer an active participant in the Catholic church (organized religion just isn't my cup of tea), I still find value and significance in some of the traditional practices.

The period of Lent denotes the forty days preceding Easter, beginning on Ash Wednesday. It is a time of soul-searching and repentance, and of reflection, taking stock and sacrifice. During this period, we voluntarily give up (or fast from) something in which we find pleasure as a means of returning to simplicity and purity, and to identify with Christ's sufferings.

Now personally, I don't feel that one need be a religious individual to participate in this Spring ritual of renewal. I think we can all benefit from a bit of sacrifice and reflecting on our lives. In these times of war and economic strife, I feel it is particularly important to take stock and be mindful of our blessings and to center ourselves around what truly matters.

So after some thought, I'm choosing to give up buying. That is to say, the act of spending money and the acquisition of possessions. It is far too easy for me to buy something just because I want it....a new shirt I happen to pass by or a new purse, a new facial cleanser even though I already have some, just grabbing lunch out instead of eating the food in the house I've already purchased, etc...and I'm choosing to give up this self-indulgent behavior.

Until Easter Sunday, I shall not spend a penny on anything (save for groceries*) or acquire any new possessions. This includes any health and beauty aids, entertainment and cleaning supplies. I'll just need to make good use of what I already have, and employ some ingenuity and creativity. No more Jamba Juice, no more Starbucks Chai Frappuccino's (ouch!), and I can kiss that cute bag I saw at work yesterday goodbye.

My husband is not participating in this, however he is supportive of me even though it means not going out to the movies or dinner until Easter ("Lent goes until Easter? Yikes, I thought it was a week!"). He's a good man. And there are still plenty of ways for us to entertain ourselves without spending any money. Like I said...creativity!

Anyone else participating in Lent? What are you giving up?


*And yes, I realize Lent traditionally includes the practice of fasting. Given my health issues, however, I'm not sure that would be entirely wise. Though for the sake of Lent, I'm defining "groceries" as essential meal ingredients. So I'll be fasting from Oreo's, Goldfish crackers, chips and salsa and the like. It's gonna be tough!

Givin' Props To A Creative Gal

I'm linking to this post on my friend Bekah's blog not only because I want to win one of her fabulous creations (oh please pick me!), but because I want to spread the word about what a clever, creative and stylish gal she is!

She does some darling things with vinyl, which you can see at her Spell It Out Designs blog.

And you must must must check out her hand-made iPod/phone/camera cases at her Needle Pin Productions etsy store, which were recently featured on TV:

(Bekah's bit starts at the 5:00 minute mark)

I gotta get me one of those! Anyway, check her out!

Good News / Bad News

Good news first.

I finally spoke with my neurologist today. My MRI comparisons actually showed no significant changes in the progress of my disease. There are still some active lesions going on, but nothing new. This was great news! And it gave me the confirmation I needed to go forward with the treatment plan I was leaning towards.

I did a lot of research on the new medication she suggested for me. I read forty different patient experiences on this drug and spoke to five people I know personally who are currently taking it or have taken it. I got very little positive feedback. Most people experienced side effects that were bad enough to hinder daily function. Of those who chose to stay on the treatment, they had been in much worse shape prior to starting the treatment (some were struggling to walk) and this drug made a significant improvement in their ability to move and function. They felt the trade off on the side effects was worth it. And I would be inclined to agree.

However, I am not quite so progressed. While I definitely struggle with certain physical activities, the side effects, I feel, have the potential to put me in a worse state than I'm in now. I simply can't justify making myself feel worse and I want to feel as good as I can for as long as I can.

As such, Nick and I felt we wanted to give the treatment I was originally on another try. Our research found that the reactions I was having were not uncommon and they seemed to be innocuous. My doctor agreed that there was most likely no harm in giving it another go. If I have more problems, it's time to move on. But I feel it's worth a shot. So we're moving ahead. Whew!

Okay, now the bad news.

As I'd mentioned previously, I was torn over the decision to take a new job. The new job would mean some sacrifices, most notably a huge cut in pay. But it would get me off my feet and offered amazing benefits. After much agonizing, praying, and even a tarot reading, I decided I would accept the job were it offered to me. And it was looking good. They asked me in for an interview, after which they gave me a tour of the building and even the benefits packet which contained all the options available and their costs. They called all of my references over the last few days, and it was sounding like they were definitely interested. I was getting excited for this new venture.

Today, however, I received their form letter in my email explaining that they did not feel I was right for the position at this time. Bugger. Seemed odd to me that they would go to all that effort if I wasn't right for the job. But...the job market is saturated right now. There may very well have been someone else more qualified. Or more in need. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't awfully disappointed, but perhaps it just wasn't meant to be right now.

Still, all things considered, I'm feeling pretty good. My energy levels have been inexplicably up the last few weeks, which has also significantly buoyed my spirits. It's been a long time since I could adequately make it through the day at work, and I've been able to make it up the stairs without help once I get home. I've even had the energy to cook dinner. Talk about the little things. But it's been a long time since I've felt this good, and I'm going to appreciate every little bit.

Happy Valentines Day!

Me: "So what sounds good for lunch today, honey?"

Nick: "Brains."

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend!

Cake or Death

Decisions.

Decisions, decisions, decisions.

I'm not a fan of decisions. Ask anyone who knows me, they'll tell you. I don't care to be put in charge of deciding anything. Lunch? You pick. Movie? Whatever tickles your fancy. Blue or pink? Why choose...get both.

So it should come as little surprise that I am having a dickens of a time with two major decisions that lay before me.

I'm still up in the air on the results of my recent MRI, which is subsequently delaying my treatment decision. Whether or not the results will sway my choice, I don't really know, but it probably couldn't hurt.

I don't like having to choose, let alone having to choose between the lesser of two, or in this case, three evils, which are as follows:

- Go back on my original treatment and hope that the sudden onslaught of reactions was a fluke or the result of a poor batch of medicine

- Try a new treatment that may stave off disability but at the cost of potentially rendering me non-functional due to the severe side effects

- Do nothing and hope for the best.

If only it could be a bit more cut and dry...



I also have a job interview coming up this Friday. It's with a highly acclaimed and stable company and offers much better hours, affordable benefits, and will be much less physically demanding. The one downside is that it's a significant cut in pay. Our medical expenses have already been much higher than last year, and we're only in February. And a new insurance brings with it fresh new deductibles. So taking this job would mean more expenses on less income. But it has the serious potential to stave off the loony bin much longer than my current job.

Maybe I could run some computer simulations...



One thing is clear, however. Eventually, I'll make a choice. And I know that, even if the outcome is not ideal, my head probably won't fall off. We'll find a way to manage.

But can't I just have cake?

A Bit of Poppet Wisdom

(image courtesy Slaughterhouse Studios)

In these troubled times, I think we should all be focusing on getting back to the basics.

Lisa Snellings is a truly talented and visionary artist. And I think Poppets are about the coolest things on the planet. Check them out!

And let them remind us to use the Golden Rule every day.

Maneki Neko

Maneki Neko literally translates to "Beckoning Cat", but is also known as "Welcoming Cat" or "Lucky Cat". This common Japanese sculpture is believed to bring luck to the owner.

This little dude was given to me by my dear friend Angie, to bring me luck and good health. Isn't she a gem? I'll take all the luck I can get! Thanks, friend!

The Power of Stupid

The following conversation took place during a phone call I received from a nurse at my neurologists office:

Nurse: I'm just calling to let you know we have the results of your MRI.

Me: Oh, good.

Nurse: It looks like there have been changes in the MS.

Me: I see. So, what exactly does that mean?

Nurse: Well. I don't exactly know.

Me: Uh...

Nurse: The thing is, you were supposed to take the copies of your previous scans Dr. Banks gave you to the imaging center so they could make a comparative evaluation.

Me: Um, no...I was not instructed to bring any copies of my previous scans nor did the imaging center ask for any. And Dr. Banks didn't give me the copies. They should still be in my chart.

Nurse: No, she said she gave them to you.

Me: No, we looked at them at my appointment last week. They're in my chart.

Nurse: Let me just....oh! Well look at that, they're right here. Huh. Well, Dr. Banks isn't back in the office until Monday, so I'll have to check with her and see what she wants to do and go from there. I'll call you back on Monday.


Yes, wonderful. Call me back on Monday. And thank you for calling today to give me absolutely NO useful information, but just enough to cause me worry. "Changes in the MS". What the fuck does that mean? Did she seriously not expect any follow up questions to that vague statement?

I am seriously losing my patience with the stupidity and the incompetence of these health care "professionals". Not only does my doctor not have the decency to deliver my test results in person, but she gives the assignment to an individual who hasn't been provided with adequate information and who isn't qualified to answer any of my questions. Genius!

Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life

An easy notion to forget, particularly when you've had a crap day before 10am. I won't go into the details, but let's just say I needed some cheering up. And fast.

The blokes of Monty Python are the very epitome of silliness and embody the idea that life is a bunch of shit, so let's make fun of it.

Yes. Lets!







And let's not forget this classic.

I feel better now, don't you?

Aw, Baby Photos!

As I've said before, I can't get enough of my little nephew. He's just getting to that stage where he's starting to smile a bit and become curious with the world.

Just look at this wee little smile.

He can't get enough of that hand. Looks tasty, no?

Whoa, kid packs a mean right hook. Put up your dukes!

Dude, are you guys seeing this? It's trippin' me out, man!

I don't know what he was looking at there, but all I'm looking at are those nomable cheeks. I want to chomp on them just a little!

Superbowl Sunday Coca-Cola Cupcakes!

So hey, it's Superbowl XI something something something! How shall I celebrate? With baking, of course!

I'm not a fan of football. I don't know the difference between a field goal and a touchdown, nor could I tell you one single rule of the game (apparently it's legal to bash other players in the face with your elbow, I saw some of that going on). But we were invited to a Superbowl party with some family, and I figured if they would be there then perhaps I could tolerate the ludicrous display of testosterone that is football. And it was an ideal excuse to whip out the flour and sugar and add some girliness to the day.

Now I love themes. I make Red Velvet cupcakes for Valentines, patriotic cupcakes for the Fourth of July, etc. But what on earth could I do for the Superbowl? Then I found this recipe for Cola cake from the fine people at Coca-Cola. Perfect.

Our family does enjoy their Coke, and I figured a dessert made with a beverage that can rust a nail was about as manly as I could bake. Not to mention Coke would probably be featured in every other commercial throughout the game. It seemed like a match made in heaven. Well, in my oven.


Aside from the typical sugar, flour, egg, butter, etc., the recipe also called for marshmallows and buttermilk, and for the Coke to be boiled with the butter (along with the cocoa) before adding to the dry ingredients. Huh. I believe this was to melt the marshmallows, but it still took a good 10 minutes of stirring before they all melted.

When it was all said and mixed, the batter tasted rather strange. Not bad, just different. But when they came out of the oven....


Boy, howdy! They weren't half bad! I chose to use prepared vanilla frosting, in lieu of the Cola frosting suggested in the recipe, purely as a time saver. Also, I just really like vanilla frosting and thought it would make a nice contrast with the dark cupcake and chocolate sprinkles. I do love sprinkles.

And people seemed to enjoy them. And, much to my own surprise, I kind of enjoyed the game. Kind of. I still can't say I care much for football, but I must admit that 100 yard run in the second quarter was pretty awesome.

So would I make these again? Probably. I definitely got some compliments on them. Though I would have liked to have had red cupcake papers, kind of like a Coke can. See what I mean about me and themes? I might also like to pipe the frosting on, rather than spread it. And maybe use some red sprinkles....I could go on and on.

Hope everyone had a great Sunday, whether you're a Steelers fan or not!