Hungry kids

Sunday, April 15, 2012

I just watched the documentary Hunger Hits Home, and I'm typing this through tears.

I'm about to tell you something I've never talked about on Spark before, and given that I weigh around 400 pounds, you may find it hard to believe.

I used to be that kid. I was one of five, and there frequently not enough food, or poor quality food. Mind you, there was enough for my parents' alcohol and my mother's cigarettes, even though we sometimes were hungry and we had to wear canvas shoes during the rainy season. I once innocently asked my mother why we didn't apply for food stamps and she said, "That's like ADMITTING you're poor." Well, duh -- we were! If my kids were hungry I'd starve myself to death to feed them. Cigarettes? Booze? Give me a freakin' break!

And even as an adult, I've had people grab food away from me all my life. Either because they wanted it or, as so many told me, "you're fat enough." Once at a baseball game I bought myself ONE hot dog. My father and brother took turns grabbing it away from me and I got exactly one bite. Neither bought me a replacement. My MIL would shame me into taking fourths one day ("What, my food isn't good enough for you?"). Then the next day she'd grab food off my plate and tell me, "You're disgusting enough, you're so fat." This happened more often than you might think.

So now The Guilties are paying a Saturday night visit. When I get paid on Friday I'm making a donation to Share Our Strength to help feed kids, and I'm signing them up for my office's Matching Gifts program. But The Guilties tell me it's not enough. Like, if I spend my tax money on my kitchen, then I'm choosing my toys over feeding hungry kids. I feel like if I have even one spare penny and someone else is in need, I have an obligation to give. My father's deadliest weapon was the word "selfish." I dreaded it even more than the leather belt he used to beat me with.

I'm still haunted by an incident when I was a teenager. I was sixteen, living in L.A., and I was an eager campaign volunteer for Tom Bradley, the first African-American mayor of Los Angeles (the airport was later named for him). One day, as I arrived at campaign headquaters, an elderly woman approached me. She stared at me for a moment, then said, "I haven't eaten in three days." When I didn't say anything, she eventually walked away. I had exactly two dollars in my purse, and more than forty years later I'm kicking myself for not giving them to her. I know, I know -- I was a kid, and she could have been lying to me. But I wonder if my dollar or two would have helped her.

I was raised to believe that I'm responsible for absolutely everybody else (literally -- my parents told me that as the oldest, I was totally responsible for the actions of the other four). I don't want to stop caring, but where's the balance?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

AUNTIEA1959 4/17/2012 4:50PM

Mary - I cried during that show as well & now I'm crying again for the little girl who went hungry while ciggarettes & alchohol took precedence. 1st DO NOT feel guilty - for any part of what has happened in the past. I also was raised to "give til it hurts" & "think of the starving kids in ...." so I cannot pass a Salvation army kettle at Christmas without putting in a dollar (yes I carry a wad of singles during the holidays just for this pupose) but as far as the person on the street coming up to ask for money? well I have been burned too many times to believe everyone - I even gave a kid $5 once so he could get something to eat only to see him give it to an adult who then bought cigarettes! I would say to give money or food donations to your local food pantries or charitable groups that feed the homeless. speaking of which - get your new kitchen - you have worked hard to earn the money & you deserve to be happy too! but if you want to give to others as well call the food banks or soup kitchens & let them know you would like to donate some home cooked food or baked goods - I'm sure there must be a group out there that would love to have your donations. please Mary don't forget yourself in your desire to help others, you need to be the first place your help goes - then out to others. after all - charity begins at home. Report Inappropriate Comment

NASFKAB 4/17/2012 4:33AM

great blog thought provoking ypu are wonderful sp caring & loving s others have said you can give your time & ability money may be useful but depriving yourse;f is wrong Report Inappropriate Comment

LADILADIDA 4/16/2012 9:38AM

Two things come to mind as I read your blog post: 1) The airplane instructions for a mother to put on her oxygen mask first, then her child's 2) Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach a man to fish and you feed him for life. Number 1, taking care of yourself and loving yourself puts yourself in a better position to care for others and give more later. Having a nice kitchen will allow you to perhaps open up your kitchen to make food for others (isn't that a dream of yours?) who may be hungry. Number 2, if you are living paycheck to paycheck and counting on your tax return, you might consider focusing your charitable efforts on donating your time and talents as opposed to your cash until you are in a position to have an emergency fund in place and a budget to give. It's not being selfish, it's being smart so you can be in a position to give more later. AND you can still give now. Giving your time to someone is just as appreciated as a dollar. If someone only wants your money and not the pleasure of your smile, then chances are their needs are not all together honest. As far as your Guilties go, sounds like they've all got their own issues and until you see them working on their issues (particularly in how they can learn how to treat you with love and respect), their opinion on how you work on yours doesn't seem to be valid. After years of internalizing other people's problems as my own, I finally came to realize that in most cases people treated me the way they did out of their own insecurities and not necessarily because there was something wrong with me. And those less desirable aspects of myself, I am working on. And so are you! Report Inappropriate Comment

SLIMLILA 4/15/2012 10:16PM

Oh Mary, you have such a huge and caring heart..... But like many have told you, you can't fix everything by yourself. You have certainly had a lot of impact on everyone who read your words today. As I sat at church today, listening to a young person who was going to Burundi and wanted people to donate $1 a brick to build a $500 house for people there, I realize how little it takes to help out sometimes. But, then I think of the years I worked in a remote Canadian Indian reserve and saw the atrocious conditions they were living in, heck, my school was condemned for mold the year after I left. It feels like we should be helping those at home first. At home, also means to me that I should help at my own home. When my dd didn't have any income from Dec til the end of Jan., was I not right in paying their rent? It's a hard cal and you have to do what you are feel called to do. What you are able to do... as a young woman, I was breastfeeding my own baby and there were sick babies who needed mother's milk to survive and that was something I was able to do, give my own milk to sick babies for over 11 months. I remember the coordinator of that program became pregnant and did not donate back to the program when she was able... I guess we are all called in different ways and that was a special way that I could give to others. I know you have financial struggles and I wonder if maybe it isn't giving money that you are called to do. You love to cook and I know about your issues with going out in public but I want to tell you about something I did on EAster Sunday. My ex s-i-l works at the soup kitchen. She asked my sister and I to volunteer to serve that day. I can't tell you how blessed I was by giving back. I used to do this many years ago and had forgotten how much helping others can make you feel better about yourself and help you to realize how blessed you are yourself. If there was a soup kitchen near you, it might be a great way for you to give of yourself and also to gain back for yourself. I feel so bad for many of the things you have gone through in your life... the hurtful issues with food etc. especially with your m-i-l. When I was home last week, I didn't want to visit my m-i-l, but I was going to my niece's for a turkey dinner. I called her and invited her and we picked her up for a nice visit and a great dinner. But, the only story she had to tell my dh was about how much money I was spending on my manicure and pedicures.and that I had green nail polish on my toes. WE have to feel good about what we do and know that we are doing it for the right reason, and hopefully be able to look beyond what others see about us. I felt it was a good opportunity for her to get out and see some people and have a good meal and not have to spend the day alone, but that's not how she saw it.. oh well, Lila Report Inappropriate Comment

TRYINGHARD1948 4/15/2012 7:11PM

Lots of great advice here already. No need to feel guilt, you are not at fault. Report Inappropriate Comment

BECKYSRN 4/15/2012 4:30PM

Mary, make your donations, and do what you need to do to keep your own hearth and home going. I know they say that one person can make a difference, and think of the difference that you're making by your honesty and passion. Just remember it's okay to take care of yourself too. I watched the special as well, and like Tom Vilsack says, it's not a political issue...it's a 'we need to protect our children issue'. So hopefully we can get people working on it together. Comment edited on: 4/15/2012 4:32:09 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

MONETRUBY 4/15/2012 4:02PM

First of all, what a wonderful thing for you to donate to Share Our Strength, and for sharing that with us here. Like others have said, you could very well be influencing others to give to them, or do anything they can to help others. That could do as much good as your own donation. Second, while I understand the *guilties* (I think an awful lot of us feel like we could be doing so much more, but aren't), you cannot save the world. There is nothing wrong with buying items for your own use, to take care of your needs. You are doing what you can, so do NOT feel guilty for not being able to do more, or for taking care of yourself. You are doing an amazing thing, so do not let those voices from the past convince you that you are not doing enough. Report Inappropriate Comment

CAROLJEAN64 4/15/2012 12:19PM

First, Mary, do you realize how many people you have influenced by writing this one blog. Write one on your personal blog as well. I love the idea of encouraging people at work to be a part of this effort. When we see a need that touches our heart and soul and life as this one touches yours the impulse is to give all we can. You can give without bankrupting your heart, soul and body. Give of yourself. Volunteer to cook at a homeless shelter. You know you want to get out more and I think the idea of helping others is just the motivation that might do it for you. Report Inappropriate Comment

LADYFOLDER 4/15/2012 9:44AM

Like others have said, it is NOT selfish to take care of your basic needs. I have felt guilty many times when someone has asked me to give money to something, but I just plain don't have it to give. I do give what I can--time. I volunteer at a nonprofit, and I know I am making a difference for some people by what I give. That is what is important. Give what you can, but don't deprive yourself of necessities. Many thanks for sharing your views on you blog. Report Inappropriate Comment

1CRAZYDOG 4/15/2012 8:56AM

I think BLUE42DOWN has the exact right answer about finding balance. Balance is when you have taken care of your needs sufficiently and then have the time, energy and resources to help others. It really doesn't help to harm yourself to help others. That being said, I certainly can understand how your past affects your views on this. I am so sorry you have had to live through such horrid treatment. I just want to give you a hug and tell you it will be all right. But the best thing I can tell you is take care of YOU, then there you can help others. I totally agree, too, that it doesn't have to be a financial giving. It is the giving of time and energy. Food pantries always need someone to help out, for example. In my area, they are very grateful for any assistance you can lend. Just some thoughts. You are a wonderful person. Report Inappropriate Comment

WINE4GIRL 4/15/2012 8:23AM

Please know that there are other ways to give besides monetarily. Some folks give money, when the organizations really need physical help. With your talents, you could volunteer time, which is HUGE! Creating a special meal for a shelter, then getting friends or even strangers to help purchase the food and serve it. Volunteering to help in local programs for kids teaching about food and options (and volunteering at Community gardens). You do have a compassionate heart. Don't ever hold yourself to the standard of your parents. The word selfish does not apply to you! My sister has always been nasty to me about my weight even when I didn't weight as much as I do now, because she was always model thin. Finally I told her that in some countries, it's not acceptable to criticize people for their weight - and this is one of them! Report Inappropriate Comment

SARALEIGHM 4/15/2012 7:03AM

I went to the launch of the Virginia No Kid Hungry program in our area last year (I think) (Jeff Bridges in person, OMG!). My neighborhood elementary school was chosen because it's in close proximity to the nation's capital and we have a large proportion of kids attending who get assistance for school lunches and breakfast as well. They were talking about the summer meal program that keeps the food coming for these kids. Do they have a similar program in your area that you could support with your time in some fashion? That's another way to give if you don't have as much money as you'd like to give. There are usually all sorts of support functions that need to be taken care of, and the more that's done by volunteers the more dollars can go toward actually feeding the children. If you can fit a certain amount per month into your budget, that's great; but even if it's ony whenever you can fit it in, that's a fine thing to do. I'm so sorry to hear about your struggles and trials. I'm glad to see you making changes in your own life and helping others. Report Inappropriate Comment

BLUE42DOWN 4/15/2012 2:39AM

Selfish is such a vicious and misused term. True selfishness involves harming others (in a direct sense) in order to help or give to oneself. A fine example? Buying booze and cigarettes with money that could have fed one's hungry children. I have to say from personal experience that just about every time a person has used the term selfish toward another, he did so because he felt he should be put first and didn't care about the harm to that other to do so. A very hypocritical stance, really. So, where do you find the balance? At the point that you are able to care for yourself sufficiently to allow you to have the time, money, and energy to help others. Harming ourselves directly in order to help others is counter-productive. Eventually we will be unable to maintain ourselves and, with that, unable to help others. I don't know if you've ever worked out a budget for yourself, but one thing that can help is to figure out an amount that you can afford to give regularly. Before you get to that amount, make sure all of your necessities are covered. There's the obvious ones like food, clothing, and shelter. Less obvious are the ones to maintain us such as medical costs, and expenses to build a future, and soul-feeding (music, art, cooking magazines). Then figure out how much can go toward charity (which really is another part of soul-feeding). The whole point of a charity isn't to get one person or a few people to give everything. It's for a lot of people to share the burden, each giving what they can and the sum being used toward maximum benefit. If you can give even a small amount regularly, you can be part of making a difference without denying and harming yourself. Report Inappropriate Comment

LESLIEJEAN43 4/15/2012 2:04AM

Mary, you are such a compassionate woman! I'm sorry you've been hurt so badly. I'm glad to know you're going to make a donation, but as it says in the Bible 'the poor you will always have with you' (or words to that effect). No matter how much you give, you can't single-handedly end hunger and poverty. By all means, give what you can, but don't feel guilty about what you can't do alone. I hope that many others have also been moved by the same documentary. I applaud you for caring so deeply. Hugs, Leslie Report Inappropriate Comment

Cooking Saturday

Saturday, April 14, 2012

I've been in the habit of not having food ready for work lunches and eating "lunch" from whatever is on the snack table at the office, a pattern I badly need to get out of (duh). So I decided to cook several things I can just pack and go.

First I hard-boiled a dozen eggs. They're great for quick breakfasts as well as sandwiches and salads. So I started by taking four of them and mashing them with mayo, spicy brown mustard, salt, pepper and chopped black olives to make egg salad sandwich spread.

I got a little bag of baby red potatoes in the freggie box this week, so I decided to make potato salad and put them on to simmer. Unfortunately, I got involved in Sparking and overcooked them for salad. I put them in the fridge and I'll figure out what to do with them later. Maybe peel, mash with eggs and onions and make potato cakes? Slice and fry some of them with onions?

I got some asparagus, which I normally just steam and eat with butter. This time I steamed it and poured some bottled light balsamic vinaigrette over them to marinate. They'll make a nice chilled side veggie.

Next I'm cooking some shell pasta. It's going to be mixed with canned salmon which I've skinned and boned, chopped red spring onion, corn and peas cooked with the pasta, and MAYBE minced kosher pickle. The dressing is going to be Greek yogurt whisked together with light Italian salad dressing.

Dinner tonight is baked chicken and a baked potato with roasted cauliflower. This way I can do a one-oven dinner. This will be the first time I've ever roasted a veggie, and I'm a bit nervous. I'm planning to toss the florets with canola oil, salt, pepper, cumin and smoked paprika.

Okay, no more skipping breakfast and eating three Fig Newtons and a double-handful of pretzels for lunch...

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

NASFKAB 4/17/2012 4:20AM

yummy food great ideas must make them Report Inappropriate Comment

CAROLJEAN64 4/15/2012 12:22PM

Okay, I want to go to work with you next week. I love all these idea, especially the idea of having hard boiled eggs on hand. I always think of adding them to something too late to put them in. I also like the idea of adding the black olives to egg spread ... color and taste! Report Inappropriate Comment

IAMFRANSGIRL 4/15/2012 10:23AM

Great!! What a nice thing to do for yourself. Did you enjoy your roasted cauliflower? I love it that way especially tossed like you did, with oil and herbs and spices. Curry powder or garam masala tastes really lovely with it too. I think I've got a can of salmon that would be quite happy to be introduced to some peas and pasta thanks for the great idea! Hope you have a nice week. Report Inappropriate Comment

SARALEIGHM 4/15/2012 7:13AM

Great idea! You're going to have some great lunches this week. I love roasted vegetables. I like to do zucchini, asparagus, and mushrooms together. I chop them up, put them in a zip bag, drizzle olive oil over with salt and pepper, then shake them around to coat. Pop them in a 500-degree oven for about 16-20 minutes and they're cooked just right, not mushy. I have them hot with my dinner that night, then use them cold in salads afterwards. You don't necessarily have to add salad dressing, just squeeze a little lemon or lime juice on them, since they're already coated in oil. Report Inappropriate Comment

BLUE42DOWN 4/14/2012 11:39PM

Delicious! Definitely sounds like a better way to eat at work! Report Inappropriate Comment

MONETRUBY 4/14/2012 10:17PM

All of that sounds so good! Good for you for getting food ready for quick meals, it will certainly be healthier than processed food, and much better tasting from the sounds of it. Report Inappropriate Comment

SLIMLILA 4/14/2012 10:08PM

Yum... everything sounds so good. I got a Hungry Girl cookbook from the library today and they have lots of these "Breakfast Mugs" recipes with various veggies and eggs together, they sound really good and really quick. Planning ahead is a great idea... also did you know you can spray olive oil on asparagus and bake it in the oven too... Report Inappropriate Comment

LESLIEJEAN43 4/14/2012 7:51PM

I just finished eating and you're making me hungry all over again... Hugs, Leslie Report Inappropriate Comment

HOPEFULHIPPO 4/14/2012 7:18PM

yumyum as for the postatoes, yeah...mash em, potato pancakes? Report Inappropriate Comment

WORKOUTWITHPAM 4/14/2012 6:48PM

WOW!!!!! Sounds like you are 'some kind of GREAT COOK!' Wish I had even half of that talent!!!!! Now, I have to get off here and go eat something after reading about all of that delicious food that you've been preparing. GEE THANKS, MARY!!!!! HUGS Pam Report Inappropriate Comment

CMRAND54 4/14/2012 6:39PM

I got hungry just reading your blog. You are an awesome cook. I love to roast vegetables, usually butternut squash, carrots and onions, or sometimes green beans or small red skin potatoes. Bringing lunch from home is definitely the way to go. Report Inappropriate Comment

CHEFSOPHIE 4/14/2012 5:45PM

I am getting hungry just reading your blog. Report Inappropriate Comment

KATHRYNLP 4/14/2012 5:17PM

Okay.. on my way over to enjoy all that great luchie stuff you've got in the fridge.. Report Inappropriate Comment

Hunger Hits Home

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Tonight the Food Network is running a documentary called Hunger Hits Home. It's about the problem of childhood hunger in the U.S. It's estimated that as many as 25% of children in this country are undernourished. (It makes me wonder about the scope of ADULT hunger in this country.) In a nation as rich as the U.S., not a single community is hunger free.

This is a problem we must address. I'm supporting Food Network's favorite charity, Share Our Strength. It has a stated goal of eradicating childhood hunger in this country by 2015.

This problem affects us all, whether we have kids or not. Please check out this important documentary.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SLIMLILA 4/15/2012 10:30PM

When I worked at a fly-in school I had grade 4 kids tell me they hadn't eaten since the lunch served at school the day before. I thought they were big enough to get food for themselves, but when I switched and started teaching Grade 1 - I took a different perspective. I knew they were little kids and they needed help, so I did a little bit of a breakfast for them. I would make muffins/or soda or banana bread and bring it in. Then I would save their "desert" from lunch and give it to them for break next day. It didn't cost me a lot but I also went to the kitchen and got peanut butter and crackers and would serve this for break in early a.m. I felt so bad for these little kids. Also I asked my assistant to butter the crackers and i was shocked at her attitude of not wanting to do this... especially seeing as she proclaimed she was a Christian. Also another one of the assistants from the community told me how the younger families would let their kids go hungry rather than go and stand on the bank of the lake and catch a fish. And also like you said in your other blog, they did have the money for their cigs, drugs and drinking... Sad reality in today's world. Report Inappropriate Comment

CHEFSOPHIE 4/15/2012 4:32PM

I have yet to watch it, but I did record it. Report Inappropriate Comment

NASFKAB 4/15/2012 3:33AM

thanks for posting about it Report Inappropriate Comment

IAM_HIS2 4/15/2012 12:12AM

Thank you for posting this...I see many women & children everyday that live in poverty. It is a big concern where I live. Giving to our local food pantry and food kitchen is important to me. I will check out the documentary. Report Inappropriate Comment

CMRAND54 4/14/2012 6:44PM

Thank you for sharing this information. We could do so much more as a country to protect the most vulnerable members. It's the right thing to do. Report Inappropriate Comment

MOMMA2X6 4/14/2012 2:26PM

It is hard to believe the depth of the problem given the relative wealth of our nation. I normally think of feeding people in underdeveloped countries. I look forward to learning more. Report Inappropriate Comment

DONNABRIGHT 4/14/2012 12:38PM

The needs are so great! Our church hands out bags of food on Fridays. We try to fill the bags with food that will last the week but I know we fall short on things like fresh fruits and vegetables. Report Inappropriate Comment

SPARKLE1908 4/14/2012 12:05PM

I have volunteered at our food bank so I get newsletters about the rise of middle class families using their service...this is definitely a trend that needs to be addressed and reversed... Report Inappropriate Comment

CAROLJEAN64 4/14/2012 12:02PM

Mary, I was particularly struck by this problem when you encouraged me to watch the Chopped with the school lunch chefs. I was amazed to see some of the women packing backpacks with food for over the weekend. I will absolutely check this out. Report Inappropriate Comment

WINFIELD28 4/14/2012 11:45AM

Thank you for telling us about the documentary. I see children each day in my work that I wonder if they are getting a meal at home on days when school is not in cession - as they atleast get a light breakfast and a lunch at our area schools. I don't remember the food shelves or people being hungry when I was a child - but I do see it now. Thanks for your blog. Report Inappropriate Comment

Friday's this and that

Friday, April 13, 2012

Ooof. This week was killer. Today was the due date for the worklist and I beat the deadline. I'm still waiting for them to find something wrong (because they always do), but I DESTROYED the quota I was supposed to meet. I worked 125 claims on the list, hand-corrected over 100 claim forms to get into the mail, fielded phone calls -- I think I stood up twice all day. No wonder I have cement for legs.

Well, today I got a reward for picking up the mail -- a $10 off card from Kohl's! I know the tax money won't be here before it expires, but I get paid Friday so I'm heading to Kohl's after work (the sales are always on Friday) and getting new pillows and a sleek, Food Network signature model hand mixer. The pillows I have now are totally gross and my hand mixer is the one I got when I got married, so it's almost 40 years old. I'd say I'm due for new on both. And my mail-phobia notwithstanding, 99% of what comes doesn't get past the trash bin the landlord thoughtfully put next to the mailboxes.

Major chores tomorrow (in between my Food Network shows, of course), so I'm resting up tonight. I think I'll pour myself a rum and just unkink.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

NASFKAB 4/15/2012 3:31AM

great job opening the mail id good for you Report Inappropriate Comment

FLEUR_DE_LUNE 4/14/2012 12:25PM

Hi, Mary, About getting a new hand mixer: I suggest you hold on to the old one until you know whether you really like the new one. It has been my experience that old tools were much better made, while the ones available in stores nowadays are cheaply-made (even when the price is high, even if the brand has a good reputation). I have found it very frustrating not being able to find good quality items when I need to replace my kitchen stuff. Congratulations on your great performance at work. Hopefully, your superiors will recognize what you have accomplished. Have a nice, restful weekend! Johanne Comment edited on: 4/14/2012 12:26:53 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

MISS_VIV 4/14/2012 11:15AM

WOO HOO...........expect to receive coupons from Kohls all the time. They are never ending and some of them are real winners. (just watch the prices... HAHAHAHA).. Good news is always welcome. So glad you are gonna get new pillows. I know how wonderful they feel. Hugs V Report Inappropriate Comment

MISS_VIV 4/14/2012 11:15AM

WOO HOO...........expect to receive coupons from Kohls all the time. They are never ending and some of them are real winners. (just watch the prices... HAHAHAHA).. Good news is always welcome. So glad you are gonna get new pillows. I know how wonderful they feel. Hugs V Report Inappropriate Comment

MISS_VIV 4/14/2012 11:15AM

WOO HOO...........expect to receive coupons from Kohls all the time. They are never ending and some of them are real winners. (just watch the prices... HAHAHAHA).. Good news is always welcome. So glad you are gonna get new pillows. I know how wonderful they feel. Hugs V Report Inappropriate Comment

CAROLJEAN64 4/14/2012 10:12AM

I agree on the contents of the mailbox. Your landlord had a great idea with the trash bin right next to the mailboxes. BTW, check out the Slowest Loser Daily Spark blog. He writes about a device you can use while sitting down to get some exercise.... it wouldn't be hard on your knees at all. Report Inappropriate Comment

CMRAND54 4/14/2012 9:59AM

Your trip to Kohl's sounds great. I love new pillows. The old ones do get gross. Report Inappropriate Comment

ZURDTA- 4/14/2012 9:31AM

Yay - opening mail is worth it! Despite the junk mail that gets put in the box too! Report Inappropriate Comment

FERRETLOVER1 4/14/2012 9:16AM

Oh, boy!!! I hope you really enjoyed your shopping spree!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

KATHRYNLP 4/14/2012 8:55AM

Wow... found money is always a great mood lifter... Report Inappropriate Comment

MARVEEME 4/14/2012 6:57AM

A little rum always irons out kinks. Report Inappropriate Comment

SARALEIGHM 4/14/2012 6:56AM

I hear you on the contents of the mailbox. Most of mine goes directly into the recycling bin that sits next to the elevators by the mailboxes. At least they've offered both trash and recycling bins. Have fun with your Kohl's coupon! I have a friend who works at a Kohl's; she's always raving about what she got and the savings she got through coupons and her employee discount. Makes me want to work there. Hahahaha. Report Inappropriate Comment

LESLIEJEAN43 4/14/2012 4:50AM

Enjoy your weekend, and looking forward to your new pillows and mixer! Hugs, Leslie Report Inappropriate Comment

WINDSONG~ 4/14/2012 3:07AM

Do tell all! Have fun. Report Inappropriate Comment

BEYOURBESTFREND 4/13/2012 11:47PM

Shop till you drop! Report Inappropriate Comment

EVWINGS 4/13/2012 11:22PM

Woo Hoo! That gift card seems to have arrived at the right time!! I think it's always nice when that happens. The items you want to buy seem to be worth using the card so soon. Report Inappropriate Comment

LINDA! 4/13/2012 11:16PM

Enjoy shopping with the gift card. They are always nice to have. Report Inappropriate Comment

When normal feels weird

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

...and weird feels normal.

Today I picked up the mail (the only day I don't is the night I have my therapy with Arthur because I get home so late). Opening the mailbox is the most mundane thing in the world, isn't it? But it still feels odd. Even though 99.9% of what I get doesn't get past the trash bin next to the mailboxes.

Today my car was parked in the back of the office building. I normally take the elevator down, but when the car's in back that involves walking all the way to the front, taking the elevator, and walking all the way back. I decided to take the back stairs instead. It took me about ten minutes, and I was terrified. I'm very off balance and my right knee kept wanting to crack. It probably wasn't the safest thing for me to do, although I obviously survived. I suspect I'd have been better advised to take the long walk front and long walk back.

When I get paid on the 20th, I am FINALLY getting myself a decent haircut. My hair is overly long, scraggly and ratty. Easter Sunday night I actually had to fight an urge to take my needlework scissors and chop it off. I didn't, but I'm going to get it cut at last.

The freggie box came today, so I'm having a big salad and some leftover chicken from El Pollo Loco for dinner. El Pollo Loco is one fast food chain I can enjoy with a clear conscience. The chicken is marinated in citrus juice and grilled -- and it's absolutely delicious. I used to enjoy them years ago in Los Angeles. Well, they have just FINALLY come to Northern California! Gonna enjoy dinner with last night's Chopped.

Which reminds me -- when my tax money gets here, one thing I'm treating myself to is dinner at a restaurant in Napa (about thirty miles from me) that's owned by a chef who won on Chopped! I'm even going to take my camera just in case she's there. Let me put it this way: one of the judges, Scott Conant (a self-described hard-a$$) actually came around the judging table and hugged her! I've never seen him do that before or since. I'm also going to stay overnight in Napa and take a leisurely drive home the next day.

Friday...it's almost Friday...

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

NASFKAB 4/14/2012 12:37AM

great you are being kind to yourself Report Inappropriate Comment

MRS_TOAD 4/13/2012 9:12AM

Looking forward to something special is such an awesome inspiration! Napa sounds wonderful. Report Inappropriate Comment

CHRYS13 4/12/2012 7:28PM

Sounds like a great way to spend some of your tax money! Good for you! I'm thinking the same as you are....Friday, it's almost Friday! Report Inappropriate Comment

AANGEL3 4/12/2012 6:14PM

I love El Polo Loco too! Report Inappropriate Comment

SARALEIGHM 4/12/2012 3:45PM

Taking the steps occasionally is probably not a bad idea. It might actually help with your knees. It seems the more you do it, the better you'll get at it. But I'm no expert. The restaurant in Napa sounds great! I'm a big fan of Chopped too. You mentioned needlework scissors. What type of needlework do you do? Report Inappropriate Comment

CAROLJEAN64 4/12/2012 3:40PM

Wish I lived closer.... I'd join you in Napa Report Inappropriate Comment

COOLMAMA11 4/12/2012 11:14AM

Sounds great, it is nice your doing something for you, that will give you so much pleasure..Enjoy! Hugs Elaine Report Inappropriate Comment

SPARKLE1908 4/12/2012 10:14AM

Sounds like a great plan!!!! Be careful with that knee... Report Inappropriate Comment

MPARKER67 4/12/2012 10:01AM

sounds wonderful. Report Inappropriate Comment

KATHRYNLP 4/12/2012 8:59AM

Sounds like you got it all under control. Have a great day... Report Inappropriate Comment

CMRAND54 4/12/2012 8:29AM

Wonderful plans! I'm glad your stair adventure worked out OK. I used to avoid stairs like the plague, but after losing 70 pounds, I'm able to go up and down without getting short of breath. I still do hang on the rail because I'm not as steady on my feet as I'd like to be. If you get a picture at your restaurant, be sure and share it with us. Report Inappropriate Comment

ZURDTA- 4/12/2012 5:30AM

Fabulous. Report Inappropriate Comment

TRYINGHARD1948 4/12/2012 4:55AM

Sounds very enjoyable, go for it. Report Inappropriate Comment

WORKOUTWITHPAM 4/12/2012 3:56AM

I think all of that sounds just GREAT! Just Do It!!!!!!! HUGS Pam Report Inappropriate Comment

MONETRUBY 4/11/2012 10:47PM

Those sound like great plans! I so hope you can meet that chef, that would be fantastic. Report Inappropriate Comment

MISS_VIV 4/11/2012 10:20PM

WOO HOO... more normal stuff for you. You are doing great. (I would however, recommend the long walk and the elevator over the stairs..) Report Inappropriate Comment