Well, started my day w/psychiatrist evaluation of my anxiety/depressive symptoms and it went well. I liked her, the intake was thorough and her validation that my embarrassment/fear regarding work readiness was a relief. Bottom line is there is more evaluation to come via MRI, labs, EEG and neuro exam, all hopefully can be accomplished in the next two weeks while I am still off work. Then a visit to work to explain the prolonged time off was also a big weight off my shoulders. Their support and concern was of great comfort.
Then I brined a chicken ... bit of a process but hopefully the results will be worth it. Once I realized that it would need to sit in the brine for 4 hours, then dry in the fridge overnight, decided to make mac and cheese for dinner and try out the new stove's automatic oven option. So, I made it, put it in refrig and off to the gym for a good cardio, tai chi workout, then home to do some more cleaning up of the guest/sewing room. Helped G cut the wood for the sewing table, took the Christmas lights down & put away, finished the second coat of paint on the wall, organized some storage and filled 2 bags of clothes and accessories for Salvation Army donation. Then we went to W. African drumming class which was fun! Home to find that mac and cheese came out like soup ... UGH! Either the recipe time/ingredients were wrong or I didn't set the timer correctly. G ate 2 bowls anyway, lol! I put it back in for 15 mins and it looks yummy now ... maybe it's breakfast today?!
Off to get labs drawn ... more cleanup today and calls for appts.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Another good day
Got up early, read some of my book "The Double" by Jose Saramago ... VERY different writing style, a bit challenging and confusing at times but I like the story so I am sticking with it.
Went to the gym, worked out chest and did a little tai chi. Came home and did a little more painting on the sewing room. G painted one of the shelves and it's going to look great, I just know it.
Went to visit my gf , brought her lunch and a present for her NYE birthday ... also sent a present to her husband who just had surgery. Came home tired, slept for 2.5 hours and missed tonight's tai chi class.
Watched Pillars of the Earth for a while, good story, differs a bit from the book, but still pretty true to the themes in the book. Celts won, barely against the only team w/a better record than theirs, Rondo is the MAN!
Oh geez, just realized I forgot to call my "twin" brother for his birthday ... he's the same age as me until my birthday in less than a month.
Went to the gym, worked out chest and did a little tai chi. Came home and did a little more painting on the sewing room. G painted one of the shelves and it's going to look great, I just know it.
Went to visit my gf , brought her lunch and a present for her NYE birthday ... also sent a present to her husband who just had surgery. Came home tired, slept for 2.5 hours and missed tonight's tai chi class.
Watched Pillars of the Earth for a while, good story, differs a bit from the book, but still pretty true to the themes in the book. Celts won, barely against the only team w/a better record than theirs, Rondo is the MAN!
Oh geez, just realized I forgot to call my "twin" brother for his birthday ... he's the same age as me until my birthday in less than a month.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Sewing Room Inspiration
Started the day at the gym again, did a mile on the elliptical machine, then some back muscle machines and a little tai chi, qi gong, good workout.
More research on quilting online, chatted up some friends and off to the library where I found THE most inspirational quilt book; it's a masterpiece, actually. "The Quilts of Gee's Bend" is large, coffee book sized and has the story of a community of women from Gee's Bend in Alabama who made the most amazing quilts - there are pictures of the community, stories and the quilts they have made from the beginning of the twentieth century to present day. I have always been attracted to the rustic quilts and these are incredible examples of stunning work done "freestyle".
Upstairs to finish the first coat of "Early Morning Sun" yellow paint on the wall and we took a trip to Home Depot to find the wood needed to complete the sewing/quilting table. Still LOTS to clean out of the room, but it's starting to take on a personality of a bright, inspiring work space. I am psyched! Guess I better try out the sewing machine before I go much further ... it's been years since I used it and it may need some work. Oh, and I got some fabric in the mail ... I believe it will go well with the other pieces I have already gathered and after reading some about the Gee's Bend ladies, I am more confident that whatever I put together can be a unique expression of me.
Going to watch some of the Pillars of the Earth dvd I got for Christmas ... just finished the book and I am so looking forward to seeing how it looks onscreen in the mini series.
Another beautiful day in the neighborhood ...
More research on quilting online, chatted up some friends and off to the library where I found THE most inspirational quilt book; it's a masterpiece, actually. "The Quilts of Gee's Bend" is large, coffee book sized and has the story of a community of women from Gee's Bend in Alabama who made the most amazing quilts - there are pictures of the community, stories and the quilts they have made from the beginning of the twentieth century to present day. I have always been attracted to the rustic quilts and these are incredible examples of stunning work done "freestyle".
Upstairs to finish the first coat of "Early Morning Sun" yellow paint on the wall and we took a trip to Home Depot to find the wood needed to complete the sewing/quilting table. Still LOTS to clean out of the room, but it's starting to take on a personality of a bright, inspiring work space. I am psyched! Guess I better try out the sewing machine before I go much further ... it's been years since I used it and it may need some work. Oh, and I got some fabric in the mail ... I believe it will go well with the other pieces I have already gathered and after reading some about the Gee's Bend ladies, I am more confident that whatever I put together can be a unique expression of me.
Going to watch some of the Pillars of the Earth dvd I got for Christmas ... just finished the book and I am so looking forward to seeing how it looks onscreen in the mini series.
Another beautiful day in the neighborhood ...
Monday, January 3, 2011
Thinking about Quilting
Years ago my interest in quilting was piqued ... but not enough to actually DO anything about it. I gathered a bunch of fabric over the years and as I came across it (invariably when I was looking for something else in the closet where it was stashed) I would look at it wistfully and think "someday I am going to do it". Well, time marched on and I never did anything ... I did get rid of most of it in a Salvation Army giveaway bag of clothes and kept only one beautiful sunflower print ... SO, now "someday" is here. I am finally going to do it and I have been scouring the 'net to find the perfect first time project that will both challenge and not frustrate me. I used to sew but was never really into it, mostly as a means to an end, placemats, napkins, even a quilted fabric coat, but my interest and attention to it was sporadic.
So, the sewing machine has been dusted off, the space in the upstairs guest room (actually the cats have commandeered it for their room up until now) is getting cleaned out and my darling has washed and measured the walls for shelving prior to starting on his contribution, a sewing/cutting/quilting table. I am going to paint the wall facing the machine a bright, inspirational color and I think I found the pattern I want ... simple blocks or blocks and rails. The very first quilt I ever remember was at a lake house in New Hampshire where we used to go every summer as a family. All of the beds were covered in what I remember as simple block quilts that were backed with wool (like old Army blankets) and I found them whimsical as well as practical. I found a few quilt blogs to follow for tips and I think the few books and magazine articles/patterns I have devoured will be enough to get me started.
Now, if I can only figure out how to post pictures here, I can show my progress. Hmmm, looks like I will be surfing around a bit online for that too. Later ... going to the gym first.
Well, the first coat of pretty yellow paint is on and the brackets for the shelves attached to the wall ... the cleaning up part is in progress but for now, it's all cluttered in one side of the room. I did clean out the cabinet that I will use for quilting supplies and that needs paint too but at least I can start putting supplies inside. Lulu and Sox keep running in and out, trying to figure out why we are spending so much time in "their" room.
So, the sewing machine has been dusted off, the space in the upstairs guest room (actually the cats have commandeered it for their room up until now) is getting cleaned out and my darling has washed and measured the walls for shelving prior to starting on his contribution, a sewing/cutting/quilting table. I am going to paint the wall facing the machine a bright, inspirational color and I think I found the pattern I want ... simple blocks or blocks and rails. The very first quilt I ever remember was at a lake house in New Hampshire where we used to go every summer as a family. All of the beds were covered in what I remember as simple block quilts that were backed with wool (like old Army blankets) and I found them whimsical as well as practical. I found a few quilt blogs to follow for tips and I think the few books and magazine articles/patterns I have devoured will be enough to get me started.
Now, if I can only figure out how to post pictures here, I can show my progress. Hmmm, looks like I will be surfing around a bit online for that too. Later ... going to the gym first.
Well, the first coat of pretty yellow paint is on and the brackets for the shelves attached to the wall ... the cleaning up part is in progress but for now, it's all cluttered in one side of the room. I did clean out the cabinet that I will use for quilting supplies and that needs paint too but at least I can start putting supplies inside. Lulu and Sox keep running in and out, trying to figure out why we are spending so much time in "their" room.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Brunch with Mother
I am doing this ... two days in a row, yea, me!
Up early again ... after 2 cups of coffee, I was ready to try the pina colada muffin recipe I found, trying to recreate the yummy ones we buy @ the local grocery. I forgot to add a little coconut to the top and I think it needs banana as well as pineapple and coconut, so it needs revision but not bad for a first attempt. Also I think real rum instead of rum extract would help ... oh, and forgot I was going to put some nutmeg in too because I think it helps flavors "pop". My love is a real sweet eater so I know he'll be glad to hear that I have to try them again. :)
Then I was off to visit Mom & take her to brunch at the country club ... we had gift certificates to use so it was like eating for free, something we love to do. Lots of choices between breakfast and lunch entrees and we sampled almost all ... that woman can EAT! She had 6 desserts! Came back to her house where she needed help putting together a Christmas present and then I drove home to catch the end of a very lopsided Pats victory against the Dolphins (38-7). Caught the press conference with the coach, quarterback, nose tackle and running back (who reached a season high of 1,000 yards! woo hoo!) ... they all drank the Belichik KoolAid, but who cares when they are playing at such a high level?
Tomorrow we start cleaning out the extra bedroom upstairs in preparation for making a sewing/quilting area for me ... I am psyched! My darling is making me a sewing/cutting table that will make my first quilting project so much easier! I am even going to paint the walls ... either pineapple passion or another bright and cheery color.
Another lovely day ... little anxiety, some concentration problems driving but all in all feeling better.
Up early again ... after 2 cups of coffee, I was ready to try the pina colada muffin recipe I found, trying to recreate the yummy ones we buy @ the local grocery. I forgot to add a little coconut to the top and I think it needs banana as well as pineapple and coconut, so it needs revision but not bad for a first attempt. Also I think real rum instead of rum extract would help ... oh, and forgot I was going to put some nutmeg in too because I think it helps flavors "pop". My love is a real sweet eater so I know he'll be glad to hear that I have to try them again. :)
Then I was off to visit Mom & take her to brunch at the country club ... we had gift certificates to use so it was like eating for free, something we love to do. Lots of choices between breakfast and lunch entrees and we sampled almost all ... that woman can EAT! She had 6 desserts! Came back to her house where she needed help putting together a Christmas present and then I drove home to catch the end of a very lopsided Pats victory against the Dolphins (38-7). Caught the press conference with the coach, quarterback, nose tackle and running back (who reached a season high of 1,000 yards! woo hoo!) ... they all drank the Belichik KoolAid, but who cares when they are playing at such a high level?
Tomorrow we start cleaning out the extra bedroom upstairs in preparation for making a sewing/quilting area for me ... I am psyched! My darling is making me a sewing/cutting table that will make my first quilting project so much easier! I am even going to paint the walls ... either pineapple passion or another bright and cheery color.
Another lovely day ... little anxiety, some concentration problems driving but all in all feeling better.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Happy New Year!!
An online acquaintance suggested something today that I think is just the thing for me ... starting THIS year keep track of the good that happens every day. So, once again, I am determined to begin my journal ... there is no good reason NOT to do this as I am on the computer most every day. In an effort to do this faithfully, I am going to make this my start page ... why I didn't think of this before, I dunno but here I am on the first day of the new year with a renewed commitment to do it.
Today was a wonderful day ... bright and sunny, in the 50's ... started the day with coffee and dessert left over from last night's NYE dinner shared with my love. Went to the gym and worked out HARD, legs and back mostly, some tai chi and stretching, felt like I DID something for my body and that always makes me feel better. Home to a yummy smoothie full of blueberries, banana and strawberry yogurt that also was a positive healthy way to start the year.
Home to watch the Tournament of Roses parade and then off to the store to get some groceries before watching lots of football in between making one of my favorite dishes, Hachis Parmentier. All in all, the first day of the year, delightful!
Today was a wonderful day ... bright and sunny, in the 50's ... started the day with coffee and dessert left over from last night's NYE dinner shared with my love. Went to the gym and worked out HARD, legs and back mostly, some tai chi and stretching, felt like I DID something for my body and that always makes me feel better. Home to a yummy smoothie full of blueberries, banana and strawberry yogurt that also was a positive healthy way to start the year.
Home to watch the Tournament of Roses parade and then off to the store to get some groceries before watching lots of football in between making one of my favorite dishes, Hachis Parmentier. All in all, the first day of the year, delightful!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Write what you know
I just read that on a website about how everyone has a book in them. So, I started thinking about what I know. Nursing has to be the top of the list ... working full time 32+ years as a nurse in varied settings and locales has been my major focus. But, the list of interests and skills I have attained outside of nursing is equally important to me and those have changed over the years.
One thing that has remained constant over most of my adult life is my love of home cooking. Experimenting in the kitchen with whatever ingredients are local, fresh & in season or just something that I read about will set me off on a cooking frenzy. Of course, living in New England tends to center my choices around the seasons. I sometimes yearn to be in the San Diego area, where I lived for a few years in the '80s, with the best veggies and fruits: multiple growing seasons; truly a fresh ingredient treasure trove of a location. But, I am a New Englander by heart, so here I am to stay. I do love to travel but I just can't imagine living too far from the ocean and all that I know and love that is here.
I started thinking about my love of cooking and how nursing and cooking are similar ... in nursing you have the basic principles and as long as you abide by those, you can be creative in your approach, much the same way I proceed in building a dish from something I read or just a craving. Over the years, at various times, while sharing kitchen space with others, I noticed my way of cooking/creating to be different than others. I am a "recipe is a guide" kind of gal compared to many who measure, read every word in a recipe and follow to the letter. I tend to substitute based on what I have on hand, what I like or what I have learned from previous concoctions. I'm not afraid to fail, I learn from those attempts that don't work out and I have a willing taster living with me so that makes it easier. I will try to re-create great dishes I have had at restaurants after asking for hints or actual recipes from the chef. I have found at least half the time, they will be happy to give some tips. There is a wonderful restaurant we frequent in the city that is very glad to explain their techniques and although I don't walk away with every recipe, I get enough information to make my own version.
So, what else do I know?
A pretty good understanding of tai chi, although I have a long way to go before I can call myself a seasoned practitioner (that takes practice, lol!); passable French and Spanish (can understand a lot more than speak & I have an affinity for language); pretty good at calligraphy (again, when I practice!); stamina for bicycling 40+ miles at a whack; beginning knowledge of percussion (through observation, just started studying djembe and living w/a conga player); pretty good understanding of many cultures having traveled and read extensively because I am interested in people of all different types - NOW, that being said, I understand that I do not know what it's like to live inside a person, but my years of interviewing and caring for people of various backgrounds has had its advantages in this area; gardening is also a passion, nowhere near an expert, but learning and growing with each season; a passable knowledge of home repair, thanks to my home repair expert partner; I am a decent amateur photographer; I have become adept at thinking green with a compost box and a freezer full of scraps that I make into stocks and stews and I think I have pretty good business sense having run a small business for years (I stepped back to middle management, I like that better).
So, the question remains, how do I put what I know to use in writing a book? Do I even want to write a book? Does my voice lend itself to commerce? Questions to ponder as I wait for the apple cake to cool ...
One thing that has remained constant over most of my adult life is my love of home cooking. Experimenting in the kitchen with whatever ingredients are local, fresh & in season or just something that I read about will set me off on a cooking frenzy. Of course, living in New England tends to center my choices around the seasons. I sometimes yearn to be in the San Diego area, where I lived for a few years in the '80s, with the best veggies and fruits: multiple growing seasons; truly a fresh ingredient treasure trove of a location. But, I am a New Englander by heart, so here I am to stay. I do love to travel but I just can't imagine living too far from the ocean and all that I know and love that is here.
I started thinking about my love of cooking and how nursing and cooking are similar ... in nursing you have the basic principles and as long as you abide by those, you can be creative in your approach, much the same way I proceed in building a dish from something I read or just a craving. Over the years, at various times, while sharing kitchen space with others, I noticed my way of cooking/creating to be different than others. I am a "recipe is a guide" kind of gal compared to many who measure, read every word in a recipe and follow to the letter. I tend to substitute based on what I have on hand, what I like or what I have learned from previous concoctions. I'm not afraid to fail, I learn from those attempts that don't work out and I have a willing taster living with me so that makes it easier. I will try to re-create great dishes I have had at restaurants after asking for hints or actual recipes from the chef. I have found at least half the time, they will be happy to give some tips. There is a wonderful restaurant we frequent in the city that is very glad to explain their techniques and although I don't walk away with every recipe, I get enough information to make my own version.
So, what else do I know?
A pretty good understanding of tai chi, although I have a long way to go before I can call myself a seasoned practitioner (that takes practice, lol!); passable French and Spanish (can understand a lot more than speak & I have an affinity for language); pretty good at calligraphy (again, when I practice!); stamina for bicycling 40+ miles at a whack; beginning knowledge of percussion (through observation, just started studying djembe and living w/a conga player); pretty good understanding of many cultures having traveled and read extensively because I am interested in people of all different types - NOW, that being said, I understand that I do not know what it's like to live inside a person, but my years of interviewing and caring for people of various backgrounds has had its advantages in this area; gardening is also a passion, nowhere near an expert, but learning and growing with each season; a passable knowledge of home repair, thanks to my home repair expert partner; I am a decent amateur photographer; I have become adept at thinking green with a compost box and a freezer full of scraps that I make into stocks and stews and I think I have pretty good business sense having run a small business for years (I stepped back to middle management, I like that better).
So, the question remains, how do I put what I know to use in writing a book? Do I even want to write a book? Does my voice lend itself to commerce? Questions to ponder as I wait for the apple cake to cool ...
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