gardening

Here in Texas, we have approximately two weeks of spring weather, then it quickly turns into summer. For the last week or so I have been enjoying our spring. This is the time of year where I usually get the urge to plant a vegetable garden but convince myself not to since our summers are so hot that the plants will most likely die, so I just replant my flower garden.
Luckily, this year we have a solution. My son's cub scout den has decided to take responsibility for one of the plots of land at the local community garden. We were there this morning, planting lettuce, tomatoes, peppers and a variety of flowers. The boys really got into it, especially J. He is the one who always begs each summer for a garden (we had one when we lived up north). He loves the thought of being able to get ripe vegetables right from the plant. Even the fire ants that had infested the area we were working were not a deterrent for him (luckily, he did not get bitten. I can't say the same for me - 3 bites on one hand-ouch). With this plot, we'll be able to get our fresh vegetables and do a good deed for the community since most of the vegetables will be donated to the local food bank. Plus, I won't have to do all the weeding. A win-win situation.

beautiful weather

It's a beautiful day out today....sigh...and I'm inside typing. Not for long - there is way too much yard work to do for me to stay in. So, now that it is spring here in Texas (for all of 2 weeks, then summer will be here), I probably will not post much at all, unless I have a funny gardening accident happen (very likely with my graceful self) or if I tell you about the hole J-man dug in the yard because he wanted a fort to hide in and jump out of to scare people. He got pretty far, considering my backyard consists mainly of clay. Now the yard looks as though a St. Bernard tried to tunnel out. Oh well, I said he could do it. He had to have something to keep him busy on spring break.

Army "care"

Recently in the news there has been quite an uproar over how vets are being treated now that they are returning to civilian life. Unfortunately, the substandard care they are receiving has been going on for years, only to finally be brought to light. I can personally tell of at least 4 times where I received care that was negligent, malfeasance, or one might even consider malpractice.

Case 1: When I first became pregnant with my son, the army "doctor" told me not to take prenatal vitamins, as they would just upset my stomach and cause me to be nauseous. He informed me that I would receive enough nutrients from my diet (this from a man who didn't know my eating habits from Eve's). My son was born with a hole at the end of his spine, a defect caused by not getting enough folic acid during the first trimester, something that would have mostly likely been addressed by my taking prenatal vitamins. For this I will forever feel guilty.

Case 2: I had either an injury or illness and went to the clinic for care. I was in my first trimester at the time. The "doctor" prescribed medications, one of which I could have sworn was not advised for pregnant woman. When I brought this to his attention, his response was a shrug of his shoulders and "I'll have to look it up later". I strongly suggested he check his PDR (physician's desk reference) right then and there before he prescribed it to any other pregnant females. Low and behold, I was correct, there were strong warnings about birth defects caused by this medicine. If I had blindly taken this medication, I could have severely injured my unborn child.

Case 3: During my last trimester, I moved back to the states. Since the local military hospital was deemed to far for me to travel, I was allowed to have my son delivered by a civilian doctor. While I was in the hospital, in early labor, it was determined that I had a common complication of pregnancy, thromobocytopenia; one that could be deadly if undiagnosed. My doctor discovered it when she went to take my blood and I wouldn't stop bleeding. After reviewing my files, she realized that the Army doctors had failed to do a routine screening for it, which would have given the hospital staff some forewarning about my case. Luckily, the civilian staff was able to make the necessary accommodations needed for my delivery.

Case 4: After the birth of my child, I went for my annual well women exam. After waiting 6 weeks for my PAP smear results to come back (they always take 6 weeks), I was told that I had ambiguous results which most likely meant that I cervical cancer, that there were several things that could be done for me, but that we would wait until we had clear results back before any treatment was started. I was sent for another PAP, waited 6 weeks, more results that were difficult to interpret, another PAP after that, more waiting, then results that came back negative. I had three months of worry that I had cancer, which I did not share with anyone since I didn't know if it really was cancer; worry that a new post-partum bluesy mother really did not need.
After doing some research, I found out that many new mothers, especially those who are nursing, come back with irregular PAP smears, that in fact it is a common side effect of pregnancy.

Case 5 (not my case so I didn't count it): Hubby injured his knee while jumping out of an airplane. After going to the clinic, he is given a prescription for 800mg ibuprofen...and nothing else. I had to ask the doctor for crutches, since hubby was using me as his crutch and I really didn't feel like being made any shorter than I already am. Turns out he tore ligaments in his knee.

Did you know as a soldier it is against policy (law?) for you to sue the government for malpractice? Yup, when you sign to receive services through the government's hospitals, you are signing away your right to have doctors be held responsible for their actions.

Parental fitness

I saw this on another website and just had to reprint it:

How many times have you heard the comment that "People have to take a test to drive a car, but anyone can be a parent?" A test is needed! And not one with a bunch of Bozo questions like 'How many servings of vegetables are required for a thirteen-year old female living in Michigan who walks 4.3 miles a day? No, this test will ask the REAL questions. Are you ready to find out if you have the right stuff to be a parent? Get those number two pencils ready. And let's keep our eyes on our own papers, people.

Section One -- Mathematics
For each problem, estimate the total number of times this phrase is used per parent per week. (2 points per question)

I don't care what the other kids get to do.
... and this time I really mean it
Somebody's going to get hurt doing that
See, I told you somebody was going to get hurt doing that
Now we're REALLY going to be late
One ... I'm counting ... two ... I'm counting ...
What were you thinking?
Because I'm the Mommy (Daddy)
Let's not discuss that at the dinner table
Why is your brother (sister) crying
It's time for you to go to bed
Okay ... but only five more minutes.
I'm gonna turn that computer off (or take it away)


Section Two -- Fill in the Blank
Write the correct word(s) in the blank(s). (3 points per question)

Tickle Me ____________.
101 _________________.
The Berenstain _________.
Clifford, the Big _________ Dog.
_______________ Nuggets.
_______________ Meals.
Please won't you buy me a __________ __________?


Section Three -- Matching
Match each vocabulary word with its letter definition. (4 points per question).

Amoxicillin
Lego
Pull-Up
Push-Up
Tubes
A] Small bits of plastic designed to accentuate any style of carpeting.
B] Either a recreational device originally developed for hamsters, but since has been adapted for use by children in fast food restaurants OR that which is placed in ears when Letter "C" fails.
C] A pink substance which is usually a regular part of a toddler's diet.
D] A frozen food amazingly devoid of any nutritional value.
E] A disposable article of clothing which one swears will only be necessary for a few more weeks.


Section Four -- Problem Solving
Briefly describe the solution to each problem. (5 points per question)

It is 8:50 a.m. School starts at 9 a.m. Where are your car keys?
She says that he started it. He says she started it. Who's right?
You are attempting to go to the post office with two very large packages, two very small children, zero very close parking places, and one frazzled parent. How will you accomplish this?
At 7 p.m., you must be at dance class with Debbie, Cub Scouts with Carl, and soccer with Susie. Without any King Soloman maneuvers, how will this be done?


Section Five -- Essay
Answer the following question and defend your choice. (19 points)

Which of the 'Big "V's" has made a bigger contribution to parenting? Vacuum cleaners 'Velcro' or the VCR?

Spring

Now that the weather is warming up, every time I go outside I see someone working on their yard. They are mulching and weeding, tilling and planting, and just making their yards more presentable. Then I look at my yard. I have a flower bed that has a figure 8 shape, and it is pathetic. All of the mulch from last year has long ago decomposed, the plants that once flowered vigorously are now just dead sticks poking out of the ground. There are some daylillies and a rose bush which still live, but they make it look worse, since the green from them accents the decrepit state of the rest of the flowerbed. Plus, my wild bluebonnets are starting to sprout, and they look like weeds until they flower.
I plan to do some work on it this weekend, but I need inspiration. I usually have a color theme, but this year that won't work because the lillies are yellow and the rosebush is ...well, I don't know since I got it on clearance last year and planted it after it had already bloomed. Anyone have suggestions on flowers that will tolerate the hot Texas sun and that like clay as their growing medium?

Girl Scout Cookies

Do you know what time of year it is? No, not spring or Mardi Gras; it is Girl Scout cookie delivery time. The time of year where I realize that I ordered cookies from half the know universe of Girl Scouts and they all happen to deliver on the very same day, the day I have absolutely no cash (ok, that is everyday) and have run out of checks with which to pay them.

For those of you who have not had Girl Scout cookies, I offer you my condolences; however, let me explain them to you. These cookies come out once a year and are offered in a variety of flavors that are not available anywhere else in the known universe. The range of flavors goes from shortbread to peanutbutter patties to lemon cremes to carmel delights to thin mints. I don't care if you find a variety of cookie like this in the supermarket - it is not the same! My personal weakness happens to be the thin mints. I eat them a sleeve at a time (there are two sleeves in the entire package). I usually don't start off eating them with that intention, it just happens. I tell myself I will only have one serving (4 cookies), but then I look down and realize I ate all 4 without truly enjoying them. So, I have one more, but then realize that will leave an incomplete serving of cookies for next time. Then I decide to finish off that serving, but that leaves only 4 cookies in the sleeve and I would hate to have them go stale so I eat them too.
Yes, I know I should stop eating them, but they have a power over me that is unbelievable. I often wonder if there is a "secret ingredient" added to them to make them so addictive.

Deadlines

Sorry I haven't posted in a bit - we've got the creeping crud at my house, plus deadlines and kick-offs for a variety of activities that I chair, one being Scout Fair.

Every year scouts across the country host Scout Fair, a a full day of activities that are planned and hosted by local scout troops. Here in Houston, we have the largest Scout fair in the country. My duties are pack level - I'm responsible for ticket and ad sales for 90+ sized organization. It's the first time I've done it and I'm excited about it. Our troop gets up to 40% on all the tickets we sell which we use towards a great camping weekend in April at our local scout camp site. The more money we raise, the less it costs; so I am motivated.
Of course, there are always those who grumble when presented with new ways of doing things, and I've already encountered that one week into this project. I've chosen a different method for our troops to sell their tickets (outside grocery stores rather than having them go door-to-door) and folks are complaining about times, dates, etc. Personally, I prefer to bother complete strangers for money rather than hit up my friends and relatives yet again for another fundraiser.
They don't have to participate; I'm doing everyone a favor by planning and contacting the appropriate folks for permission to tell the tickets and no one else stepped up to take responsibility for this committee. Nevertheless, I will not let them get me down - I'll roll with whatever comes my way. Oh, and if any one wants a Scout Fair ticket, let me know: $10 apiece gets you entry into Scout Fair on April 28, a raffle entry to win a Chevy HHR, and over $250 worth of coupons from Kroger, Luby's, Jiffy Lube, Sonic, Papa John's. James Coney Island, Pilgrim cleaners, etc.

Things to do on my day off

Due to inventory being held at work tomorrow, I get to have today off! So I'm going to sit back, relax, and read a good book...ha, ha, ha. Really, that is a lovely thought, but not possible for me. Instead I've got a 10 am dentist appointment that will probably turn into a root canal, a couple thousand boxtops to cut, count, and package, a doctor's appointment for J, grocery shopping, banking and some cleaning. Plus I have to start researching my eye surgery and plan our summer vacation. Sigh.

The weather her is cold - freezing temperatures which is very odd for southeast Texas. I love to watch how folks dress for the cold down here. They were only a sweatshirt and complain about the cold. I have to laugh - if they wore a heavy sweater, they would be fine. However, most are in denial about the cold; they believe if they don't dress for the weather than it will go away. Which is true, it will go away in about a week, but for now there are some miserable folks out there.

An 8 year old's joke

A student is sitting in a classroom, the student passes gas.
Teacher, aghast: "What do you say?"
Student: "Smelled betting going in than it does going out."

This constitutes dinner conversation at my house.

Quote of the day

"Silence is...golden. Duck tape is...silver."

I've been tagged

I Have Been TAGGED


A- Available/Single? Nope, not for more than a decade
B- Best Friend? This is a tough one, since I have several friends I could call on at any time and know that they would be there for me. I'll have to say Monica, who I've know across continents and through many a trying time.
C- Cake or Pie? Apple pie is delicious, but if I can put ice cream cake from Carvel's in the mix, then cake wins hands down.
D- Drink of Choice? Water or coffee it is early in the morning (it is the nectar of the gods)
E- Essential Item You Use Everyday? Toilet paper.
F- Favorite Color? Brown to wear, all colors autumnal
G- Gummy Bears or Worms? Worms...they stretch rather nicely
H- Hometown? In Rhode Isand
I- Indulgence? Reading
J- January or February? Neither - they are both grey and dismal
K- Kids and Their Names? one boy - J.
L- Life is incomplete without? My Hubby
M- Marriage Date? June 15, although there is a date in Sep. that means more to me
N- Number of Siblings? 2
P- Phobias/Fears? None
Q- Favorite Quote? No favorite
R- Reason to Smile? Family and friends
S- Season? Fall - I love the crisp air and changing leaves. Of course, that doesn't happen where I'm living now!
T- Tag: I suppose I could tag Wally, since Envoy got most of the folks I would tag.
U- Unknown fact about me? It will remain unknown :)
V- Vegetable you don't like? Brussel Sprouts - they are shriveled little balls of bitterness
W- Worst Habit? I criticize
X- X-rays? Many
Y- Your favorite food? Stuffed zucchini flowers
Z- Zodiac Sign? Libra - I'm balanced, can't you tell

Eyes have it

I can't believe that January is almost over - this month has flown by. Unfortunately, I have not accomplished everything I wanted to get done this month. One of those things is to make an appointment for Lasik eye surgery, or at least the appointment to see if it something that will work for me. I've worn glasses since I was in third grade and I'm ready to finally be able to wear sunglasses, ones that you pick up in a drug store for $2.99 rather than prescription ones that cost more than $100.
I always said that I wouldn't get eye surgery, but that was before moving to Texas. Here it is so bright all the time that I need to be able to put sunglasses on at a moments notice, and that can't happen if you need prescription glasses and you left your prescription sunglasses in the other car, at home, etc.
So now I need to do some research on my local opthamologists, but I'm not sure as to the questions to ask. Has anyone who has been through this process before have any suggestions for me?

Tasty recipe

Recently I started buying StarKist Tuna Creations™,the tuna fish that comes preseasoned in a pouch. I find it needs less mayo and tastes better. One of the recipes listed on the back of the zesty lemon pepper version is a recipe for tuna cakes. It was quick and easy to make plus it was quite flavorful. I highly recommend making it for a light supper or quick lunch. One pouch makes enough for two people, so double or triple the recipe accordingly.
Since the recipe seems to be limited in distribution, here it is:

1 pouch (5oz.) Zesty Lemon Pepper Tuna
1/4 C Red and green bell perpper mix, finely chopped
1/4 C Mayonnaise
1 T Dijon Mustard
1/4 C Bread crumbs
1/2 T Olive oil
Combine all ingredients except oil. Shape into 4 patties. Heat oil in a medium sized skillet over medium heat. Cook and brown tuna cakes in hot oil, 3-4 minutes per side or until hot and golden brown.

It is that simple, although mine did not come out as pretty as the ones shown on the package, and in fact looked like the rejects from the photo shoot, they still were a refreshing change of pace for dinner. We had them with a nice mixed salad.

Marathon details

Now that I'm rested and recuperated, I can tell you my tale. As I mentioned before, we ran the Houston marathon/Chevron Half Marathon this past Sunday. The weather turned out well - low 50's and overcast, which were ideal running conditions. At the starting line there was a sea of humans, with an underlying hum of muted conversation flowing throughout the crowd. Since the official start time was 7 am, we were in the half light that exists pre-sunrise.
There was no announcement, no gun shot, no blast of an air horn (at least that we could hear); just a sudden surge forward. The first mile was uphill, something that we had not expected; yet it went by quickly. As we ran, we read the signs folks where holding up as encouragement. Several folks had "cheering teams" every few miles - one runner named Rhonda had beer (yuck)waiting for her at each water break. Not something I would appreciate, but certainly entertaining to read and a good distraction from thinking about the actual running.
The first 7 miles where in an area of town that I would never willing walk around, since safety would be an issue (bars on the windows are standard). Yet for the run, it was fine. There were even folks sitting on their sloping front stoops, cheering us on.
As we approached our turnaround point right before mile nine, we passed by my running partner's charity of choice. They set up a "booth" to cheer her on, which inadvertently included me. That gave us the extra energy to push forward through the last few miles.
We had a little trouble at mile 10 - the person yelling out the split times was way off, plus the marker itself was in the wrong place. So, mile 10 arrived to soon and mile 11 took forever to arrive.
Near the end of the race, the marathon runners joined back with us half marathoners. As I was approaching my last two miles, I was able to watch the future winner of the marathon pass me. Remember, he did twice the distance as I, yet finished before me! He averaged somewhere around a 4:30min pace for each mile. Watching him pass us, with no one in the marathon even close to meeting his time, I couldn't help but notice that he had barely broken a sweat and looked like he could easily run another 26 miles!
For the final mile, we put on an extra push of energy. For me, I wanted to be done and knew that the faster I ran that last mile, the faster it would be done. As you approach the end, the runners are funneled through a narrow passageway, with cheering crowds on either side of the road. Although I suspect many were cheering for the top marathoners, I still was filled with a sense of joy as I ran past the crowd and heard their cheers.
Even though I had run this distance before, it was some how different doing it in this race, this race that I had trained for for the last three months. As I came within meters of finishing the race,I could feels tears welling up in my eyes, not because of pain; but because I had done it, I had finished the race, I had achieved my goal.

The finish line was located at our local convention center, so that the after-race events where staged inside in a climate controlled area, which was nice. There was free hot breakfast for the finishers, underarmour "finisher" shirts to collect, pictures to take as mementoes of your accomplishment and of course, water to drink.

Would I do this again? Will I train for a whole marathon? Right now that is all up in the air. I do have to heal, but I already miss getting up to run in the morning. It became part of my routine, and it was a good part of it. We will see.

Half-marathon

I finished.

Average mile time: 10:17

Placement: top 25% for my age group

Hubby's mile time: a blistering 7:35

Placement: 350 OVERALL

More tomorrow when I can focus my brain again

Race day countdown

I've got less than one week before race day and I have to say, I think I'm ready for it. I've trained regularly over these past few months and have seen remarkable improvement in my overall cardiac strength and endurance. I did develop a slight hip injury during the last few weeks; but it is one common to runners, one which take three months to heal, but other than that doesn't result in permanent damage if you keep running on it. So, since I only have about a week left, I'll tough it out. 800mg of Ibuprofen before the race and I should be good.

I've worked out how I'll stay hydrated during the run and even have developed a technique to swallow the energy gels without gagging on the syrupy sweetness of them. My only concern is one I have no control over and that is the weather. Forecasts are currently predicting temps in the low 40's with thunderstorms for the start of the race. Yuck! I haven't trained in pouring down rain and am afraid of how the wet cold will affect me. Hubby will back me up when I say that I am very susceptible to drafts and being wet and cold for hours is not going to be a good thing. I'm hoping that the heavy storms wait until the afternoon, once the race is done.

After the race is over; well, I may put running on the back burner for awhile. It has become somewhat tedious running every day. However, I do enjoy how I feel (except for the hip) after my run. So, the running shoes will probably go in the back of the closet but not in the trash, not yet at least.

Quote of the day

You must be the change you wish to see in the world.

Mohandas Gandhi

New Year's Eve

It's that time of year again, time to come up with a list of resolutions that will only be broken by mid-Feb. Actually, the one resolution I made last year (be less judgmental of my fellow co-workers) I did keep and it made me a better person. I am both less critical and cynical at work now, two things with which I was hoping the resolution would help me.
Now it is a new year, and I still don't have any resolutions. I'm thinking of one that involves the boy, but I'm not yet ready to commit that one to paper.
How about you - any suggestions? What resolutions did you keep/break and what new ones are you making for 2007?

The Table

If you come visit my home, you'll notice a lack of coherence in furniture styles throughout my home. We like to call it eclectic, but others say we are indecisive which isn't altogether true. Hubby and I are very decisive on the type of furniture we like, we just can't find it for sale anywhere. So our lack of style is due to picking up a piece of furniture here and there to "make do" until we find the right piece.
We've found that Ethan Allen seems to mesh well with our style, so when we are in the mood to furniture shop, we usually end of there. This is what we did last September, and we found a kitchen table that really worked for us. Unfortunately, at the time it did not really work with our budget, so we decided to wait a bit. Right after Thanksgiving, we decided to return to the store to get the table - it was to be out gift to each other for Christmas. It would be something both of us liked and also meant no running around looking for gifts. A win-win situation.
Once we arrived at the store and perused the furniture we noticed the table was no longer on the floor. After walking around trying to find a sales associate who was not busy on her cell phone, we finally went to the front desk to get some help. I pointed out in their catalogue the table we wanted, and a sales clerk was ready to show us the table. When we told her we didn't need to see the table, that we were ready to buy it, you could see her eyes light up. We sat down to do the paperwork, and as she typed away on her computer we heard her make discouraging noises. "Hmm, that's odd, we don't seem to have any in stock, let me check our warehouse, nope not there, let me check the other computer, hmm, not there either". This went on for a bit, until she finally broke the news to us - there were no more of these tables available since they were discontinued and there were no floor models available anywhere in Texas. She tried to steer us towards a different table, but it was one that had already said no to. We consider some bedroom furniture they have, but decide not to get anything that day. We left the store, rather discouraged and faced with the daunting task of having to figure out what to get each other for Christmas.
Well, a week before Christmas, my husband tells my son to get my gift out of its hiding place. I'm handed a wrapped book-like package, which is rather puzzling - why do I need to open this before Christmas? J is having a panic attack, insisting to hubby that I shouldn't be opening it yet, and I'm agreeing. Finally, hubby forces me to open it. It is an Ethan Allen catalogue. My heart skips a beat, I look up at hubby "What?!? How?!?!" Back to the catalogue, there is a sticky note in it - you guessed it, he found my table!! It was being delivered that Saturday, so he figured I had to open my present early since I would notice a new table in the house.
It seems that for the past few weeks he has been calling stores trying to locate this table. He had one that was literally sold out from under him as he was talking to a sales associate. Then he found mine. It was a floor model, so there was a scratch in it, but he didn't care (nor did I). He had them hold it so he could check it out. The scratch could be buffed out, so he got it. The second part of my present was the cost of it - because it was scratched, because it was a floor model and because it was a discontinued model at that he got it 70% off!
I knew there was a reason why I married that man!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone! Since it is the holiday, we wanted to capture our memories, so that meant we bought batteries for the camera. As you can see above, that is my new and improved short haircut. I was going to post a side-by-side comparisson of a long-haired version of me, but there doesn't seem to be any around. Must be because I'm the one who takes the pictures during special events.

Our Christmas has been low key, with just the three of us enjoying our day together. To quote the boy, "this is the best Christmas ever, well at least until next year". That's my boy, always looking ahead to bigger and better things. The weather has been raw and rainy, but that is OK, since J got so many toys, we are having an adventure just putting them all together.

What did I get? Well, it is a long story, one that I should do justice by telling you of the troubles that went with it, so I think I'll hold off on telling you exactly what it is until I have time to sit down and write the whole story out. I'll just say this, Hubby gained multi-points with this gift.

I had been not feeling in the holiday spirit up until yesterday, when I realized what I was missing. It was quality time with my family. Work has been so hectic that I haven't had time step back and appreciate what I have. So yesterday, J and I made gingerbread cookies (with an amazingly easy recipe) for Santa, then we all watched some holiday classics and read from a book my mother-in-law had written for all the grandkids some years ago. Ahh, now I could feel the spirit. So, to those who've thought that I'v ebeen a bit "grinchy" this season, you are correct. However, I'm back on track to a more positive outlook.
Happy holidays everyone! May your hearts be filled both with joy and laughter, and love and friendship.