Last Thursday, about four o’clock, I started to ruminate on the age-old question: What should I make for dinner?
I scanned the fridge and pantry, considering my options: Grilled cheese and tomato soup. Spaghetti. Veggie burgers. On a normal day, these would be ok, but today, these choices seemed blah. Thursday is our family night—and I wanted to make some thing yummy, something healthy. And with the snow falling outside—I craved something akin to comfort food.
I guess I could go to the store, I thought. But upon further introspection, I didn’t want to take the time, spend the money, or waste the gas for the 30 minute round-trip jaunt to the grocery.
So, I went back to the pantry and stared in a zombie-like fashion, like my kids do at snack time. Since it was the end of the week, my options were scarce; I needed to get creative.
There has to be something I can make.
I started into the freezer. Stared into the fridge. Stared in the pantry again.
I made a cup of tea and continued to ponder the inventory. Finally, I decided I could make a meatloaf with ground turkey breast, chop up my two sweet potatoes to make fries, and sauté up the past-its-prime spinach. Though not exactly a home-run, the meal would be relatively healthy and tasty.
Then, as I dug the meat out of the freezer, I saw a bag of frozen berries and it hit me: I could also make a pie! Bingo!
I turned on the radio and started the pie. I didn’t have quite enough berries to fill the pan to the brim, so I diced a lone Granny Smith and tossed it in. As I pinched the edges of the crust and brushed egg white on the top, I felt a surge of joy. This would be the perfect end to our meal and our day. I carved a heart into the top. Berry-apple pie…made with love.
After dinner, I announced my surprise and smiles flooded the room. I sliced up big pieces of the still-warm comfort confection. We didn’t have any ice-cream, but it was still perfect.
“Mom, you are awesome!” Morgan exclaimed. Peyton agreed. Pete remained silent; his mouth was full.
It is a bit ironic, that as a kid I didn’t much like pie, nor did I really like to cook. Now it is these simple things that often bring me the most joy. I felt creative success at pulling a complete meal–and dessert!!!—from an almost empty pantry. I love making something warm and delicious as a treat for my family. Though I am still a fan of frozen pizza when my schedule is hectic, I enjoy the message sent with a nutritious and delicious home-cooked meal: You are worth the effort. I love you.
The next day, on my lunch break, I was back staring into the fridge. What can I eat for lunch?
This time the answer came quickly: A slice of leftover pie and a big glass of milk.
And as I ate it, I could feel the love.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
More Action!
Today, Peyton had the opportunity to share her story with the Children’s Hospital Trustees and Board of Directors. And while we were at the hospital—I found myself looking at all the people:
The dad sitting on the curb as we drove in—wearing a hospital wristband and pajama pants, his head down between his legs…Was he praying? Weeping? Just trying to breathe?
The pretty teen in a wheelchair—a heart patterned blanket covering her legs.
The little boy with the face mask, saucer eyes scanning his surroundings.
The mom wandering aimlessly ‘round the lobby with tired red eyes and worn slippers.
I used to be that mom.
Though it has been almost six years since Peyton’s brain tumor, I remember the anxiety, the stress, and the fear like it was yesterday.
Each patient, each parent, has a story; their own personal bundle of worry and “what if.” My heart breaks for each of them. I can only pray they will have a favorable outcome like Peyton did. That they will have friends and family to love and support them, skillful doctors to care for them, and the grace of God to heal what only He can.
Tomorrow kicks off “Alice 36 Hours for Kids” radiothon—which is one of the biggest fund raisers for The Children’s Miracle Network in Colorado—which benefits our Children’s Hospital. And Peyton’s story will help “kick off” the event. As the Colorado “Champion” we’ve been told that Peyton represents the thousands of kids who are treated at Children’s each year.
And it is such an honor.
But I am also reminded that each of those thousands—hundreds of thousands—has a story all their own. It reminds me just HOW important The Children’s “Hopsital” is…because it is one of the best hospitals in the country… because it does not feel like a hospital…and because it gives kids their lives back…(and parents their kids back).
There are SO MANY good causes to support. My heart pulls to lots of things—but mostly, it pulls to 1) The Children’s Hospital and 2) finding a cure for brain tumors.
You undoubtedly have your own causes—the things that you believe in and would do anything for.
There are so many causes, so much need.
And there is so much we can do.
So—my encouragement is to DO SOMETHING—whatever your cause. Wherever you are at in life, we can all help. Give time. Give money. Answer phones. Send a care package. Pick up a hammer. Write a letter. ACT.
There is a world that needs us. People who need us. And we each have the power to make things better, to bring hope to others...To help someone’s story have a happy ending.
As a side note: In the current issue of “Scientific American” there is an article on brain cancer. The author says recent research suggests antidepressants may block neurotransmitters, keeping cancer stem cells from talking to each other—thus, preventing them from proliferating. It said test studies may happen quickly—as antidepressants are already FDA approved—but this may be a major breakthrough toward a cure for brain cancer. Isn’t that cool? Doesn’t that want you to support brain tumor research?
The dad sitting on the curb as we drove in—wearing a hospital wristband and pajama pants, his head down between his legs…Was he praying? Weeping? Just trying to breathe?
The pretty teen in a wheelchair—a heart patterned blanket covering her legs.
The little boy with the face mask, saucer eyes scanning his surroundings.
The mom wandering aimlessly ‘round the lobby with tired red eyes and worn slippers.
I used to be that mom.
Though it has been almost six years since Peyton’s brain tumor, I remember the anxiety, the stress, and the fear like it was yesterday.
Each patient, each parent, has a story; their own personal bundle of worry and “what if.” My heart breaks for each of them. I can only pray they will have a favorable outcome like Peyton did. That they will have friends and family to love and support them, skillful doctors to care for them, and the grace of God to heal what only He can.
Tomorrow kicks off “Alice 36 Hours for Kids” radiothon—which is one of the biggest fund raisers for The Children’s Miracle Network in Colorado—which benefits our Children’s Hospital. And Peyton’s story will help “kick off” the event. As the Colorado “Champion” we’ve been told that Peyton represents the thousands of kids who are treated at Children’s each year.
And it is such an honor.
But I am also reminded that each of those thousands—hundreds of thousands—has a story all their own. It reminds me just HOW important The Children’s “Hopsital” is…because it is one of the best hospitals in the country… because it does not feel like a hospital…and because it gives kids their lives back…(and parents their kids back).
There are SO MANY good causes to support. My heart pulls to lots of things—but mostly, it pulls to 1) The Children’s Hospital and 2) finding a cure for brain tumors.
You undoubtedly have your own causes—the things that you believe in and would do anything for.
There are so many causes, so much need.
And there is so much we can do.
So—my encouragement is to DO SOMETHING—whatever your cause. Wherever you are at in life, we can all help. Give time. Give money. Answer phones. Send a care package. Pick up a hammer. Write a letter. ACT.
There is a world that needs us. People who need us. And we each have the power to make things better, to bring hope to others...To help someone’s story have a happy ending.
As a side note: In the current issue of “Scientific American” there is an article on brain cancer. The author says recent research suggests antidepressants may block neurotransmitters, keeping cancer stem cells from talking to each other—thus, preventing them from proliferating. It said test studies may happen quickly—as antidepressants are already FDA approved—but this may be a major breakthrough toward a cure for brain cancer. Isn’t that cool? Doesn’t that want you to support brain tumor research?
Monday, February 8, 2010
More Health
After the girls got on the school bus this morning, I did the breakfast dishes. Then, I scanned the fridge for any old leftovers that needed to be dumped. As suspected, I found some old rice, which I tossed into the trash can, and some fish and artichokes which was too stinky for the trash, so I put it down the garbage disposal.
A while later, I took some dirty clothes down to the laundry room and noticed the utility sink in the laundry room was full of dirty water with floaties in it.
“Pete,” I called out. “Come look at this.”
Pete tried to plunge the sink and it wouldn’t budge. “It looks like there is some sort of food in the water,” he said, after several minutes of unsuccessful plunging. And then it hit me: The slivery floaties were artichokes.
Ugh.
After an hour of snaking the pipe, Pete unclogged the drain and got things working again. But the clogged pipe got me thinking about something else.
Health.
I read a quote once—and my apologies to the author—because I can’t remember who said it:
“Health is not the absence of disease.”
Think about that.
As a society, we tend to think that we are either 1) sick—with obvious symptoms of illness, or 2) healthy. However, many people may look healthy on the outside, but not be living in optimum health. Many are walking time bombs, with arteries clogging up over time just like the pipe in my house. Inflammation building up. Stress building up. Bones and muscles wearing away…all under the surface where we can’t see what is really going on.
February is American Heart Month—and I’m challenging all the gals (and guys, too) not just to wear red and talk about it, but to take care of themselves and to EXERCISE. Not just for our hearts—but for our butts! For our attitudes! For our minds! For our overall quality of life!
Too often, women neglect simple lifestyle choices that allow us to live our best lives. Too often we confuse self-nurturing with selfishness. Too often we simply make bad choices when it comes to diet and health.
I can say this because I do it.
I neglect exercise.
I think about how I should start the day with a work-out and a glass of OJ with calcium—and then I choose the couch and a huge cup of coffee.
I put junk food down my trap, even when I know it’s not doing anything good as it makes its way to my pancreas.
I worry about osteoporosis, then fail to take my calcium and Vitamin D.
Why?
There are lots of reasons—but in reality, most are excuses. I’m guessing yours are too.
So guess what? No more excuses. I worked out today! And I ate oatmeal and had a protein shake—(though I could probably use a detox after all the junk food I devoured yesterday). But, baby steps, right?
Here's another quote from an unknown author: “A lifetime of little changes can add up to a big impact.”
Health is not made—or lost—in a day. Yet, when we exercise, we tend to eat better, and when we eat better, we feel better, and then other good choices flow from there.
So, I’m in the pursuit of more health. Are you with me?
A while later, I took some dirty clothes down to the laundry room and noticed the utility sink in the laundry room was full of dirty water with floaties in it.
“Pete,” I called out. “Come look at this.”
Pete tried to plunge the sink and it wouldn’t budge. “It looks like there is some sort of food in the water,” he said, after several minutes of unsuccessful plunging. And then it hit me: The slivery floaties were artichokes.
Ugh.
After an hour of snaking the pipe, Pete unclogged the drain and got things working again. But the clogged pipe got me thinking about something else.
Health.
I read a quote once—and my apologies to the author—because I can’t remember who said it:
“Health is not the absence of disease.”
Think about that.
As a society, we tend to think that we are either 1) sick—with obvious symptoms of illness, or 2) healthy. However, many people may look healthy on the outside, but not be living in optimum health. Many are walking time bombs, with arteries clogging up over time just like the pipe in my house. Inflammation building up. Stress building up. Bones and muscles wearing away…all under the surface where we can’t see what is really going on.
February is American Heart Month—and I’m challenging all the gals (and guys, too) not just to wear red and talk about it, but to take care of themselves and to EXERCISE. Not just for our hearts—but for our butts! For our attitudes! For our minds! For our overall quality of life!
Too often, women neglect simple lifestyle choices that allow us to live our best lives. Too often we confuse self-nurturing with selfishness. Too often we simply make bad choices when it comes to diet and health.
I can say this because I do it.
I neglect exercise.
I think about how I should start the day with a work-out and a glass of OJ with calcium—and then I choose the couch and a huge cup of coffee.
I put junk food down my trap, even when I know it’s not doing anything good as it makes its way to my pancreas.
I worry about osteoporosis, then fail to take my calcium and Vitamin D.
Why?
There are lots of reasons—but in reality, most are excuses. I’m guessing yours are too.
So guess what? No more excuses. I worked out today! And I ate oatmeal and had a protein shake—(though I could probably use a detox after all the junk food I devoured yesterday). But, baby steps, right?
Here's another quote from an unknown author: “A lifetime of little changes can add up to a big impact.”
Health is not made—or lost—in a day. Yet, when we exercise, we tend to eat better, and when we eat better, we feel better, and then other good choices flow from there.
So, I’m in the pursuit of more health. Are you with me?
Friday, February 5, 2010
More Perspective...
While in the grocery store check-out line last night, I saw the cover of Oprah magazine which headlines, “100 Things That Are (Actually) Getting Better.”
You have got to be kidding me.
Now, I did not read the article, but it is a sad day in the United States when we have to buy a $5 magazine in order to recognize 100 good things in our lives. Let’s get some perspective here, people.
Yes, as a country, we are going through a tough time. My family has taken economic hits and made many adjustments in response to the times, as have Americans across the country. And while I realize that the foreclosure rate is at an all-time high, quite frankly, losing a house is a problem of people who are quite blessed. Only 12% of the world’s population even owns a home.
And yes, there is controversy about healthcare reform. But as Americans, most of us still have access to care. Phenomenal care. At The Children’s Hospitals and St. Judes, children are not denied care for inability to pay. This is the case at many hospitals. We have pretty good healthcare in the US, no matter how you look at it. Could it be better in some ways? Probably. But it is still better than what the majority of the earth’s population has available to them. Let’s not forget that. Had Peyton been born in a different country, or at a different time, she might not be with us today.
In the US, we also have: Clean water, food, clothes, shoes, vaccinations, public education, solid infrastructure, freedom of speech and religion, books, email, sunshine, friends, family, music, laughter, Superbowl parties and more. My list could go on and on and on. To way more than 100 things. I could type all day and never hit the end of the list. Sorry, Oprah.
Yes, we all have our down days. And I am not saying life is not stressful—some of the stuff is really hard; I get it. But when we start to feel like everything sucks and we have to look to Oprah for her “100 List” then there is a bigger hole inside that needs to be filled... Let’s all THANK GOD for what we do have and keep a healthy perspective on life. Recession or not. Political unrest, whatever…we all have great lives in the United States.
If you feel stuck, write a list of your blessings. And block out a chunk of time to do it. It will take a while…
You have got to be kidding me.
Now, I did not read the article, but it is a sad day in the United States when we have to buy a $5 magazine in order to recognize 100 good things in our lives. Let’s get some perspective here, people.
Yes, as a country, we are going through a tough time. My family has taken economic hits and made many adjustments in response to the times, as have Americans across the country. And while I realize that the foreclosure rate is at an all-time high, quite frankly, losing a house is a problem of people who are quite blessed. Only 12% of the world’s population even owns a home.
And yes, there is controversy about healthcare reform. But as Americans, most of us still have access to care. Phenomenal care. At The Children’s Hospitals and St. Judes, children are not denied care for inability to pay. This is the case at many hospitals. We have pretty good healthcare in the US, no matter how you look at it. Could it be better in some ways? Probably. But it is still better than what the majority of the earth’s population has available to them. Let’s not forget that. Had Peyton been born in a different country, or at a different time, she might not be with us today.
In the US, we also have: Clean water, food, clothes, shoes, vaccinations, public education, solid infrastructure, freedom of speech and religion, books, email, sunshine, friends, family, music, laughter, Superbowl parties and more. My list could go on and on and on. To way more than 100 things. I could type all day and never hit the end of the list. Sorry, Oprah.
Yes, we all have our down days. And I am not saying life is not stressful—some of the stuff is really hard; I get it. But when we start to feel like everything sucks and we have to look to Oprah for her “100 List” then there is a bigger hole inside that needs to be filled... Let’s all THANK GOD for what we do have and keep a healthy perspective on life. Recession or not. Political unrest, whatever…we all have great lives in the United States.
If you feel stuck, write a list of your blessings. And block out a chunk of time to do it. It will take a while…
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
“More Breathing Room…”
I forgot my cell phone at home today… for the second day in a row.
Hearing this staggering fact, several people asked, “HOW, HOW, HOW can you live without your cell phone????!!!!”
My response: Quite well, surprisingly.
Sure, while I was at work, I missed a couple texts and a few calls, but let’s not overlook the fact that I was still on my computer all day and I do have an office phone. (That means, for those who have forgotten the power of a land line, that I was reachable in case of an emergency.)
But the amazing thing was—driving home, I didn’t call anyone, didn’t glance at my email, and didn’t text anyone (of course, I wouldn’t have anyway with the no texting laws in Colorado…) What I did do, for a fleeting moment was wonder, “What will I do if my car breaks down??!!” And then I thought, “Hello, Celeste! You car has NEVER broken down, so I doubt it will happen today.”
And the rest of the drive was quiet. It Twilight Zone peaceful…and I loved it.
I think it is crazy that as a culture, we (and make no mistake, I am including myself here) are so addicted to these little boxes. Pete sits up in bed late at night reading emails and playing Scrabble with 22 friends across the country. I use my phone as an alarm clock in the morning—and then scan my inbox before my eyes even adjust to the daylight. Seriously, that’s me, head still on the pillow—blink, blink, blink—squinting and deleting spam email from Jos A. Bank, Express, and Family Labels.
Do you think old Alexander could ever have imagined this when he invented the telephone?
With phone in tow, I must admit, I keep in great contact with people: a quick text here—an email there—a phone call (or six) from friends. But it’s hard to turn off; I almost keep in too good of contact with people. If my friends, family, co-workers, boss, and husband all know I have my phone with me, then an immediate response is almost expected—and I don’t know about you, but I just can’t keep up.
A girl needs some time to breathe. So, I am in the pursuit of some serious breathing room.
The funny thing is, for several weeks, I have been pondering the plausibility of taking a regular day “on vacation” from my cell phone…and apparently, my subconscious agrees it’s a wonderful idea, as demonstrated by my Freudian Slip the last two days.
Now, a work day really is not ideal to leave my phone—what if I actually do blow a tire on the way home to meet the girls at the school bus???—but when could I do it? That is the question that has been stopping me, wheels stuck in the mud, for weeks. It seemed like at some point during everyday, I’d need my ol’ Rasberry. However, the last two days have helped me realize, no matter what day I pick, I’ll survive. People will live without my immediate response and I’ll be the better for it.
So, that’s it! I’m gonna start with Mondays—a home office writing day—and I’ll let you know how it goes.
(Ahem...If you weren’t paying close attention, that means if you need me on Mondays you better email me reeeeeaaaallllly early…cause, well, you know, a girl still needs an alarm clock…)
Hearing this staggering fact, several people asked, “HOW, HOW, HOW can you live without your cell phone????!!!!”
My response: Quite well, surprisingly.
Sure, while I was at work, I missed a couple texts and a few calls, but let’s not overlook the fact that I was still on my computer all day and I do have an office phone. (That means, for those who have forgotten the power of a land line, that I was reachable in case of an emergency.)
But the amazing thing was—driving home, I didn’t call anyone, didn’t glance at my email, and didn’t text anyone (of course, I wouldn’t have anyway with the no texting laws in Colorado…) What I did do, for a fleeting moment was wonder, “What will I do if my car breaks down??!!” And then I thought, “Hello, Celeste! You car has NEVER broken down, so I doubt it will happen today.”
And the rest of the drive was quiet. It Twilight Zone peaceful…and I loved it.
I think it is crazy that as a culture, we (and make no mistake, I am including myself here) are so addicted to these little boxes. Pete sits up in bed late at night reading emails and playing Scrabble with 22 friends across the country. I use my phone as an alarm clock in the morning—and then scan my inbox before my eyes even adjust to the daylight. Seriously, that’s me, head still on the pillow—blink, blink, blink—squinting and deleting spam email from Jos A. Bank, Express, and Family Labels.
Do you think old Alexander could ever have imagined this when he invented the telephone?
With phone in tow, I must admit, I keep in great contact with people: a quick text here—an email there—a phone call (or six) from friends. But it’s hard to turn off; I almost keep in too good of contact with people. If my friends, family, co-workers, boss, and husband all know I have my phone with me, then an immediate response is almost expected—and I don’t know about you, but I just can’t keep up.
A girl needs some time to breathe. So, I am in the pursuit of some serious breathing room.
The funny thing is, for several weeks, I have been pondering the plausibility of taking a regular day “on vacation” from my cell phone…and apparently, my subconscious agrees it’s a wonderful idea, as demonstrated by my Freudian Slip the last two days.
Now, a work day really is not ideal to leave my phone—what if I actually do blow a tire on the way home to meet the girls at the school bus???—but when could I do it? That is the question that has been stopping me, wheels stuck in the mud, for weeks. It seemed like at some point during everyday, I’d need my ol’ Rasberry. However, the last two days have helped me realize, no matter what day I pick, I’ll survive. People will live without my immediate response and I’ll be the better for it.
So, that’s it! I’m gonna start with Mondays—a home office writing day—and I’ll let you know how it goes.
(Ahem...If you weren’t paying close attention, that means if you need me on Mondays you better email me reeeeeaaaallllly early…cause, well, you know, a girl still needs an alarm clock…)
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