| Annual Update |
[18 Jul 2010|04:06pm] |
So, it's my birthday. My 38th birthday.
This is a few months ago, but you get the idea. The last few years have been absolutely amazing. For those of you not following my other blog, this is my pat-myself-on-the-back post for the year :-) Here goes:
-I have an amazing partner. We've weather many storms, and things are truly spectacular. We have so much in common, we're more committed with each day. We've had to work very, very hard to get here, but it's been worth it. I love him.
-I still live in heaven. No, really. I can see mountains almost everywhere I go. It's incredible. I get to hike, hunt wild foods and mushrooms, see bears, and all kinds of other fun things on a regular basis. I look out onto a river every day when I walk out onto my front porch.
-Business is booming! My Personal Chef clients are wonderful, and I am fortunate that they enjoy my services. I get to do nutrition counseling, as well!
-I've taught at an Internationally-known MacArthuer Foundation Award winning urban agriculture organization, and I've just been asked to teach and present at their annual conference.Yes, paid. How cool is that?
-I've got fabulous friends--those who I've known for many years, and those who I am still getting to know.
-Local food is my main diet: meat, dairy (raw milk, yay!!!), produce, fruit, even fish. Soon, legumes and grains will be added to that. I get to play on farms, keep in touch with my farm-girl roots, and play with goats :-)
-I am in the best shape of my life. In addition to hiking and generally being active, I teach spin, p90x, yoga, and some other stuff. I swim regularly. I look awesome in a bikini. I love how I feel--strong, energetic--and how I look. I get guessed at 24-27 by strangers. Thank you, grams, for the genetics!
-I am still a total nerd. Sci-fi books and movies, podcasts, RPGs, and even food. Total. Nerd.
-My kitties are doing well. I suppose they're "middle-aged" now, but they love where we live (lots of windows and birds!), and spend a lot of time happily chasing ghosts.
-I get to volunteer with urban and at-risk youth, teaching them cooking and nutrition. I love watching their faces light up as they eat good, wholesome food they've prepared.
So, what's bad? There's always negative things in life: my grandparents are aging, and there's a lot that goes along with that, most of it difficult and stressful for everyone involved. But, they love me, and I love them, and I still have them to love, and that's what's important. I miss my friends in MI, but I do still get to see them once in a while. Not as often as I'd like, but courtesy of the internet, it's pretty easy to keep in touch. I haven't won the lottery; but, since I don't play, I can't say that's totally unexpected.
The good outweighs the bad, by a lot. I never thought I'd be here, even though Patrick assured me that everything would change after I hit 35. He was right: a place I love, doing something I love, and doing well at it. It's been a good year. I am looking forward to 38.
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| Me, a Traveling Model? |
[12 May 2009|02:38pm] |
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Apparently, yes. At the end of May I'll be doing a show in DC and one in NYC. If those go well, I'll be headed to Seattle, 'Frisco, and LA the following week. And, if I had a passport, it would potentially be on to London. I get paid, and all travel expenses are covered. Geeked, yes. Nervous, yes. Excited about cash? Absolutely. I'll be blogging more about this as the details are set, but wish me luck!
(cross-posted)
I realize I pretty much never post here anymore (for a variety of reasons); but, I wanted to post this here because I have friends in some of the areas I may be headed, and hopefully I can work out a swing-through hello!
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[24 Feb 2009|03:52pm] |
Ah...displacement. I've never visited there myself, but I hear it's a wonderful way to avoid responsibility and blame others.
Enjoy that vacation from reality you're taking.
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| Email Again |
[18 Oct 2008|07:53am] |
Alright, I am just done. I did everything I was supposed to in order to prevent Thunderbird from once again losing all my email (irretrievably, might I add--the import tools, etc. just didn't work): changed the stupid default account name, etc.
I open my computer today, and once again, all my email is gone. Again, some of the address book is still there, but not all of it (any addresses collected rather than imported aren't tthere).
Obviously, at this point, I am looking for a new email program. My server isn't really designed to log into and use as primary email, though I can if I have to. It's really designed to work with programs that download your email onto your computer. While I could forawrd everything to a yahoo or hotmail account, that looks really bad for my business replies.
So, anyone got a good email program they like?
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| F*cking Seriously. Email Help...again |
[02 Sep 2008|03:10pm] |
I think I am done using Mozilla Thunderbird for email. It crashed again, taking *everything* with it: address book, etc. Again. Yeah, this has happened before and yeah, this *is* a different computer. It can no longer be blamed on my other POS.
My profile is still there, I just have no idea how to make the program read the profile. It wants me to create a new one. If anyone remembers the fix that worked before, can you post it here? Emailing isn't going to be terribly effective until I figure it out, because I'll have to log onto my server everytime I want to check mail (which is a HUGE PAIN IN THE ASS).
Thanks.
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[21 Aug 2008|01:22pm] |
It's funny how people say "OMG! We're so much alike!" When what they really mean is "OMG! I have no life, personality, or ambitions of my own, and am jealous of you and want your life; so, I'm going to copy everything you do that I can get my hands on!"
Seriously.
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| Life is a Bowl of Cherries. |
[19 Jun 2008|01:57pm] |
Or whatever it is you like most. Yes, another update post on here, per request.
If things were any more full of sun and happiness, I'd have to wear sunblock to bed. Seriously, it's weird. I know, I know. Gift horse, mouth, etc. So, I'll just make it quick.
I am going to be working with the American Red Cross starting in July. I'll be formulating menus to help low-income people receiving commodities use the items they get each month. Most of the time, these ingredients are kind of off-beat, or they need to be really stretched. I'll be including recipes, and a shopping list for the additional items needed to complete the recipes. The shopping list will include prices, and I'm keeping each meal under $1 per person with the goal of making each meal nutritionally balanced. It'll be a challenge, but I'm really excited about it. I'll also be doing food, shopping, and nutritional counseling for individuals. I've wanted to have the time and resources to do this kind of volunteer work for a long time, and now I do.
I was contacted by a gentleman putting together an eco-friendly restaurant (he already runs a few other restaurants in the area) who wants me to head up the recipe development and design. The food will be all-local, all sustainable, and apparently my name is The One that kept coming up. This is so gratifying! I bounced the idea of brining 1-2 other people on-board to work as part of a team, as I have *no* experience in actual restaurant menu design, and I got the go for that idea. So, this week, I am talking to the person I'd really hoped would be interested (and he is!!!) to put together a proposal. Also, if all goes well, I am hoping my lovely Laurel and good friend H. might be wiling to come on board at least a bit, too.
In less detailed blurbs:
-I have a new client: a local doctor who wants to eat better. She's fantastic.
-I have a new grass-fed, pastured beef producer. I finished that interview today, and I'll be trying product this weekend. Their practices are spot-on and innovative, and also as close to fuel-less as possible (you can't slaughter beef on your own farm if it's for sale, so they do have to transport it to the slaughter house/butcher).
-I am training HARD, burning between 400-1000 calories a day 5 days a week (depends on which training day it is). I am also back to using the website I LOVE to help calculate what I need to be eating, because I can tell I am down on protein. I went lap swimming in open water for the first time yesterday, and loved it. But, I got my butt kicked and will need a lot of practice before I am ready for the races.
-I am hoping to be able to do a 4K for cancer at the end of August, which I'll be dedicating to one of my clients. She's fighting a rare and very aggressive form of breast cancer, and has an amazing spirit and will. I am in shape enough to do it now, but I am working on my knees. I can't afford to blow them out, so wish me luck on getting them to a point I can do the run!
-The weather is frickin' astonishing, we're hiking, and we love it here. We found this amazing swimming hole in a mountain stream at the foot of a waterfall, complete with rocks perfect for diving and sunbathing. It's cool there even on the hottest days, and looks like a movie set.
So, pass me that 70spf and some shades. I need them.
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| 365 tomorrows, and Then Some * |
[30 Apr 2008|04:11pm] |
It's been just over a year since Things Happened, part 1. While Parts 2-? still have upcoming anti-versaries in May, I thought I'd post where I'm at now.
I don't post here regularly, and I am not going to start again; but, this seemed like a good time to revisit some things. And yes, this is a very "me" oriented post.
In no particular order:
-I am 100% self-employed. I have a career that I love, running (and making a good living at) a business and two halves that are fantastic. First, of course, I am now officially a Personal Chef. As in, I have clients. I love what I do, it makes a difference. Example: I am cooking for an oncology patient (very aggressive cancer), and the food choices I make are part of her treatment. They can make a notable difference in her well-being, and therefore that of her family. It takes some stress off of her already stressful situation, and that makes me feel good. And I get paid for it! I also still have the henna business, of course (which is one "half" of a business since I've ratcheted it down to gigs I feel like taking). And, I now have another "half business":
-I am doing the purchasing, events, and design for a local, very high-end gourmet store's cheese division. What does this mean in layman's terms? I get to go to dairies, taste cheese, buy it and sell it, and create catering plates using other local ingredients from farms I also get to visit. AND I GET PAID FOR THIS! With, in the near future, profit sharing. I am getting paid to eat and talk about cheese. I don't think a more perfect job exists.
-I am in fantastic shape, better than I've been in since probably my early 20's. I am 105 lbs, mostly muscle, with lungs like bellows. Oh, yeah! I am finally, it appears, side effects from the whole MI thing, as is Tiri (no permanent brain or lung damage for her, either, thankfully).
-We've got two National Park trails that we oversee. We got into the group because we hike so much we felt we should give back, and it's also meant meeting a lot of great people. Soon, we were given a trail of our own and then another. Essentially, overseeing is keeping it passable and free of debris. We do the blazing (marks you follow so you don't get lost), blow down removals, trim backs, waste pick up, etc. We get to hike while we volunteer. How cool is that? We're also looking at joining the restoration/construction crew for some of the AT and just-off-AT cabins!
-Our place is amazing. It's got more light than anyplace I've ever lived, with windows *everywhere*! It's a historic building with 12 foot ceilings, archways, and all the little nooks, crannies, and eccentricities one could ask for. It's also very large, with about 1200 sq. ft. of usable living space, including a nicely sized kitchen. We have a balcony, a flowering tree out or (full-sized) dining room window, and my cats love it. I even have my own little home-office space! And, it's really nice to finally not be sick anymore.
-I love who I am: beautiful inside and out, sweet and kind, caring and empathetic, funny, passionate, and gregarious. And, I have self-respect, which often seems in short supply among women these days (a very sad state of things).
-I DO stuff. I spent a week in CA, including several days in Yosemite National Park (oh, the pictures of waterfalls--you're all very lucky you're not here for the slideshow!). We're taking a 3-day canoe trip down my favorite river. I spent Sunday climbing waterfalls (not around them, through and up them), and came home bruised, battered, and very happy. Friday, i am going morel hunting, and this Sunday is a large Hunt Party we're attending with friends. Tall and Lanky is kayaking regularly with a few of the guys down here.
-Tall & Lanky and I are doing great. He continues to make progress in where he is going and what he is doing (that is his story to tell), and it shows more every day. We are more in love than ever, more committed than ever, and the relationship is healthier than ever in so many ways. We do so much together, and it's sometimes startling how much we have in common.
-I've developed more new interests this past year (yeah, I know, like I needed anymore): podcasts and bento being the major new additions. I still read, I am still very active (moreso even) in the slow & local sustainable foods movements, I still love the cheese, etc. I am just time managing better, and picking and choosing.
Life is good. I didn't allow it to be destroyed by others, and I am worth everything it's taken.
*I am sorry, Jared Axelrod, I was inspired specifically by your site and the title just fit so darn well. I'll send you & the lovely Ms. Blackwell cookies!
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[05 Feb 2008|06:18pm] |
So, I've been lax in posting. Since I've been so lax, today you get...
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| A Reversion? |
[03 Jul 2007|12:11pm] |
Okay, I have no idea if that is a word or not, but..
This LJ has gotten off topic. I am returning it to it's original use: recipes and workout stuff, as well as to keep up with my friend's LJs.
There is more to this story. If you are on my friend's list, you know it. If you aren't, and you hope to keep up with me once I move (starting today), you'll need to email me.
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| OTM & weekend plans |
[28 Jun 2007|03:31pm] |
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mood |
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 calm |
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On the menu tonight:
--B-b-q chicken, mixed green veggies (edamame, spinach, asparagus), sun-dried tomato & pine nut couscous w/fresh thyme & basil.
--Flying a kit
--Packing for a trip to the family's tomorrow. It'll be good to see my grandparents. My grandmother is a very strong woman, and it's hard not to feel inspired to Deal With Life when you're around her.
Next weeK;
--Gaming & dinner with Reid, along with some business-type stuff
--Fireworks downown!
--Environment party?
--Dinner club: Belle Isle cookout!
--Top of th Park?
I'll need to start seeing folks soon to say my goodbyes, and there've been some inquiries about a goodbye shindig. That info is to follow as soon as I know more. Stay tuned!
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| Basic Update |
[26 Jun 2007|02:53pm] |
For those who've asked:
--If all goes as planned, I will be leaving the week of July 23rd. If I could swing it, I'd leave earlier, given the situation. I need to move, I need to get to a place where I can breathe again and start a life for myself. I'll be staying with a friend for the first few weeks while I look into housing options. Ideally, I'd like a mother-in-law apartment in an older home, or something along those lines. I'd also consider a trade for services with personal cheffing, if there was someone who was interested. We'll see.
-Tiri is doing great.
-My toe is broken. According to the doc, who unfortunately spent more time flirting with me than examining my x-rays, pretty nastily. It got turned. Fun. 4-6 weeks. They also gave me this lovely sandal. Which is an awful lot like the sandals I wore in, except ugly. And less supportive. And it rubs the skin off. So, I'll continue with the barefoot thing, thanks.
-Overall, I am surviving. Mostly, I am spending time trying not to sleep all day. Yes, I realize that is a symptom of depression; but, with a broken toe that hurts like hell, there's a limited amount of energy expending I can do anyway for at least a week or two more while it heals sufficiently for me to wear closed-toed shoes (and therefore, trainers so I can do cardio and weights again). Swimming, however, is something I should start up again. Fortunately, I am good at it and enjoy it. But, I also enjoy sleep, and it's so much easier.
-Still have the serious hipbones, still not put back on the weight I lost through all this. I am eating better again, though.
I guess that about sums it up.
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| Almost There |
[26 Jun 2007|02:44pm] |
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So, I have most everyone's contact info that I lost; but, if you need to get a hold of me and for some reason didn't know how, but didn't want to leave your contact info in comments, my AIM and Yahoo contact info is in my profile.
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| Control. |
[25 Jun 2007|12:23pm] |
These days, I seem to have none. My life, my schedule, my privacy, my move, my finances...
ALL of these are being controlled by other people right now for various reasons that I cannot reasonably prevent or change. This is not at all helping with the larger situations in my life, and it's honestly driving me towards the edge of sanity.
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| Do the Limbo |
[22 Jun 2007|12:51pm] |
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mood |
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 agitated, excited |
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I detest instability, and have a strong need to control my life. Right now, that just isn't happening. Everything is up in the air. I know that is typical when planning a huge move, and I've really done as much as I can to stabilize the situation; but, ergh, it irks me. There's a ton to do, but I am in a holding pattern waiting on one thing and another.
Dates are getting continually rearranged to try to get to see folks before I leave, I am trying to sort out cash issues, job issues, etc.
I mostly just want to go. Now. Really.
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| Contact Information |
[21 Jun 2007|11:27am] |
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mood |
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 aggravated |
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So, my phone died.
Verizon SUCKS.
My numbers were not retrievable, so please email/call me with your contact information if you would like to hear from me again some day.
*mumbles and goes off to kick something*
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| Day 26 journal |
[20 Jun 2007|02:55pm] |
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mood |
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 discontent |
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So far, cutting the simple starches out of the diet for a couple of weeks is going really well. I did have two squares of chocolate last night, to salve the intense stress of the day. A good bit of that stress didn't come to any kind of conclusion until this morning, when I took Tiri to the vet. She's fine, and I am treating her for her stomach issues, but I was so worried at the constant vomiting I couldn't sleep. She actually came upstairs last night to get me, and so I went downstairs to sleep with her (she won't sleep upstairs if she's sick, if the windows are open downstairs, or if there's someone else in the bed). She was on and off the couch all night, intermittently puking. She got to the point she'd sit next to the couch so I didn't have to get up to reach out and hold her while she was retching. It was heart-rending. It did stop once i took food and water away, which helped. She was starving and thirsty (no, she wasn't terribly dehydrated by any means, but she was trying to clear her system), so she kept trying to ingest things that kept coming back up.
I knew it wasn't poison, etc. because she was very bright-eyed and bushy tailed, no fever, clear-eyed, lucid, etc. I had a good idea of what it was, and I was basically right. Logically, I knew she'd be fine until morning. Emotionally, I couldn't go to sleep. She got in first thing this morning, and it's her digestive system acting up again. Doc recommended some new, simple measures to help stave this off if it happens again (this is the second time), and Tiri is doing better now. She's eating, and has kept it down. Yay!
In other news, I had two of my favorite things today: a ripe, juicy nectarine and a ripe banana with peanut butter. Little bits of heaven.
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| Mini Food Vent |
[19 Jun 2007|03:05pm] |
So, I was out buying a couple groceries yesterday: eggs, bread, and fresh fruit at Kroger. Most of what Kroger had were the expensive, organic fruits--things about 1.5 to three times the price of regular fruit. It's clear that in the very near future, all of their produce will be organic.
Now, I do as much as I reasonably can for my nutrition and the environment. I buy organic whenever reasonable; but, no everyone can. Hell, at this point, I certainly can't eat organic even most of the time. This Kroger is literally the only option some people have for groceries--anyone without a car is forced to shop there if they want to eat. There is no bus service to speak of. People who can't afford a car almost certainly cannot afford organic fruit, so they are left with either canned or nothing.
Food prices are already on the rise due to fuel prices, and many, many people can't afford to eat even regular fresh fruits and vegetables on a regular basis. What the hell are they supposed to do when all they have the option to buy is super-expensive organic?
Yes, I get that organic is better for the environment. Of course I'd prefer to eat organic all the time. Unfortunately, I live in the real world where the economy currently dictates that I better learn to like "regular" bananas and strawberries most of the time. Have you *seen* Thudd? This man eats 3,000+ calories a day to just maintain weight, and we can't afford 3,000 calories a day in organic food. And if we can't, I can only imagine what kind of food many of the people around that store are now eating, since they can no longer afford to buy most of the fresh fruits.
We bitch about obesity in this country. It's now classified as a disease. I think it's a symptom. It's getting more and more difficult for lower and middle class people to purchase a healthy diet, especially for families. Organic is a generally good concept (with some major kinks to be worked out yet), and I'd love to see everyone eating organic and free range foods. More than that, though, I'd love to see people who aren't in the upper echelon have reasonable, fresh choices AT ALL for their diet.
I left the organic strawberries at the store.
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shwankie's journal