The Park

Sunshine

I borrowed sunshine from the Maker.
Grace upon me as I take her
The rays outline and warm my soul
I grabbed the tailspin and lost control
Humbled by the power of such Greatness
Seek the light and watch it tunnel through darkness
Watch as the most beautiful flowers grow from such fortuitous light
Absorbed in a trance-you will lose sight
Surrender to the path from where they take her
I borrowed sunshine from the Maker.

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

My daughter has her own Christmas tree this year. It stands a little under 3 feet- and is small and precious, (just like my daughter). This year she wanted to go all out. I bought a "Tinkerbell" ornament kit, which she colored and painted each cardboard ornament with dedicated focus. She adorned the tree with these Tinkerbell ornaments yet, this was not enough for her tree. She had to make it even more beautiful. She said, "wait mommy" as she ran off and came back with a smile and toilet paper..

She embellished the tree with a few squares of toilet paper. "There!". I told her that was a nice touch, but she wasn't finished yet.  She ran to her toy box, searched to the bottom, and pulled out one of her dress-up high heel slippers. You would have thought she found the holy grail, "Wow!, here it is!", she exclaimed. She ran back to her tree and gently placed the glass slipper atop the tree. She took a step back to review her work. "It's done", she said. 

What a perfect Christmas tree!

*please note: toilet paper and glass slipper.

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging;
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging;
Not only green when summer's here,
But also when 'tis cold and drear.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Much pleasure thou can'st give me;
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Much pleasure thou can'st give me;
How often has the Christmas tree
Afforded me the greatest glee!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Much pleasure thou can'st give me.

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!
From base to summit, gay and bright,
There's only splendor for the sight.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!
Thou bidst us true and faithful be,
And trust in God unchangingly.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee! !" 

Early Bird Gets the Worm, Sleepy Bird Gets the Pie!

Thanksgiving was delightful.

There was plenty of food: mom's famous stuffing, mashed potatoes, turkey, rolls, pies, casseroles, and everything in between. I ate a hearty meal and gladly helped myself to a nap.

In the midst of my dreaming, and coming in and out of consciousness, I faintly heard people leaving. I heard my sister ask if she could take home left-overs. I too got up and made myself a plate of left-overs to take home. Or so I thought! No, it was a dream!!

I woke up and everyone was gone, as well as ALL the stuffing, mashed potatoes, and white meat of the turkey. HOW COULD I LET THIS HAPPEN?!?!?! My precious stuffing, gone.

I didn't get upset. I got even. Check out the big a** piece of pie I took home.

Revenge is *Sweet.

-Moral of the story: Don't fall asleep after Thanksgiving dinner if you want left-overs.

*sweet apple pie!

Arlington Foodie: Atomic Subs & Wings

We decided to eat lunch at a "hole-in-the-wall" sub shop: Atomic Subs & Wings. It is located in central Arlington, near UTA, across from the baseball fields.

The look of the restaurant reminded me of something I would see on the Food Network show, Diners-Drive Ins- and Dives. I suppose this would be classified as a Diner-?

 There is a 50" flat screen on one side of the restaurant and a 60" big screen on the opposite side. A few booths outline the parameters of the diner with tables and chairs filling in the middle area. There are a few tables and chairs for outside dining- a bit too chilly today!

We were seated (me + 1 adult + toddler) and greeted by a college-aged, friendly, server who told us about the specials. This is a full-service restaurant. I found this out when I began to walk towards the soda fountain and the server graciously grabbed my glass and urged me to have a seat.

My husband decided on wings: 12 pieces for $8.99. He chose two flavors: "rockstar"- original buffalo hot flavor with Parmesan and "twisted rockstar"- original buffalo hot with lemon pepper. He opted for "atomic fries" which are the house fries tossed in the original buffalo sauce and served somewhat like a Cole-slaw side.

The other wing flavors are: BBQ, Cajun BBQ, Lemon Pepper, Salt and Pepper, Original, Atomic, and HELLFIRE!!! <--- warning: menu states that "hellfire" will melt your face off. If you complete this daunting task and eat the hellfire wings successfully, you will be plaqued onto the "Colon Pow! Wall" of fame. I love dislike being reminded of colons, while I eat.

50 wings for $29.99 is offered daily, call-in orders are accepted.


For me? I am cheap, thus I chose the lunch special: 1/2 sub sandwich (6 inches, but mine was definately 7), fries and a drink for $6.95. I decided on the "Garden Grazer" sub with house fries and a Texas favorite, Dr. Pepper. My sub came out on a toasted wheat sub bun with grilled portabella mushrooms, atop alfalfa sprouts, black olives, lettuce, tomatoes, grilled onions, and sub dressing (a buttery cream sauce). There was a layer of cream cheese spread which also added a nice surprise. The fries were sprinkled with season salt.

Atomic Subs & Wings is locally owned and operated. I would recommend this venue for a date-night or a friendly gathering. Nothing fancy, just a fun, friendly atmosphere- with yummy food. We met the owner, and he said it is currently BYOB, but they are awaiting the license from Austin, and should be beer-operating by this weekend. They offer 49 cent wings on Sundays.

Go try it! http://www.atomicsubsandwings.com/



*support local businesses*

The Magic of Masks

I wear a sleeping mask to bed, and I am not 65 years old. Don't judge me, I'm not ashamed.

It all started when I got my first, big migraine. "The Big One", as I refer to it. The mother of all headaches, that debilitates you, strips away your dignity, and laughs at you. During moments like these, light is your enemy-as well as sound-movement- and any slight movements of anyone within 20 ft of you. "Stop walking near me!" (*misplaced anger)

I bought my first sleeping mask at walmart for $2.99. It was a travel mask- one size fits all. I had to rig the elastic for it to fit my head (apparently one size fits troll heads only).

But, alas, it fit and it was dark again: Ahhhh complete darkness! This is the one time you want darkness to defeat light- a haven to my eyeballs! Temporary blindness never looked so good. It is as dark as day 1, and God will not let there be light.

I now wear my sleeping mask to bed every night. It also helps with insomnia (see post on 10/23/2010)! Who would have thought! Sleeping mask= migraine + insomnia killer!!!

Sleeping masks have a surprisingly large business market with companies making over $100 million in 2009. They offer every color, fabric, even tempur-pedic masks. I still rock the original black-travel-size mask from Walmart. Maybe for Christmas I will treat myself to a fancy mask. Here are some of my favorites:

Sweet dreams...

Adventures of a Running Junkie (Part I)

I completed my first full marathon on December 14, 2008, in Dallas, Texas. It was also my last. I have no desire to run 26.2 miles at once, ever again. Completing a marathon is a life goal that I have happily checked off my list. Running and completing a marathon was absolutely grand, so grand that nothing can top it, not even another one.

I started running for recreational purposes in 2006. I was (and am still) NOT fast or fancy; I run with my music, tennies double knotted, and a smile on my face. I started off slow and at a leisurely pace: 1 mile turned into 2- 2 to 3- 3 to 4- and so on. I soon became addicted to running; and quickly craved my next "fix".

There is something special about running.

After a year of leisurely runs, I decided to train and complete a FULL marathon. I recruited my best friend to join me. After months of running and 16 intense weeks of training, we ran the White Rock Lake Marathon.

The first 16 miles were a piece of cake. Actually, it was somewhat difficult, but not a big deal. I rounded mile 17, then 18, then 19. I got a little excitement on mile 19 where they handed out energy shots. Luckily, I snatched the coffee flavored one. I spit most of it out. But hey, I was still sweating (good sign)! Around mile 22, people were handing out beer to the runners. At first I was confused about the beer offering, then overjoyed, then pissed off! I am sure I flipped off one of the beer-givers. How could they? On mile 22! Who needs/wants a beer! I was convinced the devil sent them from hell- evil temptresses!

Turns out, I wish I drank some beer.

Mile 24 came and went. After I passed the mile marker, a text was sent to my friend via the chip attached to the top of my shoe. It read: "Tessa completed mile 24".

Between mile 24 and 25, a song was stuck in my head, and it was none other than "She'll be comin' down the mountain".  I repeated this song over, and over, and over again.

Mile 25: My inner monologue ceased and I focused on my breath. My legs knew we were close and picked up the pace. I stopped sweating (bad sign!), but was ecstatic to see the finish line.

As I crossed the finish line, I locked eyes with my sophie and felt a mix of emotions. As a result of severe dehydration, many thoughts ran through my mind:
"I'm done! Thank God! Wait, I'm done right?"    
"Is that the food tent over there?"
"Where are those damn bananas?"
"Can a sister get a finisher T-shirt over here!"
"This is a pretty medal"
"Maybe if I lay down, Someone will carry me to the car"
"I really can't feel my legs.."

On the ride home, I couldn't feel my body. Even my eyelids were sore. It hurt to breath, to speak, to even reply to the many praises I was receiving. People asked me if I would run another one? With all my heart, I responded, no.

I loved my marathon adventure; so much so, I wouldn't feel right if I ran another one. One is enough for me.

But if you haven't ran one, you must!! RUN ON, man!....RUN ON!!



White Rock Marathon Course:

Please visit: http://www.runtherock.com/ to participate in this years race or volunteer.

Sweet tooth.. or teeth?

The baking bug bit me this weekend. I was impelled to make something sweet for the chilly evenings we've been experiencing. I looked in my pantry to see what to conjure up. I had canned peaches and cherry pie filling. I decided to make two perfect desserts: Peach Cobbler & Cherry Crisp.

Peach Cobbler:

1/2 cup butter (melted)

1 cup flour (all purpose ok)

1 cup sugar

3 tsp baking powder

pinch of salt

1 cup milk

1 can of peaches (or 4 cups fresh)

1 tbl fresh lemon juice

1/4 tsp cinnamon

Directions:

Pre-heat oven 375. Pour melted butter on bottom of 13 x 9 cake pan.

Mix: flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, cinnamon. Pour in on top of butter. Do not mix. Heat peaches and lemon juice on stove top til the syrup is bubbling then remove. Plop peaches onto first mixture. Do not mix. Bake for 45-50 minutes.

* serve warm with a dollop of vanilla ice cream.

Cherry Crisp

1/2 cup flour (self rising or all purpose ok)

1/2 cup oats

1/3 cup butter

1 can cherry pie filling (21 oz)

3/4 tsp nutmeg

3/4 tsp cinnamon

 Directions:

 Pre-heat oven 375. Spread cherry pie filling evenly on 8" square cake pan. Mix: brown sugar, flour, oats, butter, nutmeg, & cinnamon. Pour over cherry pie filling. Bake 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.

*serve warm with a dollop of ice cream.
*serve chilled leftovers for breakfast with a dollop of plain or vanilla yogurt.
*picture shows crisp without oats.



ENJOY! BON APPETIT!



*Side note:
Dollop- a lump or glob. Derived from the Anglian "dallop" which is a patch, tuft or clump of grass.
             Origin is uncertain.

Hedstrom: A ball, bounce and sport company

I was playing catch with my daughter with an oversized, colorful, bouncy ball. I noticed this on the ball:

HEDSTROM

BALL, BOUNCE AND SPORT

ASHLAND,OHIO 44802

I took an immediate liking to the name. It's a ball, and the name of the company is: Ball, bounce and sport. Clever. The bells of truth are ringing: balls bounce! (and are often used in sports)..Perfection!

*Hedstrom company specializes in plastics: play balls and marine supplies.

*they recycle exhaust heat and polyethylene*

*Do your part at home: Remember to recycle your plastics coded 1-5*

References:

http://www.hedstrom.com/

http://www.times-gazette.com/news/article/4908510

Etymology of Words

In my last semester at UTA, I took an upper level English course titled, The History of English Language. It was my favorite undergraduate course. My professor was fabulous. He not only displayed himself as extremely well-read; the man can dress- *excellent choice in menswear!! (please see http://sarahthe.com/ post *10/25/2010).

The course taught me the phonetic alphabet! The phonetic alphabet has 2 perks: 1. only cool people learn it and 2. if you know this alphabet you can read and pronounce any language in the world! Unfortunately, I cannot lecture about it today. Who do you think I am, a fabulously dress, well-read English professor, whom I had a slight crush on (more so on the vocabulary words he used), but had no chance with, because he preferred other fabulously dress, well-read English professors.. ?

After we learned the phonetic alphabet, we dove into the history of the English language and where it originated from. This was my favorite part of the course. The following are words and where they originated:

Let's explore some Halloween words to be festive.

1. Ghost: From the Old English word "gast" meaning soul, spirit, life, breath. Also from the Old English word "gaestan" meaning to frighten.
Modern Example: The ghost was very spooky.

2. Witch:  From the Old English word "wicce" meaning female magician, sorceress, and in later use especially known as a woman supposed to have dealings with the devil or evil spirits and to be able by their cooperation to perform supernatural acts.The Old English verb "wiccian" means to practice witchcraft.
Modern Example: The child dressed up as a witch.

3. Pumpkin: From Latin word "peponem" meaning melon. From the Greek word "pepon" meaning melon. "Pumpkin pie" is recorded from 1650.
Modern Example: We carved pumpkins on Halloween.

4. Halloween: From the Scottish word "Allhallow-even" meaning eve of all saints, last night of October. The last night of October, in the Old Celtic Calendar, is known as "Old Year's Night"- a night for witches.
Modern example: I hope everyone has a safe and fun Halloween!


references:

Rain

When it rains, I am happy.

                                                                                         

       

Sleeping Woes

For the past few months I have had trouble falling asleep. It doesn't happen every night, but I would say it happens, on average, 2 to 3 times a week. I hate to say it, but I have troubled sleep patterns.

OK, so what? Everyone has a little trouble sleeping right? Right? So what if I have a small, minuscule, teeny, tiny bout of MILD insomnia.

No big deal.

So I do what any American would do and consult my doctor, Dr. Webmd. I like checking in (logging in) with Dr. Webmd, because he (or she) really puts things into perspective. Dr. Webmd likes to make you think you are on the verge of death. The grim reaper is sweeping your doorstep, waiting to ring your doorbell. Yes, Dr. Webmd will make you think there is something seriously wrong with you. He (or she) likes to scare people with the big guns. No small diagnosis here. According to Dr.W, my sleepless nights mean I have bipolar disorder, severe depression, restless leg syndrome, REM sleep disorder, narcolepsy, and/or periodic limb movement disorder.

Although Dr.MD  gave me alot of insight as to why I can't sleep, I decided to consult someone else...myself.

I don't want to go into the whole psychological reasons as to "why" I can't sleep. Frankly, I don't have time for that. I just need a plan--A treatment plan.

Fortunately, I don't dish out harsh diagnosis. I am old school. My treatment plan: 1. tough it out. 2. if that doesn't work take some Benedryl ( I prefer 50 mg). 3. when it gets really bad, I take my medication I'm prescribed for migraines (Phenergan) which has a lovely side effect: sedation.

I typically utilize #1 and #2 and hardly ever use #3's treatment plan.

But when it comes down to it, I can't fall asleep, and that is OK. Insomnia isn't as bad as it is cracked up to be. Insomnia is the friend who will not leave after everyone else calls it a night. Sure he can be annoying at times, but hey, you still have fun together. UNLESS that friend comes over every night, then my dear friend, you are now an annoyance. When my friend won't leave we find activities to do together. We watch movies, write on our blog, stare at the wall, have meltdowns (typically only throughout nursing school), sometimes we even color (see post on 10/21/2010).

Insomnia is my quiet friend that keeps me up at night. He never engages in conversations. He just stares at me and  nudges me before I drift into dreamland.

Sometimes I wish my friend would leave--Go home!

My insomnia is a blessing. Why you ask? I have been praying for some "me" time, and I think God is playing a little joke on me. I can't complain.... or sleep for that matter.

Coloring Books

My daughter recently celebrated her 3rd birthday party and accumulated several coloring books. They vary from Mickey Mouse to Dora the Explorer. After the party, we all went over to my brother's house to hang out.

My intention in bringing the coloring book over to my brother's house was to use it as a distraction toy since it was getting close to my daughter's bedtime. (We mustn't have a cranky little lady at a guests house now mustn't we?)

I picked up the Dora coloring book and started flipping through the pages. I wondered what page my daughter would enjoy coloring. Oh, here is one with a Dora princess... Oh, here is one with Dora and her friend, Boots. With every page, I became more and more interested in the pictures these lines made. My fingers guided a wispy-sound as the pages turned. I couldn't help myself.

I tore a page out from the Dora coloring book. The page I chose was to my liking: not too much detail, but not too "babyish" either. Yes, it was perfect.

My daughter, on the other hand, had occupied herself with some other toy. So, I decided to start coloring for her in hopes that she would join in on the fun and take over the page. I laid out the crayons in front of me. Eight colors to chose from. I picked up the pink crayon.

I pressed the crayon against the paper and watched as the pressure from my fingertips created a beautiful pink stripe across Dora's ballerina dress. What a pretty pink, I thought to myself.

At first, I was half-way coloring because I was trying to sway my daughter to come over. But as she became less and less interested in the coloring, I became more and more interested. The more I colored, the more I wanted to make Dora the most beautiful ballerina in the world.

I began to outline the contours of her outfit to make the colors stand out. I utilized 9th grade art class skills such as shading and shadowing. Yes, this WOULD be the best coloring page!

As I got quiet and truly focused in on my work, my two girlfriends became interested in, well, what I was so intently interested in.

They joined me.

So there we were. Three adult women, sitting in a circle... coloring. It soon evolved into a coloring contest. The winner won nothing other than respect. She would be crowned the "BEST COLOR-ER". The judges were non other than our spouses.

My girlfriends and I had a great time together coloring. We laughed. We joked. We had girl talk not over white wine or coffee, but over 8 crayons.

There was a magical sense in the room that evening. I paused a moment and looked at my daughter and then back down at Dora's pink tutu. My daughter was busy playing with the other children. And in that moment I was watching my daughter in the midst of a playful dance, I realized that coloring brought back a bit of childhood magic.

It brought back a little bit of sunshine and carefree spirit. I felt as if I had no care in the world other than how to tie my shoes. It brought back nothing to look forward to except the next day and what's for lunch. There is nothing to be afraid of except the monsters under my bed. I can dress up like a princess and go to the grocery store without judgments. I can catch a flyball with daddy at the Rangers game. I know mommy will make a heart out of the ketchup to dip my fries in. I know that there is no one who loves me more than my parents...

Coloring brings nothing to mind and everything to my soul. I was at peace. Needless to say I didn't win the coloring contest, but I did score an idea for cheap therapy. If life has you down, pick up a coloring book.