11 Temmuz 2012 Çarşamba
10 Temmuz 2012 Salı
9 Temmuz 2012 Pazartesi
Selling Life Insurance As Rockets Fall
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Imagine you were living in Ashkelon - an Israeli city only a few kilometers from the Gaza strip. Now imagine that for the last few days rockets from Gaza have been landing in the surrounding Israeli cities. Would you suddenly be inclined to buy life insurance?
That is exactly what a friend of mine originally from Ashkelon was asked, when a few weeks ago he was called by an insurance company which stated that "due to the rockets in your area, we would like to interest you in buying health insurance".
At first the word "slimy" came to mind. However, I continued thinking - wouldn't I actually want life insurance if I was living in Ashkelon or Sderot? So why am I so against the insurance company offering it under those circumstances? Sure, they are trying to profit off a bad situation - but shouldn't we encourage people in war zones to buy life insurance?
My friend upon hearing the offer answered "Where have you been for the last 10 years?" He then hanged up.
That is exactly what a friend of mine originally from Ashkelon was asked, when a few weeks ago he was called by an insurance company which stated that "due to the rockets in your area, we would like to interest you in buying health insurance".At first the word "slimy" came to mind. However, I continued thinking - wouldn't I actually want life insurance if I was living in Ashkelon or Sderot? So why am I so against the insurance company offering it under those circumstances? Sure, they are trying to profit off a bad situation - but shouldn't we encourage people in war zones to buy life insurance?
My friend upon hearing the offer answered "Where have you been for the last 10 years?" He then hanged up.
Kentucky Transparent Pie
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The name of this pie kind of freaks me out. I don't really like foods that are transparent so much. Those transparent, see-through noodles...what are those things? Rice noodles? They get my gag reflexes going in a matter of seconds. (shivers up my spine, as I write that.)
But back to pie...it has been on my mind lately. I've written a few articles about some of my favorites and learning a ton about others. Namely, this guy. Mr. Transparent Pie.
He falls into the category of a custard pie and there doesn't seem to be many differences between him and some of those other famous ones like chess, buttermilk, sugar or even the oddly named Jefferson Davis Pie.
This pie, despite its name, is not transparent. Thank God.
Transparent Pie is incredibly sweet ~ the old timey cookbooks I've read say to serve just a fine sliver. It's a cinch to make and really has this amazing crunchy, sugary topping that is new to me and oh-so-delicious. It is said that this pie is a favorite of famous Kentuckian George Clooney who has them delivered from Magee's Bakery in Maysville, Kentucky to his movie sets. Not sure if that's truth or not but I like to think that the likes of Pitt, Roberts, Clooney, Damon and Garcia were putting away a few thin slices of this pie between takes on the Ocean's Eleven set.
Transparent Pie
(recipe is the same from multiple old time Kentucky cookbooks)
Ingredients
The name of this pie kind of freaks me out. I don't really like foods that are transparent so much. Those transparent, see-through noodles...what are those things? Rice noodles? They get my gag reflexes going in a matter of seconds. (shivers up my spine, as I write that.)But back to pie...it has been on my mind lately. I've written a few articles about some of my favorites and learning a ton about others. Namely, this guy. Mr. Transparent Pie.
He falls into the category of a custard pie and there doesn't seem to be many differences between him and some of those other famous ones like chess, buttermilk, sugar or even the oddly named Jefferson Davis Pie.
This pie, despite its name, is not transparent. Thank God.
Transparent Pie is incredibly sweet ~ the old timey cookbooks I've read say to serve just a fine sliver. It's a cinch to make and really has this amazing crunchy, sugary topping that is new to me and oh-so-delicious. It is said that this pie is a favorite of famous Kentuckian George Clooney who has them delivered from Magee's Bakery in Maysville, Kentucky to his movie sets. Not sure if that's truth or not but I like to think that the likes of Pitt, Roberts, Clooney, Damon and Garcia were putting away a few thin slices of this pie between takes on the Ocean's Eleven set.
Transparent Pie
(recipe is the same from multiple old time Kentucky cookbooks)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup cream
- 4 eggs, beaten
- 2 tbs. flour
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 unbaked (9-inch) pie shell
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°. Line a 9-inch pie plate or tart pan with unbaked pie shell (either homemade or refrigerated.) Place in freezer while you prepare filling to prevent shrinking while baking.
- In bowl of electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat together butter and sugar until fluffy. Add cream, and mix until smooth. Beat in eggs until combined, then stir in flour and vanilla. Pour into pie shell.
- Bake at 375°. for 40 minutes or until golden brown on top.
How to Make Pizza Dough
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I state it in the About Me page...I am a pizza girl. It really is, for me, comfort food to the max. Born and raised on Donatos Pizza in Columbus I have such nostalgic memories tied to the weekly large pepperoni pizza delivery from Donatos. I vividly remember laying out a brown and yellow floral (gotta love the 80's) bath towel over our long coffee table, sitting on the floor in front of the TV and enjoying greasy pepperoni pizza and Pepsi with my mom ~ who was, by the way, the most amazing single mom imaginable.
The first time I ever remember eating homemade pizza was when I spent a summer in Papua New Guinea at the age of 15. The thought had never really occurred to me that a pizza could be made outside the confines of a pizza shop. Mike says he grew up on homemade pizza. I argue that Chef Boyardee boxed pizza is NOT homemade pizza. He disagrees.
Nonetheless, here at The Smith Homestead, homemade pizza makes a regular appearance. Over the years I have tried many pizza dough recipes. Some with success, others, not-so-much. A few years ago I stumbled across The Figs Table , a cookbook written by Chef Todd English, owner of Figs in Massachusetts. Figs was touted by Zagats as having the best pizza in Boston so I knew I had to give the pizza dough recipe a try. I wasn't disappointed. It is the only recipe I have used since.
Its so easy peasy. Ridiculously so. I use my standing mixer for much of the work but even when I make it by hand I find the "work" very easy and rewarding.
Figs Pizza Dough
(Makes Four 8-10 inch pizzas)
(Serves 1-2 people per pizza)
1/4 cup whole wheat flour
3 1/2 cups all purpose flour, plus additional for dusting
2 tsp. fresh yeast
2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. sugar
2 tsp. olive oil
1 2/3 cup lukewarm water
Place all dry ingredients in a mixer fitted with a dough hook. While the mixer is running, gradually add the oil and water. Knead on low speed until the dough is firm and smooth, about 10 minutes.
Divide the dough into 4 balls. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper. Place two balls on a sheet and cover with a towel. Let rise in a warm spot about 2 hours or until doubled in bulk.
To roll out dough: Dab your fingers in flour and then place 1 ball on a generously floured work surface and press down in the cetner with the tips of your fingers, speading the dough with your hand. When the dough has doubled in width, use a floured rolling pin and roll out until it is very thin, like flatbread. The outer border should be a little thicker than the inner circle. Pick the dough up with a spatula, allowing it to fold up almost like an umbrella and transfer it to a baking stone or cookie sheet.
Repeat with remaining dough balls and proceed with any pizza recipes.
I state it in the About Me page...I am a pizza girl. It really is, for me, comfort food to the max. Born and raised on Donatos Pizza in Columbus I have such nostalgic memories tied to the weekly large pepperoni pizza delivery from Donatos. I vividly remember laying out a brown and yellow floral (gotta love the 80's) bath towel over our long coffee table, sitting on the floor in front of the TV and enjoying greasy pepperoni pizza and Pepsi with my mom ~ who was, by the way, the most amazing single mom imaginable.
The first time I ever remember eating homemade pizza was when I spent a summer in Papua New Guinea at the age of 15. The thought had never really occurred to me that a pizza could be made outside the confines of a pizza shop. Mike says he grew up on homemade pizza. I argue that Chef Boyardee boxed pizza is NOT homemade pizza. He disagrees.
Nonetheless, here at The Smith Homestead, homemade pizza makes a regular appearance. Over the years I have tried many pizza dough recipes. Some with success, others, not-so-much. A few years ago I stumbled across The Figs Table , a cookbook written by Chef Todd English, owner of Figs in Massachusetts. Figs was touted by Zagats as having the best pizza in Boston so I knew I had to give the pizza dough recipe a try. I wasn't disappointed. It is the only recipe I have used since.
Its so easy peasy. Ridiculously so. I use my standing mixer for much of the work but even when I make it by hand I find the "work" very easy and rewarding.
Figs Pizza Dough
(Makes Four 8-10 inch pizzas)
(Serves 1-2 people per pizza)
1/4 cup whole wheat flour
3 1/2 cups all purpose flour, plus additional for dusting
2 tsp. fresh yeast
2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. sugar
2 tsp. olive oil
1 2/3 cup lukewarm water
Place all dry ingredients in a mixer fitted with a dough hook. While the mixer is running, gradually add the oil and water. Knead on low speed until the dough is firm and smooth, about 10 minutes.
Divide the dough into 4 balls. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper. Place two balls on a sheet and cover with a towel. Let rise in a warm spot about 2 hours or until doubled in bulk.
To roll out dough: Dab your fingers in flour and then place 1 ball on a generously floured work surface and press down in the cetner with the tips of your fingers, speading the dough with your hand. When the dough has doubled in width, use a floured rolling pin and roll out until it is very thin, like flatbread. The outer border should be a little thicker than the inner circle. Pick the dough up with a spatula, allowing it to fold up almost like an umbrella and transfer it to a baking stone or cookie sheet.
Repeat with remaining dough balls and proceed with any pizza recipes.
The Beginnings of a Studio
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Eventually this....
will become this....
Ok, maybe not exactly like that, but close. We're in the midst of an exciting building project here at the Smith Homestead.
As many of you know, we live in a rather small house. It might not seem so small to some (1400 square feet...not too tiny), but with 3 growing boys and a 2 businesses under this roof, it gets cramped, quickly. I have always dreamed of having a detached studio space and with a $300 budget (holiday gift money we've been saving) we are going to do it.
At first I was hoping for a completely free standing cabin sort of structure. My dream? A sleeping loft. But with the budget in mind, it was much more rational to use our existing porch area that doesn't get a proper usage as it has been.
$300 isn't much. Thankfully there is a floor and a roof already. The siding will be made from reclaimed oak horse farm boards we found on Craigslist for $.50 a board. Not crazy about the black so we've been painting each one and running it through the table saw to straighten out the sides.
Pinterest is, of course, completely perfect when thinking through projects like this. If you're curious, I have 2 boards going right now with studio and decor ideas. You can see them here and here.
I'll snap photos along the way and let you see our progress as it moves along.
Did you ever see our kitchen remodel on a $200 budget? See that here and click the link in the post for a flickr side show of that fun (and cheap) project.
What house projects are you tackling these days?
will become this....
Ok, maybe not exactly like that, but close. We're in the midst of an exciting building project here at the Smith Homestead.
As many of you know, we live in a rather small house. It might not seem so small to some (1400 square feet...not too tiny), but with 3 growing boys and a 2 businesses under this roof, it gets cramped, quickly. I have always dreamed of having a detached studio space and with a $300 budget (holiday gift money we've been saving) we are going to do it.
At first I was hoping for a completely free standing cabin sort of structure. My dream? A sleeping loft. But with the budget in mind, it was much more rational to use our existing porch area that doesn't get a proper usage as it has been.
$300 isn't much. Thankfully there is a floor and a roof already. The siding will be made from reclaimed oak horse farm boards we found on Craigslist for $.50 a board. Not crazy about the black so we've been painting each one and running it through the table saw to straighten out the sides.
Pinterest is, of course, completely perfect when thinking through projects like this. If you're curious, I have 2 boards going right now with studio and decor ideas. You can see them here and here.I'll snap photos along the way and let you see our progress as it moves along.
Did you ever see our kitchen remodel on a $200 budget? See that here and click the link in the post for a flickr side show of that fun (and cheap) project.
What house projects are you tackling these days?
Studio Progress & A Boys Birthday
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The writing studio is in its final days of completion. The walls are painted, the floor has its first coat of primer, the furniture is being prepped and painted for move in day and the light fixtures are hung. I honestly am so proud of the result. Mike is a genius jack-of-all-trades and is the sweetest ever to put up with my occasional nudges towards seeing progress (Nagging? Of course not.)
Ezra Miles turned 6 last week. That was a big deal~ some major countdown to birthday stuff happening. We bowled, we ran through fountains, we ate ice cream and cake and pizza. He is the most content, easy going and jolly child I think I have known. Oh how I love this little guy so.
Ezra Miles turned 6 last week. That was a big deal~ some major countdown to birthday stuff happening. We bowled, we ran through fountains, we ate ice cream and cake and pizza. He is the most content, easy going and jolly child I think I have known. Oh how I love this little guy so.
8 Temmuz 2012 Pazar
A Dream House~
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I live in my dream house. Most may not consider a 50's brick bungalow on a suburban street a dream house (especially given my personality and tastes), but to me, its a dream house. When we bought it ~ hunter green sand textured walls, faux finishes on every surface and walls closing in every room ~ it wasn't my dream house. But we bought it because it was within our budget. It became our transition home of sorts. It was deemed "the house BEFORE the dream house".
But 4 years, hundreds of hours of remodeling work and thousands of hours of memories later, it is indeed our dream home.
Don't get me wrong. 1400 square feet of space is getting smaller by the day with 3 boys running around. I dream of luxuries like mudrooms, game rooms and pantry space. But long ago I learned to either figure out a solution for all of those missing elements or find contentment without them.
Today we traveled 20 minutes out of town to go look at a house. We aren't even in the market for a house right now (for those who may or may not know...my hubby has been laid off for 16 months now). But something about it called our names. It felt like a good day to dream big again.
We aren't sure when we will move from this little home we have grown to love. Maybe soon...maybe later. Contentment is key~ and we do have that. Everything else will come to fruition in time.
But 4 years, hundreds of hours of remodeling work and thousands of hours of memories later, it is indeed our dream home.
Don't get me wrong. 1400 square feet of space is getting smaller by the day with 3 boys running around. I dream of luxuries like mudrooms, game rooms and pantry space. But long ago I learned to either figure out a solution for all of those missing elements or find contentment without them.
Today we traveled 20 minutes out of town to go look at a house. We aren't even in the market for a house right now (for those who may or may not know...my hubby has been laid off for 16 months now). But something about it called our names. It felt like a good day to dream big again.
We aren't sure when we will move from this little home we have grown to love. Maybe soon...maybe later. Contentment is key~ and we do have that. Everything else will come to fruition in time.
Strawberries and Cream Pie
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It has been the summer of pies here at The Smith Homestead. I absolutely can't roll enough, fill enough or eat enough of their goodness.
The last of the strawberries seem to have come and gone through the Bluegrass State but not before I made a couple of these. I imagine something similar could be done with peaches or blueberries...or even blackberries. Oh my. That sounds like a pie to be had in our near future.
The recipe couldn't be simpler. A basic pie crust recipe. A basic custard recipe. Some sliced strawberries on top and voila. Yummy eating all around.
Strawberries and Cream Pie
You can find a video recipe for my favorite pie crust recipe here.
1. Blind bake a basic pie crust. Cool completely~ Sometimes I do this part the night before.
2. While the pie shell bakes, go ahead and make the custard. Again..the night before is great. Then it is just a matter of assembly when everything is cool/chilled.
When both the custard is chilled and the crust is cooled, spread the custard in the bottom of the shell. Top with loads and loads of sliced strawberries. If desired, use a pastry brush to brush the top of the pie with some strawberry glaze or strawberry preserves. Either eat right away or tuck away in the fridge a while longer. The pie is gonna be messy. Its like the best version of strawberries and cream imaginable. In fact, I'd suggest just handing out the forks and digging right into the whole pie. Believe me...it won't last long so save yourself the hassle of washing plates.
Basic Pie Custard
And this is a nice custard recipe I like: I found it here.
1/2 cup sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups milk
1 egg, slightly beaten
1/2 cup whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix sugar, cornstarch, flour, and salt in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in the milk and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and cook until thickened, still stirring constantly. Spoon out about 1/4 cup of your hot mixture and gradually drizzle it into the beaten egg, whisking constantly. This will temper the egg so that when you add it back into the hot mixture, it won’t cook. Add the egg into the hot mixture, continuing to stir constantly. Bring this just to boiling.
Set the saucepan in the ice water bath and stir it periodically as it cools. Once cool enough, chill the mixture in the refrigerator. During this time, whip the cream and vanilla together to stiff peaks. Take the chilled mixture from the fridge and beat it to break it up. Stir in about 1/3 of the cream to lighten it, and then gently fold in the rest of the cream until well combined. Chill until ready to use.
It has been the summer of pies here at The Smith Homestead. I absolutely can't roll enough, fill enough or eat enough of their goodness.
The last of the strawberries seem to have come and gone through the Bluegrass State but not before I made a couple of these. I imagine something similar could be done with peaches or blueberries...or even blackberries. Oh my. That sounds like a pie to be had in our near future.
The recipe couldn't be simpler. A basic pie crust recipe. A basic custard recipe. Some sliced strawberries on top and voila. Yummy eating all around.
Strawberries and Cream Pie
You can find a video recipe for my favorite pie crust recipe here.
1. Blind bake a basic pie crust. Cool completely~ Sometimes I do this part the night before.
2. While the pie shell bakes, go ahead and make the custard. Again..the night before is great. Then it is just a matter of assembly when everything is cool/chilled.
When both the custard is chilled and the crust is cooled, spread the custard in the bottom of the shell. Top with loads and loads of sliced strawberries. If desired, use a pastry brush to brush the top of the pie with some strawberry glaze or strawberry preserves. Either eat right away or tuck away in the fridge a while longer. The pie is gonna be messy. Its like the best version of strawberries and cream imaginable. In fact, I'd suggest just handing out the forks and digging right into the whole pie. Believe me...it won't last long so save yourself the hassle of washing plates.
Basic Pie Custard
And this is a nice custard recipe I like: I found it here.
1/2 cup sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups milk
1 egg, slightly beaten
1/2 cup whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix sugar, cornstarch, flour, and salt in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in the milk and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and cook until thickened, still stirring constantly. Spoon out about 1/4 cup of your hot mixture and gradually drizzle it into the beaten egg, whisking constantly. This will temper the egg so that when you add it back into the hot mixture, it won’t cook. Add the egg into the hot mixture, continuing to stir constantly. Bring this just to boiling.
Set the saucepan in the ice water bath and stir it periodically as it cools. Once cool enough, chill the mixture in the refrigerator. During this time, whip the cream and vanilla together to stiff peaks. Take the chilled mixture from the fridge and beat it to break it up. Stir in about 1/3 of the cream to lighten it, and then gently fold in the rest of the cream until well combined. Chill until ready to use.
Cake & Whiskey
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This first Monday of the month is usually my Mompreneur Monday feature....this month a little something different. How about some Cake & Whiskey?
Ah...Cake & Whiskey...a brain child that has been developing over the course of the past few months and finally was "born" this past week. Its a hobnob of sorts. A gathered group of business women who came together to eat cake, drink whiskey and talk shop.
This incredible group of women came from all business backgrounds and are at different stages of their careers. The entire room exuded smarts and genuine goodness...a result that proved utter perfection.
The next gathering is already in the works. I crave time with women that inspire, that have ambition (but also have the right balance of priorities) and that seek to encourage one another through the ebb and flow of life. Cake & Whiskey...fingers crossed...will do just that.
*Big thanks to Tina Carter of Vrai Photography for capturing some amazing images of the night~ and the location, Finderskeepers Market in Lexington...oh my word...dreamy, dreamy, dreamy. And~ Martine's Pastries made the most amazing Pistachio cake and Triple Chocolate Bourbon cake imaginable. Thank you Martine!
Ah...Cake & Whiskey...a brain child that has been developing over the course of the past few months and finally was "born" this past week. Its a hobnob of sorts. A gathered group of business women who came together to eat cake, drink whiskey and talk shop.
This incredible group of women came from all business backgrounds and are at different stages of their careers. The entire room exuded smarts and genuine goodness...a result that proved utter perfection. The next gathering is already in the works. I crave time with women that inspire, that have ambition (but also have the right balance of priorities) and that seek to encourage one another through the ebb and flow of life. Cake & Whiskey...fingers crossed...will do just that.
*Big thanks to Tina Carter of Vrai Photography for capturing some amazing images of the night~ and the location, Finderskeepers Market in Lexington...oh my word...dreamy, dreamy, dreamy. And~ Martine's Pastries made the most amazing Pistachio cake and Triple Chocolate Bourbon cake imaginable. Thank you Martine!
A Morning Photoshoot with BraveTart & Sanola
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A morning photo shoot with some talented friends. This little town of Lexington we live in...it breeds some really facinating, creative people; I consider myself blessed. On this particular Tuesday~ a photoshoot for lovely Ms. BraveTart. Who's writing a cookbook. And who makes really yummy desserts at Table 310. Sarah Jane, her photographer and owner of Sanola, makes magic with photographs. I occasionally held a prop or light but mostly I stood back and watched these two work in harmony. They have quite the partnership forged and some big, exciting things are on the horizon for them both~
A morning photo shoot with some talented friends. This little town of Lexington we live in...it breeds some really facinating, creative people; I consider myself blessed. On this particular Tuesday~ a photoshoot for lovely Ms. BraveTart. Who's writing a cookbook. And who makes really yummy desserts at Table 310. Sarah Jane, her photographer and owner of Sanola, makes magic with photographs. I occasionally held a prop or light but mostly I stood back and watched these two work in harmony. They have quite the partnership forged and some big, exciting things are on the horizon for them both~
What if?
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Last July I wrote this post http://thedazeofwhineandroses.blogspot.com/2011/07/what-if.html about the ER's responsibility to say 'No' when it comes to prescribing narcotic pain medication. Addiction is never a patient's intent when they come back again and again and again for symptoms that don't match up with test results but it is a known fact that that is the likely result. While the patient may not be ready to acknowledge this end result healthcare workers DO know the slippery slope on which they are headed. I hate the healthcare dollars that are wasted by this 'frequent fliers'. I hate the drama that each of those visits bring in a effort to convice us that the pain is real. Most of all I hate that this is someone's brother or sister, someone's child and that I am playing a part in their undoing in the name of Customer Service and Patient Satisfaction.
Last year I even wrote Obama about my concerns. I almost got fired over it when I posted the letter on Facebook. I wrote about a patient [didn't name him or disclose any details about him] who had been to the ER 50some times in 6 months. Mine wasn't the only ER he came to. He 'hospital-hopped' and didn't fill his prescriptions because coming to the ER cost him nothing. He mis-used the system, frequently called 911 to bring him in and has been a pain in my butt the entire time I have worked there.
He pissed me off a few times. Really pissed off. Tried leaving with his IV in more than once and I called Security each time. There's only one reason a drug addict leaves with an IV in. After that little stunt I refused to start an IV on him ever again. Met with the Director of the ER and refused to take care of him ever again too, Nobody wanted to take care of him so I backed down from that.
As it happens all too frequently with addicts he got really sick several times. Suddenly I was the only one who could get his IV - his veins were shot. I went from not wanting to do an IV on him to hoping I could get one in before he crashed.
He and I talked about why I was so mad at him for abusing the system. About why I was so frustrated he was only 31 and abusing his body in a way that would eventually kill him. A couple of times I thought I got thru to him. Pretty sure I did. Really thought I did at the time. Talked to his mom. Thought I might have gotten to her too.
I haven't seen this man [or his twin brother who has the same addiction] for several months. I've thought about him from time to time and hoped that they both beat it this time.
His brother came in today. He has gained a much needed 50ish pounds and has been 'clean' since Christmas - he really looked good - but fell off the wagon 2 weeks ago and was looking for some help. He fell off the wagon because his brother had died.
I feel sick about it. Intellectually I know, as one of my favorite, trusted docs pointed out, 'he was living on a spent dime' There is a limit to the abuse a body will take and Larry had surpassed his. I'm sure the mg of Dilaudid administered in 2011 was in the hundreds. Really.
I'm left with this question that will always be there - What if? What if we had said no? What if I had been pushier and refused more? What could I have done to tip those scales?
Just sick about it
Last year I even wrote Obama about my concerns. I almost got fired over it when I posted the letter on Facebook. I wrote about a patient [didn't name him or disclose any details about him] who had been to the ER 50some times in 6 months. Mine wasn't the only ER he came to. He 'hospital-hopped' and didn't fill his prescriptions because coming to the ER cost him nothing. He mis-used the system, frequently called 911 to bring him in and has been a pain in my butt the entire time I have worked there.
He pissed me off a few times. Really pissed off. Tried leaving with his IV in more than once and I called Security each time. There's only one reason a drug addict leaves with an IV in. After that little stunt I refused to start an IV on him ever again. Met with the Director of the ER and refused to take care of him ever again too, Nobody wanted to take care of him so I backed down from that.
As it happens all too frequently with addicts he got really sick several times. Suddenly I was the only one who could get his IV - his veins were shot. I went from not wanting to do an IV on him to hoping I could get one in before he crashed.
He and I talked about why I was so mad at him for abusing the system. About why I was so frustrated he was only 31 and abusing his body in a way that would eventually kill him. A couple of times I thought I got thru to him. Pretty sure I did. Really thought I did at the time. Talked to his mom. Thought I might have gotten to her too.
I haven't seen this man [or his twin brother who has the same addiction] for several months. I've thought about him from time to time and hoped that they both beat it this time.
His brother came in today. He has gained a much needed 50ish pounds and has been 'clean' since Christmas - he really looked good - but fell off the wagon 2 weeks ago and was looking for some help. He fell off the wagon because his brother had died.
I feel sick about it. Intellectually I know, as one of my favorite, trusted docs pointed out, 'he was living on a spent dime' There is a limit to the abuse a body will take and Larry had surpassed his. I'm sure the mg of Dilaudid administered in 2011 was in the hundreds. Really.
I'm left with this question that will always be there - What if? What if we had said no? What if I had been pushier and refused more? What could I have done to tip those scales?
Just sick about it
7 Temmuz 2012 Cumartesi
Birthday sewing
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I've been having the sewing bug for a while now. Other than a simple fleece hat and pants, I haven't done a lot of sewing lately. I have a bunch of cute fabric, but no toddler sized patterns. I'm very much a pattern oriented sewer. If I don't have something in front of me to trace, I can't wrap my head around it.
Last night I pulled out Angry Chicken's book Bend the Rules Sewing and whipped up the Sweet Wee Jacket. I was very simple to sew and I'm already looking forward to making a bunch of variations for Anna. Since I hadn't blown up the pattern from the book, I took an old cardigan of hers, folded it in half and just traced around it bigger.
I've also wanted to make a birthday outfit and lo and behold, while surfing the net this morning I came across Made By Rae and her awesome patternm Itty Bitty Baby Dress. So, while Anna napped today, her birthday dress was sewn. I didn't have any piping, so I skipped that detail. The bodice is lined with the same fabric as the outside and the butterfly is cut out of the fabric and ironed on. The tattoo fabric is Alexander Henry.
These projects have fired up a desire to do more sewing. It's just hard to get everything planned out and done while Anna sleeps. Now, if only Fabricland would come back to my city and I didn't have to travel to shop. I guess that does keep the impulse spending down though!
Last night I pulled out Angry Chicken's book Bend the Rules Sewing and whipped up the Sweet Wee Jacket. I was very simple to sew and I'm already looking forward to making a bunch of variations for Anna. Since I hadn't blown up the pattern from the book, I took an old cardigan of hers, folded it in half and just traced around it bigger.
I've also wanted to make a birthday outfit and lo and behold, while surfing the net this morning I came across Made By Rae and her awesome patternm Itty Bitty Baby Dress. So, while Anna napped today, her birthday dress was sewn. I didn't have any piping, so I skipped that detail. The bodice is lined with the same fabric as the outside and the butterfly is cut out of the fabric and ironed on. The tattoo fabric is Alexander Henry.
These projects have fired up a desire to do more sewing. It's just hard to get everything planned out and done while Anna sleeps. Now, if only Fabricland would come back to my city and I didn't have to travel to shop. I guess that does keep the impulse spending down though!
Baby days are fleeting
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So Anna is 11 months old now and the countdown to the end of her "baby days" is on. It's hard to look at her and remember that wee baby who would sit there and fuss to be picked up. She's a scooting (yup, still doesn't crawl traditionally), playful, willful girl.
She likes to play independently, but loves to be climbing all over us like her personal jungle gyms. When Daddy gets home from work, he doesn't dare walk into the house without picking her up quickly. She sits on the floor and bounces on her bottom, flapping her arms excitedly.
Language wise, we still mostly hear Mama. She has said Daddy and her newest one is "Ah Ah" which sounds like "Uh Oh" when someone drops something. I can't wait to hear what else she has to say.
She is my smallest baby yet, at 17 lbs 7 oz and wears 18 month shirts and 12 month pants.
Tooth #5 (top lateral incisor) is partway out and I can see #6 under the gums on the other side.
We've seen huge improvements with sleep and most nights she's up once or twice. Her best night yet was 8:30-5:00. She naps from 12:00-2:00.
The biggest frustration I'm dealing with is her newfound willfullness. She mostly refuses to sit on the potty so I'm having to come up with creative ways to capture her attention so she sits. I'm hoping this is just a brief 'pause' as I'm not thrilled to fight her over poopy diaper changes. It was so easy when I was catching most of her poops on the toilet. She's also stiffening up when it's time to get into her carseat.
Some of her favorite things are Daddy's ipod touch, oatmeal, her brothers and sisters, num-nums (breastmilk) and kisses. She gives the sweetest kisses, although I don't trust ones on the cheek as she bit me hard enough to bruise the other day!
She likes to play independently, but loves to be climbing all over us like her personal jungle gyms. When Daddy gets home from work, he doesn't dare walk into the house without picking her up quickly. She sits on the floor and bounces on her bottom, flapping her arms excitedly.
Language wise, we still mostly hear Mama. She has said Daddy and her newest one is "Ah Ah" which sounds like "Uh Oh" when someone drops something. I can't wait to hear what else she has to say.
She is my smallest baby yet, at 17 lbs 7 oz and wears 18 month shirts and 12 month pants.
Tooth #5 (top lateral incisor) is partway out and I can see #6 under the gums on the other side.
We've seen huge improvements with sleep and most nights she's up once or twice. Her best night yet was 8:30-5:00. She naps from 12:00-2:00.
The biggest frustration I'm dealing with is her newfound willfullness. She mostly refuses to sit on the potty so I'm having to come up with creative ways to capture her attention so she sits. I'm hoping this is just a brief 'pause' as I'm not thrilled to fight her over poopy diaper changes. It was so easy when I was catching most of her poops on the toilet. She's also stiffening up when it's time to get into her carseat.
Some of her favorite things are Daddy's ipod touch, oatmeal, her brothers and sisters, num-nums (breastmilk) and kisses. She gives the sweetest kisses, although I don't trust ones on the cheek as she bit me hard enough to bruise the other day!
This time last year
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I was 38 weeks pregnant and getting pretty antsy to give birth, as it was the OH MY GOSH, the LONGEST I had ever been pregnant and couldn't believe it. I had been off work a couple weeks and just laying around, waiting to pop. My plug had come out a few days prior which got my hopes up that labour was iminment, but no, it would still be 9 more days before Anna made her appearance. Every day/night I would slip on my Crocs and haul my aching body out for a walk around the neighbourhood and diligently drink my Red Raspberry Leaf tea with some pineapple and Evening Primrose capsules thrown in for good measure.
My, how far we have come...
I have to laugh just a little when she does this as I know I won't find it quite so funny soon.
My, how far we have come...
I have to laugh just a little when she does this as I know I won't find it quite so funny soon.
On the eve before the last first birthday....
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These milestones are bittersweet with the last baby in the family.
While I love experiencing all these new "firsts" again, I'm also checking off a list of "lasts".
Never again will I carry a baby in my womb again. Nor will I hear those first cries, see that first smile, tickle that first laugh or antcipate those first steps.
Ah, but I have a lifetime with my lastborn to look forward to. But I can wait. No rushing, my sweet Anna.
While I love experiencing all these new "firsts" again, I'm also checking off a list of "lasts".
Never again will I carry a baby in my womb again. Nor will I hear those first cries, see that first smile, tickle that first laugh or antcipate those first steps.
Ah, but I have a lifetime with my lastborn to look forward to. But I can wait. No rushing, my sweet Anna.
The 2nd year
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Well, I didn't make it back here to post about Anna's birthday and now she's 13 months old! It was a fun, tiring weekend as we celebrated her birthday twice. Once with adult friends and family, then with our baby and mommy friends.
Her ducky cake was awesome. The cupcakes for the baby party were fun too. We just discovered the ease of icing cupcakes with a large decorator tip and I'll never use a knife again! Anna dove right in to her cupcake after delicately sampling her ducky cake at the first party.
The highlight of the parties was Anna's new friend, Clothes Hanger. She would not let go of it once she opened gifts of clothes. I can't even take her into a clothing store now without her going nuts for the hangers. Weird kid.
We're not walking yet or even standing alone very much, but I know we'll get there. She loves going up the stairs, so we've got gates up now. Next task will be baby proofing any cupboards and drawers. The low ones are fairly safe, but once she's standing independently there will be things I won't want her getting into.
Teeth count is at 7. Only one more to go before molars. Weight was nearly 19 pounds at her 1 yr appt.
She has a great appetite and likes milk as well. Any spit ups that yogurt gave her around 9 months have been gone since about 11 months.
Sleep is pretty good. Bed around 8:30-9 and most nights she sleeps through until 5:30 which would suck if I weren't already waking up to drive Daddy to the train anyways. A 2 hr nap around lunch to 2.
Well, time to wrap up and head to Strong Start with Anna. It's a great free program, similar to preschool. It's sure interesting seeing Anna interact with kids now that she's getting older. She's a bit aggressive, this one. I hope it won't stay this way!
Her ducky cake was awesome. The cupcakes for the baby party were fun too. We just discovered the ease of icing cupcakes with a large decorator tip and I'll never use a knife again! Anna dove right in to her cupcake after delicately sampling her ducky cake at the first party.
The highlight of the parties was Anna's new friend, Clothes Hanger. She would not let go of it once she opened gifts of clothes. I can't even take her into a clothing store now without her going nuts for the hangers. Weird kid.
We're not walking yet or even standing alone very much, but I know we'll get there. She loves going up the stairs, so we've got gates up now. Next task will be baby proofing any cupboards and drawers. The low ones are fairly safe, but once she's standing independently there will be things I won't want her getting into.
Teeth count is at 7. Only one more to go before molars. Weight was nearly 19 pounds at her 1 yr appt.
She has a great appetite and likes milk as well. Any spit ups that yogurt gave her around 9 months have been gone since about 11 months.
Sleep is pretty good. Bed around 8:30-9 and most nights she sleeps through until 5:30 which would suck if I weren't already waking up to drive Daddy to the train anyways. A 2 hr nap around lunch to 2.
Well, time to wrap up and head to Strong Start with Anna. It's a great free program, similar to preschool. It's sure interesting seeing Anna interact with kids now that she's getting older. She's a bit aggressive, this one. I hope it won't stay this way!
5 Temmuz 2012 Perşembe
Developmental leaps and bounds.
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Since turning 13 months Anna has been having big leaps in development.
In addition to mama and dada, she now says Hi and Bye as well as does an open and close hand wave. She also claps consistently and raises her arms in the air when we say "yay".
On may 25 she took her first 2 steps towards me. Since this past weekend she also gotten up from the floor and stood 3 times.
She rarely wakes more than once a night and often sleeps through until 5:30. Has a 2 hr afternoon nap most days.
She vrooms her cars around on the floor, making the noise. Her favourite activity is probably moving items from one location to another. Imagine how much more fun this will be for her once she can walk and carry things. I am finding bath toys in random drawers and plastic bowls in the pot drawer as well as treasures stashed on the windowsill behind the couch.
When the Phone rings she says "dada" since she's spoken to daddy on the phone a few times.
I love this age! Oh and did I mention she's a total snuggler now too! Love it.
In addition to mama and dada, she now says Hi and Bye as well as does an open and close hand wave. She also claps consistently and raises her arms in the air when we say "yay".
On may 25 she took her first 2 steps towards me. Since this past weekend she also gotten up from the floor and stood 3 times.
She rarely wakes more than once a night and often sleeps through until 5:30. Has a 2 hr afternoon nap most days.
She vrooms her cars around on the floor, making the noise. Her favourite activity is probably moving items from one location to another. Imagine how much more fun this will be for her once she can walk and carry things. I am finding bath toys in random drawers and plastic bowls in the pot drawer as well as treasures stashed on the windowsill behind the couch.
When the Phone rings she says "dada" since she's spoken to daddy on the phone a few times.
I love this age! Oh and did I mention she's a total snuggler now too! Love it.
Getting closer to being a toddler!
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Over this past weekend Anna increased her steps. She's up to 6 in a row now! She still won't stand up and walk on her own free will, but will stand on her own then walk with encouragement. It feels strange to look over and see her just standing there, not holding onto anything.
Even without walking, Anna has had 2 owies in 2 weeks. Last week she dove off the couch face first and got a goose egg and today she fell, using her walker and cut her upper lip frenulum.
Another neat development is more head shaking and bringing us books to read to her. She also didn't nap 3 days in a row (and went to bed easy), but lalalalalaala I refuse to acknowledge that this is a new trend. Hopefully it's just this recent cold and chest congestion that causing this.
She is still a super snuggly, fairly easygoing baby who loves attention from her siblings. She'll even shun mama and dada in favour of them.
For some reason the sound is muted on this video, but you get to see her most steps yet.
Even without walking, Anna has had 2 owies in 2 weeks. Last week she dove off the couch face first and got a goose egg and today she fell, using her walker and cut her upper lip frenulum.
Another neat development is more head shaking and bringing us books to read to her. She also didn't nap 3 days in a row (and went to bed easy), but lalalalalaala I refuse to acknowledge that this is a new trend. Hopefully it's just this recent cold and chest congestion that causing this.
She is still a super snuggly, fairly easygoing baby who loves attention from her siblings. She'll even shun mama and dada in favour of them.
For some reason the sound is muted on this video, but you get to see her most steps yet.
My firstborns
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This past weekend we celebrated my son turning 11. 11? How is that possible already? I'm really starting to see a shift from little boy to teenager. But, I'm also happy to see him hold on to being young at heart. He has a playful soul, but is a sensitive one. He and I got to go to see X Men: First Class together. It was nice having one on one time without his sisters.
The next morning I took my oldest girl out for breakfast for our own little solo date. She's always been an old soul and is more like me than I like to admit, some days. She's serious and mature, but sly and a silly trickster who delights in tormenting her next younger brother.
My joys.
This past weekend we celebrated my son turning 11. 11? How is that possible already? I'm really starting to see a shift from little boy to teenager. But, I'm also happy to see him hold on to being young at heart. He has a playful soul, but is a sensitive one. He and I got to go to see X Men: First Class together. It was nice having one on one time without his sisters.
The next morning I took my oldest girl out for breakfast for our own little solo date. She's always been an old soul and is more like me than I like to admit, some days. She's serious and mature, but sly and a silly trickster who delights in tormenting her next younger brother.
My joys.
Big Changes
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I returned to my job last week. Going back to work outside the home wasn't something that was definately in the plans during my maternity leave, but the safety net was there, just in case. We are fortunate to have found great child care we trust and so far Anna has adjusted beautifully. It was a wonderful 16 months at home I had, but I do admit that it was getting a touch lonely with my other mommy friends returning to work.
Since starting care last week has Anna graduated from being a few steps here and there walker, to a fully fledged toddler who is walking about 90% of the time. Hubby and I thought this day would never come and it's so exciting to see her toddle around. I'm sure the first scraped knees/hands/face will be traumatic but for now she's fairly cautious. A bonus to her taking nearly 2 months to primarly walk, is that her balance is excellent.
I was quite worried about her napping away from me, since she's always napped in the car or via nursing. But her sitter, J, takes her for a walk in the stroller and she conks out for 2 1/2 hours in the afternoon. I was also worried about her reverse cycling and wanting to nurse all night to make up for me being away but she's good with nursing in the morning and a couple times in the evening during the week.
I worry about how her naps will transition once she's at a new daycare this fall, but I'm sure we'll figure that out, with hopefully not too many tears. Weaning has been at the back of my mind when I think about how tied Anna is to me when it comes to the majority of her sleep, but I don't believe that weaning her just for that reason is fair. It's something we both enjoy.
Since starting care last week has Anna graduated from being a few steps here and there walker, to a fully fledged toddler who is walking about 90% of the time. Hubby and I thought this day would never come and it's so exciting to see her toddle around. I'm sure the first scraped knees/hands/face will be traumatic but for now she's fairly cautious. A bonus to her taking nearly 2 months to primarly walk, is that her balance is excellent.
I was quite worried about her napping away from me, since she's always napped in the car or via nursing. But her sitter, J, takes her for a walk in the stroller and she conks out for 2 1/2 hours in the afternoon. I was also worried about her reverse cycling and wanting to nurse all night to make up for me being away but she's good with nursing in the morning and a couple times in the evening during the week.
I worry about how her naps will transition once she's at a new daycare this fall, but I'm sure we'll figure that out, with hopefully not too many tears. Weaning has been at the back of my mind when I think about how tied Anna is to me when it comes to the majority of her sleep, but I don't believe that weaning her just for that reason is fair. It's something we both enjoy.
Progress
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It's pretty hot out here in Arizona these days - 112 today - so I get up early and get about an hour in the morning to paint.
Here's the thing - I've never painted before. Not ever. I have no idea what possessed me to do this to poor Terry's garage. I mean a sane person might have started out with a pad of paper that they can hide away. Nope. Not me. If I'm going to do it let's do it big and put it out there for the world to see. Could someone else do better? Oh hell yes, but this is me and my attempt. No rules. No blueprint. Just painting in the garage. I say to myself over and over 'What is it you are seeing?' It's one thing to look at something, it's another to see it. I'm learning as I go. Oh the scale is off and the perspective isn't quite right but you know what? Who cares! It's not like anyone else really has a vested interest in what my garage looks like and there are no garage police to throw cuffs on me if I do it wrong. I know I've made mistakes and the world keeps on spinning. I've even turned a couple of my mistakes into something I like better than my original intent.
Here's the other thing - this is kind of like MS. I'm new to that too. No rules. No blueprint. No one else really has that same vested interest and the MS police only exist in my head. I say to myself over and over 'What is it you are afraid of?' There's a difference in living and in living your life
I'm going to keep moving forward, one step/one flower at a time. Living it.
I am kind of disappointed about the cuffs though . . . . :-D
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| Queen Anne's lace and Blackeyed Susans[without their eyes] |
It's pretty hot out here in Arizona these days - 112 today - so I get up early and get about an hour in the morning to paint.
Here's the thing - I've never painted before. Not ever. I have no idea what possessed me to do this to poor Terry's garage. I mean a sane person might have started out with a pad of paper that they can hide away. Nope. Not me. If I'm going to do it let's do it big and put it out there for the world to see. Could someone else do better? Oh hell yes, but this is me and my attempt. No rules. No blueprint. Just painting in the garage. I say to myself over and over 'What is it you are seeing?' It's one thing to look at something, it's another to see it. I'm learning as I go. Oh the scale is off and the perspective isn't quite right but you know what? Who cares! It's not like anyone else really has a vested interest in what my garage looks like and there are no garage police to throw cuffs on me if I do it wrong. I know I've made mistakes and the world keeps on spinning. I've even turned a couple of my mistakes into something I like better than my original intent.
Here's the other thing - this is kind of like MS. I'm new to that too. No rules. No blueprint. No one else really has that same vested interest and the MS police only exist in my head. I say to myself over and over 'What is it you are afraid of?' There's a difference in living and in living your life
I'm going to keep moving forward, one step/one flower at a time. Living it.
I am kind of disappointed about the cuffs though . . . . :-D
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