Two years ago, today, I quit smoking cigarettes. I have saved over $5000 dollars. I have had at least a dozen dreams of smoking. I have learned to hate the smell of them.
Two years ago, today, I was more scared than I've ever been- until they hooked up the morphine. Four months later, I would be almost as scared on Christmas Eve, driving my dad to the hospital while he suffered a heart attack. September came a second time, and then it was my mom's turn to face death/fight for her life; lung cancer and chemo. I am now used to being scared.
Two years ago, today, I was on a morphine drip, and we watched "Wife Swap," and one wife was a vegan and learning to eat the sun.
I watched a lot of TV the next few weeks on pain killers. It was weird TV too; "Twin Peaks," "Slingblade," "Hoarders" and every episode of Looney Tunes ever made. I have a notebook with pages of drawings I did of the little circles that frame Porky Pig when he says "That, th-th-that, th-th-that's all, folks!"
I also read most of two books with almost no recollection of them , except that one of them was a very evil true story called "Under the Banner of Heaven" about a certain group of the worst type of religious fanatics. I came out of a hydrocodone fog and refused to finish reading it.
My life was saved, two years ago, today. I did not deserve it, and most assuredly could not afford it. A very good doctor gave me a good deal. The hospital worked with me. My family and friends and co-workers came together and raised an incredible amount of money. Several people brought meals. My husband didn't even have to cook for us.
I am so grateful for all of the people I have known in this life. I take care to love the time I have with my friends and family, and my dear best friend/husband. I have lost many of them, as we all have, and nearly lost both of my parents pretty recently.
Every moment is precious. Two years ago, today, I began to remember it.
LOVE NOW
Friday, August 29, 2014
Sunday, May 4, 2014
A Meal to Remember: The Root Cellar Cafe
My husband and I went out for our anniversary recently, and had a meal that made me absolutely giddy at the Root Cellar Café in downtown San Marcos, TX. This place is awesome for so many reasons, besides that they are locally owned and operated.
http://www.rootcellarcafe.com/
First of all, they have their own microbrewery. They usually have three brews at a time, and all of them good. You can also buy a growler from them and take home some of their beer, which means we started with a flight (sampler) of beers while we perused the menu. This way we could decide what to take home with us and also what to eat with our meal!
Secondly, whoever they have cooking in the kitchen these days is nailing it. Everything we had was seasoned and cooked perfectly, from our starter (seared tuna with sweet chili and wasabi sauce) to our entrees. Furly ordered off the seasonal menu, choosing the "local lamb lollipops," which were served au jus with carrots, parsnips and mashed potatoes. I thoroughly enjoyed the garlic crusted rib eye with mashed rosemary red potatoes and tempura asparagus "fries". The sides were every bit as lovely as the meat on our plates, which brings me to the next thing that makes the Root Cellar great:
They really care about the food. Everything is always impeccably fresh. The seasonal menu and items listed as "local" reflect a conscious effort to bring whole, real food to their customers. Even the coffee is excellent.
As we ate our entrees, Furly watched a table of four behind me order and destroy, first one bread pudding, then a second. We took this as our cue and got a to-go box, ensuring we could fit some of that warm gooey dessert in our bellies. As you might expect, it was amazing. Beginning to end, this meal was a triumph.
One more thing: the service was excellent, and our to-go box was biodegradable instead of Styrofoam.
So, now that I've experienced lunch and dinner at this fabulous foodie's haven, who wants to join me for brunch? Mimosas, anyone?
http://www.rootcellarcafe.com/
First of all, they have their own microbrewery. They usually have three brews at a time, and all of them good. You can also buy a growler from them and take home some of their beer, which means we started with a flight (sampler) of beers while we perused the menu. This way we could decide what to take home with us and also what to eat with our meal!
Secondly, whoever they have cooking in the kitchen these days is nailing it. Everything we had was seasoned and cooked perfectly, from our starter (seared tuna with sweet chili and wasabi sauce) to our entrees. Furly ordered off the seasonal menu, choosing the "local lamb lollipops," which were served au jus with carrots, parsnips and mashed potatoes. I thoroughly enjoyed the garlic crusted rib eye with mashed rosemary red potatoes and tempura asparagus "fries". The sides were every bit as lovely as the meat on our plates, which brings me to the next thing that makes the Root Cellar great:
They really care about the food. Everything is always impeccably fresh. The seasonal menu and items listed as "local" reflect a conscious effort to bring whole, real food to their customers. Even the coffee is excellent.
As we ate our entrees, Furly watched a table of four behind me order and destroy, first one bread pudding, then a second. We took this as our cue and got a to-go box, ensuring we could fit some of that warm gooey dessert in our bellies. As you might expect, it was amazing. Beginning to end, this meal was a triumph.
One more thing: the service was excellent, and our to-go box was biodegradable instead of Styrofoam.
So, now that I've experienced lunch and dinner at this fabulous foodie's haven, who wants to join me for brunch? Mimosas, anyone?
Friday, April 25, 2014
My Very First Blog! An Introduction.
Hello internet! Here is a little about me and why I decided to start blogging:
1. I have always liked to write, but don't do it as much as I used to. Time to put all that college learning to work and brush up on my skills.
2. I love my hometown, my neighborhood, my home and family. We live the good life here- a life inspired- and I'd like to share that inspiration with people. I don't expect to change the world with one little blog, but it can't hurt, right?
3. I have strong opinions. As a critical thinker, listener, taster and consumer, I'll have lots of reviews to share. I'll TRY to keep things positive, but no promises.
4. Surprises! Like I say, this is my first true blog, and I haven't done much writing lately. I am hoping to find reasons for writing along the way that I didn't expect. I imagine that this blog, as well as my writing self, will take a bit to settle into it's true form. That's okay with me- I enjoy a winding road.
So, here's to trying new things, starting conversations and sharing inspirations!
1. I have always liked to write, but don't do it as much as I used to. Time to put all that college learning to work and brush up on my skills.
2. I love my hometown, my neighborhood, my home and family. We live the good life here- a life inspired- and I'd like to share that inspiration with people. I don't expect to change the world with one little blog, but it can't hurt, right?
3. I have strong opinions. As a critical thinker, listener, taster and consumer, I'll have lots of reviews to share. I'll TRY to keep things positive, but no promises.
4. Surprises! Like I say, this is my first true blog, and I haven't done much writing lately. I am hoping to find reasons for writing along the way that I didn't expect. I imagine that this blog, as well as my writing self, will take a bit to settle into it's true form. That's okay with me- I enjoy a winding road.
So, here's to trying new things, starting conversations and sharing inspirations!
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