Complaining about the Snain rightfully brought me 3 days in a row of 90+ degree heat! What better way is there to cool off than with a refreshing vodka gimlet.
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The Vodka Gangsta Gimlet
Step 1: Find the right glass, not too big, not a martini glass.
Step 2: Fill glass almost completely with crushed ice. **Smashing flatish, big ice cubes with the back of a spoon in your hand with confidence ("tha-whack!") works best - something about the hand skin cells just makes the drink.
Step 3: Fill glass almost to the bottom of the top layer of ice with vodka, do not cover the ice, make sure there's a little room left (though not much).
Step 4: Skewer a few olives on an olive pick and add a teaspoon or two of olive juice if you like them dirrrrty (I do).
Step 5: Add just a little Rose's Lime Juice. As my Dad says: "You can always add more, if you need it, but you can't take it out!"
Step 6: Stir contents with your olive pick and taste to determine if vodka to Rose's ratio is appropriate. **If you're a big boy or girl your drink should only have the slightest green tint, if it's glowing green then baby, you aren't ready for this.
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Why is it that describing this drink is as easy as explaining how to make a peanut butter & jelly sandwich, yet rarely in the history of the world has a bartender made one correctly?
At one point today, it was snaining, thundering and the sun was breaking through the cloud layer. This is Wisconsin and I love the wildness of a good Spring storm, or even a Winter storm, but a Winter storm in Spring is a little much. I know they call a mix of snow + rain = sleet, yet Doug and I have decided that it's not always accurate. Sometimes it is snow AND rain AT THE SAME TIME = Snain. I have also witnessed Slail, not sure that's an experience everyone needs to have in their lifetime. I probably jinxed us all in February by talking about "not taking this for granted as Spring will be here before you know it" but c'mon Spring is here and this is ridiculous.
When I look at pictures of tropical scenes during this time of the year, I am always amazed by the amount of color in them. I know this is because our Winter scenes here, although often beautiful, can be on the grayscale side of things. I've been feeling a little stressed out by life lately, so I thought I'd post a splash of color and remind myself about some things that I'm thankful for:
My always early bouquet of flowers from Doug for Valentine's Day
5 years with the love of my life and planning our future together
I have a tropical vacation to look forward to
The best family and friends in the world
I'm finally enjoying my job again even if it is a little overbooked
I used my rewards points to get a little food processor
I've discovered toasted walnut butter again and more (I heart you, food processor)
Spinning class - you literally kick my butt/crotch, but I've grown me some hamstrings
The long Winter, the local political corruption and having a cold that makes me lose my voice off and on (when I'm completing 200 phone interviews at work!) have hurt my perspective on life a little. However, after watching a documentary on what Egypt alone had to go through and knowing what the Middle East and North Africa are currently enduring for freedom, I know I have never truly suffered in my entire life. I think it is important to remember what we are thankful for and also what we need and what we don't - but that's a post for another day.
One week ago tonight, Doug and I were experiencing the blizzard of the season. I thought we might be nuts to go out in the thick of it, but it was awesome. The sky was a pinkish bronze color and the snow was whipping my face so furiously it felt like a micro-derm abrasion and a swirly all at once. Of course I couldn't resist yelling almost soundlessly to Doug in the wind "We have to GO BACK!" (thank you LOST). After a few minutes outside, I was startled when I found myself thinking "You can't take this for granted as Spring will be here before you know it."
We made it on a walk around the block that night, mostly based on memory since our senses were inferior, and eventually settled in a semi-sheltered part of the park. It is hard to describe what it feels like to be experiencing something for the first time with the knowledge that you may never experience it again. I tried to make mental notes about all of the energy spinning around us in the storm - the dark trees swaying against the pink/bronze sky, the sound of the loudest wind you've ever heard and the snow sculpting a new form for everything. Awesome.
I recently lost my desktop. "The file or directory is corrupt and unreadable" I've typed that into so many search engines that it is burned into my brain. I haven't had to preform a system restore in quite a few years so I'm a little rusty when it comes to computer insubordination.
When I discovered I was unable to access my desktop I was surprised, concerned and slightly elated. Surprised - usually I bring on cumbersome updates and RAM sluggishness but I couldn't recall what I had possibly done in my old age to result in such a consequence? Concerned - what did I have on my desktop?... a couple of dated work docs.. some short cuts... Ooo, and my "Blog" folder, damn! ..was there anything in there?? Elated - I have to immerse myself again in computer language geekery to find multiple mediocre/semi-plausible solutions to my problem!! This makes me feel useful, I can't explain it.
The solution, thanks to another PC sufferer (what, you're surprised none of the technical product or operating system sites could offer one bit of helpful information?) was to create a new user and transfer (and by my choice: fully back up on external flash drives) all of my files to that new user who does have access to a desktop = genius. Customizing the new ME has been almost as much fun as buying a new computer. Oh and thank baby Jesus I did back up my old uNtItLeD titles here for the ole blog, all is not lost.
Thank you for all of the challenges, computer. I look forward to the day when we all stop pining for the older version of the software, email program or features we used to love that is now amazingly absent from the "upgraded" version. I appreciate the reminder that dealing with technology is still as infuriating and cumbersome as dealing with people.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
In effort to complete my journal reading quest I needed to find journal #2 (yes, they are all numbered: #1 through #5, a few have page numbers, and some grammar has been corrected over the years with the exception of "wierd" and "yesturday" - that one really bugs me!). Anyway, I was fervently searching (and organizing, I can't help myself) my parents' house for #2 and I found this lovely picture of me and my sweet Scruffy. I found it only a few days after we had to put her down at approximately age 20. She lived a long life, very well I think, and we didn't let her suffer. I feel good about giving her a nice morning and a dignified death that Mom, Dad and I were very present for, we owed her that much at least.
The journal reading has been therapeutic in Scruffy's absence as I found the entry of the first time I saw her, the day we adopted her and thought she might be pregnant: "Mom told Dad and he said he wouldn't make me give her up!" and countless other entries where I'm writing outside (or inside in my room with my smuggled-in companion) and enjoying her company as my "little buddy." Luckily, we also got one last video of her this Summer when we were testing out Doug's new camera and accidentally had it on video mode.
I've been reading my old journals lately, although acutely embarrassing at times, it has overall been an enjoyable activity. I particularly enjoy the high school entries - they're fun, funny, and have an overwhelmingly positive outlook on life (how cute). This entry is right after my 15th Birthday. I am grateful to be reminded of how spoiled I've always been when it comes to my family and friends! (Doug is currently crying in the kitchen while he chops onions for my special Birthday crock pot meal tonight. What a man!).
I love Fall - it marks the end of my favorite season, but it is still so awesome. The start of the school year always makes my heart beat fast for all of the incoming college freshman (I'm currently listening to mixed CDs from my freshman year. They are terrible and I am thoroughly enjoying them). It is a great season for reflection.
Vail, CO -2010-
Of course it is easy to reflect when you can visit a setting like this. Nevertheless, there are many places close to home to give some perspective as well.
Straight Lake State Park, WI
The mountains are breathtaking and the people who live there are so nice regardless of the season. I think the sunshine puts them in a perpetual good mood... but I can't live without water. The lakes, the rivers, the ponds - heck, I've even been known to spend some time in a puddle if the moment and the mud was right. Enjoy the season as it is on display for our consideration/delight/observation.
I love this Piece 'o' Crap Pontoon. The first time we went out on it, I put our cellphones in a sealed Tupperware in case we went overboard. I didn't know what to expect and I was pleasantly surprised/relieved. Not only did this threadbare, moss-covered pontoon work - it was a solid, albeit soiled, piece of machinery! This boat has continued to be one of the many highlights of our cabin weekends. We have shamelessly talked about a shiny, new pontoon boat on more than one occasion, but this piece 'o' crap has really grown on me. I was scared to go out on it the first time and now I'm attached to it. It made me look at the value of something in a different way. The value of fun.
This pic was taken in Red Rock Canyon just a little ways off of the Vegas strip. What?! We didn't just drink and gamble in Las Vegas?! Nope, there are actually other sights to explore, believe it or not, though I will say that the drinking, gambling and the shows were quite enjoyable. I couldn't resist putting D + S in this nature-made heart, what a sap (a cute, creative sap at least right?).
Yep, finally paying more than $15 a month for internet... well, actually they haven't billed me yet! The lack of stress waiting for pages to load and having to speed blog while crossing my fingers that we won't lose the signal, is quite nice. In fact, I even considered waiting to finish this post until after my current favorite show SYTYCD? is over, just because I can, but I've decided I'm gonna do this how I'm used to doin' it - quick and dirty. Stay tuned sports fans. I'm off to live vicariously through my SYTYCD? dancers just like I like to do with great singers, professional ice skaters, gymnasts and the occasional supermodel.
Having a packed conference - Tuesday night last week we had a meeting from 6:30pm - 8:30pm, Wednesday morning we had another that started at 7:00am - does not allow for fully taking in such a beautiful city. Nonetheless, it was impossible to ignore the gorgeous cherry blossoms, flowers, and 90 degree heat.
I did get to go to the National D.C. Zoo and found a 1/2 hour to go to my favorite beauty product store - LUSH. Attending sessions and co-facilitating meetings is not what I'm used to for work trips (translation: I was totally spoiled in the past!), but I am grateful that I was able to get a taste of D.C. and that taste was absolutely delicious. I hope to get back to Washington D.C. to at least see some historic sites and spend more than 48 hours in the city! It would be wonderful if I could come back during cherry blossom season (without attending an annoying conference) and perfect if I could stay at the quaint B&B where we were treated like family and served like royalty.
I made this "granny glasses" chain for a co-worker who was lacking a pink chain for her readers. She actually had lasik surgery for her nearsightedness 10 years ago, but now requires readers to see details up close (that's part of the deal - when you get old you can't see close up, even having laser vision correction won't stop age from getting you).
...and that's what they do to them!It sounds kind of crazy - and it is - but it's also pretty awesome.I've been trying to think of the best way to describe it and I've been taking a lot of notes lately for work (focus groups! argh!) so I'm just going to break it down for you.
WARNING: This description, and laser vision correction in general, is not for the faint of heart. I began telling my old roommate, Becky, about it and she said: "Steph you are going to have to stop. I'm getting nauseous and dizzy just hearing about it." She was driving at the time so I did stop.
Preparation
I went for a free consultation to decide if I was a good candidate for laser vision correction, this is crucial as there are people who are not good candidates.After scheduling my surgery I had to mark one week out for when to stop wearing my soft contacts.This was annoying, see here.You need a driver for the day of the surgery and the follow-up on the day after.No solid foods 4 hours before the surgery.
Surgery
OK, on to the good stuff!The longest part of the whole procedure consisted of talking to the nurse, having my blood pressure taken, and taking a Valium.The blood pressure cuff wrapped around my arm so many times that it started ripping off when the nurse tried to get my BP, I thought my bicep was so huge it was busting it off.She had to switch to the "Small Adult" blood pressure cuff :(Didn't think much of the Valium... until I retold the aforementioned bulging blood pressure bicep story.Anyway, you rest in a chair for a few minutes with numbing drops in your eyes until they take you into the operating room.More numbing drops, they tell you about the surgery and then they tape back one of your eyelids and put in a device to hold your eye open, mildly uncomfortable.Then the first arm of the machine comes over your eye and it makes the cuts in your eye.This machine was pressing intensely hard on my cheekbone which I'm not sure would be true for everyone.That was definitely uncomfortable but the cutting itself didn't faze me, I thought it was rather interesting and it was more like I was watching it from underwater than from my own eye.Then that arm goes away and the other arm comes over to do the laser correction, much better on the cheekbone.This is where they tell you it will smell slightly of burning hair, I remember thinking it wasn't as gross as that but I can no longer recall my brilliant new description of the stench.You have to stare at a sparkly light for that part but that isn't hard or uncomfortable.Once the laser is done, it looks like the surgeon is swabbing the flaps of your eye back in place, but that doesn’t take long and doesn’t hurt.Then they do everything the same for the other eye.My eyes had a pretty big difference in nearsightedness, which the surgeon said was as unusual as someone having a size 8 foot and a size 5 foot (he actually called it "quirky"),so my left eye required more laser and more time, but still that was only about 65 seconds total for the laser correction.Oh, and I thought all of my eyelashes ripped out when they pulled the tape off of my eyelids, but I had Doug check as soon as we got home and I did have eyelashes left, whew.
Recovery
The surgeon had me read the clock after I sat up from the surgery and I did pretty good, crazy analog timepieces.Then he told me that soon the numbing drops would wear off and it would feel like someone threw gravel in my eyes.I would compare it more to what it felt like when I got pepper sprayed which I liked thinking of better because I knew I could handle it and thinking about the description of gravel in my eyes seemed much too violent.They gave me sunglasses which I pretty much wore the rest of the day/evening.I had to eat something when we got home and then I immediately took 3 Ibuprofen (OK and 1 leftover muscle relaxer) and took a nap.They tell you to nap as those first 3-4 hours can be a little rough and it’s good for your eyes to rest.My first nap was under 2 hours and when I woke up the stinging was already much less which made me feel better.Every time I woke up after that, it just continued to get better and better.By the next day, the swelling of my eyes had mostly disappeared and although I was still sensitive to light, I felt great.My delinquent left eye has had some inflammation, but the surgeon has kept me coming in to follow up on it and though it is a little slower to heal and become crystal clear (due to more than double the laser), it is making progress and with my right eye seeing perfect and feeling perfect my overall vision is 20/20.You have to put drops in your eyes for a week and we are continuing some drops for another couple of weeks in that left eye to help it out.You also can’t wear eye make-up for a week, which I’m actually enjoying as without contacts or make-up it saves me quite a bit of time getting ready.
I told the surgeon that I am still getting used to Perfect Vision Freedom as at night I can’t help thinking “Now, aren’t I supposed to take out my contacts?” and the first time I drove I couldn’t believe I was driving without contacts or glasses as I haven’t done that since… well, ever, considering I started needing contacts in middle school!Overall, as you can probably tell, I am thrilled with the results.If you don’t have that bad of vision and/or you don’t mind wearing contacts or glasses then the surgery might not be for you.I’ve also discovered that a lot of people (Becky) are really freaked out about the thought of anything coming within 1 ft. of their eyes let alone breaking their eyes open and correcting their vision with lasers.For me, it is already life changing and I think my only regret will be that I didn’t do it sooner.
5:52pm Well, I never actually got to the whole "punching the pillow" thing as I laughed after the "screaming into the pillow" thing and didn't really have the flair left for it. Perspective is settling in, and it's pretty clear with these contacts on! I've set the date for my rescheduled eye surgery and that's good even if they won't tell me my appointment time until THE TUESDAY BEFORE! Whoa caps, settle. It's just that I feel like a date who has been stood-up and now I'm not so sure I trust the rain check! So, I'm not quite over it, but I am working on it.
1:38pm I had a dream that my eye surgery would be canceled, but I didn't tell anyone because that's just silly. Dreams can come true - they called 2 hours before my surgery to tell me that the doctor had an emergency and we would have to reschedule. There has been a lot building up to this - emotions, glasses-wearing... I am extremely disappointed. On a positive note, I can't get in again for a couple of weeks so I am now back to contacts for a few days and that is almost like having perfect vision, or at least what I can remember of Perfect Vision Freedom. I am contemplating going back to work today, but I think tomorrow will be punishment enough as I had originally planned on having Friday off too. Eating some lunch and putting in my contacts has slightly improved my mood, though I may have to go scream into a pillow.. and then punch it.
9:23am Today is the day. I am incredibly excited with only a dash of nerves. My surgery is set for this afternoon which means I will have to stop eating in less than an hour and I just had breakfast about a 1/2 hour ago. "Lunch" may only be a piece of toast. I want to take my last shower for the next couple of days (and apply no makeup = ah!) but first I am going to do some cleaning. My parents are going to hang out while I sleep after the surgery and my Mom is thrilled about her "Evening as an Urban Couple" - I will be leaving out our favorite takeout menus (favorite entrees circled) with various post-its attached to suggested reading material should they get bored. I've thought about leaving instructions for playing video games, although I don't think they make a big enough post-it for the instructions my video game loving/technologically impaired father would require. I will, however, set out the good whiskey and vodka (no instructions required there) so they feel at home :)
In about two weeks, I will once again enjoy Perfect Vision Freedom. Right now I am suffering through the uncomfortable feeling of constantly being pinched on the nose and behind the ears, lovely. To cheer myself up, I have decided to make a list of things I am looking forward to when my potential is no longer hindered by the limitations rendered by glasses and contacts.
Top Ten +1 Things I am Looking Forward to with Perfect Vision Freedom
If I am attacked on the street I won't have to worry about losing my glasses.*
If I am attacked (or need to change a tampon) in the night I won't have to worry about finding my glasses.*
I will be able to correctly read the clock at night without sliding as close to the nightstand as possible, yet staying on the bed, while closing my left eye (the worst one) and squinting with my right eye.
I will be able to open my eyes underwater!
I will be able to play video games that require intense concentration, and thus - less blinking, without my contacts drying out and mushing around, demanding bastards.
I won't have to deal with the whole snowflakes-all-over-my-glasses-and-still-carrying-on-normally thing.
I won't be robbed at the optometrist once a year for $300+ in contacts and glasses.
I won't have to force my puffy eyes open every morning to pop in huge contact lenses.
I won't have to put my face as close as possible to the mirror while applying make-up, see photo.
My eyes will finally be their natural color: green.
Lastly, If I want to spontaneously take a trip, stay over night somewhere, or have my flight canceled I won't have to worry about contact solution, a contact case, or glasses.
FREEDOM people. It's all about the FREEDOM.
*I am not in fear of being attacked, I just like to be prepared and it is difficult to be prepared when one has to find the thing that gives them sight (glasses) while sightless (seriously nearsighted).
Those girls across the street are taking photos with the snow person Doug and I made at 9:30pm the night before. I was so tickled that they were taking pictures with her/him (we didn't give her/him boobs, I thought her face was kind of feminine, but I'd rather leave her/him gender neutral to make things less complicated). I'm not happy to admit that rolling the snow for her/him probably started my journey to the worst back pain hilarity that ensued on the afternoon of our snow day. I like this picture because it focused on the droplets on our window and reflects our Christmas tree lights, which makes the giant, snow-laden evergreen outside look like it has been decorated with lights.
I can't stop staring at this picture, so much so that I made it my background. Today, when I glanced at it from an odd angle I decided I had to turn it into a black and white (more accurately: a sepia) and I still find it hard to take my eyes off of it. Nice work nature.
Today was wonderfully warm outside, however, most of the trees have lost their leaves, the grass is still a lush green, it gets dark around 5pm and there is not one bit of ice on any lake, river or puddle. I am feeling slightly (albeit delightedly) confused about the season. It also appears my computer and our internet are confused. My computer because it is working relatively quickly, and the internet.. well, just because it's working! I spent the better part of the last hour updating the gadgets, colors and title of my blog trying not to get my hopes up that I'd actually get to post something new. Alright, and I was procrastinating because for some reason breaking the ice and telling my blog we're going to post again makes one apprehensive. I got used to months on end of having little permanent record of my internal madness? monotony? masochist? I even thought about picking up the old paper journal again because I do need some outlet for all of the disorder in my brain. In the end I decided that the whole point of writing is to have someone read it and the maintenance of my little space on the interweb fulfills a creative itch I need to scratch.
Mexico makes it so easy to take pictures. This is my favorite tree in the world, high praise.
Just a touch of color.
Almost a 
