Five Quick Takes

This "Quick Take" idea is taken from a blog I like to read, Conversion Diary. Gives me an excuse to talk a little bit about a lot of things --- something I'm good at!

1) Bud Vases. I got one for my wedding, and it annoys the heck outta me. It's just so SMALL! I know, it's a bud vase - not a "2 dozen roses" vase-- it's supposed to be small. Also, it's tippy. Frankly, I'm surprised it's survived six moves; a couple California earthquakes; four children pounding on the china closet; and my proclivity for trashing things that annoy me. But survive it has, and since our thirteen rose bushes are currently THRIVING despite my husband's disdain for them and the aphids' love for them - I brought out the bud vase and am making use of it. This photo was taken more to feature the rosebud than the bud vase, sorry.


2) Last night was our "Dinner with a Priest", chapter two. Chapter one was well over a year ago, before we were officially Catholic, and had our parish Priest over for pork chops (they were dry, if you were wondering). Father Phil, who is Kevin's spiritual advisor, came for spaghetti. It was his request, and he gave my sauce (or rather, Trader Joe's sauce with my homemade turkey meatballs) a thumbs up. He's fun to listen to, has great stories, answered several of my questions about life as a Priest, and the kids adored him.

3) Tonight, at an undisclosed location (because I don't want any more people to show up) Santa Claus arrives by horse-drawn carriage not far from our house. The evening promises Victorian carolers and "fake snow". Duh. Even marketing directors of the most successful venues can't promise real snow in Vegas in November. If we do decide to go, I'm afraid we all might have to climb a tree to get a good view of Kris Kringle - AND the fake snow.

4) Since I quietly removed my "weight loss" sidebar, I wonder if I've left my faithful blog-readers on the edges of their seats wondering how I'm doing. Today, I'm happy to report that all is well in Weightwatcherville. Tomorrow may be different but one day at a time, right? Seriously, I've enjoyed talking with a friend of mine who is recovering from a drug addiction. She's been off drugs for years now, but still struggles with food issues. The comparisons are amazingly interesting to me. Anyway, I appreciate her and the book she steered me to: Inner Harvest - Daily Meditations for Recovery from Eating Disorders. There is a page for every day of the year, helpful wisdom, and truth about recovery being connected to a "Higher Power", in my case Jesus Christ. I'll let you know when I reach my goal!

5) I had my appointment at the sports medicine doc/chiropractor/massage therapist's office. IT WAS DREAMY. I had questions answered, a MASSAGE!, and was given exercises to do along with a lot of encouragement in my running. Plus I felt like a real athlete hanging out there with folks like eight-foot-tall basketball players and heavyweight boxers and such. I had two x-rays and this doc says I do not have scoliosis. Kinda confused about that one since the family doctor called it "pronounced". But he showed me the images on the computer and pointed out how well-aligned everything looks. No disk problems, no nothing. Basically just the spine of a woman who has given birth a bunch of times and needs to strengthen her core. AND... the best part: I go back in a week. I'm hoping I need another massage.