Today I read the book selected for my November book group, The Hindi Bindi Club by Monica Pradhan. I was excited to read it because the woman hosting this month said she is going to make Indian food for us when we meet, which I've been a fan of since my brother in law made me wet chicken curry with onion nan. I've actually dreamed about him making this dish again...it was THAT good!
It was a fun book, and I enjoyed the things I learned about India, and also the various characters she develops in her story. I've always liked the Indian people that I've met, and I appreciate Indian culture. I learned that in the 1960's, U.S. Immigration policy changed to allow Indian engineers and physicians to come to America. This was referred to in India as "the great brain drain". That's why so many of the Indian's here today are doctors and engineers. When I had my emergency surgery last month, it was a wonderful Indian doctor who diagnosed and cared for me...which I really appreciated (before he came on the scene, the ER staff seemed to be treating me like a "drug seeker", so I was left writhing in more pain and sicker than I've ever been, on a gurney in the ER hallway for 8 hours before Dr. Tehar admitted me.)
It was a nice peek into another culture that I've been fascinated with for years. Can't wait till the book group to discuss it. The book also has various Indian food recipes at the end of every chapter...so if you're handy in the kitchen (which, sadly, I'm really not), you could make the dishes that they have in the story! Cookbook AND great reading! Bonus!!!
Friday, November 16, 2007
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
My dear old friends
Okay, so they're not living, breathing friends, but nearly as dear to me are my favorite hymns. I'm probably an anomaly in this regard, but throughout my lifetime these cherished tunes and lyrics have, on countless occasions, been the vehicle that draws my soul to God. I am forever grateful for the authors and composers who've written them. Their hymns teach me the gospel, remind me of truths I've forgotten, fill me with joy and love, and make me happy. Just like a good friend would!
It always makes my day when we sing a favorite during church. The odds of us singing one of them are pretty good because there are so many to choose from!
There is nothing more beneficial to me when I'm struggling with something, than turning my mind to a favorite hymn. Because of this, I've made a point of memorizing all the verses to most of the songs that we sing on a regular basis (favorite or not). I realized years ago, when I could sing along with countless songs on the radio, that there was no excuse for me to not memorize the hymns as well. This comes in handy during a hymnbook shortage.☺
One of my favorite hobbies is improvising the hymns on my piano. I love to play with the melodies and arrange them. Though I mess up frequently (I don't think anyone gets what I do out of my playing), the hymns are among my favorite things to play on the piano.
A small sample of my enduring favorites are listed below. Hearing them brings to mind various special experiences in the past, when the song lifted me up.
What do you think of the hymns?
It always makes my day when we sing a favorite during church. The odds of us singing one of them are pretty good because there are so many to choose from!
There is nothing more beneficial to me when I'm struggling with something, than turning my mind to a favorite hymn. Because of this, I've made a point of memorizing all the verses to most of the songs that we sing on a regular basis (favorite or not). I realized years ago, when I could sing along with countless songs on the radio, that there was no excuse for me to not memorize the hymns as well. This comes in handy during a hymnbook shortage.☺
One of my favorite hobbies is improvising the hymns on my piano. I love to play with the melodies and arrange them. Though I mess up frequently (I don't think anyone gets what I do out of my playing), the hymns are among my favorite things to play on the piano.
A small sample of my enduring favorites are listed below. Hearing them brings to mind various special experiences in the past, when the song lifted me up.
What do you think of the hymns?
- How Firm A Foundation This is my all-time favorite hymn. The last 4 verses are never sung, but they're very dear to me.
- All Creatures of Our God and King ©
- Each Life That Touches Ours For Good
- A Mighty Fortress Is Our God (this song is OLD! Written by Martin Luther, who was born in the 1400's. I Lo♥e it!)
- All Glory, Laud and Honor
- Our Savior's Love
- How Gentle Gods Commands
- For The Beauty Of The Earth
- As Now We Take the Sacrament
- In Humility, Our Savior
- For All The Saints
- Prayer Of Thanksgiving
- Be Thou Humble
- As Sisters In Zion
- Now The Day Is Over
- Joseph Smith's First Prayer
- He Is Risen
- Angels We Have Heard On High
- Because I have Been Given Much ©
- On This Day Of Joy And Gladness
- Redeemer Of Israel
- I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day
- Christ The Lord Is Risen Today
- Know This, That Every Soul Is Free
- God Is Love
- Where Can I Turn For Peace?
- A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief
- God's Daily Care
- Press Forward Saints
- If You Could Hie to Kolob
- There Is A Green Hill Far Away
- More Holiness Give Me
- Teach Me To Walk in the Light
- We'll Sing All Hail To Jesus' Name
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Golden Birthday
A Golden Birthday is your birthday when the day of the month you were born (eg: 11th) is the same as how old you are (eg: turning eleven). This past Sunday was Bunch's Golden Birthday. It was a particularly special day because she turned 11 on 11/11! So of course we had to have an eleven party.
My sister flew into town for the event as a surprise, and it was one whirlwind, fun-packed weekend for all. We met at our house and the eleven girls (of course) took a quiz about Bunch...which was very amusing. Then we headed over to a bowling ally where the girls all donned the crazy pair of socks that we'd put in their goody bag. Food, fun and bowling, followed by the giant eleven cake (see previous cake post) made for good times. Some of the girls can seriously bowl!
After the party my brother came for a visit, and the family went out to dinner at Sizzler (birthday girl's choice...she wanted to try their salmon). Once the kids were in bed for the night, my sister, brother and I stayed up all night talking, till my sister had to leave for the airport at 4:50 a.m. (yawn!) We hadn't had that kind of sibling-bonding time since, well, ever I think! I was tired that next day, but it was totally worth it. We all had a great birthday weekend.
Here's a picture of the sock-foot clan at the bowling ally.
My sister flew into town for the event as a surprise, and it was one whirlwind, fun-packed weekend for all. We met at our house and the eleven girls (of course) took a quiz about Bunch...which was very amusing. Then we headed over to a bowling ally where the girls all donned the crazy pair of socks that we'd put in their goody bag. Food, fun and bowling, followed by the giant eleven cake (see previous cake post) made for good times. Some of the girls can seriously bowl!
After the party my brother came for a visit, and the family went out to dinner at Sizzler (birthday girl's choice...she wanted to try their salmon). Once the kids were in bed for the night, my sister, brother and I stayed up all night talking, till my sister had to leave for the airport at 4:50 a.m. (yawn!) We hadn't had that kind of sibling-bonding time since, well, ever I think! I was tired that next day, but it was totally worth it. We all had a great birthday weekend.
Here's a picture of the sock-foot clan at the bowling ally.
Let's Eat Cake, Shall We?!!!
A major component of birthday celebrations around here is, of course, the cake. I have tried to make awesome cakes every year for the kids, which are kept secret till the big moment. The looks on their faces when I bring it out is always priceless, and makes all the effort worth while.
I don't have pictures on my computer of all the cakes I've made (eg: I'm missing the awesome candy train, and the sail boat), but thought I'd share a few of them here just for fun. So I present to you, selected cakes through the past 10 years!
I don't have pictures on my computer of all the cakes I've made (eg: I'm missing the awesome candy train, and the sail boat), but thought I'd share a few of them here just for fun. So I present to you, selected cakes through the past 10 years!
Monday, November 12, 2007
Sacrament
In the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, there are various accounts of the Savior feeding multitudes of people with just a few loaves and fishes. Historically, I think I've focused on the miracle of this event, but I wanted to write about one symbolic aspect that occurred to me.
Yesterday in our ward Sacrament meeting, two Priests blessed and broke 16 pieces of bread into small pieces, which were passed by the Deacons to the congregation to partake of. Then they blessed 432 cups of water, which were offered to ward members. Every week, in services all over the world, this same ritual is repeated...offering members the chance to pause in their lives and reflect on their baptismal covenants, and re-commit themselves to following the Savior as best they can.
Like the miracle played out in the accounts of the few loaves and fishes, those 16 pieces of bread that are torn into pieces on our behalf, and those tiny cups of water poured in remembrance of His blood shed for us, enable us to experience a miracle in our own lives. As we partake of them, and draw closer to the Savior with our hearts, we invoke the power of His atonement on our behalf, our souls are purified and we are renewed. Those 16 pieces of bread and tiny cups of water feed the spirits of the nearly 400 saints in my ward on a weekly basis, enabling us to continue having His spirit with us and succeed in our efforts to be like Him.
I am grateful for the scriptures and the lessons they teach me. I'm grateful for the spiritual feast that the sacrament supplies us with every sabbath day. And I'm grateful for the sacrifice of my Savior for me.
Yesterday in our ward Sacrament meeting, two Priests blessed and broke 16 pieces of bread into small pieces, which were passed by the Deacons to the congregation to partake of. Then they blessed 432 cups of water, which were offered to ward members. Every week, in services all over the world, this same ritual is repeated...offering members the chance to pause in their lives and reflect on their baptismal covenants, and re-commit themselves to following the Savior as best they can.
Like the miracle played out in the accounts of the few loaves and fishes, those 16 pieces of bread that are torn into pieces on our behalf, and those tiny cups of water poured in remembrance of His blood shed for us, enable us to experience a miracle in our own lives. As we partake of them, and draw closer to the Savior with our hearts, we invoke the power of His atonement on our behalf, our souls are purified and we are renewed. Those 16 pieces of bread and tiny cups of water feed the spirits of the nearly 400 saints in my ward on a weekly basis, enabling us to continue having His spirit with us and succeed in our efforts to be like Him.
I am grateful for the scriptures and the lessons they teach me. I'm grateful for the spiritual feast that the sacrament supplies us with every sabbath day. And I'm grateful for the sacrifice of my Savior for me.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Boo
Today most of my friends who blog have posted pics of their spooks. I'd planned to do so last night but I was tired. Here are Doc--who donned in his annual skeleton outfit with "Gross" hat (as in anatomy), Gator and his buddy are Obi-One and a Vampire, and Bunch is Mother Nature. Doc commented about how each of them picked a costume that is just an extension of themselves. Bunch is all about nature and beauty, Gator LOVES Star Wars, and Doc is, well, an anatomist. I wore black pants and my orange fleece...so bunch dubbed me a pumpkin. Good times.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Since May I've had a problem with my right pinky & ring fingers. They've been numb and tingly for most of the time since this began, and it's gotten rather annoying. I finally talked to a hand surgeon who told me it's a problem called Cubital Tunnel Syndrome. The problem is triggered when the ulner nerve gets compressed. The best solution is to stop compressing it. Alternatively surgery is an option. I am satisfied with the amount of time I've spent in the hospital for this year, so I'm hoping to avoid that by doing what I can to keep my arm straight. Bending it more than 30 degrees can agrivate the ulnar nerve. I've become acutely aware of how much i end up bending my elbow this week as I've tried to keep it straight. The activities that comprise most of my day include:
I realize this is a boring post. Sorry about that, just something I felt like noting.
- talking on the phone
- reading books
- playing piano
- typing on the computer
- eating
- sleeping all curled up like a baby or with my arms over my head.
I realize this is a boring post. Sorry about that, just something I felt like noting.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Love
Today while driving through a neighborhood nearby, I saw this cute older couple:
They were slow, holding hands, and shuffling along together, just out on a little walk. Simply seeing them made me happy! I kept driving, rounded the corner, but then stopped and went back. I was a block away, and maxed out the zoom to get the picture so it's fuzzy, but that's fine with me. I just wanted document the moment, to celebrate love that lasts for years, and to give an anonymous tribute to couples who are still sweethearts in their golden years. Here's to these two! You are Couple of the Day today! Thanks for warming my heart. ♥
They were slow, holding hands, and shuffling along together, just out on a little walk. Simply seeing them made me happy! I kept driving, rounded the corner, but then stopped and went back. I was a block away, and maxed out the zoom to get the picture so it's fuzzy, but that's fine with me. I just wanted document the moment, to celebrate love that lasts for years, and to give an anonymous tribute to couples who are still sweethearts in their golden years. Here's to these two! You are Couple of the Day today! Thanks for warming my heart. ♥
Monday, October 22, 2007
I may be one of the last people in the country to become aware of the show American Idol. That I know anything about it now is entirely the fault of Pandora.com and YouTube. That darn Pandora and YouTube! I may not watch tv, but a body can seriously wile away the hours watching vids on YouTube.
Anyway, Pandora.com introduces me to all these songs that I've never heard before, and sometimes I want to hear them again, so I'll search YouTube to see if anyone has put it up there.
So there I was, blithely listening along when suddenly I heard this song that I've loved my whole life, but I liked this new version SO MUCH BETTER than the original. I had to find out about the artist...which is a simple matter of link-clicking with Pandora. And there he was, some kid named Clay Aiken. Wikipedia told me all I needed to know about Clay. He's living the American Dream...small-town kid tries out for a big, once-in-a-lifetime-competition, and though he looked like an unlikely candidate, he won the hearts of the country and has had a total life-transformation. And no wonder--if you hear the big voice that comes out of this guy, it blows you away. He seems to be a really nice person of substance too; hasn't let fame and fortune go to his head. I'm sure part of the reason I'm fascinated is because there are a lot of aspects about his (pre-fame and fortune) life that I can relate to.
Youtube supplied me with loads of Aiken vids, and I've become a fan. Why at my age, for the first time, am I developing fan-ness? I mean, first Josh, now Clay. I've never been a fan before--with the possible exception of Donny Osmond and his purple socks when I was a kid (only I was "a little bit classical")
Here's the song that hooked me in the first place. I hope you enjoy this new rendition of the old classic by Dolly Parton. And though it does nothing for him, and reminds him of bad Woolworth's elevator music, I must dedicate it to Doc. Thanks for comin' again!
Anyway, Pandora.com introduces me to all these songs that I've never heard before, and sometimes I want to hear them again, so I'll search YouTube to see if anyone has put it up there.
So there I was, blithely listening along when suddenly I heard this song that I've loved my whole life, but I liked this new version SO MUCH BETTER than the original. I had to find out about the artist...which is a simple matter of link-clicking with Pandora. And there he was, some kid named Clay Aiken. Wikipedia told me all I needed to know about Clay. He's living the American Dream...small-town kid tries out for a big, once-in-a-lifetime-competition, and though he looked like an unlikely candidate, he won the hearts of the country and has had a total life-transformation. And no wonder--if you hear the big voice that comes out of this guy, it blows you away. He seems to be a really nice person of substance too; hasn't let fame and fortune go to his head. I'm sure part of the reason I'm fascinated is because there are a lot of aspects about his (pre-fame and fortune) life that I can relate to.
Youtube supplied me with loads of Aiken vids, and I've become a fan. Why at my age, for the first time, am I developing fan-ness? I mean, first Josh, now Clay. I've never been a fan before--with the possible exception of Donny Osmond and his purple socks when I was a kid (only I was "a little bit classical")
Here's the song that hooked me in the first place. I hope you enjoy this new rendition of the old classic by Dolly Parton. And though it does nothing for him, and reminds him of bad Woolworth's elevator music, I must dedicate it to Doc. Thanks for comin' again!
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Time for a tribute
Four weeks ago I flew to Washington DC for a quick overnight trip to attend a baby shower for a very dear friend.
I arrived Saturday evening, and planned to take the red-eye home Sunday night. But my body had other plans. About 6 hours after I arrived, I got very sick. I ended up in the hospital for 5 days, had surgery to remove my gall bladder which had gotten extremely enlarged and infected and caused so much pain, for so long, that my two pain-relief-free childbirths seemed like a walk in the park comparatively. That's saying a lot.
I ended up being gone 11 days total. I am indebted to quite a few people for their care and sacrifice for me...especially Suzie and Rob, Bonnie, Ann, and Karleen. It was during this time that their true identities as guardian angels was revealed.
It is times like these that impress upon me just how blessed my life is. I have a disproportionate number of amazing friends. They enrich, support and bless my life in countless ways. I can't fathom how vastly different this life of mine would be without these amazing people. So here I offer a small tribute to the amazing friends who have brought such joy and goodness to me. I believe you know how much I love you, and there is simply not much more that I can say about that! Thank you! ♥
Here is an "edible arrangement" that a darling friend sent me after my surgery. I've never received anything so luscious and unexpected. It was delicious and we all enjoyed it. Thank you Karleen! You are the best! ♥
I arrived Saturday evening, and planned to take the red-eye home Sunday night. But my body had other plans. About 6 hours after I arrived, I got very sick. I ended up in the hospital for 5 days, had surgery to remove my gall bladder which had gotten extremely enlarged and infected and caused so much pain, for so long, that my two pain-relief-free childbirths seemed like a walk in the park comparatively. That's saying a lot.
I ended up being gone 11 days total. I am indebted to quite a few people for their care and sacrifice for me...especially Suzie and Rob, Bonnie, Ann, and Karleen. It was during this time that their true identities as guardian angels was revealed.
It is times like these that impress upon me just how blessed my life is. I have a disproportionate number of amazing friends. They enrich, support and bless my life in countless ways. I can't fathom how vastly different this life of mine would be without these amazing people. So here I offer a small tribute to the amazing friends who have brought such joy and goodness to me. I believe you know how much I love you, and there is simply not much more that I can say about that! Thank you! ♥
Here is an "edible arrangement" that a darling friend sent me after my surgery. I've never received anything so luscious and unexpected. It was delicious and we all enjoyed it. Thank you Karleen! You are the best! ♥
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