My birthday

Part One: A beautiful day for a symphony concert

A

At the Ohio Theater

The CSO warming up

 Part Two: Tiff and I at dinner in Gahanna

 Jeni's ice cream? I think so!

 

What makes you happy?

 

Got this great idea from Jane!  I'm going to tag ALL of you! (That blog that is.)

You have to write 10 things that make you happy. (And that picture? That is one of them. Love it.) 

So, here are mine: 

1. My parish
2. Time w/ my family. The four of us (Mel is in Chicago) had lunch at Mohawk in German Village after Mass today, and it was so fun. A perfect day so far. 
3. Hockey! Watching the gold medal game now. 
4. The snow is melting, and tomorrow is March 1! Spring nears.
5. beaches
6. Good books
7. Jane Austen movies (watched the new BBC Emma and Sense and Sensibility yesterday)
8. Babies (such a cutie in front of us at Mass!)
9. Yankee candles
10. Soft, warm blankets to snuggle under while watching hockey.

What makes you happy? Share in the combox!

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Totally free

Today was one of the days where I like being single.
For the first time in a long time, I had the entire day free. No obligations, my parents are in Pittsburgh, so I have able to do whatever I wanted, all day. This is sort of unheard of.
So, I did the clips, got dressed, and then...my power went out. No idea why. But it didn't matter anyway, because I was going out.

My first stop was the Columbus Museum of Art. I have a membership and wanted to see the Chihuly exhibit. It was crowded--Sundays have a lot of family programming--but I was glad it was crowded. The museum is undergoing a big renovation project, so all there was to see were a few pieces from the permanent collection, and Chihuly. I love his glasswork so I enjoyed the exhibit, especially Mille Flore. 

After seeing the exihibit, I bought a Diet Coke at the cafe and did some writing exercises from Elizabeth Berg's book. Two of them involved an art museum, so those were the ones I (naturally) did. After doing that, and getting two books in the book shop (since I'm a member, I get 15% in there, yay!), I headed up to Easton.

It was raining, so I didn't think the outdoor shopping complex would be too crowded, and I was right. I stopped in Nordstrom to get some make-up I needed, then went to Talbots and Ann Taylor to see what was coming in for Spring. I'm glad I stopped at AT, because I got 40% off everything I bought in there. Heck yes! Very exciting.

After that, I treated myself to Fado's fish and chips, watched the Vikings slaughter the Cowboys, and did a few more writing exercises. Fado is a great place to write--I always feel inspired there.
After finished lunch/dinner, I headed home, to find the power back on.
It was GREAT being able to do precisely what I wanted. I could look at the art I wanted to see, eat where I wanted to eat, and shop without worrying about meeting anyone or holding up anyone else.
A very excellent Sunday.

Seven Quick Takes Friday--Vol. XVI

I.

OK, so this is really more "Seven Quick Takes" weekend, but I was a bit busy on Friday, hanging with my brother. Our parents were out of town, so we went to Uno's for dinner, then back to our parents' for some movie watching. Bryan had never seen the Lord of the Rings movies, so we watched the first one. I normally don't watch that one, because my favorite character is Eowyn, and she's not in that one. So I had forgotten how long that version is--even in the theatrical release! (I only have one--Return of the King--in the extended version.) But Bryan seemed to like it, so we'll have to get in the other two soon.

II.

My grandpa was discharged from the hospital yesterday, so that is great news. My mom is staying with my grandparents this week, and my dad will go pick her up next weekend. So it's just my dad and brother at home this week, which means I might get to cook for them, which I really like doing. They like fish and mushrooms, two things my mom doesn't like, so when she's gone I get to make those things for them. But I do miss mom.

III.

Speaking of food, I made my favorite salmon dish last night after a run to the North Market. It's sort of becoming a habit to go there on Saturdays (with, seemingly, the rest of the city), and it's so much fun to pick and choose what to buy and see all the tasty things for sale.

IV.

Yesterday was wretched in Ohio--the sort of grey and ugly fall days I hate. But it was an excellent day to stay inside, bake, watch college football, and finish the LOTR movies. :)

V.

This week is pretty busy--blood draw to check thyroid stuff, cooking/laundry with dad and Bryan, voice on Thursday, and then Jackets/Penguins game on Friday. That should be really exciting, since both teams are doing well, and I'm looking forward to it. Dad and I are going together. He took me to my first Penguins game when I was seven (Pens versus Whalers, Pens lost), and we still go to games together. It's a good thing.

VI.

Speaking of voice--lessons are going really well. I think Robin and I have found a new audition piece--we'll find out at  my next lesson! We have to chop the song into 16 bars, because that's what most auditions require. Whoever came up with 16 bars ought to be racked. I mean, come on--show range, emotion, style, etc. in 16 measly bars? Ridiculous.

VII.

Auditions: I've got two in the next two months. One for Pleasure Guild's Music Man, and one for Gallery Player's Company. Music Man is in November, and Company is right before Christmas.

Seven Quick Takes Friday--Vol. XV

I.

So, I did this yesterday. And I am going to the oral surgeon to have the rest of the stitches removed today. I'm sort of a walking medical experiment right now!

II.

But, what makes me really happy? The arts are back in Columbus! The new seasons have begun and I'm  enjoying it immensely.  I went to the CSO's first classical concert last week, and tonight is Swan Lake, presented by BalletMet and the Cincinnati Ballet. If you don't have tickets, never fear! You can get them tonight! The show runs in Columbus until Sunday. I will, as always, have a post about the ballet up tonight when I get back.

III.

Re-reading J. Maarten Troost's travel books, because I need some funny lately. If you haven't read them, check them out.

IV.

And if you haven't seen this video, that I posted yesterday, it is well worth your time.

V.

Feeling OK after yesterday's biopsy. There was a little bit of total "I don't care" as a result of the drugs, meaning: "The world is ending? Oh, that's nice." It's sort of a strange and yet fun feeling. Dr. Hogan thinks they're benign cysts but we'll find out for sure when we get the pathology report next week.

VI.

The autumn colors here ROCK. I'll try to get some good pics to put up later. The trees are losing their leaves pretty quick, but the ones that are left are gorgeous.

VII.

Had dinner with my Aunt Patty last night, who was in town to pick up her daughter, Kelly. We celebrated Mel's birthday at Olive Garden (she turns 20 tomorrow, yikes!) and it was quite nice. Kelly goes to UM, but she has friends that live in Pickerington (friends of my brother's, as well) who would take her here, and her mom would pick her up and bring her home. A roundabout way to get back to the Burgh for her, but it's always nice to see the relatives.

To Market, to Market

This week's marketing: 

--6 Buckeyes (because it's Fall in Ohio and that's what you eat)

--1 lb. apples

--Yellow (sweet) onions

--Red onions

--Honey

--Sun dried tomatoes

--candied rosemary walnuts

--orzo 

--fat-free milk black currants for an Irish Soda bread I want to make

--peppers--and I LOVE these, they're red, orange and green! I'm going to put them on a pizza tomorrow.

--Cherry tomatoes

Musings

I know, I know, I know...I have been neglecting y'all of late.

Part of it is nothing really thrilling is going on. (OK, that's probably good, because when things are thrilling in my life, that means things are not going well, in general.) The other part is that i just haven't really had the heart to write. This week has mostly been contained in the inexplicable urge to curl up and nap. It did rain all week, so that could be it. Or it could just be general disappointment in various things.

But, as Jane says, "Let other pens dwell on disappointment. I quit such subjects as soon as I can." So, following her excellent advice, we won't dwell on that.

Late August/Early September is one of my favorite times of year. I love the change of the seasons, as summer gives way to fall; I like watching the students go off to school; I like the resumption of my activities and a regular rhythm to life. Ballet classes resume, my arts organizations that took the summer off come back, audition schedules ramp up, and football season starts! Also I just love fall--the clothes, the crispness of the air, the harvest, the time spent with family.

Yes I said harvest. I do live in Ohio, after all, and agriculture is still our biggest industry. I can drive not even five minutes from my apartment and see gorgeous fields of corn and soybeans. From my sister's high school stadium (well, her former high school), I can see acres of farmland that used to belong to a friend of mine and his family. In the markets, fresh corn is abundant (and delicious). Apples, pears, plums...they're all over the place. This is enough to make me pretty happy.

So I'll gather them and cook, and enjoy the change of seasons as we head toward fall and Christmas, which is, as we know, one of my favorite things. No day but today, friends.

(Oh...and more summer reading updates shortly...as in, right after I publish this)

A Farmer's Market trip and tomato salad

Today was another Trip to the Farmer's Market.

On today's list:

• 1 green bell pepper
• 4 lemons
• 1 lime
• 4 ears of corn
• 1 orange
• garlic
• 3 vine ripe tomatoes
• 2 yellow or orange tomatoes
• milk
• chopped nuts
• Sun dried tomatoes
• honey
• And Jeni's Ice Cream, for tomorrow night's dessert--honey vanilla bean and raspberry yogurt

All that yummy goodness!

With that, I made:

Tomato Salad

(adapted from Rachael Ray's Thirty Minute Meals 2)

3 vine-ripe red tomatoes

2 tomatoes, either yellow or orange

1 sm. onion, thinly sliced

1/2 c. fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped

3 tbsps. extra virgin olive oil

juice of 1 ripe lemon

1/2 tsp. ground corriander

1/2 tsp. ground cumin

1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

Kosher salt, to taste

Seed and cop the tomatoes and combine with onion and parsley in shallow bowl. Combine oil, lemon juice and spices and whisk together. Season with kosher salt and toss to combine well. Let stand 10 minutes and serve.

This is also very timely, because this weekend is the annual Tomato Festival in my town!

Seven Quick Takes Friday--Vol. IX (the Play Ball! edition)

I.

Back from date with the boy/guy/man (whatever you want to call him, since "boy" is not universally loved by my readers) to the Clippers game. The Clippers are the Cleveland Indians' AAA affiliate (farm team), and they were playing Buffalo, lost 4-3. Could've tied it, except the last play of the game was a double play. ARGH!

II.

Lots of fun, both in the game and in the company. Started to rain a bit in the 8th (what is it with our dates and rain, huh?) but it was negligible. Lots of families with adorable children, and lots of women in heels. Why were they in heels? It's a baseball game! Who are you trying to impress?

III.

The Indians' mascot, Slider the Bird, was there, joining the Clippers' bird and seal. Watching Slider dance on the dugout is something else.

IV.

I got the materials for my five year college reunion in the mail today. FIVE YEARS? What is u with that? Apparently it includes a 2 mile run/walk, the usual homecoming events (Cap corner, etc., and the game), and then the party that night in the Cap center, where the class photo will be taken. I can't believe it's been five years! I will be sending in my registration forms soon, so I hope the rest of you alumni who read this will do the same!!!

V.

I do still see a lot of my friends from college, and high school, which I think is impressive. It's nice to have so many long-lasting friendships. Anne, one of my best friends, and I have known each other since we were six! Go us!

VI.

Football training camp has begun! Go Steelers!

VII.

And finally, some books: Harry Potter And the Half-Blood Prince, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Deathly Hallows always, always makes me cry, especially when Snape tells Dumbledore that he's loved Lily for years after she died. From that point until Harry kicks ass, I am just one big puddle. Catharsis, man. Catharsis.

La Petite Ballerina

From the Arts Fest today

That is one of the Swan's tutus from the upcoming production of Swan Lake--the same one used in this picture:

Some trivia about that costume: 

It takes 100 hours to stitch that tutu, by hand. Each fold is individually folded and stitched into place, along with the embroidered strips and the beading/feathering on the bodice. 

The closures are hook and eye. 

So, you know you want t see these in action October 16-18! Tickets go on sale in August!

Seven Quick Takes Friday--Vol. V

I. 

So the week got off to an auspicious beginning with time in the resort, fun drugs and a clean digestive tract (an empty one, anyway). Thankfully the rest of the week was less eventful (although the budget did get passed out of the Senate at work, so that's a wonderful thing.). Stomach is still slightly iffy, so I'm trying to be nice to it. 

II. 

Side note to the above: I like pain meds, I like what they do. I don't like needing them (who does?), and when my parents are around I tend to act like I need them less than I do. I actually have a pretty high tolerance for pain, but when it's reached, it's reached. 

So I definitely "reached" that point on Sunday morning when the ER nurses (both named Jen, although one was "Jen" and one was "Jenn") came in to access the port, start fluids, get blood draw, and give me magic drugs of phenergan and dilaudid. Oh happy day. 

Anyway, I had sort of lost it...pain was in the 10+ range, etc., and I wasn't really thinking about not asking for as much med as they would give me to feel sane. 

After Jen got the port in and the fluids running, and Jenn had the blood sent to the lab, she held up the two tiny syringes that held wonderful magic drugs (OK, I know, this sounds awful, but really, they looked fantatic at this point). She asked, " do you want to do 1 mg and see how that goes, or just do 2 right off the bat?"

"Can I have two, please?" *(Yes I said please)

It was immediate, and normally it is not immediate. Normally I look at Dad and sort of hem and haw and if mom's there she'll lobby for the lower dose. But no way.

"Absolutely." Magic was swiftly delivered. Even after the port needle had to be taken out and re-accessed with a 1" needle, I did not care. I was blissfully unaware. Or at least, pain-free, ergo I did not care what was happening to me. 

III. 

While the Pens may have lost on Sat., they've won the last two, including last night. Game 5 is tomorrow in Detroit. If we win, we can win at the Cup at Mellon in Game 6. Go team!

IV. 

Biblical studies class happening after I write this. 

V. 

We've had so much rain lately that it's nice to see sun! It was 90 on Saturday, but it will be 80 tomorrow, when I'm volunteering at BalletMet's booth at the Art Festival! Should be a lot of fun, and if you're in Columbus, come on out to the Discovery District. The Art Museum is FREE, so you can see the Egyptian Art exhibit! (That's what I'm planning to do pre-shift) After the art fest, I'm thinking about going to see my friend Bill, from Parade (he was Mr. Watson, the "rabid newspaper publisher") play Cardinal Richelieu in Actors' Theater's The Three Musketeers. One of the great things about summer in Columbus--theater at Schiller Park!

 Free!

VI. 

The gym thing goes on. I may go tonight--will go tomorrow, but will probably get enough walking, etc in at the Fest. Don't worry I'm still doing it. (Gloom and doom sigh here)

VII. 

Reading: Pride and Prejudice; The Comforts of a Muddy Saturday (finished); Handle With Care (finished); A Father Who Keeps His Promises

For more Quick Takes, see Jen at Conversion Diary!

Adventures with chicken

So, when Dr. god told me to lose weight, I didn't think she meant the "food poisoning" method. 

And yet...

Saturday was a pretty good day. I had lunch w/ my dad, went over to my parents' for dinner, and then to Gresso's downtown to watch the first game of the Stanley Cup Playoffs with my brother.

Dinner was my dad's favorite meal--chicken with some sort of white wine/cream of mushroom soup sauce. I have never, ever liked this meal. When I lived at home (well, OK, when all of us kids were kids and lived at home), mom didn't make this a lot, because we usually didn't eat it. Now that I'm gone, and Bryan and Mel are gone most of the time, Dad gets this meal more often. 

I am never, ever eating it again. 

We had dinner around 4:30. BRyan and I left for Gresso's around 7. My stomach was sort of bugging me--like I'd eaten too much, even though I hadn't--but my stomach hates me as a matter of course, so I went anyway. We ordered some food and Diet Cokes at the bar and settled in to watch the game on Gresso's big screen (in a room complete with comfy leather couches). 

As the first period progressed, my stomach felt worse--as in, extremely painful. If it had been on the left side I would have through pancreatitis or appendicitis (Yes, I still have my appendix, just not my original lungs. Go figure.). So I left the game early and headed home, took a tylenol PM and then...threw up. 

OK good. Went to bed, thinking this was over.

Oh, not so. 

After doing this about five more times, it was 6:45. I called my parents. (I had, briefly, considered calling the squad down the street from my apt. That is how awful this was) Dad came over, called Dr. Kirby ( the tx doc on call) and we went to the ER. 

Fortunately the ER was empty and people moved fast. I was a wreck--totally dehydrated (I didn't even have spit in my mouth, so talking was hard), rapid respiration, all sorts of things. Once the port was in I got dilaudid and phenergan on board, and I Was happy. No more nausea, etc. 

I was admitted to 5C, which sort of amazed me. I thought they would say, eh, you have food poisoning, here are drugs, go home, but no. More drugs through the night. I managed to keep one pill down. 

This morning had oral phenergan before my drugs--drugs stayed down. Ate real food (go jello) and was kicked out around 4:15--as usual, just in time for rush hour. Feel a lot better but sort of out of it, thanks to drugs. IV fluids are the best thing in the world. Also happy that I didn't have to do the whole, "If you want me to throw up give me zofran," which I usually have to do, because for some reason the Powers that Be do not like to give me phenergan, which is a Gift from the Gods. 

Anyway, that's how my weekend went. Hope your was better!

Living it up

In German Village, one of the more posh sections of central Ohio.
Karen (my t/x nurse) is out of town with her husband and adorable child--they went to Baltimore for a wedding. So I am watching the dogs and staying in their house.
It is great--built in the 1900s, and only 1/2 mile from the Book Loft, one of my favorite independent bookstores.
The dogs are also very cute and low-maitenance. Whew.