Field Trip and Graduation

Today was the last day of our Therapy Dog Team Training class. We went on a field trip to a Senior Living Community.

The first group we visited was in the skilled nursing area where most of the residents were sitting in wheel chairs and appeared to have dementia and very limited speech and movement. The men and women were seated in a semi-circle in the main living quarters, and one by one, we walked into the room and introduced ourselves and our dogs. For the people who seemed interested, we'd walk our dog over and let them touch and pet them.

My dog is extremely energetic around people and wants to be pet, and she also really likes to lick hands, both of which are not okay in that situation. So I was nervous and really need to work with her on those things. There was one lady who seemed to come alive seeing the dogs and she reached out and pet Scout when it was our turn. The staff told us they haven't seen that particular lady interact that way in a very long time. Hearing that really touched us all.

The next area we visited was an assisted living group. They were seated on sofas around a small room, and once again, one by one, we walked in with our dogs, introduced ourselves, and walked over to whomever wanted to pet them. Two ladies pet Scout right in the beginning, but since she was so exuberant, I decided to stay in the middle of the room and have her perform a couple of obedience commands and tricks. She did a good job, and that seemed to bring some smiles. Every now and then the staff would come over to get some love from the dogs as well.

After the visit, our class discussed the different situations we encountered and what things we should work on. Then our teacher congratulated all of us and handed out the graduation certificates and a little bag of homemade dog cookies.

Now that we've completed the class, I need to work on some things with Scout before she'll be able to pass the Canine Good Citizen test. Once she's able to do that, then we look into which therapy group we want to be apart of and go from there.

Our official graduation certificate!

Good job Scout!

Customer Service

There have been two incidents lately involving customer service that I just need to talk about. In the past, I've wanted to bring up this subject before, but I really don't like to complain, so I end up blowing it off and forgetting about it. But today I'm going to share.

This afternoon I walked into the U.S. Bank near my house to make a deposit. There were two tellers; one girl was on the phone and one girl was helping a customer. The girl on the phone saw me standing there and set aside her "closed" sign to assist me. I walked over and handed her my completely filled out deposit slip with the check to be deposited (which was signed on the back along with my account number) and my drivers license. She didn't say anything to me since she was busy on the phone. I heard her side of the conversation, and she was making some kind of an appointment for her dogs.

She looked at me and asked for my identification. I smiled and told her she already had it. She proceeded to process my transaction and then asked the person on the phone if they could hold on since she had a customer.

The check was for $2,000.00. Cash back $30.00. Total deposit: $1,970.00. She asked if I wanted my cash back to be two twenties and one ten. I said, "don't you mean one twenty and one ten?". She laughed and said, "oh... yeah". Then handed me the money and eventually the receipt.

I got out to my car and looked at my receipt. It turns out it wasn't a receipt, but it was the slip of paper that takes place of the $30.00 "cash back" the teller needs for her paperwork to balance. I walked back into the bank and she was still on the phone, but told them to hold on again to see what I wanted. Out of embarrassment, she mumbled some lame excuse and handed me my receipt. I was polite and smiled, but completely amazed at the incompetence and poor service. I worked for a bank for 3 years and would never have dreamed of conducting personal business on the phone in front of one of my customers and give them crappy, messy service.

There was another incident this week at Walgreens that I've decided not to share. But in the past, when an employee gave really bad customer service, they stood out. Nowadays, the employees that provide good service are the ones that stick out to me. Sad, but true. And occasionally I've made a point of letting their supervisors know what a great job they did.

The Rescue

Yesterday afternoon my son was sitting in the family room and heard the sound of this bird fly into the window. We found it lying on the lawn and thought it was dead. But it had just knocked itself out, and eventually started moving again. When I approached, it became frightened and tried to crawl across the grass. It looked like it's right leg was broken and perhaps it's wing since it couldn't fly. I ran inside and found a box to place it in.

So cute. I couldn't resist taking some pictures.

Then it moved it's wing up to cover it's eye.

Project Wildlife is nearby, so we drove the bird over there where they'll nurse it back to health in the rehabilitation center and then release it back into the wild.

The vet thought it was an Oriole.

It felt good doing the humane thing for this little bird. Hope it'll be okay soon. It was actually a little sad to say goodbye.

Australia

Last night I watched the movie, Australia, staring Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman. It's a romantic, action adventure set in the outback of Australia around World War II. Kidman's character, Sarah, is an English woman who travels to Australia to check on her husband and his cattle ranch. She ends up meeting Drover, Jackman's character, and a young boy named Nullah, who's known as a "creamy", half white/half aboriginy.

This action-packed drama also has some humor, a villain, suspense, a few tear-jerking moments, and, of course, the romance. There are also some far-fetched "magical" scenes. It had a very Indiana Jones feel to me. Usually I start to get squirmy after 1 1/2 hours of watching a movie and this one is 2 1/2 hours! But I was so caught up in the story and enjoying every minute that I lost track of time. I give Australia two thumbs up!

Saltwater-soaked Imagination

In high school I took a creative writing class. The teacher was very boring. I remember him giving us writing assignments but I don't remember much helpful instruction. I was too shy to ask questions and was naturally a poor writer. I have clear memories of getting my papers handed back to me with lots of red markings, corrections and bad grades. That made me feel lousy and I knew it was just one more thing I wasn't good at.

When I was 19, I decided to do some creative writing on my own and I wrote a story that I titled, Saltwater-soaked Imagination. It was all about surfing; paddling out, waiting for the perfect wave, catching the wave, the exhilarating ride, the ultimate- "getting tubed", and then paddling out to do it all over again. Repeating over and over until your arms no longer have the strength to fight the powerful waves, and you finally ride the last wave in to the shore. Laying there on the sand, exhausted, listening to the beating of your heart, and feeling completely satisfied.

I remember trying my hardest not to write a clear-cut story, but instead, use creative descriptions. I wanted to try and make the reader actually feel like they were there on the surfboard going through the experience. Pleased with my story, I excitedly showed it to my boyfriend at the time. Being polite, he didn't say much but smiled. I could tell he definitely wasn't impressed.

A few years later when I was dating my husband, I came across the story folded up in my keepsake box. Hesitantly, I had him read it and he also was not impressed. He thought the descriptions sounded sexual. I guess it needed a little work. Ugh! That was humiliating. I'm pretty sure I destroyed the story after that.

Hazards of gardening

Saturday was a beautiful sunny day, so I spent the afternoon
doing much needed yard work.

Here are 3 reasons that I'm not so crazy about working in the garden...

Snails. Ewww!

Grubs. Yuck!

Walking stick bugs. Creepy!

Besides pulling weeds and mowing the lawn, I also trimmed a few hedges...

and cut the extension cord. Oops!

Sweet and Hot

I'm sure when you hear the words, sweet and hot, you instantly think of me, but this post isn't about me. It's about this new candy bar I recently saw in the store and just had to try.

Dark chocolate and chili. It's pretty tasty actually. At first it just tasted like sweet, dark chocolate, but as soon as it was gone, my mouth was left with a slight burning sensation. Kind of a strange combination, but I liked it.


And speaking of chili...

Memorial weekend is probably a time when most people barbecue, but why not try something different like throwing together this crock pot recipe before heading out for the day. This is one of the easiest crock pot recipes I've ever found that actually turned out really well and tastes delicious. White Bean Chicken Chili.

White Bean Chicken Chili

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into pieces)
  
• 2 Tbl olive oil
• 1 small onion (chopped)
• 2 (15oz) cans small white beans (drained)
• 1 (12oz) can stewed tomatoes
• 1 jar (8oz) Pace picante salsa - hot
• 2 tsp Chili powder (add more if desired hotter)
• 8oz package Monterey Jack cheese
• sour cream

Directions:

1. In large skillet saute onion in olive oil. Set aside.
   
2. Brown chicken in olive oil.
   
3. In crock pot, combine all ingredients except Monterey Jack cheese and sour cream.
4. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours.
5. Shortly before serving, stir in cheese and 2 tsp. sour cream until melted, or ...
   
6. Spoon into bowls, then add cheese and sour cream to each bowl separately.
   

This can be eaten alone or pour over brown rice. Serve with side salad and enjoy.

Seven Pounds of depression

*Warning- spoiler alert* Don't continue reading if you haven't seen the movie Seven Pounds and you plan on watching it.

Wait, I need to reword that...

*Warning* Don't waste your money or your time watching the movie, Seven Pounds.

I just watched it last night and was completely depressed afterward. And thank goodness for the internet, because that's the only way I could get an answer to what the seven pounds meant. The words that kept coming to mind while I was watching... and waiting for it to get better... were "boring" and "confusion". I hate watching a movie and after the first hour I still cannot figure out what the heck is going on. Finally within the last 5 or 10 minutes it all came together, and frankly it left me feeling depressed and a little angry.

Luckily, I caught a glance of the Pirates of the Caribbean movie on TV before going to bed. It was nice to have the picture of Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow the pirate in my head, instead of Will Smith laying in a bathtub of ice water committing suicide. Creepy and depressing.

Yeah, yeah, I know... all those other people got a second chance at life. Will, or Ben, or Tim, or whatever the heck the main characters name was, got to redeem himself. And then kill himself. Hated it!

There, got that off my chest and I think I feel a little better now.

Mat Kearney - Closer to Love

Mat Kearney's new album, City of Black & White, was released today. I like this song called, Closer to Love, from the album. Here he is playing an acoustic version of it.




She got the call today
One out of the gray
And when the smoke cleared
It took her breath away

She said she didn't believe
It could happen to me
I guess we're all one phone call from our knees

We're gonna get there soon

If every building falls
And all the stars fade
We'll still be singing this song
The one they can't take away

I'm gonna get there soon
She's gonna be there too
Cryin' in her room
Prayin' Lord come through

We're gonna get there soon

Oh, it's your light
Oh, it's your way
Pull me out of the dark
Just to shoulder the weight
Cryin' out now
From so far away
You pull me closer to love
Closer to love

Meet me once again
Down off Lake Michigan
Where we could feel the storm blowin'
Down with the wind

And don't apologize
For all the tears you've cried
You've been way too strong now for all your life

I'm gonna get there soon
You're gonna be there too
Cryin' in your room
Prayin' Lord come through

We're gonna get there soon

Oh, it's your light
Oh, it's your way
Pull me out of the dark
Just to shoulder the weight
Cryin' out now
From so far away
You pull me closer to love
Closer to love

Cause you are all that I've waited for all of my life
You are all that I've waited all of my life

Closer to love
Closer to love
Closer to love

Closer to love
Closer to love
Closer to love

You pull me closer to love

Reality TV

Most of my favorite television shows happen to be mainly reality shows. Wonder if this is related to the fact that I'm more interested in reading non-fiction than fiction? Anyway, sadly last night was the Survivor finale. *sniff*. Now I'll have to wait until the fall for the new season of Survivor: Samoa.

I was super excited when the guy I was rooting for from the very beginning, JT, won the million dollars. He was obviously many others favorite also, since he won an extra $100,000.00 for the fan-favorite vote as well. Lucky guy!


No matter how honest someone wants to play the game, it still seems to come down to the difficult reality of having to tell lies and go back on your word. Working hard around camp, competing in challenges with gusto, and making wise strategic social moves along the way paid off. He was able to out-wit, out-play, and out-last, yet still proving to be an all-around nice guy. Congratulations JT!


Tonight begins the new season of The Bachelorette, staring Jillian Harris from last season's Bachelor.


Many people think this show is ridiculous, including one of my best friends, lol! I'll admit that it's a little cheesy, and probably not the best way to go about finding true love, but I'm a hopeless romantic so it's entertaining for me. It's fairly unlikely that Jillian will find her dream guy during this process, but I'm going to be hopeful that she will. Ya just never know.

For Sale: Brenda's Walnut Butter

This morning as I was spreading the almond butter on my toast, I mentioned to my son that I don't recall ever seeing walnut butter in stores. He said that's because no one would buy it since walnuts have a bitter taste. I laughed and told him I eat walnuts right out of the bag as a snack. Immediately I got the idea of making my own walnut butter and finally starting the home-based business I've dreamed of. Jokingly, I told my son that I could set up a walnut butter stand out in front of my house. He thought I'd probably make about a dollar.

We were reminded of the time he and his friend, Joey, had an orange juice stand when they were around the age of 7. We had an orange tree in our backyard that had some of the sweetest oranges we've ever tasted. My husband helped the boys squeeze the oranges and he also supplied them with the materials to make a sign. A few cars stopped and kind neighbors walked over and purchased juice and sodas. The boys ended up having a very fun and productive day.

Anyway, back to my walnuts...

After a quick google search, I've discovered that they do in fact make walnut butter and it's not a new concept. Maybe I could put my own spin on it though and make chocolate walnut butter, or come up with my own unique creation. There's already a recipe for maple walnut butter, but how about any of these...

• white chocolate walnut butter
• cinnamon walnut butter
• cranberry walnut butter
• blueberry walnut butter
  
• bacon walnut butter
  

Okay that last one was a joke for Mary. That's all I can come up with at the moment, but I'm taking suggestions. Maybe I could get my son to help with my curbside stand sign.

To this day my husband still has the boys sign saved in his workshop, unable to part with it treasuring the memories it brings.

Beauty, Health, & Fitness: new things

Thought I'd share some new things I've tried recently and like.

Beauty:

I've been using this Beauty Skin Cloth when I shower. It's the same idea as a loofah, but it's a large nylon/polyester cloth. Here is the product description:

• Light nylon fabric air dries quickly and completely - machine washable, more sanitary than loofah.
• Softer than loofah, but still textured for exfoliating entire body. Creates a rich lather while stimulating skin and blood circulation.
• Much longer than a normal washcloth - at 35 inches - to reach back with ease.

Health:

My sister told me about these Baked Kale Chips. They are a healthy alternative to potato chips. I've only made them once, and I made a couple mistakes. I used too much oil and vinegar, so I probably should have baked them longer. To be completely honest, the taste took me some getting used to, but once I did, it was hard to stop eating them. This plateful is one entire bunch which I could have easily eaten myself, but I don't really think one person should eat an entire bunch!


Here's the recipe:

• 1 bunch kale
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
  

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
   
2. With a knife remove the leaves from the thick stems and tear into bite size pieces. Wash and thoroughly dry kale with a salad spinner.
   
3. Drizzle kale with olive oil, (vinegar if desired), and sprinkle with salt.
4. Bake until the edges brown but are not burnt, 10 to 15 minutes.

Fitness:

These Sport Beans are formulated to fuel and replenish the body during exercise. They say it's like a sport drink formed into a bean. Even though they are made by Jelly Bellies, the makers insist they are not candy. The Extreme Sport Beans contain caffeine.

• Each bag contains carbs, electrolytes, and vitamins B & C.
• They provide fuel.
• Sustain energy levels.
• Improve endurance.
• Each bag is 100 calories.
  

What new things have you tried lately? Please share!

Mother's Day Hike

Thought I'd share some photos from our Mother's Day hike.
Cowles Mountain.

Lake Murray is in the distance... a fun place to run.

My son, Jeff, checking out the view.

Still a long way to the top from here.

It wasn't a very clear day, but there was a nice breeze.

View from the top overlooking the backside of Cowles Mountain.

This was a pretty view from the front side where on a clear day you can see downtown San Diego and all the way to the coast. Unfortunately, there is an ugly communication tower & antenna to look at also.


While my son and I were at the top enjoying the view and eating a snack, he decided to quote comedian, Demetri Martin: "Hiking is just walking where it's okay to pee". I guess my son doesn't enjoy hiking as much as I do, but I'm glad he was a good sport and wanted to go along. Oh, and just so ya know, he did use the appropriate facilities . :)

Fun day!

Miss Erin

Yesterday afternoon I was shopping for a few groceries at our neighborhood market. When it came time to check out, I got in line behind a beautiful woman and her 3 kids. All of the checkout lanes are self-serve and this woman was having a little trouble scanning some items. Her young son wanted to help with everything and she was getting more and more frustrated by the minute. Then she had trouble with her credit card. I could tell she was nervous about holding up the line, so I decided to make small talk with her while waiting for the manager to come help.

I made a funny comment and we both started laughing and she mentioned she should have come alone. This interaction broke the ice and I think helped her realize that I wasn't in a hurry and I understood the hold up wasn't her fault. Soon they left and I processed my order.

Several minutes later I was loading my groceries into my car and this same woman drove up and rolled down her window. I walked over and she asked if I had a son named Jeffrey. I was puzzled since she didn't look familiar, and I wondered how she knew my son?

When he was 3 years old, he started attending preschool a couple days a week, and this woman was his teacher... Miss Erin. That was 17 years ago!!!

We briefly caught up on each others lives and I thanked her for stopping and asking me about my son. I was so happy she recognized me. She told me I haven't changed much, but it was surprising to see how much she'd changed and to see her 3 cute kids. Here we live in the same community and I never would have known that was her if she hadn't recognized me.

Miss Erin and 3 year old Jeffrey
August 1992

A Divided Heart?

Last Friday a friend and I were discussing a chapter of a Beth Moore Bible study we started last summer on the life of David. The lesson is about serving God with wholehearted devotion. Beth writes the following...

We're reminded of the times David had a divided heart and how he learned the price of it the hard way. He lived with the repercussions for the rest of his life. David gave his son Solomon 3 vital directives we would be wise to obey:

1. Acknowledge God.
2. Serve Him with wholehearted devotion.
3. Serve Him with a willing spirit.
   

The homework asks if we have a divided heart right now:

Does God have just a piece of your heart, but the rest belongs to you? Or someone else? If you've given your heart wholly to God, perhaps you remember a time when your heart was divided.

On that same page Beth drew a heart divided into 3 parts: God/Her selfish desires/The approval of others, and then she explained that was the time she had a divided heart at age 19. What we were then suppose to do is choose a specific time in our life when we had a divided heart, past or present, and draw what that heart looked like.

My heart was divided years ago at a time when I was a Christian, but decided to put God on a shelf and live my life selfishly and arrogantly, independent from God. I knew I was choosing to live a sinful life and that was okay with me. I would just not acknowledge sin and also not acknowledge God. Thankfully that is not how I'm choosing to live my life now.

My friend drew her heart in the present. It was divided by: God/Her selfish desires/Her husband. This really bothered me. We both understood this differently. I truly do not believe I have a divided heart. Of course, I have normal desires and I also have love for my husband and many other people and things that make up my life. My routine includes spending quiet time with God praying and reading my Bible, taking care of the house and yard, meals, exercising, spending time with my family, church, occasionally helping others, and many other responsibilities that are required throughout the day, week, and month. But I believe with all my heart that I'm wholeheartedly devoted and surrendered to God. We still have to continue living.

I've heard people say to not just put spending time with God on your "To do list", and then after reading the Bible and praying, check it off the list. But how else do you do it? I realize we are to pray without ceasing, and talk to God all throughout the day as we go about our schedule. I get that, and do that. But I'm confused as to why my friend would think that she has a divided heart because she has normal desires, and wants to spend more time with her husband? Does that mean she's not being wholeheartedly devoted to God? This is frustrating.

How do we live any differently? I realize it's about balance and God knows our heart and true feelings. It's definitely different for each person.

Any thoughts?

Happy Mother's Day

Yesterday I spent the day with my mom, sister and niece. We attended a ladies tea at my mom's church where we ate lunch and listened to music. We laughed as we watched a funny guessing game between 3 mother's and their daughters, and then listened to an inspirational message. Mom was very excited to celebrate her Mother's Day that way, surrounded by loving family.

The card I chose for my mom talked about how she is the heart of our family, offering gentle wisdom, strength, and powerful love. Those words are a good description of my mother. I'd also add incredible faith, and giving of her time selflessly. My mother is a beautiful, godly woman and I'm so blessed to call her mom.

Myself, my niece, my sister, and my mom

These lovely roses were given to me by my son!

Since he's working today, we will celebrate my Mother's Day tomorrow doing something I love to do... going on a hike.

Wishing all you mom's a wonderful Mother's Day today!

Sharing Precious Treasures

After reading Stacy's post today about odd Mother's Day gifts, it got me thinking about some of the Mother's Day gifts and cards I've received over the years. These are precious treasures to me and I'd like to share some with you. Hope my son won't mind.

This framed happy face was a Mother's Day gift to me when my son was 4 years old. I still have it displayed on a shelf in our home office.

One year he painted this flower pot for me. I think I'm going to go buy a plant for it this weekend and set it on the front porch.


Through the years my son has made many cards for different occasions.
Some were simple messages, short and sweet.

Other cards were very detailed.
The flowers on this card have roots growing underground.

Then there were long letters filled with deep,
heartfelt messages like this one expressing his love for me.

My son made many booklets. This is one of my favorites.
On the cover: Small Love Book. to mom.
Inside first page: "I mean this. I love you no mater how old you get."
Inside second page: "I Love you mom. your sweeter then 500000000 peces of candy that I like."


As he got older, he actually started listing specific things about me. (Thanks to his school teachers). This is one of my favorite lists:

Dear mom,
5 things I like about you.
You forgive me and you always love me. You cook good food for me, and you are kind to me. and you always care for me.
5 things I am thankful for.
You are wise with your money but occasionally buy me things. God made you kind and loving and you help me in time of need.
I'm thankful that God helps you to be a good mom.
I know its not easy for you when dad is not around to help so I respect how well you handle things when he is not around.
Love, Jeff.

Uh... then one time I got this note:

"until you get in a better mood, I've decided to keep your presant. (I didn't think it would come to this)"

I have a small wooden box filled with almost every card, note, and letter ever written. There are also a few "I'm sorry" letters. Reading these notes today still touch my heart and make me cry tears of joy.

My son is not a mama's boy. He has grown into a very independent, responsible young man. Nowadays I don't get all the mushy cards and letters like I did when he was young, but I know his love for me is deep down inside his heart. I have written proof! I'm so thankful and incredibly blessed that God allowed me the privilege of being a mother.

Just like summer

This afternoon I took Scout to Ocean Beach dog beach for some fun.

It was very uncrowded for such a gorgeous day.

The air temp was around 70 degrees.

The water temp was around 60 degrees.

She loved it, but too cold for me.

Frisbee anyone?

The area on the left is sectioned off as a wildlife preserve for migratory birds.



Just down the block from the beach is the Dog Beach Dog Wash. Guess who needed a bath? I usually bathe her at home, but she's shedding so much right now and needed to be well groomed for our class tonight.

Scout's looking for the cookie lady.

Still waiting for those cookies.

Our dog class met at the shopping mall this evening. Our teacher showed up in a wheel chair just for the training session. All of us students followed her and her dog around the mall while practicing many of the things we've recently learned. We also went up and down the elevator a couple times which freaked my dog out! We were allowed to walk our dogs through the Smith & Hawken garden store.

I had been pretty nervous about our class meeting at the mall. I was uncertain of how Scout would behave in an unfamiliar, busy place like that, and wondering if I would be able to control her well in front of our teacher. Thankfully we didn't come across any food laying on the ground and there were no embarrassing incidents. She followed her commands fairly well and I think we did alright. I can exhale now.

My new routine

For years we've been hearing that we should be drinking eight, 8oz. glasses of water a day, although some might think that's debatable. Drinking that much water hasn't been easy for me, especially in cold weather. Sometimes at the end of the day I'll realize I've only had maybe two glasses. So what I've been doing for about a month now is this:

Every morning I fill up this 64oz. Tupperware pitcher and throughout the day I pour glassfuls and down them right then. When I leave the house, I fill up a water bottle and gulp on-the-go. It's working really well for me. Most days I'm able to finish all 64 ounces, and occasionally more. Also, drinking a glass or two before meals helps me eat less. I take vitamin supplements twice a day, so I drink a full glass each time with them.

Yesterday, I drank my entire 24oz. bottle of water in the car on the way home from my run. At the end of the day, I had also finished the 64oz. Tupperware, for a total of 88oz. or 11 cups! I believe drinking all this water is healthier for me and it's become much easier now.

Do you have any tricks to help develop healthier habits?

Flip video

Today I'm blogging about a very generous Mother's Day giveaway contest. It's being held by Ginny at Mom of 2 Dancers blog. She has reviewed the Flip Video Ultra Series Camcorder and is giving one away to a very lucky person. I'm hoping to win and giving it my best shot by talking about it here.

This really is a very handy and amazing little gadget. Record, connect, edit, and share. Here are some other features of this convenient little shoot and share camcorder:

• large color screen for viewing.
  
• one touch button for easy recording.
• built-in microphone.
• 2x zoom.
• plugs directly into your computer and uploads easily to youtube, etc.
  
• runs on 2 AA batteries.

Thanks to Ginny for the opportunity at a chance to win!

Some Dim Sum

This afternoon I met a group of friends at a Chinese restaurant. One of the ladies is Chinese and she wanted to order Dim Sum for us. She speaks Cantonese so it was fun listening to her to talk to the servers. We didn't have any idea what she was ordering for us, but we trusted that our friend was going to stick with dishes of chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, and veggies. Although she did tell us one of her favorites is the chicken feet. Eeek! All of the foods were dumpling-type and doughy balls with barbecued meat inside. The dish that I like the most was taro root vegetable. For dessert we had another doughy bun rolled in sesame seeds and filled with sugary sweet mashed red beans. I'm sure all that food is very high in saturated fat, sodium, and sugar, but it tasted pretty good. It was definitely an adventurous mystery meal. Afterward, my stomach felt like a big round dough ball, and the six or seven cups of tea didn't help either. Picture buddha. Well, maybe not that bad.

Have you ever eaten dim sum?

How about chicken feet?

Greenies Pill Pockets

We give our dog hip and joint supplements and I made the mistake of switching to a less expensive brand recently. What I didn't realize until I got home was that this brand wasn't chewable, but instead, a capsule. With the chewables I could just toss one in with her dry food each morning, but now with the capsules, she eats around them and I find them laying in the empty bowl. Well I found these handy little dog pill pockets. They are very soft and pliable, so even if the pill is larger than the pocket, you can easily squish it around the pill. My dog loves them and gobbles it down without even realizing there is something hidden inside. So much for trying to save a little money, but these work so well and I recommend them if you're having difficulty getting your dog to take a pill.

Chocolate Moose

While decluttering my linen/gift wrap closet, I came across this dish towel that I bought several Christmas's ago. I had purchased 3 to give away as gifts, but ended up giving only 2 away, and storing the 3rd in my closet. Besides the cute picture of this moose, the towel has a recipe for chocolate mousse printed on it.



After all this time I decided I might as well open the package and start using the dish towel myself. Thought it'd be fun to make the recipe, and in my best Pioneer Woman style, give step-by-step directions for anyone wanting a rich, super-chocolatey, delicious dessert.

Slowly melt 8oz. of bittersweet chocolate & 1/4 cup butter over low heat.
(stir occasionally).

Beat 2 egg yolks into slightly cooled chocolate.

In mixing bowl, add 2 egg whites, a pinch of salt, & 1 tsp. cream of tartar.

Whip into firm peaks.

Fold into chocolate.

In separate mixing bowl, add 3/4 cup heavy cream and 3 Tbl. powdered sugar.

Whip until light & fluffy.

Gently fold into chocolate.

Cover tightly. Chill until ready to serve.


As you can see, this recipe is pretty easy and I promise you it is soooo good!
Try it, you'll like it!

8 Things

Mary tagged me to do this "8 Things" meme, and since I feel honored and love lists, I said yes. So here goes...

8 things I'm looking forward to:

1. Celebrating Mother's Day with my mom and sister at a ladies tea on Saturday.
   
2. Hiking with my son for my Mother's Day.
3. Spending time with my friend from Idaho who will be visiting this month.
4. Summer!
   
5. Running the Irongirl 10K.
6. Jars of Clay concert in July.
7. My next vacation (I will get a next vacation, right?).
   
8. My husband semi-retiring.

8 things I did yesterday:

1. Worked on Bible lesson.
2. Laundry.
3. Brushed my dog and cleaned her ears. (sorry, maybe TMI?)
   
4. Played on the computer.
5. Bought grocery items for a new dessert. Stay tuned... I'll be posting about it.
6. Worked out to my Ultrafit DVD.
7. Took my dog to our therapy dog training class.
8. Watched Survivor and The Office on TV.
   

8 things I wish I could do:

1. Write interesting stories on my blog and write a book.
2. Take amazing photography and get paid for it.
3. Go on a Compassion bloggers mission trip with Mary.
4. Play guitar well enough to play on a worship team.
5. Be knowledgeable enough and in good enough shape to be a fitness expert and personal trainer.
6. Compete on Survivor.
7. Have the talent and money for interior decorating.
8. Overcome my phobia.
   

8 TV shows I watch:

1. Survivor (are you sick of me mentioning this yet?).
2. The Office.
3. Amazing Race.
4. The Apprentice.
5. The Bachelor/The Bachelorette.
6. American Idol.
7. Extreme Home Makeover.
8. America's Funniest Videos.
   

8 bloggers I have tagged:

• I think I'll forgo this one. But if any of you would like to participate, please feel free.