tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13480249111702902652024-03-10T22:23:09.426-05:00Vegan LindaA normal vegan family. No filters.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger902125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348024911170290265.post-81492659639101034232023-08-20T11:37:00.002-05:002023-08-20T11:37:58.726-05:00Appleton Eats - Bowl 91<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: left;">Proving you can find vegan food anywhere. I'm going to post more about eating vegan in Wisconsin. I'm extremely pleasantly surprised how much I have grown to appreciate and enjoy living in Wisconsin. We haven't made any other vegan friends yet, but we've found quite a lot of good food. </p><p style="text-align: left;">As I am wont to do, I start my exploration of vegan options by trying every Thai place I can. So over the last year and half of splitting our time in Illinois and Wisconsin, we have found quite few fun Thai places. None will take the place in my heart that is saved only for Thara Thai in my hometown, but we have found some favorites for sure.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Bowl 91 in downtown Appleton is definitely a favorite for dine in and take out. It is conveniently located and has a nice atmosphere. College Ave is the main street in Appleton's downtown. Lawrence University (where my partner, Eric, works and what brought us to Appleton) is at the east end of downtown. I've heard Bowl 91 is popular with the students. It is located in what is currently called City Center building, but the instance is right off College Ave. They are often busy, but it is easy to order online and take it to go.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Bowl 91 is not specifically a Thai restaurant, but is called "cross-cultural cuisine" and does seem like a fusion of a lot of Asian flavors. I love that the restaurant is a locally woman-owned business and she named it 91 for the year (1991) when her family came to the United States as refugees. Supporting small local businesses is one of my favorite parts of living in the Fox Cities.</p><p style="text-align: left;">They have dishes which are labeled vegan, but just tell your server you are vegan and most dishes can be accommodated.</p></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikeBu6ZtDy0lmKRya5Dew6UATmUnn7eN5cRzbgND74jcgSQ8Dmk1r2FjwFG3GKUUkqSTefNqbP9XpPmP2YBfNMvYiaDftb_ASTVxfLbuZSjMA5wkvgxNM_EUy8naxzonAIqHF94q5WN5CViT0yxsQk_ZJW2pMXqzbZDVh2g5HK2ZkO81ZCLfHQlpeYz-M/s3209/410E3723-F666-4A84-8892-F81CCDAFBA59_1_201_a.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3209" data-original-width="2651" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikeBu6ZtDy0lmKRya5Dew6UATmUnn7eN5cRzbgND74jcgSQ8Dmk1r2FjwFG3GKUUkqSTefNqbP9XpPmP2YBfNMvYiaDftb_ASTVxfLbuZSjMA5wkvgxNM_EUy8naxzonAIqHF94q5WN5CViT0yxsQk_ZJW2pMXqzbZDVh2g5HK2ZkO81ZCLfHQlpeYz-M/w330-h400/410E3723-F666-4A84-8892-F81CCDAFBA59_1_201_a.heic" width="330" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bangkok Flat Noodle no egg with tofu</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>I appreciate how fresh and plentiful the vegetables are and they always give an option to add more or different vegetables.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohK2dUYNixh81YBLd6v6ebaBBxMzo4txe6Y5cRoBNVb080oVoY6lrXOwk9vq80sAWlVyszAU_9hhs4JsQspTgEFpoioUyGU9eBD6nR-3tD19Wg0wTSJjZVHwNq0AVGbVnqyU5TohEFZK66FEDhQUz_jhNih4hsJeFgiuijTzutKxLUAr7CcaZr0MvuTk/s3095/558B76F9-B617-4156-98E5-4E2A6B9B72E1_1_201_a.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3095" data-original-width="3023" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohK2dUYNixh81YBLd6v6ebaBBxMzo4txe6Y5cRoBNVb080oVoY6lrXOwk9vq80sAWlVyszAU_9hhs4JsQspTgEFpoioUyGU9eBD6nR-3tD19Wg0wTSJjZVHwNq0AVGbVnqyU5TohEFZK66FEDhQUz_jhNih4hsJeFgiuijTzutKxLUAr7CcaZr0MvuTk/w391-h400/558B76F9-B617-4156-98E5-4E2A6B9B72E1_1_201_a.heic" width="391" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drunken Udon with tofu</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Eric is a newer vegan (less than 4 years) and also still learning to appreciate vegetables so he orders no vegetables and then will slowly add some in, but he really prefers his udon with tofu and udon with the sauce and nothing else.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ypW63YSXiJlEHaLtFh6dk9Q34aC0rho6DUDLMatcg4BaofwuKjj3G64MX3kw3sUohjNGiD1Ckhcs79vBOCODVkgTmYz4sTFpgHeJotZalq6tNSd-9T4d9siTu8z6b4KXPsHJZZJM0yFD1FXBiv5PuKAjWy9Z2aLzwAPIbgXTkmg_yMTX8qYkIKjw7-c/s4032/AD16FAC9-1488-47A3-A645-AD920E34118E.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ypW63YSXiJlEHaLtFh6dk9Q34aC0rho6DUDLMatcg4BaofwuKjj3G64MX3kw3sUohjNGiD1Ckhcs79vBOCODVkgTmYz4sTFpgHeJotZalq6tNSd-9T4d9siTu8z6b4KXPsHJZZJM0yFD1FXBiv5PuKAjWy9Z2aLzwAPIbgXTkmg_yMTX8qYkIKjw7-c/w300-h400/AD16FAC9-1488-47A3-A645-AD920E34118E.heic" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curry Noodles (no egg) with tofu (spiciest)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Milo (my 15 year old son) and I are used to very spicy food and we prefer it. Eating in Wisconsin has been tough because even when we say "spicy" it is usually not flavorful enough for our palates. At Bowl 91 we request the spiciest level and it definitely works for us.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-LjE1zS5SGr96gMTZET21aPig4yWE40t2t9mDyGsih1paUQWVUlgkztqfcmeH5f_9dFJ1G-6d8L2gd09bBwVh1gajIWqpCiNd3ki86_RJXYH183Nqg7RaQUiWbetSavHly_WCM0ZhLU0JyjTTFrkXtSaJtCp0zNkrLRkuKx9DL6LTloYulBI6lOTquNk/s4032/E3A1201C-5038-4741-A902-C06363DB9DDC.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-LjE1zS5SGr96gMTZET21aPig4yWE40t2t9mDyGsih1paUQWVUlgkztqfcmeH5f_9dFJ1G-6d8L2gd09bBwVh1gajIWqpCiNd3ki86_RJXYH183Nqg7RaQUiWbetSavHly_WCM0ZhLU0JyjTTFrkXtSaJtCp0zNkrLRkuKx9DL6LTloYulBI6lOTquNk/w300-h400/E3A1201C-5038-4741-A902-C06363DB9DDC.heic" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garden Ramen (no egg) with tofu (spiciest)</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The Garden Ramen is pure spicy comfort food and always makes me happy. It is like a warm, satisfying hug in a bowl.</p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348024911170290265.post-86610760803289453922022-09-17T13:25:00.002-05:002022-09-17T13:25:45.491-05:00Panda Express - New Beyond Orange Chicken<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I don't think I've eaten at Panda Express more than once or twice in my life, but I think this is going to change. We had to try the Beyond Orange Chicken since every vegan is posting about it. At the same time, I just don't enjoy or feel good when I eat fast food so when eating the leftovers I had to doctor it up a bit. Eric bought a Family Meal. I think it is 2 large sides and 3 large entrees. It lasted even longer because they gave us two Super Greens and no Chow Mien. We had to go back and pick up the Chow Mien so they gave us an extra one. Lots of food and multiple meals for multiple people so it ended up being a deal!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVzGHa3sy_F8zsCgJHH8gOGw47DrLyQaKKdKljsJzHYeEg8PEkvO7GvYi7il4QXEXGyDD11MuzFz-gfxOwKzyN2WXrkMBlqMbBXMK64y8eQHwyRZQyHaV-hPKEt5qiSQYAxYFeSOSQ_aSpOT6x0FghAvj50zvLDIapCGyjh3a8TyfqVJh14evWG5dj" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVzGHa3sy_F8zsCgJHH8gOGw47DrLyQaKKdKljsJzHYeEg8PEkvO7GvYi7il4QXEXGyDD11MuzFz-gfxOwKzyN2WXrkMBlqMbBXMK64y8eQHwyRZQyHaV-hPKEt5qiSQYAxYFeSOSQ_aSpOT6x0FghAvj50zvLDIapCGyjh3a8TyfqVJh14evWG5dj=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I enjoyed the leftovers even more than the first night. Eric ordered brown rice for me since I prefer it and it is better for you. I warmed up the leftovers in our cast iron pan and added apple cider vinegar*, sesame oil, black cumin seeds**, turmeric***, black pepper***, and red pepper flakes. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqzTymsvgSm_uJWC2SEslRUeXfAEuc6AO-RNXQwVgwsMP0BJH3Rj8OosbXYDJ4gLF49KpufbDknVZEzj9Pkk0poNNHJBuNP2tvW8Xgu6OXLflVqVh0FfuUrvUmCfwkV5fTZLvLc8nbn41jZasEvvrQy1bH3t92YWHEx6oX_Lt-AKgBTxGozlRqqkJP" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqzTymsvgSm_uJWC2SEslRUeXfAEuc6AO-RNXQwVgwsMP0BJH3Rj8OosbXYDJ4gLF49KpufbDknVZEzj9Pkk0poNNHJBuNP2tvW8Xgu6OXLflVqVh0FfuUrvUmCfwkV5fTZLvLc8nbn41jZasEvvrQy1bH3t92YWHEx6oX_Lt-AKgBTxGozlRqqkJP=w300-h400" width="300" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 43, 44); color: #292b2c; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Aside from adding everything to make it taste better, there are health benefits too.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 43, 44); color: #292b2c; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: arial;">From Nutrition Facts (nutritionfacts.org):</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 43, 44); color: #292b2c; text-align: start;">*</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 43, 44); color: #292b2c; font-size: 17.600000381469727px; text-align: left;">Sprinkling vinegar on greens may augment their ability to improve endothelial function.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 43, 44); color: #292b2c; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: arial;">**For three cents a day, black cumin may improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels, blood pressure, and blood sugar control, as well as accelerate the loss of body fat.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 43, 44); color: #292b2c; text-align: start;">***</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 43, 44); color: #292b2c; font-size: 17.600000381469727px; text-align: left;">Less than a teaspoon a day of turmeric appears to significantly lower the DNA-mutating ability of cancer-causing substances. </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 43, 44); color: #292b2c; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">Eating black pepper at the same time as turmeric boosts the bioavailability of curcumin–the chief purported cancer fighter in turmeric–by </span><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9619120" rel="noopener" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #00b1b3; cursor: pointer; font-size: 16px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; touch-action: manipulation; transition: color 0.2s linear 0s;" target="_blank">2000%</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It is so nice to have options when traveling and easier options for the kids when they are out with friends. I hope Panda Express realizes it makes good business sense to keep vegan options on the menu!</span></span></div><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348024911170290265.post-12352110171855744072022-09-02T22:05:00.000-05:002022-09-02T22:05:06.910-05:00Appleton Eats - Glass Nickel Pizza Co.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiY1wGs2UEIUbxqSFwczWf1xYngtwWmvAwQ79cYZdkAXoBnJtzUmHKWF_xveLKxd7qGnIwh8vOM6ik4bFD9s-TuCY9yQ8TobFQVH0zVCyM5lKtyLtpgt9DGQmH8IyNRqmT-WPEpfs8VnRdtx8nmqB4ZFWcKbYRukda-MTb62Ore8oEZnYY054G-3EVI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiY1wGs2UEIUbxqSFwczWf1xYngtwWmvAwQ79cYZdkAXoBnJtzUmHKWF_xveLKxd7qGnIwh8vOM6ik4bFD9s-TuCY9yQ8TobFQVH0zVCyM5lKtyLtpgt9DGQmH8IyNRqmT-WPEpfs8VnRdtx8nmqB4ZFWcKbYRukda-MTb62Ore8oEZnYY054G-3EVI=w320-h400" title="Glass Nickel Pizza" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.glassnickelpizza.com/location/appleton/" target="_blank">Glass Nickel Pizza Co. in Appleton, WI</a> Daiya Delight and make your own salad</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We haven't eaten in the Glass Nickel Pizza Co. restaurant yet because we ordered take-out on our first visit to Appleton, WI together. I really appreciate any pizza place that has broccoli as a topping option and Eric really appreciates the vegan cheese. I've been vegan for almost 30 years so I am still getting used to vegan cheese being an option and I enjoy cheeseless just as much. I ordered the Daiya Delight and a made to order salad. This was enough food for two or three meals. While Daiya isn't Eric's favorite vegan cheese, I love to really pile on toppings so this is my favorite pizza place so far. I like that they have a speciality pizza that is vegan and lots of build your own options. Eric likes that they offer vegan "meat" options. The crust was just the right thickness and cooked perfectly. The salads are such a refreshing alternative to most "side salads" which are nothing but iceberg lettuce and maybe some carrots and cherry tomatoes. I would go there just for a salad. We make our own pizzas at home quite often so we haven't tried Glass Nickel again, but now I'm craving it!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We stayed at this sweet airbnb, which we would also highly recommend. It is close walking distance to LU campus and downtown Appleton with lots of cute local shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars. We knew this area was where we eventually want to live. Being within walking distance of work and places to shop, eat, and socialize is very important. There are also several great parks nearby and, of course, the Fox River which is a huge draw for us.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVfbimFTUzX_mLbqshHlQfm_Dfwgtv-zZaSRtrRRWKk3DKikoR9_z25hAKGdW2v3TGXnl2oCFKNtmAVLTpz40RcF0qMyugHu3PtB3c6AjiNI28uFaFF4zkEina78OLHRnrZF8G23BIfTq9rFFwGaBme_Qg-hLkU66tKrvLFHHKL8QiOAz_W1vfCDRp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1791" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVfbimFTUzX_mLbqshHlQfm_Dfwgtv-zZaSRtrRRWKk3DKikoR9_z25hAKGdW2v3TGXnl2oCFKNtmAVLTpz40RcF0qMyugHu3PtB3c6AjiNI28uFaFF4zkEina78OLHRnrZF8G23BIfTq9rFFwGaBme_Qg-hLkU66tKrvLFHHKL8QiOAz_W1vfCDRp=w322-h400" width="322" /></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><u><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUbNhnUYSv1WdUtZqCnyzZmLKmsTVWiFRPEQDGT2_23rWBpK8TLwRCXL1b-hwMYiwMA3LoGNbNOR4DHx-ihoBJAex5gu6uiKG4lW_YOhlQsbfcIb1A7IqHTSPwiG2AtACWzzR8uB-jdFxqlwzcDFeZrOVXkuoHVOQMOqY8z1F92t21h2q5fH7VnwtA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUbNhnUYSv1WdUtZqCnyzZmLKmsTVWiFRPEQDGT2_23rWBpK8TLwRCXL1b-hwMYiwMA3LoGNbNOR4DHx-ihoBJAex5gu6uiKG4lW_YOhlQsbfcIb1A7IqHTSPwiG2AtACWzzR8uB-jdFxqlwzcDFeZrOVXkuoHVOQMOqY8z1F92t21h2q5fH7VnwtA=w320-h400" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifoa-brOuOI2rut_1vndGmDJp_u6mpTn_--zvWS7DzZooYubCgNzVM7OwpFhDfmRZfnCDgipf4zf42-IsOWVJRFS5VzDEriAeFnTYo7C2QwoGDtc8jVFcCpFThMuDDcWA80fQvGhHThnx9EUSclyIQwI1MVb6GTS89Wb9nt6HOsgW-SABJycuVlmNR" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifoa-brOuOI2rut_1vndGmDJp_u6mpTn_--zvWS7DzZooYubCgNzVM7OwpFhDfmRZfnCDgipf4zf42-IsOWVJRFS5VzDEriAeFnTYo7C2QwoGDtc8jVFcCpFThMuDDcWA80fQvGhHThnx9EUSclyIQwI1MVb6GTS89Wb9nt6HOsgW-SABJycuVlmNR=w320-h400" width="320" /></a></div><br /></u></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #0000ee; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiME80z34zUhxEVGeZNf4bfceIPxsI_4wTg7XVbBCsTGGkFeJZ5ax_6UpQqD6gESddm0hpirolbVJmCbq5uhH2rQ4KOgk-9fy4W3e7zQ1v8BVLa9w5Hk-Ty9bTlOnozd9_sHMpJIeN2DBVZeKzLgLk6MDXbLGUq1Mkh3Djdp63rsSTtid-cat9ZSv3C" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1791" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiME80z34zUhxEVGeZNf4bfceIPxsI_4wTg7XVbBCsTGGkFeJZ5ax_6UpQqD6gESddm0hpirolbVJmCbq5uhH2rQ4KOgk-9fy4W3e7zQ1v8BVLa9w5Hk-Ty9bTlOnozd9_sHMpJIeN2DBVZeKzLgLk6MDXbLGUq1Mkh3Djdp63rsSTtid-cat9ZSv3C=w322-h400" width="322" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm usually not a fan of pillows or wall art with words, but this seemed appropriate for us. That is exactly how we feel about each other. Now if we can just get everything in our lives to align so we don't have to juggle long distance or being away from our kids. It is complicated, but we'll get there.</div></span></div></div><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348024911170290265.post-34426958762221713362022-08-30T13:32:00.001-05:002022-08-30T13:32:15.561-05:00(Part-time) Dairy State (Full-time) Vegan<p>I am splitting my time between my beloved college home town in Illinois and a new quaint college town with my beloved in Wisconsin.</p><p>Life is such an interesting ride.</p><p>My life partner, Eric, graduated from Lawrence University some years ago and through a crazy wild winding road, he is back as University Counsel for his alma mater. I couldn't be more proud, but we also have so much to figure out.</p><p>Anyway, while we are splitting our time and working toward living in only one state and one house, we are also navigating the wily Wisconsin waters of vegan dining. Vegans in the Cheese State sounds next to impossible, but I will be blogging again so I can keep track of what we find. The good, the bad, the palatable, the delicious, and everything in between.</p><p>I hope posting Appleton vegan eats will help others since I haven't found a good resource so I will create the resource.</p><p>There are lots of wonderful things about LU and Appleton. I'm embracing the change and our new adventure. This means I'll be sharing a lot more.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjS0lQS0BySm10RCNAdIq0S_2J8K_npWGQtwhna0SiuXiYRkNUEmsQp4PX388ydLuRe11lJTZE3oFbzegfyu1dFI6y33IQRWWmha6zo_h63mpQWkFs18czJiyCo1y71qYOwvUFwolaeGSV-SwYiNV9QfrktR50zo079n_5OTBcKepAhiLWmTMJ_OD1k" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjS0lQS0BySm10RCNAdIq0S_2J8K_npWGQtwhna0SiuXiYRkNUEmsQp4PX388ydLuRe11lJTZE3oFbzegfyu1dFI6y33IQRWWmha6zo_h63mpQWkFs18czJiyCo1y71qYOwvUFwolaeGSV-SwYiNV9QfrktR50zo079n_5OTBcKepAhiLWmTMJ_OD1k=w400-h300" title="Lawrence University" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lawrence University at the end of winter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmFt8ZyHSrYDMBzFeZHn8jGpmA0rhdrOOdWz3QgO6yioKbJtc4txEj72i41uqqGNgHfS6QAgV-DwXo1_cTqLeYmGzKOCSKw2a8KZkAeZP9r4ES-iRuywIv_AEBjBz-bytFvTfovQ-TutyVj_1o46JjAKYJ0dczdVNDKbwZnJGhi9Qe-l3oWtNIrvTF" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmFt8ZyHSrYDMBzFeZHn8jGpmA0rhdrOOdWz3QgO6yioKbJtc4txEj72i41uqqGNgHfS6QAgV-DwXo1_cTqLeYmGzKOCSKw2a8KZkAeZP9r4ES-iRuywIv_AEBjBz-bytFvTfovQ-TutyVj_1o46JjAKYJ0dczdVNDKbwZnJGhi9Qe-l3oWtNIrvTF=w400-h300" title="View of the Fox River from the LU Gym" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">View of the Fox River from the LU Gym walking track in the Spring.</div><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348024911170290265.post-18858904175026109892022-01-18T13:45:00.001-06:002022-01-18T13:45:48.912-06:00MLK Jr. Day<p>On this MLK Jr. Day, I'm trying to take this time to think about how to be a better advocate for Black voices and listen. I want to share this podcast with you and keep it here for me to remember.</p><p>This podcast with Candice Brathwaite covers birthing, parenting, trauma, race, etc. etc. All topics I feel strongly about and I definitely need to buy her books.</p><p><a href="https://i-weigh-with-jameela-jamil.simplecast.com/episodes/candice-brathwaite" target="_blank">Listen</a>!</p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348024911170290265.post-57159457774584709432022-01-06T13:13:00.000-06:002022-01-06T13:13:19.949-06:00Choosing JoyDuring the early months of the pandemic, friends who had moved away to different states reconnected and we started up a bookclub that had ended years prior. It was like the pandemic opened the door for us to connect via Zoom and start things up again. These friends, two women who I admire greatly, came along at the perfect time and chose the perfect books. <div><br /></div><div>One of these books was <i>Untamed</i> by Glennon Doyle. So much of what Glennon says in the book was completely relatable to me and what I was going through. The book helped me process a lot of difficult things in my life and got me through the long divorce process. I listen to her podcast <i><a href="https://momastery.com" target="_blank">We Can Do Hard Things</a> </i>and one of the things she talked about recently is choosing joy. Feeling deserving of joy and love has always been a very uncomfortable and hard thing for me. This is one of the reasons my marriage did not work out and what probably doomed from the start. </div><div><br /></div><div>I had options of people to start a life and family with. I was engaged several times before going forward with Rob. I chose Rob because he felt safe and familiar. Not safe in a healthy way, but safe in a way that I would never completely lose my heart to him. Safe in a way that we would never truly be partners in life. It wasn't healthy for either one of us and a relationship built on a feeling of unworthiness has a huge hole to dig out of before even starting to climb the lifetime mountain. It would have taken more than we ever had to fix that deficit in our lives. We tried therapy long before the kids were born and several times after. We both tried very hard...perhaps never at the same time. I was 23 when Rob and I fell into a relationship. He was 32 and coming out of a marriage, unhappy with his job and location. We both ignored the warning signs and eventually started a family.</div><div><br /></div><div>Even as a mom who believed in giving 110% to her kids, I was doing them a disservice and not giving them one of the most important life skills...I never modeled feeling worthy of love.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm trying very hard, at 50 years old, to break this pattern. It didn't start with me. My mother also never felt deserving of love and didn't feel like she could choose joy. She died so young, only a few year older than I am right now, and never got a chance to live a joyful life. I'm assuming her mother was the same. I never got a chance to know my mother's mother because she also died in her 50's (earlier than my mother) and I was only a year old. My mom would tell me stories and I'm pretty sure I am right...my grandmother Opal didn't feel worthy of joy and love either. Who knows how far back in my family history this feeling goes. It is part of my DNA. </div><div><br /></div><div>I want this to stop with me.</div><div><br /></div><div>I know some of my actions and decisions over the past two years can look selfish. I "left" my husband, I broke up our (dysfunctional) family, I stopped being the primary caretaker of my father with dementia, and I chose to start a new romantic relationship with my best friend (whose children may never accept me). I finally feel like I have a safe space and someone I can be vulnerable with and someone who wants the same things. We both have a lot of growing to do and old habits to break. We have so much work to do with our kids before we can ever dream of being a family all together. Maybe that part will never work out. I won't give up, but it definitely one of the hardest things I have had to do.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have cared for and watched my mother die of cancer. I have cared for and watched my dad completely lose himself to dementia. I have cared for and watched my youngest child deal with gender dysphoria. I have cared for and watched my middle child fill with anger and blame regarding me and my parenting. I have cared for and watched my eldest go through so much adulting before becoming an adult and now at 21 I see so clearly the good, the bad, and the ugly that I have passed down...at the same time marveling at the amazing human being who emerged.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am completely filled with shame, blame, and unworthiness. Feeling like I could have done so much better. Feeling like despite my careful planning and trying, I missed the mark where it mattered most. I acknowledge my shortcomings and how I completely failed.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am ready now for a new beginning. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm still here. My kids are still here. We are alive for now and I want to make the rest of the time left count. This means I can't hold onto the past. I can't live in what ifs and guilt.</div><div><br /></div><div>I want to go forward and choose joy. I will choose joy. I am choosing joy.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348024911170290265.post-72729722526233032052022-01-01T14:00:00.002-06:002022-01-01T14:00:46.604-06:00My Holidays 2021<p>The last two years have been very complicated. I'm sure I'm not alone. Pandemic living makes everything different. </p><p>I'm finally officially divorced! I am living in a rental house (I started a farewell post to my old dream house, but haven't been able to bring myself to post it yet) on the other side of our twin city college towns. My youngest (who is now my 14 year old son and his name is Milo) lives with me full-time. My middle son, Dema, lives full-time with his dad since he is 17 years old and high school senior...they live in a rental house close to his high school. My favorite present this year was Dema coming to stay with us over the holidays for 12 days! </p><p>I have a loving supportive partner, Eric, and he has a wonderful family and they have been amazingly welcoming and supportive of our relationship.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKVRtkGa36T2r2Xdb_ULfmNiaZ3bupjIR1p7J5P3cPuSjyD07qVULNxnJq5EplTycAsKW7Mn2vSu24hQvevNKZQaOyw-_eTcfNV9eH8B8c-X23FbGOB--5uDaDdwWH-GgFAGtx64sfWbVOz_JMTKE4lpmsExTAcdajS7IEad-1Z9i9uFe-Q19lGEzK=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKVRtkGa36T2r2Xdb_ULfmNiaZ3bupjIR1p7J5P3cPuSjyD07qVULNxnJq5EplTycAsKW7Mn2vSu24hQvevNKZQaOyw-_eTcfNV9eH8B8c-X23FbGOB--5uDaDdwWH-GgFAGtx64sfWbVOz_JMTKE4lpmsExTAcdajS7IEad-1Z9i9uFe-Q19lGEzK=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eric's family on his dad's birthday at his brother's house.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBPI0-ssG6IcO5yVmd9KtCcyboR-tvqJUHGpPrvC6z_mOWa0z4CefGsNskPEI1C-oIAUOq0lgL7NoJGd3peRQhGtEl4VPwhBzwr-sRVrLZCuGtokka342ktnf7HOd3RLov_NRx2uzvZwVIHb5DAQVnuX9_7G4mWp3Zb3z7dGQKvRzumB8inEMN80co=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBPI0-ssG6IcO5yVmd9KtCcyboR-tvqJUHGpPrvC6z_mOWa0z4CefGsNskPEI1C-oIAUOq0lgL7NoJGd3peRQhGtEl4VPwhBzwr-sRVrLZCuGtokka342ktnf7HOd3RLov_NRx2uzvZwVIHb5DAQVnuX9_7G4mWp3Zb3z7dGQKvRzumB8inEMN80co=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eric, me, Eric's dad and step-mom</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDNlK8VY385RxwmvxQnmLOQRbk587oxWmwMKPILj-YXG5vX9VICN34HyUVrreN44z4wc2dUhYFvZ14YRIaP6GIeoR9n_zYMdvq33BgB4vzF-5o0WCl6e6hmgSbFO4iCLjO-sypoZE2bgAggZ3QdoTyB9X82JD6R1g4rYzCAzMNKhE8FApwG3V50Hax=s2985" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2512" data-original-width="2985" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDNlK8VY385RxwmvxQnmLOQRbk587oxWmwMKPILj-YXG5vX9VICN34HyUVrreN44z4wc2dUhYFvZ14YRIaP6GIeoR9n_zYMdvq33BgB4vzF-5o0WCl6e6hmgSbFO4iCLjO-sypoZE2bgAggZ3QdoTyB9X82JD6R1g4rYzCAzMNKhE8FApwG3V50Hax=w400-h336" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eric and me</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6g4u4t0BP873j0Eq2ufhw-YFv8Jfcr7hvKMT2l_FWxYv1u6aIiMBuhEHMbhheN4a1Ed8VyJb-t3sGy-FKSVIBl6xw0OcNnJpX6YULjonrjZzgJl4yCFsUqrCwezqr47vnjl4Z8nWYBKL7yPfgGV3pTi6uN1CapPt1z5aqmc8wM5Sc9tAhF0Ev2FOC=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6g4u4t0BP873j0Eq2ufhw-YFv8Jfcr7hvKMT2l_FWxYv1u6aIiMBuhEHMbhheN4a1Ed8VyJb-t3sGy-FKSVIBl6xw0OcNnJpX6YULjonrjZzgJl4yCFsUqrCwezqr47vnjl4Z8nWYBKL7yPfgGV3pTi6uN1CapPt1z5aqmc8wM5Sc9tAhF0Ev2FOC=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eric's step-dad and mom, Eric, me, Eric's dad and step-mom</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3th1pL_5HSN9_xG3qLqttZFxatqgQh1OUGtWxRY_2IzrVtv-bHqC3HASFc69zoHu37wZGhcQK1iO8ikNuZtQgymaVcOBdWmE6yVA8T8LGR6Qq3Z3Py4tkuCRt9vdsKY4lViDNLly3-l8jWy_Y5mg8Sd0NoSuWCnYljjI5xD35Gi3eusIFype-YMYA=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3th1pL_5HSN9_xG3qLqttZFxatqgQh1OUGtWxRY_2IzrVtv-bHqC3HASFc69zoHu37wZGhcQK1iO8ikNuZtQgymaVcOBdWmE6yVA8T8LGR6Qq3Z3Py4tkuCRt9vdsKY4lViDNLly3-l8jWy_Y5mg8Sd0NoSuWCnYljjI5xD35Gi3eusIFype-YMYA=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eric opening presents at his mom's house</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsNZUQ-kyMcZBLA5Vhzune8XcEugWXfNYKZ1VLRiLoeMXLDvM61M0ENe0KO5xqcf3PxmSE2pxoC6zDk4VsmsQT0D5OYQKaaLVQ_EjP0pg_aAyvyG19oqp71oJBI-4W_4TEP_RUHzQrALFfTBhBfgg57DMJZ8wvKJWmdB8HMvcatVtgIJPO49rfIkf-=s816" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="606" data-original-width="816" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsNZUQ-kyMcZBLA5Vhzune8XcEugWXfNYKZ1VLRiLoeMXLDvM61M0ENe0KO5xqcf3PxmSE2pxoC6zDk4VsmsQT0D5OYQKaaLVQ_EjP0pg_aAyvyG19oqp71oJBI-4W_4TEP_RUHzQrALFfTBhBfgg57DMJZ8wvKJWmdB8HMvcatVtgIJPO49rfIkf-=w400-h297" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Eric, Eric's step-dad and mom, Milo</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>We were so fortunate to be able to gather together inside this year. We all got tested and have been vaccinated and boosted (except for Milo who can't get boosted yet because of his age). I'm so thankful for my community for countless reasons, but one of the best is how easy it is to access COVID testing and vaccinations.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm feeling hopeful about 2022 and very lucky to have so many loving people in my life.</div><br /> <p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348024911170290265.post-60503908489839126852021-09-20T13:03:00.002-05:002021-09-20T13:03:58.983-05:00Lovin' Lizzo<div>My past two years is about growth and learning. Learning who I am. Growing in my understanding of others, my family, my children, my community, and my love. I've spent a lot more time listening to music over the last two years and Lizzo has been a big part of my growth/learning soundtrack.</div><div><br /></div><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/DFiLdByWIDY" width="480"></iframe><div><span style="background-color: #b2b2b2;"><br /></span></div><div>I've also become a big fan of the I Weigh podcast and share so many of them, but this one hit me today.</div><div><span style="background-color: #b2b2b2;"><br /></span></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E9dKZSG4qNQ" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div><div><span style="background-color: #b2b2b2;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #b2b2b2;"><br /></span><div><br /></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348024911170290265.post-7657346017900877122020-11-08T22:56:00.003-06:002020-11-08T23:01:03.766-06:00New Beginnings<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Tomorrow I turn 49 and a friend of mine who is close to my age said she was starting her next chapter at 50. I am definitely in a transitional place. It is hopefully the start of new wonderful beginnings. Right now it is a mix of beautiful and excruciating.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I don't recommend anyone going through a tough divorce, especially during a pandemic. It is the worst and best thing for me right now. Luckily, I have some of the most supportive friends one could ever ask for and someone who has taught me more about love than I would have thought possible.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Tonight's theme song. </span></p><p>https://youtu.be/Hq362rRHP8I</p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The recent election and the people in my life give me hope. Hugs to all of you struggling out there and going through so much with a pandemic on top of it all.</span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348024911170290265.post-31439794299420784262020-05-06T12:16:00.000-05:002020-05-06T12:16:52.639-05:00Kitchen 17 at Home and Dema's 16th Birthday - COVID 19 LifeMy beloved Elsinore is my musical soundtrack right now. This song in particular is what I wake up to in my mind.<br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MbYmzTQIS6s" width="560"></iframe><br />
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I read about Chicago's <a href="https://www.kitchen17.com/product-page/frozen-vegan-deep-dish">Kitchen 17 shipping their awesome pizzas</a> and I knew I had to place an order for Dema's 16th birthday! I ordered a sample of each type of pizza because I couldn't decide. Delivery was easy to track and packed really well. I was very impressed. We didn't get the pizzas in time for Dema's actual birthday, but we been enjoyed them for a week or two after his birthday so we extended our celebration. We can't decide which is our favorite so I will order another sample pack again. I really appreciate restaurants figuring out new ways to serve people in these pandemic times. I try to support as many local businesses and vegan businesses as I can.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN50d7a553Q15QvwQbtHsSCVJH4oCfIioMal6PnY3I8wS_ZV42_XIFDj_Fj6lzPB4WzBq0JicsgU3pfNhuWrUMxBPNtNWNgZXo8H4TF2hmSH275z-NDlrPdcLEwFixzprN1HV8kAb-Hbk/s1600/IMG_7253.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1358" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN50d7a553Q15QvwQbtHsSCVJH4oCfIioMal6PnY3I8wS_ZV42_XIFDj_Fj6lzPB4WzBq0JicsgU3pfNhuWrUMxBPNtNWNgZXo8H4TF2hmSH275z-NDlrPdcLEwFixzprN1HV8kAb-Hbk/s400/IMG_7253.jpeg" width="338" /></a></div>
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We all ate dinner at Rob's house to celebrate Dema's birthday after Rob got back from North Carolina. Rob made homemade vegan lasagna and our friends, Adam and Amanda, dropped off some homemade bread for me earlier that day so I brought it over to share.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzyj2IL-x-GZVz4mFkenMJJORavs3L1scYUot_NAahqYErUDdM-Zhhz7l1qd9_toKO7BUyMCe9FBf3dCVFAGyf-cZpsU8qL1fim9JEVWbXidFrtslFR6Z9RIW5Rx5wH19dnLFaDZm4Uk/s1600/IMG_7246.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzyj2IL-x-GZVz4mFkenMJJORavs3L1scYUot_NAahqYErUDdM-Zhhz7l1qd9_toKO7BUyMCe9FBf3dCVFAGyf-cZpsU8qL1fim9JEVWbXidFrtslFR6Z9RIW5Rx5wH19dnLFaDZm4Uk/s400/IMG_7246.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
I can't believe it has been 16 years since <a href="https://veganlinda.blogspot.com/2008/04/4-years-ago-today.html">this beautiful day</a> and this awesome person came into my life! I love him so much. I've been watching old performances and tearing up.<br />
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Here is a favorite from when Dema was 12.<br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BFw2dU6X-Cw" width="560"></iframe><br />
Here is Dema's recital piece for his wonderful voice teacher, James Hevel, a couple months ago.<br />
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I love every age, but it definitely goes by way too fast.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348024911170290265.post-29338599844641051232020-04-03T22:41:00.001-05:002020-04-03T22:41:52.201-05:00Acts of Kindness - Shelter in Place Day 13 - COVID 19 Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Josie and I were chatting with a friend on the phone this morning and she was lamenting how we didn't have any coffee. Later the friend texted me saying there was a thermos of coffee by our gate and a video of how he disinfected the container and put it in the bag before he brought it over. It was such a sweet gesture and much appreciated by Josie and me. Love the acts of kindness from friends and neighbors during this difficult time. We are going to pay it forward and send cards to the hospital workers who clean the rooms, etc. I always appreciate their work, especially when I'm in the hospital with my dad (so many doctor and hospital visits this past year!), but now they are complete heroes!</div>
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I'm trying not to buy things from Amazon, but also trying not to shop in person right now so I was very happy to find I could order oat milk directly from Elmhurst.I know it is easy to make my own, but I am also completely out of oats. I haven't tried it yet, but now I don't have to ration our plant milk so much over the next few weeks. We have a stay at home order until April 30th.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348024911170290265.post-38746522941926324242020-04-02T23:43:00.000-05:002020-04-03T09:42:52.146-05:00All In -Shelter in Place Day 12 - Covid 19 LifeOur governor gave a cover 19 update today and mentioned that we need to be "all in". That resonated with me. I hope that we can come together as a community and work to halt the spread of this virus. That means staying home and physically distancing ourselves from others so that people who can't stay home can be safe. I wish all the states were taking it as seriously.<br />
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My dad had to go to the ER today. He has advanced dementia and things have gotten extremely bad over the last year, but especially the last two weeks. He has a catheter and recently he has started opening the valve on purpose and messing with things. They found out in the ER that it was pinched and they had to remove it and insert another one, but no one could be with him because of the Covid 19 precautions. It is very hard for my dad to communicate anymore and he certainly doesn't understand what is going on. It must have been frustrating and scary. I found these old pictures of him in some things I was going through today.</div>
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Life goes by so incredibly fast. I found out this week that his eldest brother also died from Alzheimer's which I'm guessing drastically ups our chances of getting it. Trying to take that in without completely getting depressed about it. I'm hoping some dietary choices can make a difference. It is a horrible disease and so hard to watch.<br />
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Lunch today:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brown rice, chickpeas, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, onions, turmeric, black pepper, <a href="https://www.edenfoods.com/store/sauerkraut-organic-13918.html">kimchi sauerkraut</a> </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baked tofu with Vegenaise, spinach, turmeric and black pepper, and <a href="https://www.motherearthnews.com/real-food/sea-stag-fermented-sauerkraut-from-the-brinery-zbcz1709">Sea Stag Turmeric and Seaweed Sauerkraut</a> on sourdough bread. Romain lettuce with walnuts, pumpkin seeds, cherry tomatoes, homemade tahini dressing and ground pepper. Organic blueberries and organic Thoory dates.</td></tr>
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Josie made chili for dinner so I did have a small bowl just because she was so proud of just making it without a recipe with ingredients we had around. It was quite good with black beans, pinto beans, salsa, corn, nutritional yeast, jalapeños, and lots of spices. I didn't get a picture because I try not to take my phone in the kitchen anymore. Germs.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348024911170290265.post-43762448923984794402020-04-02T07:54:00.000-05:002020-04-02T07:54:07.256-05:00Aqua-guilt<div style="text-align: center;">
This is an old post I never finished months ago, but I noticed it today as I am showering, washing my hands, washing clothes more than ever before because of the damn COVID 19. So tough to live in this new world sustainably.<br />
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I know guilt is not a productive feeling, but I can't help but indulge in it several times a day. It usually hits me when I am doing dishes (we don't have a dishwasher so this is a frequent activity), showering (especially in the shower), or even drinking a glass of water. </div>
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It goes like this...</div>
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I lather up the dishes or myself or take a cold sip of tap water and it hits me.</div>
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I think of all the people in the world right now who don't have clean water.</div>
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I think about our future when my kids may not have the luxury of a hot shower.</div>
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I think about how people clean dishes when they don't have access to clean water or any water. </div>
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I think about how wasteful our society is and how precious water is.</div>
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I silently apologize to the rest of the world and my kids' generation for the irresponsible behavior of my generation and generations before mine.</div>
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I picture the kids in Yemen, the homeless guy in front of my husband's downtown office, the people affected by the F3 tornado that ravaged a town (in December!) just a short drive away from where I live.</div>
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It hits me multiple times a day.</div>
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Like a brick wall of guilt.</div>
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But, guilt is paralyzing not energizing.</div>
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So I must turn this into something positive.</div>
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How?</div>
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Appreciate what I have?</div>
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Sure, I do.</div>
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Most days.</div>
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That doesn't help anyone though does it?</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348024911170290265.post-68335626018140327372020-04-01T19:47:00.001-05:002020-04-01T19:48:17.666-05:00Lunch - Shelter in Place Day 11 - Covid 19 LifeSong in my head this morning: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwmyJAEnz4s"><i>Porgy and Bess</i> I Got Plenty o' Nuttin'</a><br />
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I grew up listening over and over to <i>Porgy and Bess</i> record on our family's record player. I wish I knew what happened to it because Parker has a record player and I would love to hear it in vinyl again. It is so beautiful.<br />
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I've been skipping breakfast and eating very little for dinner so my main meal is lunch. This is all from stuff we had around since before the shelter in place order, except the sourdough bread. We are all avoiding going out for anything non-essential, but I did a quick physically distant food co-op shopping trip yesterday to buy bread and tofu, etc. We had a little leftover <a href="https://www.pacificfoods.com/our-products/creamy-soups/organic-cashew-carrot-ginger-soup/">Cashew Carrot Ginger Soup</a>, romaine lettuce and baby tomatoes from our neighbors, pumpkin seeds and walnuts from when we could buy in bulk, and some jarred jalapenos for the salad. The sandwich is baked tofu from the last of our tofu (before I when shopping), spinach, Vegenaise with added turmeric and black pepper, <a href="https://bubbies.com/spicy_sauerkraut">Spicy Sauerkraut</a> on sourdough. I really miss the fresh bread from our local bakery, <a href="http://www.pekarabakery.com/">Pekara</a>.<br />
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How are you eating these days? I'm trying to stay as healthy as possible, drinking a lot of tea, and going for a long walk every day.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348024911170290265.post-30344171421858427242020-03-25T19:37:00.000-05:002020-04-01T19:47:59.422-05:00Music - Shelter in Place Day 4 - COVID 19 Life<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/z3-ZbB13ER8" width="560"></iframe><br />
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Every morning I wake up with another song in my head. I don't remember that being a daily occurrence prior to this, but perhaps I am just more aware.<br />
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Some friends an I have been sharing playlists on Spotify. It is a really nice way to stay connected. Music is better for me right now than streaming shows. I have a lot I need to get done around the house and music keeps me going.<br />
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Are you listening to anything new or any music really touching you lately?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348024911170290265.post-10980881750039771712020-03-24T18:22:00.001-05:002020-03-24T18:22:58.121-05:00Economy vs. Lives? - Shelter in Place Day 3 - COVID 19<div style="text-align: left;">
Okay people, how is this whole capitalism thing working for you? We have <a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/story/texas-lt-gov-dan-patrick-says-grandparents-are-willing-to-die-to-save-economy-for-their-grandkids-2020-03-23">politicians pushing the economy over people's lives</a>! The same people against raising the minimum wage. Who is keeping things stocked on the shelves? Minimum wage workers. Who is bringing your delivery order to you? Minimum wage workers. Who is cleaning and sanitizing the hospitals? I really don't know how much they get paid, but I can guarantee it is not enough. I try to make a point when I'm in the hospital with a loved one to strike up a conversation and thank the person cleaning the room. We never got into actual number, but believe me it is not sufficient for putting their lives at risk every day.</div>
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I realize I'm probably preaching to the choir, but now is the time for us to figure out what we do want. We CAN and HAVE TO come up with something different. Capitalism as we are currently practicing it, does not serve the common good. Heck, it doesn't even serve anyone but the 1% and people lives are at stake (not just because of COVID 19). </div>
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So that is the task of the moment. We have a little bit of time to dream up a better world. What are we going to come up with?</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348024911170290265.post-45923589347124248742020-03-23T23:26:00.001-05:002020-03-23T23:26:20.055-05:00Anxiety - Shelter in Place Day 2 - COVID 19 LifeSuper high anxiety day. I feel the need to get all the people I love under one roof and care for them.<br />
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Went for a walk today. It helps to get outside. Thought about how very fortunate I am to be able to take a walk. I am trying to balance my anxiety and feeling of panic with the little things I appreciate.<br />
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I saw sanitation workers out collecting garbage and I hugged them mentally for the work they do. I saw our postal worker and felt the same gratitude and love for them as humans continuing to go about their daily jobs while so many of us are only doing the work of staying in place. Which gets me to the frustration I have with people NOT staying home. Yes, get outside and walk, ride bikes, etc. but stay the hell away from each other and STOP going to the store every day!<br />
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I appreciate the fresh vegetables we are still able to eat and how we have enough food without hoarding. We've been eating better than we do when I'm producing a show and have no time to cook.<br />
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I took a nap today and felt so much guilt since countless people are working tirelessly at the hospitals to get ready for the victims of this virus.<br />
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What are you appreciative of today? What did you do to feel less anxious?<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348024911170290265.post-77751921844520427122020-03-22T08:51:00.000-05:002020-03-23T08:52:23.095-05:00Random Alone Thoughts - Shelter in Place Day 1 - COVID 19 LifeAnyone else feeling alone with their thoughts? I need to take a break once in a while during the day from Facebook. I've been doing a lot of producing of theatre lately so I spend more time than "normal" on social media getting the word out and connecting.<br />
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Now, the theaters are closed and we just were given the "shelter in place" mandate (a little late, in my opinion). So here I am thinking with no outlet. I don't want to just call a friend, things are very complicated here at home, and no one reads blogs anymore so I can get personal and intimate with very little risk.<br />
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This post is just a list of random thoughts while I go about my pandemic life.<br />
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1. I hope we (humans, Americans in general, privileged white people specifically) learn something from all this. Yes, as a vegan, I am definitely upset that all the warnings vegans/environmentalists/etc. have been posting for decades have been completely ignored and everyone suffers from the destruction of wildlife habitat and the continual consumption of sentient beings. Is this the wakeup call we have all needed? I hope so, but I know that our memories tend to be short.<br />
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2. I don't like wasting water...who does? I am washing my hands like I did when Parker was first born and in NICU. I soap up my hands without water, or with a little water if using bar soap, and scrub for a short song length then rinse and scrub for a Happy Birthday length. I try to us lotion often, but my hands still look like lizard skin right now.<br />
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3. I took a shower today and it felt like a luxury to touch my face without worry.<br />
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4. I think about all the healthcare workers all the time and fear for their safety and appreciate all they do, but I also think constantly about the postal delivery people, grocery workers, garbage collectors, etc. who are also putting themselves at risk.<br />
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5. I've read drinking tea can be helpful. I guess it can't hurt and I love tea so I'm clinging to that one.<br />
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6. I worry about all the local businesses I love and how they are going to survive this time. All my friends who work in the service industry who have no income now.<br />
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7. My main thought is my worry about my eldest, Parker. He is 20 and lives in the twin city to ours, closer to campus, and has a roommate who works at Target. I've asked him to move home during this, but he hasn't accepted. He has a congenital heart defect so tends to be higher risk. I think I'm going to push harder for him to come home.<br />
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How are you all? What are you random thoughts?<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348024911170290265.post-32192891445832588402019-11-16T17:15:00.002-06:002019-11-16T17:15:45.707-06:00Moving Out<div style="text-align: center;">
My eldest, Parker, moved out the week of my 48th birthday. This picture is of my three kids over a year and a half ago, but it is still a favorite. Now that they may never live under the same roof again in their lives, I'm getting pretty sentimental about the three of them together.</div>
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<iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="858" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fphoto.php%3Ffbid%3D10156542530664508%26set%3Da.10150702553469508%26type%3D3&width=500" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="500"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348024911170290265.post-80922084932956964812019-05-01T00:35:00.003-05:002019-05-01T00:35:48.056-05:00Young Frankenstein, Tofu Po'Boy, and Romantic Gestures<div style="text-align: center;">
Recently, Parker was in a production of Young Frankenstein at his college. While the humor is really not his (or my) style, the cast did a great job and it was a fun show! I'm glad I got a chance to see it twice because, as with most musicals, there was so much to see. I pay more attention to the ensemble than most audience members, partly because Parker was in the ensemble this time, but also because there is so much fun one misses if they only watch the leads. Parker has some great high laugh lines in the musical and was Count Dracula at the end.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpolCDm1pNZHIPCNE6BnE8S_XLc_fA8VSBh9LGYkJGbTSR3n5UXbluQug3-7E7WezVfFy5BykSi5r190-CVgaqNRcOrSE4alql0UkLfEMqIvufjazhc0bZhVyWrYsJ58pGOCreIyEAAY/s1600/IMG_1363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpolCDm1pNZHIPCNE6BnE8S_XLc_fA8VSBh9LGYkJGbTSR3n5UXbluQug3-7E7WezVfFy5BykSi5r190-CVgaqNRcOrSE4alql0UkLfEMqIvufjazhc0bZhVyWrYsJ58pGOCreIyEAAY/s400/IMG_1363.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Head shots of Parker and several other cast members, including our favorite acting coach!</td></tr>
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Parker was in a production of Our Town while he was also rehearsing for Young Frankenstein. It is rare for him to have much time between plays and most of the time he is in multiple shows at a time. He still takes a full course load (always getting A's) and works part time in his college scene shop. I really don't know how he juggles it all so well.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8TTISnwjFqJH5WsJhzbP09fTU-x9WRSHPPyQqFVjQ-D0Ku1lN20LGpxBYmpVk8tzueXjVFNT0LITYWwhFhIHTH_fvYDXlhXxVFZrel2MnuSig7EONvCY9xNvpupxFT1ty5kQou8kd5o/s1600/IMG_1317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8TTISnwjFqJH5WsJhzbP09fTU-x9WRSHPPyQqFVjQ-D0Ku1lN20LGpxBYmpVk8tzueXjVFNT0LITYWwhFhIHTH_fvYDXlhXxVFZrel2MnuSig7EONvCY9xNvpupxFT1ty5kQou8kd5o/s400/IMG_1317.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Josie and Parker after the musical. She loves to support her big brothers in their productions. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8ynnZP34YE4Z2chXIFmjfcbrtnqBuMNLtKyEDqE-8waU3NavUmuzwnJR7qi15Ef11h5j0MoXmFUNDWT6eHh2x0rx3ehRWVOq7wO-hVEd8dPm1R_6g-vzt2Ahj-lePm5zfr22HYiMQd4/s1600/IMG_1231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8ynnZP34YE4Z2chXIFmjfcbrtnqBuMNLtKyEDqE-8waU3NavUmuzwnJR7qi15Ef11h5j0MoXmFUNDWT6eHh2x0rx3ehRWVOq7wO-hVEd8dPm1R_6g-vzt2Ahj-lePm5zfr22HYiMQd4/s400/IMG_1231.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tofu Po'boy and vegan potato salad.</td></tr>
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One of Josie's favorite sandwiches right now is a Tofu Po'Boy from a highly <a href="https://www.watsonschicken.com/">unlikely local restaurant</a>. They only have a couple vegan options, but the sandwich and the vegan potato salad are great and hard to find in other places in town. Watson's is within walking distance of Rob's work so it makes a great place to meet him for lunch. The tofu is fried so not something to eat often, but it is tasty and a great place to eat with non-vegans. A couple of directors have used this place to feed the cast/crews of films so it is nice for them to have an easy vegan option for my kids. We took my dad there for the first time recents and he ordered a salad with the tofu instead of chicken. I'll have to try that sometime.</div>
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I'm not a big romantic. My husband loves romantic gestures in movies, but most of the time they make me cringe. I think it comes from having too many sweet, but obviously non-lasting romances pre-marriage. I was engaged several times before I met Rob and by the time we got together I was over it. I wanted a partnership and something realistic instead of a movie scene. Once in a while, even I get that warm fuzzy feeling from a show that makes me forget all the ugliness in life. I have to admit this scene from Schitt's Creek might go down as one of my top three romantic moments in a show.</div>
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YzCKi7NGg4U" width="560"></iframe></div>
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If you don't watch Schitt's Creek, you should!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348024911170290265.post-24999496688297169962019-04-27T20:06:00.002-05:002019-04-27T20:06:19.736-05:00Vegan Baked Goods in Unexpected Places<div style="text-align: center;">
While we live in a somewhat progressive little college town, I'm always surprised we aren't more vegan-friendly, but sometimes I'm pleasantly surprised. A new bakery opened up close to our home and we finally went by to check it out. We found not one, but two, vegan options in the dessert case! They weren't gluten-free either! Usually, locally we find the twofer vegan/gluten-free option put in as a hasty offering to all those "special dietary needs" customers. I was so happy to have two options that we went back the next day to buy more.</div>
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Both types of cupcakes were actually quite good. The frosting was light and fluffy while not being over "buttery" tasting or too sweet. The texture of the cake portion was spot on. We will definitely be back again.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348024911170290265.post-29799877959745610382019-04-27T19:57:00.003-05:002019-04-27T19:57:48.279-05:00Happy Pills! - Short Film<div style="text-align: center;">
A talented up and coming young director friend of Parker's, Paul Benson, made this fun short. Parker had fun acting in the project. Warning, there is a bit of adult language.</div>
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YoQWbrjK_tM" width="560"></iframe></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348024911170290265.post-11951217262173770362019-04-23T20:33:00.003-05:002019-04-23T20:33:55.004-05:00Magnetic Fields - Web Series and Short Film - Jobs<div style="text-align: center;">
My middle child, Dema (turned 15 a few days ago), is in a web series about physics for the university in our town. It was so much fun and he learned so much about magnets and physics. </div>
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You can see more about it <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10186304/?ref_=vi_md_po">here</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/magneticfieldswebseries/">here</a>.</div>
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I helped out with a short film last November, but I don't think I shared it here yet.</div>
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uWk2O3cF014" width="560"></iframe></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348024911170290265.post-15469433460645265532019-04-22T20:54:00.001-05:002019-04-23T20:18:19.740-05:00Attack on Lab 9! - Short Film - Easterseals Disability Film Challenge<div style="text-align: center;">
For the past several years, Parker, my eldest (19) has helped out with The Prompting Theatre and their entry for the annual Easterseals Disability Film Challenge. This is the 2019 entry and the more views they get the better they do. Please watch and enjoy!</div>
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QCCV6nqgy9Y" width="560"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1348024911170290265.post-75703777797735450862019-03-01T01:30:00.000-06:002019-03-01T01:30:02.869-06:00The Karaoke Singer - Short FilmOur friend and one of our favorite local film directors, John Isberg, just released a short film that is somewhat autobiographical for him and the boys helped with a bit. It is touching, sweet, sad, and the boys had a great time working with him. They filmed it a year or so ago, before Dema's voice changed so he feels so young in the film.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="272" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/307584453" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br />
<a href="https://vimeo.com/307584453">The Karaoke Singer</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user31047464">Swede Films</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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<b>Cooking Tips from Our Poor College Student:</b><br />
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My newly 19 year old was house/cat-sitting for a neighbor friend for several months so he got used to shopping and cooking for himself. Now he is back living with us and has a much busier school/work/play rehearsal schedule so I do most of the cooking. I get into ruts with my vegetables and this time of year I rely heavily on frozen produce. I usually buy organic and try to find sales since it adds up quickly. We eat a wide variety of vegetables, but I'll go through a brussel sprout faze or okra or put peas in everything...you get the picture. Parker got used to buying these 3 lb bags of frozen mixed vegetables. The bag is resealable so he could maybe get three meals out of one bag. My organic vegetables usually come in 10 oz bags so I use two for one dish. He suggested the other day that I try the larger bags. It does bother me that the vegetables are conventionally grown, but it is super convenient, less packaging, much cheaper, and we get more variety of vegetables in each meal. I'm hoping to freeze more vegetables from our CSA (community supported agriculture) share and the farmer's market this spring/summer so we can use that produce to get us through next winter.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0