Fantastic August weekend in Pa.  Patty, John, Michael, Ira, Mary Pat and Michael!  Pirates lost but beautiful day at the stadium.  On to the nine hour trip to New York.  Lunch, hunting camp and ice cream.  Love family and friends.  Wish we had time to see everyone in PA.  Sad that Alan is no longer with us and Ruthie is the only Wheatland connection.

When the anxiety and thought spinning stop before the beginning of a new semester, it will be time to retire.  The anticipation pulse beats on.  Preparation is at full throttle.  Goal is to begin each day with a blurb from Robert Haskell Fiske's Dictionary of Unendurable English and Writing Center Articles.  The to do list lengthens due to job demands.  It seems more and more tasks are added as the job description expands with little resources, particularly time.  Thankfully, there is motivation from students who are passionate about the environment and have a reason other than parental and six figure salaries for motivation to succeed in college.

College Students

Wrapping up another semester at two universities; one private and one public.  Still have the annual report to complete for the public.  It was a great semester all in all.  No grade complaints; no gripes.  What more can a teacher ask?  Tried to be really organized and on top of things.  Makes a difference. On to those two online summer courses that will have me tied to the screen once again.

MRI Results

MRI results were basically negative, expect have to have a repeat in six months to check out scar tissue.  Just when you think this breast cancer stuff is over, it reappears along with the stress and uncertainty.  Will be walking the Race for the Cure with my friend, Donna, in honor of the many, many friends touched by this trauma.

Chili 30 minutes best ever recipe

Chili mix:
3/4 cups chili powder
2 tbs. ground cumin
2 tbs. dried oregano
2 tbs. dried minced onion
2 tbs. seasoned salt
2 tbs. sugar (I eliminated)
2 tsbs. dried minced garlic

2 pounds of browned ground beef (I subsituted two cooked chicken breasts cut in cubes)
1/4 cup of chili mix
2 14.5 ounce cans of diced tomotoes with green pepper, celery, and onion (I used two cans of diced tomatoes and sauteed onions, celery and green pepper to add the fresh)
1 16 oz. can black beans, undrained
2 15.5 oz red beans, undrained

Combine and cook for 30 minutes.

Eating

Gradually going meatless but not entirely.  It isn't that hard to do.  Now, if I could only give up red wine...

Homemade wine at Syracuse Wine Works.  Three steps and then bottle.  A great social activity and pretty near organic.  Tastes good too.  Tonight, a bottle of 2011 pino noir. 

Can't wait to have that first piece of chocolate on easter!

Breast MRI - newbie

Didn't know what to expect but knew I had to do it.  It really wasn't all that terrible and over before I knew it.  I tried to put it in perspective.  Compared to two lumpectomies, radiation and all that jazz 10 years ago and what some of my very close friends are experiencing health wise, it was a 30 minute inconvenience.  The IV bothered me a little and I was claustrophobic only once. 

I had to lay face down and my breasts were centered in cups like a mock bra.  There was a head rest with a plastic filter where I could look down and see what the two male operators were doing at all times.  Len talked me through the whole procedure - two minute scan; one minute quiet, etc.  Galloping horses, first spring birds shouting first thing in the morning, strong ocean waves, an extremely loud, annoying antique clock out of sync, steel boat meets steel pier and other sounds guided me through.  The thought of repeating the whole thing kept me motivated, along with the support of my two comrades who have gone through the same journey. If you are facing your first one, you'll be fine.  It's just another modern miracle.

2012 Subaru Forester

I work in an environmental school.  I bought a 2012 Subaru Forester to replace my 10 year old car.  At first, I felt guilty and should have bought a Prius.  After reading the safety and operating reviews, I've changed my mind, especially since my vehicle made it up a steep hill last week. I wish the gas mileage were better.

It's snowing again in upstate New York.  Maybe we'll get a winter like we used to with the usual amount of snow and grey.  The Subaru may have been a good choice afterall.

Air Optic Rescue

Yesterday, when I was in a typical hurry to get out the door and to work (pack the gym bag, school bag, lunch, cellphone, etc.), I dropped my contact on the floor and couldn't find it.  Last evening, it surfaced on the floor and I popped it back into solution after it dried about 12 hours.  When I went to pop it in this morning, it was fine!  Air Optics for Astigmatism, I applaud you.  Although not perfect vision, beats foggy glasses that hurt at the end of the day,

Word of the day: positivity

When I stop to breath today, I will be mindful of positive thoughts to overide others and clear out my mind.

This morning, on my way to an early morning cycling class, the sun was obscured by clouds and grey roads were covered with a cloudy layer of road salt, stewn to halt the anticipated ice of  yesterday.  Another grey day and thinking of a remedy to fix this light deficit disorder.

Granite cleaner for shine

Granite countertop cleaner - simple and economical - Windex multi-surface cleaner with vinegar.  I found it by accident after spending mega $ on granite countertop cleaners.  This cleaner and a microfiber cloth will make your granite shine.  Hint:  wash microfiber cloths WITHOUT fabric softener.