Welcome, Baby

Posted on April 18, 2010 by ifshedid

A little over a month ago a friend told me about her upcoming baby shower.  I hadn’t seen her in awhile and I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to make a “Welcome, Baby” card.  It’s been quite some time since the last baby card I’ve made, so I needed some time to get back into the baby cardmaking mindset.  In the process, I made about three different baby cards (will post pics of those in another post) until I settled on the one I liked most for my friend.  Ironically, though, when it came to wrapping the gifts, the only wrapping paper I had was a white one with small red polka dots — a good fit actually, since I recently discovered her nursery has a panda theme.  So, on to baby shower card number four.  I have to say, I absolutely loved the final products!

Baby Shower gift and card in red, black, and white

Baby Shower gift and card

For the box, I wrapped a shoebox in the cheery polka-dotted paper, put the goodies inside, and tied it with red wraphia and a homemade tag.

Baby Shower card with "Changito Knee-Hunger" rubber stamp

Baby Shower card with "Changito Knee-Hunger" rubber stamp

Inside message of red, white, and black baby shower card

Inside message of the Baby Shower card

For the card I covered white cardstock with a black and white decorative paper.  I then layered three pieces of cardstock at angles in black, red, and white.  I stamped the “Changito Knee-Hugger” image on the white cardstock with black ColorBox ink, and covered it with clear embossing powder.  I then used the watercolor colored pencils to color in the image.  On a separate piece of white cardstock I stamped b-a-b-y and then punched out each letter with my Fiskar’s square punch.  I rounded off the corners, and then pasted them to the decorative paper.  On that same piece of cardstock I used the Cranberry ColorBox ink and stamped the flower image three times, and covered each in clear embossing paper.  I cut out each flower with the finger-swivel curvy blade, and then pasted them on the card using Scrapbook Adhesives 3D Foam Squares (a temporary replacement since the store has run out of mini pop dots).  I then used Silver Stickles to add a little sparkle to the center of each flower.  I stamped the inside message with the Cranberry ColorBox ink, and voila — the contemporary red, white, and black baby shower card was born (please excuse the pun).

Ingredients:

  • plain white folded cardstock card
  • “Me and My Big Ideas” Black & White decorative paper
  • Changito Knee-Hugger stamp
  • Cardstock paper: black, red, white with sparkles
  • flower stamp ($1 bin at Michaels)
  • alpha stamps (don’t remember the brand or design — sorry)
  • ColorBox Inks: Cranberry, Black
  • Silver Stickles
  • Scrapbook Adhesives White 3D Foam Squares
  • Fiskars square punch
  • Kimberly watercolor pencils
  • Stamp N Stuff clear embossing powder
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The Power of Relationships

Posted on April 16, 2010 by ifshedid

Moving.  Intense.  Powerful.  Eye-widening.  Heartbreaking.  These are just a few words that can describe my feelings after watching American History X.  I know, I know — we’re in 2010, and American History X was released in 1998 – why am I watching it now?  To be honest, I don’t remember hearing about the movie back when it was released.  Wondering how I missed it, I did some digging.  Released in the same year were two other (and I’m sure more) notable powerhouse movies — one that I was too squeamish to watch until recent persuasion by my husband — Saving Private Ryan, and the other, La Vita e Bella, one of my absolute favorite films on the planet.  Perhaps the release of American History X was overshadowed for me by these other films, perhaps I saw the previews and was nervous by its intensity — I don’t remember and I don’t know.  But after recently stumbling upon the trailer, my husband and I had a feeling it would be a good, but incredibly hard movie to watch.  We were right.  Am I glad I watched?  Most definitely!

Movie Poster for "American History X"
American History X movie poster

Edward Norton, as he most often does, delivers a commanding and dramatic performance, not only as a skinhead, but as the skinhead, Derek Vinyard, in the struggling and confused community of Venice, California.  Edward Furlong takes on the role of Norton’s younger, and impressionable brother, Danny Vinyard.  In a time and place where things are changing, and people are losing hope, many turn toward the power of blame and hate.  After violence strikes, lives are changed, and lines drawn, it is through the twisting of circumstances and the bond of one unexpected relationship that minds and hearts show the first glimmer of hope.  Contrary to personal beliefs, prejudices, and worldviews, characters slowly begin to find that “others” can make them laugh, can listen, can soften the anger, and can turn their world inside out.  These are the beginnings of change.

While watching the movie I was reminded of many such relationships — those that broke all the rules and defied all social expectations, those that blur the dividing lines and change the world, one experience at a time.  It is my strong belief that beyond the realm of television, movies, and media, it is these same connections in our day to day lives that are of the utmost importance.  It’s for this reason that I advocate so passionately in education for study abroad opportunities and work with international students.  When we develop special corners in our hearts for particular individuals, towns, cities, states, countries, and even nations — we are then compelled to think twice before blindly blaming others for our misfortune.  When someone, perhaps out of anger, pain, or ignorance, says an unkind word (at the least) about one of those special corners — we, out of our experience, are more likely to protect and build bridges of understanding.

At a welcoming speech to incoming international students, a university president delivered an address, highlighting the importance of hosting these students on campus.  He shared historical stories of individuals, who based upon positive or negative experiences studying abroad, later were faced with moments that could impact the lives of many, and then chose to use their power to protect or to harm.

In your life, what people, experiences, or stories have blurred the lines of your worldview, your beliefs, or even turned your world inside out?

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Look Ma, I’m cable-free!

Posted on April 14, 2010 by ifshedid

I have to confess — when the conditions are right (i.e. gloomy weather, slow day, some additional time on my hands, etc.) I enjoy a good movie in the middle of the day.  Whether it’s watching Barbra Streisand drive Yves Montand crazy in On a Clear Day You Can See Forever or take a trip to Hertfordshire to witness the blossoming relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice, it can be comforting to have some additional voices, characters, and an engaging story added to my day.  Today was one of those days.

Most recently in the land of homemade cards I have been playing with dimensions, using cut shapes, and adding fasteners.  As I was working on some cards for upcoming events (will post pics and more details later) I pulled out my hubby’s laptop to stream a classic from Netflix.  Midway through watching Audrey Hepburn and Peter O’Toole figure out How to Steal a Million the mail came, and along with it a new cool tool.  My husband recently saw an email from Netflix, informing him that a new option is being delivered, allowing viewers to take advantage of “Watch Instantly” streaming options via the Nintendo Wii platform.  He liked the idea and signed us up.  So today in the mail, a special disc (looks no different than your typical CD, DVD, or Wii game disc) arrives, that upon being loaded into the Wii console and then activated, allows us to stream our viewing choice — no cables.  Being the curious, ever-experimenting, always learning individual that I am, I decided to watch the second half of my movie via the Wii.  What a treat!

Set up was incredibly easy.  Just load the disc (seriously more complicated to figure out which mode my TV has to be in to access the Wii), follow the instructions to activate the disc via the laptop, and then browse through viewing options.  Netflix has set up a very Wii-like menu interface, that allowed me to use the controls on the Wii remote to navigate through genres, titles, queued listings, and descriptions to make my choice.  Since How to Steal a Million was already in my queue it was easy to find.  So, while Hepburn and O’Toole talked about precious art and forgeries in the background, I happily made some art of my own.  The viewing quality was great, the convenience well-appreciated, and I was able to pause from across the room using the Wii remote.  Thanks Netflix and Wii.  And thank you, to my husband for signing us up.

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Campaigning for Hope

Posted on April 13, 2010 by ifshedid

Today in Los Angeles there were Special Elections to fill two seats in the State Assembly.  Since I didn’t know any of the four candidates’ names on the ballots, and found only one candidate statement in the sample ballot I turned to the Internet to learn more about those running.  I have to admit I’m not a huge fan of politics, often even less a fan of politicians, and I register as Independent.  This being said, I believe strongly in taking the responsibility of voting seriously, and try to do the best I can to cast my ballot with reason and knowledge.  When it comes to visiting candidate websites, I often struggle wondering how much I can trust in what they write and promise, and also understanding and expecting  that candidates will work to put their best foot forward, meanwhile hoping that I can trust in their intentions.

The four candidates are, of course, four very different individuals.  They come from different cultural backgrounds, have different careers, are motivated in different ways, and in their campaigns focus on different areas.  However, amidst all these differences, amidst the differences that we all have as individuals there seemed to be a common message, and a common desire — hope.

Photo of State Assembly Candidate, Sunder Ramani and his family

Sunder Ramani and his family

Sunder Ramani, born in Bangalore, India, was able to pursue the “American Dream”, build a business, build a family, and seeks to create opportunities for others to do the same.  By focusing on building jobs through small businesses, improving the quality of education, and working across party lines, Ramani plans to make a positive difference.  His hope — to keep the American Dream alive so that all can build a fulfilling life.

California State Assembly Candidate Nayiri Nahabedian in the classroom

Nayiri Nahabedian in the classroom

Nayiri Nahabedian has spent most of her life in Southern California, although originally from Boston, and has made it her home.  She took advantages of many educational opportunities, became involved with providing social services to others, and focuses on bettering the lives of those in her community.  Through mentoring programs, educational resources, and community involvement, Nahabedian is working to use her influence and power for good.  Her hope — to ensure that individuals receive the services they need to pursue healthy and successful lives.

California State Assembly Candidate Chahe Keuroghelian from his campaign materials

Chahe Keuroghelian profiled against his campaign materials

Chahe Keuroghelian began his journey of community involvement and service through law enforcement.  He has offered his skills as a multilinguist (five languages) to act as a Public Information Officer, Community Service Officer, and member of a neighborhood Crime Prevention Unit.  He has been involved in a number or community organizations and projects.  He seeks to build hope in the lives of those around him by supporting small businesses, building consensus amongst his colleagues, and investing in youth.  His hope — to bring communities together and protect the rights of all in order to live peaceful and rich lives.

California State Assembly Candidate Mike Gatto

Mike Gatto speaking with fellow citizens

Mike Gatto seeks to uphold, not only the American Dream, but also the California Dream.  Having been raised in the belief that anything is possible if one is willing to work hard, pursue an education, and act as a responsible citizen, he seeks to ensure that it is a reality and truth for others.  With a background in law, Gatto has worked to move through the legal system to make changes that will improve the lives of others.  He uses his position, knowledge, and experience to restore a sense of hope by protecting California’s natural resources, working to bring balance to the state budget, and provide opportunities for youth.  His hope — to protect the California Dream in order that individuals can live in beauty, peace, and happiness.

No matter the avenues to do so, no matter the particular focus, no matter the story in the background — each of these candidates seems to be working through their God-given talents, their passions, and their experience to keep dreams alive, better the quality of life of their fellow citizens, and preserve hope.

So rather than, “may the best candidate win”, I say, “may the winning candidate be and do the best they can to follow through with their intentions and campaign for hope, and may those who don’t win continue daily in their campaigns for hope.”

UPDATE: I visited Secretary of State, Debra Bowen‘s site (I think it’s quite cool how she employs a variety of technological mediums to keep voters informed — her site, Twitter, etc.) this morning to check for results.  Not only do I find the percentages and votes to be interesting in that there doesn’t seem to be any strong leaning, but also that it reinforces that these individuals represent the interests and motivations of so many members in our community.  I hope they all can take away from this that we all want to better our lives, and take their responsibility to do their part in representing us seriously.  Again I say, may the winning candidate be and do the best they can, and may those who don’t win continue to strive towards daily making a positive impact.

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Comfort Food-Lover’s Delight

Posted on April 12, 2010 by ifshedid

I’ve had the good fortune throughout my life to be blessed with good roommates.  Almost five years ago (I can’t believe it’s already been that long) I had roommate who possessed not only with the gift of cooking, but also the love of tweaking the ingredients just so to produce satisfying and healthy results.  One favorite I like to call Comfort Food-Lover’s Delight.  It’s a mix of sausage, onions, pepper, marinara sauce, and if you’re so inclined — cheese, all hot and melty on your choice of bread.  My husband loves sausage and I’m a marinara sauce fanatic, so this suits both our needs, and since it’s so easy it can be a great meal for those nights when I’m feeling lazy about cooking.  And for those fellow weight-watchers out there, although it hits the spot just so, and tastes sinfully delicious, the whole construction adds up to about 8 points.  Obviously, as you change ingredients, the points-value will change, but I’ll share the ingredients we used — and you may notice that most are from Trader Joe’s — I love Trader Joe’s!

Ingredients (enough for 2 servings):

  • 1-2 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1/2 red onion, cut into long thin slices
  • 2 garlic cloves, pressed or chopped
  • 1 small green bell pepper, cut into long thin slices
  • 2 sausages (we like TJ’s Spicy Jalapeño Chicken or Sweet Italian Chicken)
  • spices (TJ’s 21 Seasoning Salute, or cumin, basil, oregano, red pepper…)
  • 1 cup marinara sauce (TJ’s Tomato Basil)
  • 2 slices lite Havarti cheese (again TJ’s sliced is our choice here)
  • 1 serving TJ’s Mediterranean Flatbread (adds 2 points to recipe) or Orowheat Sandwich Thins
  • fork, spoon, and lots of napkins to enjoy the “mess”

Directions:

  1. Boil the sausage until it swells (usually 5 or so minutes).  Drain.  Cut into bite-sized pieces.  Set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté oil, red onion, garlic until the onion begins to turn translucent (about 5-7 minutes).
  3. Add the bell pepper and sauté for another 5-7 minutes.
  4. Add the bite-sized pieces of sausage.  Sauté all ingredients until they start to lightly brown.  Sprinkle your choice of spices (we like TJ’s 21 Seasoning Salute – mixture of salt, garlic powder, oregano, basil, and about 17 others).
  5. Pour in marinara sauce.  Stir until sauce begins to bubble and ingredients are mixed together well.  Cover and turn off heat.
  6. Toast sandwich thins and/or flatbread.  Add cheese.
  7. Spoon sausage and marinara mixture onto your bread.  Let the cheese melt.
  8. Enjoy!

If you try this out, let me know how you like it AND if you have some recipes of your own, please feel free to share!

Posted in Cooking, Health | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Vino, anyone?

Posted on April 11, 2010 by ifshedid

Entrance to the Los Angeles San Antonio Winery

Los Angeles Historic Landmark from the early 1900′s, the only Los Angeles winery to survive prohibition, the only current winery in Los Angeles, and home to tours and restaurant dining — the San Antonio Winery is a great location to take in some history, culture, and of course, some vino.

Visiting the San Antonio Winery is a great way for wine novices to learn more about the wine-making and storage process.  For wine-lovers, it’s an opportunity to sample some new blends, buy some bottles (or cases) at reasonable prices, and expand one’s collection.

On a visit with a group of friends, we enjoyed visiting the sampling room, even tasting vintages poured by Mr. Stefano Riboli himself — one of the surviving founding family members, taking in the 45-minute tour, and dining on the delicious and very satisfying entrees.  The tour was free, the wines are reasonable (average of about $7 per bottle; less as you purchase more), and dinner is what you might pay at, say, an Olive Garden — so all in all, not too bad, and a very interesting outing.

Weekly delivery of this 10-12 gallon bottle of WINE!

On the tour we learned more about the history of the winery itself, saw pictures of the founding family, and even picked up on some old San Antonio Winery Trivia.  For example,  back in the day one of the services that the Winery offered was similar to that of a milkman.  A “wineman” would visit homes once a week and deliver a bottle full of the equivalent of 10-12 gallons of wine for a small Italian family (8-10 people).  It’s possible that the alcohol content in wine back in the day was not what it is now, or that longevity of life is being extended with each glassful, but no matter how one spins it — that’s a lotta vino!

Looking for some interesting and local culture?  If you’re in the Los Angeles or Ontario areas, check out the San Antonio Winery.  If not, do some researching, I’m sure there’s a cultural gem in your area waiting to be discovered.

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Fun Friday Festivities for HalF of Forty Dollars!

Posted on April 11, 2010 by ifshedid

Okay, I admit it…I was having Fun with the alliteration in my post title, but seriously, it is good Fun to have Fun without breaking the bank.  So what did we do and how did we do it (we being hubby and I)?

It recently came to my attention that in all these unemployed days of looking for jobs, applying, pursuing my loves and interests, and visiting with the fellow jobless I have not once had lunch with my husband, hard at work, day after day, winning the bread, bringing home the bacon — you get the idea.  So we set up a little lunch date for ourselves.  My husband works in downtown Los Angeles and is a huge lover of authentic street-style tacos.  I arranged to pick him up, take him to a hole-in-the-wall mercado, also known for their delicious tacos de carne asada and pollo, and find a picnic-y spot near USC for a little open-air lunch.  We bought said tacos, found a plaza across from the university and Exposition Park, bought an iced tea and ginger ale at the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (i.e. needed to validate parking), and munched on the delicious chopped onions, cilantro, grilled meat, soft handmade corn tortillas, and SALSA VERDE!  To extend our meal I also brought along some cut up Cara Cara (if you haven’t had a chance to sample these citrus babies, I highly recommend that you do), navel oranges, and some applesauce.  We were satisfied!  With mouths burning and tummies content, we made our way through the streets of downtown and the 110 freeway to drop my Querido back at work.

As it was Friday night and the start of the weekend, we chose to celebrate by taking in a movie.  At home we feasted on a comfort-food-lover’s delight of sausage with onions, peppers, marinara sauce, and havarti cheese (more on that in another post), went on an evening walk, chatted with family, and made our way out for the show.  Here’s a cool fact:  the Regency Academy Cinemas in Pasadena offers six-month old or newer releases for the bargain price of $3 for evening admission and $2 for matinee (before 6 PM).  This means that for $6 we can enjoy an evening out at the movies.  And let me tell you, we did.  We took in “Sherlock Holmes” on the big screen, and even splurged for a bag of peanut M&M’s.  Although the theaters are on the smaller side, and seats are not luxuriously comfy, one can still enjoy the theatre-going experience, have the sight and sound of the big screen, and laugh, cry, or fear in the comfort of strangers.  Good times.

Fun Friday Festivities Summary:

  • open-air lunch for 2 (tacos & bevvies): $10
  • evening out at the movies for 2 (complete with candy): $9
  • Fun Friday Adventures for HalF of Forty Dollars: PRICELESS!

Here’s hoping you get out there, find your local deals, and make your own Fun Festivities For Less (and btw — please share if/when you do)!

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You Make Me Feel…

Posted on April 9, 2010 by ifshedid

I don’t know if it’s the message in the lyrics, the nostalgic memories of riding with my mom in a sky blue Toyota Corolla and listening to K-Earth 101, images of the Lee Jeans commercials, or just the soulfulness that Aretha belts out, but “You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman” is definitely a song that has a special place in my heart.  And oftentimes, when I am struck by a certain, sometimes un-nameable, emotion, the song will, without bidding, yet always welcome, come into my mind.  Last weekend was one of those long, extended moments.

Now I’ve said it before — Unemployed.  Tight finances.  Cutting back.  But this doesn’t mean that our life is without fun, nor is it without shopping.  Since we hadn’t been in awhile, my husband suggested we make a visit to our local Goodwill and check out the deals.  When we visit the Goodwill store, it’s often with a particular item in mind, but something that we have the patience to wait for — meaning if we see it and fall in love with it, we’ll get it, but if not, we are content to keep looking until we do.  One of the things I love about entering our local Goodwill is that at each entrance there will be a sign with the specials of the week and, what I like to call, the colored tag finds [You know those pesky clear, plastic tags that you have to cut out of new clothes -- well Goodwill uses those same tags, but in colors -- thus helping manage their inventory.  After so many weeks, a particular color, representing inventory from some weeks back goes on sale].  This means that one clothing item – say jeans, will be on special for $4.99, and anything with a purple tag will be 50% off.  This week we were greeted with the happy surprise (really more for me than my husband) of finding dresses at a special of $3.99 and red tags at 50% off.

For awhile now, I’ve been on a quest for cute, springy-summery, not black, dresses.  With such a deal, I was off to the dress section.  My modus operandi for navigating the shop is to go through a section, pull out anything that strikes my fancy, that I would likely wear, and that is in my size.  This often means that at the end of a section I could have a good six to seven items on my arm, and usually after a fitting room stop, the pile will shrink down to one, two, or zero items.  This time started off no differently.  I scavenged my way through the dresses, and for good measure made my way through the neighboring pantsuit section (I’ve been needing a good professional suit — remember, I’m an optimist and full of hope that I will have need — for an interview, job, conference, etc.).  Since the fitting room has a maximum allowance of three items, I batted my eyelashes at my hubby, gave him my remaining six items, and took in my first round of three.  Now here’s where Aretha kicked in!

The first two dresses carry the tags of one of those stores that put out modern and edgy advertisements, but usually no clothes that I can honestly wear.  These two must have been their only exceptions.  I had grabbed them on a playful whim – kind of a – let’s see how these would look, but now — on me — they were cute!  Both different, but both cute!  Immediately, I could hear Aretha singing her chorus.  One was coaxing me to take it out for Salsa dancing (my husband and I attended community classes for 8 weeks), and the other issued out invitations to sunny picnics on the beach with waves gently crashing and kids building sandcastles nearby.  Validation came from my husband’s admiring looks and approving words when I opened the fitting room door.

After two more rounds of fitting room fun, I was down to my two dresses.  Meanwhile, my husband was scoping out the dress shirt section, and had his own stack to dwindle down.  In the pantsuit department, there were a couple of possibilities, but nothing that I was in love with.  You have to understand — I’m short.  We’re not talking 5’5 or 5’3, but more like 5’1 (on a generous scale) short.  So even when clothing designates petite or short, it’s usually not enough.  Especially when combining pants with blazers – putting my short legs, curvy hips, and short waist into these outfits means I have to find the right one.  The first ones I picked out were either too baggy, flared too much in the hips, or hung down too low on me, but I did discover that I was now fitting in a size smaller, and could check out some of the other options I’d passed over.  So, back to pantsuits.  I pulled out two more, tried them on.  No dice, but closer.  One more — that was going to be my limit, and then my Goodwill visit was done.  I grabbed one more suit that had caught originally caught my eye, but being in a smaller size, I had disregarded it.  Me and my pantsuit were off to the dressing room, where once again, clothing and wearer magic ensued.  The pants fit well, they were flattering, the blazer hung at just the right level.  It was cute.  It was professional.  It was a winner.  My husband totally agreed!  So there we were, two dresses, one pantsuit, two workshirts for him — jackpot!  One our way to the cashier he spotted a lovely black, velvety dress blazer and encouraged me to take a look at it, so with my arm twisted behind my back, I tried it on over my shirt.  [insert magical fairy-like sound here] — another winner!  Now since the dress jacket was a last-minute add in, I decided to see how our total was before official adding it to our purchases.  So here we go, holding our breath, moment of truth (we had an idea, but a couple items were obscure in their prices)…$39.60…and this is after adding in the dress coat.  So, Accounting majors out there, we got two dresses, one pantsuit, two workshirts, and a dress jacket — for less than $40 — that’s less than $7 an item!  Again — jackpot!  This is the kind of splurging that our anemic budget can handle.  So to those of you who also find yourselves with cutting back, unemployed, or facing tighter budgets — check out your local Goodwill or thrift shop.

Now throughout this whole Goodwill-shopping, Fitting Room-visiting adventure, Aretha was right there with me — singing her heart out.  Why?  Because for one of the first times being faced with a full-length mirror (sometimes two) was not disheartening or discouraging me.  Rather, I was seeing me, seeing all of me, and appreciating what I saw.  Over the past two years, as I have made slow and gradual changes in my eating and activity lifestyle, better health has also come.  In addition, I have lost weight and lost dress sizes — things I do not want to find again.  I could see in my reflection the changes brought about by my regular walking/jogging, my cycling, my Yoga, my Pilates, my stretching — all of it.  My body is still uniquely me — extra curvy in some areas, slimmer in others, the trademarks that God created within me.  Even with a little extra in the tummy, hips, and thighs, I could look in the mirror, take it all in, and truly feel “like a natural woman”.  No, my body is not perfect, but it is healthy, and that to me is beautiful, and that feels so good.  And like Lady Soul sings, “But you’re [i.e. self-love, self-appreciation, love from my God, love from my hubby] the key to my peace of mind — Cause you make me feel, you make me feel, you make me feel like — A natural woman.”

C’mon — sing it with me and Aretha…

Looking out on the morning rain
I used to feel so uninspired
And when I knew I had to face another day
Lord, it made me feel so tired
Before the day I met you, life was so unkind
But you’re the key to my peace of mind

Cause you make me feel, you make me feel, you make me feel like
A natural woman

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Not Just About the Numbers

Posted on April 8, 2010 by ifshedid

For most of my life I have struggled with the fact that I LOVE to eat, LOVE food, and usually prefer the mellow types of activities (reading, watching movies, writing, crafting) rather than the more physically-demanding ones.  Really I should say that it’s not with these facts alone that I struggle, but more with what the result has been — an unhealthy balance that has lead to an unhealthy body.  Throughout the years I’ve tried various approaches, and though some yielded results temporarily, I never found a method that genuinely worked for me.

A little less than two years ago I started following a plan that made sense to me.  All the expected knowledge was there: more calories burned than calories taken in equals weight loss.  But more than the science, I learned about ways of making healthier choices, ways of moving more and in fun ways, and about making changes in my lifestyle that felt and feel good for me.  When I made the decision to begin following the plan, I was not motivated by wanting to see numbers change on a scale, not to see clothing tag numbers change, but rather, I was motivated by want for improved health.

Slowly and steadily I have made the changes: a substitution here, substitution there; taking the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator; being intentional about incorporating more physical activity in my days, eating only until satisfied.  As I have been committing to these changes in my lifestyle, those other things — the numbers, they continue changing, too.  It feels good.  I feel more in tune with my body, feel more strength, and more self confidence.  And there’s more.  When those numbers change, it feels fabulous, too.  This means feeling great in my clothes, more shopping fun, and the ultimate — increased health.  Now this is not to say that I don’t sometimes become obsessed with those numbers — wanting and willing for them to change more quickly, but then I have to remember that slow and steady wins the race.  More importantly, I remind myself that this is my journey, and it can sometimes be smooth, sometimes be rough, but most importantly, I continue, and it remains mine.

Recently Jennifer Hudson, too, joined the program — Weight Watchers — and has become their newest spokesperson.  Kudos to her!  Word on the Weight Watchers street is that Jennifer, too, is on her own journey.  Her focus has been her health, making changes in her lifestyle, and making better choices for herself and her family.  So in the ads, the focus is on her journey, on her victories, and NOT just about the numbers.  She is now “ME-powered!”

Posted in Health, Personal Journey | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Not Just For Directions

Posted on April 7, 2010 by ifshedid

For nearly four weeks now I’ve not only been stretching my legs through my neighborhood streets, but also Googling my way through various twists and turns trying to find the best routes.  The best route can include anything from pretty houses to downward slopes to pedestrian-

friendly sidewalks.  With the aid of Google Maps I was charting my path and mapping out my distances.  The “map-by-walking” feature was nice to give me an estimated time, however, the one drawback was the fact that my feet did not always take the same path as the wheels on the cars around me.  Minor, and totally livable, but a drawback when every step, every minute, and every tenth of a mile count.  I don’t know how I found it, but the other day when searching for local 5K and the like in my area, I came across the Gmaps Pedometer.  This is a cool tool.

Here's what the Gmaps Pedometer interface looks like

Using the Gmaps Pedometer one can map out a running/walking or cycling route, can follow paved streets, or add in those cuts through the park, measure distance, measure calories burned, and for those with the inclination — even measure via the metric system. You can even view an analysis of the elevation, but truthfully, when I clicked that option the results meant very little to me, other than viewing a small graph with hills and valleys.

Here’s a quick run-down of how it works.  It is pretty intuitive, free, and even produces a URL for saved routes that one can bookmark or save to favorites for future reference.  NOTE: I accessed this tool using Firefox on my Mac; it might vary slightly across other browsers, and even possibly, other platforms.  When you first visit http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/ you’ll likely see a screen with the main interface (pictured here), and a map with a box for entering your starting point.

The Gmaps Pedometer map

If starting your route from home, you can just enter the address and click go.  There is the additional option of customizing the zoom level before clicking “go”, or just enter go and adjust the zoom on the map itself.  When you’re ready to start adding points to route, click the “start recording” button.  You can now either enter addresses, or use the cursor to drag the map to your desired direction, then double click to enter a new point on the map.  As you continue adding points, you’ll see the distance begin to add up.  By default, the pedometer will be set to automatically draw the route for runners or cyclists, but if you like to take those non-wheel-friendly cuts in the path, you can switch to the “manually” (straight lines) option, make that cut through the park, and then go back to automatically — finally a way to go off the beaten path.  If needed, you can “undo the last point” or even “clear all points and start over”.  If you choose to do so, you can even enter your weight and receive a “calories burned” number.  When finished, you can click “save” and the program will produce a URL for you, that you can use to “save to favorites” or “bookmark”, you can print, and for those who need it, there is also an option to export to GPX.  Like I said, very cool.

Here's what my route most likely looked like in college...

In addition to creating a really nifty tool, the good folks at Google, have also been kind enough to put together some basic usage directions.  Of course, I saw these after playing with it and finding my way around, but like I said, it’s quite intuitive.

For those of you interested in a review of the Gmaps Pedometer alongside some other route-mapping tools, check out this article from Anick Jesdanun in The Berkshire Eagle.

Happy mapping!

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Who Says Christmas Comes But Once a Year?

Posted on April 6, 2010 by ifshedid

Yes, I know it’s April, nearly four months after Christmas, and another eight months until we celebrate again, but sometimes I just can’t help myself.  In college I would chide my roommate for digging out the carols in October, but now I totally get it.

Today on my “Active” Run a 5K plan I was set to walk 30 minutes.  Admittedly, at the end of the day, just before dinner, and with daylight hours fading I can’t say that I was raring to go — even if only to walk for 30 minutes.  In an attempt to motivate myself, I threw on my workout clothes, laced up the shoes, got my Nano ready and set out.  I chose this evening to stay close in the neighborhood, and admire the beautiful homes around me.  As I was scrolling through my playlists trying to find just the right one, I came across a beloved favorite…”Unique Sounds of Christmas”.  Although the beats weren’t all fast, the rhythms slower than normal, the music sang to my soul, and again my feet were moving.  Beauty pulsed through my ears, beauty passed before my eyes — the effect filled me, heart, body, and soul.  The walk that I was dragging my feet to take, was now fast becoming the best part of my day — spring flowers radiated in their color, families dined on their patios, and dog-walkers reveled in the mountainside views.  Each step filled me with confidence, strength, exhilaration.

So, for those of you interested in infusing your adventures with a little holiday spirit, check out a Christmas iMix that I posted on iTunes the Christmas before last.  Enjoy, and may it be a merry one!

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Happy Easter!

Posted on April 5, 2010 by ifshedid

In years past my family and I would celebrate Easter attending worship services, “opening” Easter baskets, feasting on a delicious dinner, and spending the day gathered at my parents’ house.  For the past two years, however, we have spending the holiday apart — last year while my younger brother was in Australia, and this year while he’s away at college.  As newlyweds (I’m going to claim that as long as I can) my husband and I have focused on setting our own family traditions to celebrate the special day, but to continue feeling close to my family I made Easter cards for them.

Easter cards for my family

Easter card for my parents

For my parents I layered first decorative paper, then a strip of tan cardstock on the card.  I then stamped two images of the simple flower, traced them out with the curvy swivel knife, and colored them with my beloved watercolor pencils.  I used a brad to fasten the two flowers together, and a mini pop dot to add them to the card.  I love how it came out.

For my brother and his girlfriend I focused on again using the masking technique.  I covered the cardstock with decorative paper.  On a piece of plain white cardstock I colored my tulip stamp, and pressed the image down.

An Easter card for my brother and his girlfriend

I pressed another image onto a post-it, and then cut it out with my curvy finger-swivel blade.  I used the tulip-shaped post-it to cover the tulip image, colored in the stamp again, and pressed it on the white cardstock, overlapping on the post-it. I followed these steps again to create a row of colorful spring tulips with a little added dimension.  I used the finger swivel knife to cut out the tulips, and pasted them on top of the decorative paper.  I then colored in my “Celebrate” stamp, and pressed it onto a the remaining white cardstock, and again traced it out with the finger swivel blade.  I used the mini pop dots to paste the “Celebrate” message on the decorative paper with some added dimensional texture.

An Easter card for my brother

For my younger brother’s card I took a simpler approach.  I used the same decorative paper that I did for the tulip card, and a tan piece of cardstock.  I took the tan cardstock and put it through my border punch. The punch gave the cardstock a detailed carved out look.  I glued the cardstock as an edge of trim to the decorative paper.  I then punched out a small tag from another piece of tan cardstock.  I used a mini pop dot at one end of the tag, and glued the other end, to give it an angular dimension.  Simple, and very nice.

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Innovate. Create. Collaborate.

Posted on April 2, 2010 by ifshedid

I am convinced that as challenging as these economic times are, the rewards for striving to be good stewards of our resources and creatively working to do more with less are many.  During a family visit weekend in college I remember my mother commenting on the resourcefulness that my fellow hallmates demonstrated in decorating and personalizing our dorms on the budgets of poor college students.  She said something to the effect of, “Creativity is the mother of resourcefulness” — or something like that.

As individuals find themselves laid off, higher education institutions find their funding and endowments shrinking, and departmental budgets are cut we all have to find ways to stretch our resources to accomplish our goals.  I have listened to feature after feature, comparing the current economic crunch to that of the depression — although all conditions are not the same, the factors that motivate folks and families across the nation to be creative with what they have are.  In conversations with friends, also feeling the shortages in their checking and savings accounts, we muse on the fact that — yes, times are tough, however, we are also thankful for the ways in which we find ourselves truly blessed, and in the challenges we face to do more with less.  For those willing to see the glass  half full, and willing to step up to the challenge before us — this time can be seen as a modern day Renaissance.

As we are examining our budgets, both personal and organizational, we have the opportunity to cut away with the unnecessary, reexamine our priorities, and discover those elements that are most valuable and essential.  Unfortunately, in many cases, this has also meant the loss of dearly beloved programs, the doing without cherished luxuries, and even unbid farewells to highly regarded individuals.  I have spoken with so many, who in finding traditional avenues closed off, have pursued interests or loves that they never dared explore previously.  In a sense the restrictions of tighter financial circumstances have brought about a new kind of forced freedom.  Rather than have ideas or ventures turned down or ventures, people have remarkably found other alternatives to nourish new ideas, new businesses, and new innovations.  One such example comes from a unique and very strategic partnership between Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology.

Emory University has a bike-sharing program that allows students and staff to rent bikes from designated areas on campus, use them as they need, and then return them to any designated bike-holding area elsewhere on campus.  To enhance the convenience and usability, the folks at Emory were looking into ways to move away from the manual bike checkout system.  Unfortunately, such options were too exorbitant for current budgets, however, skilled and capable engineering students in need of practical application opportunities were readily available at the nearby Georgia Institute of Technology.  Thus began a wonderful partnership.  The Georgia Institute of Technology students developed a system in which individuals could send a text message to unlock the bike, use it, then upon returning it, send another text to lock it.  Ingenious.  Check out this article from The Chronicle of Higher Ed Wired Campus for more details.

In these challenging times, may we all follow from the example of these two institutions, and in our personal lives and journeys find ways to innovatively use our creative resources to further stretch our financial resources.

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New Month, New Day, New Pages

Posted on April 1, 2010 by ifshedid

New beginnings, fresh starts. We get them all the time. The rise of a new day, beginning of a new week, start of a new month, and of course the ever-celebrated new year — I even like to count birthdays as a personal new genesis. So much possibility, so many reasons for renewed hope.

One of my favorite new month traditions is the turning of the calendar pages.  In our 1-bedroom apartment we have four monthly calendars, and one daily — and these calendars are not even where we track our regular happenings — that happens on my Mac’s iCal.  Why all the calendars, you ask?  I think it all started as both a decorative and practical gift at Christmas, and then an opportunity to support a local church and youth group by forcing ourselves to buy their beautiful 12 pages of encouraging verses and stunning photography.  When I turn the page there’s an almost-breathless moment of possibility — what will the picture be?  What will the message be?  What colors will adorn our wall?  What kind of art will we see this month?  What will the new month bring?  So much promise.

While wandering through the library one time I came across a familiar book — “Possibilities:  A Supplemental Anthology for Career Choices” — a text, published by Academic Innovations, that some of my former students would use to begin dreaming and thinking about possible life directions.  Here is the first work of writing that students see, even before getting to the Table of Contents…

Possibility
-by Emily Dickinson

I dwell in Possibility –
A fairer House than Prose –
More numerous of Windows –
Superior — for Doors –

Of Chambers as the Cedars –
Impregnable of Eye –
And for an Everlasting
Roof The Gambrels of the Sky –

Of Visitors — the fairest –
For Occupation — This –
The spreading wide my narrow Hands
To gather Paradise –

I absolutely love the image of spreading our narrow hands wide to gather paradise — a paradise rich in promise, rich in potential, rich in possibility.  With this inheritance of wealth, can also come an overwhelming responsibility or question of what to do with so much possibility?  How to be the best stewards of this gift?

As of today, in my season of unemployment, I have experienced nearly 200 new days, each rich with potential, and also somewhat daunting in how to make the most of it.  There are certain routine elements which naturally take precedence — visiting job search sites, filling out applications, submitting resumés and cover letters, washing the dishes, preparing and eating my meals each day, checking the mail, vacuuming, sweeping, etc. — but then what to do with the rest of the time.  Often I would find myself at the end of the day feeling tired, but dissatisfied and unfulfilled.  My days would fly, but I didn’t feel any great sense of accomplishment, and would wonder where my time had gone.

In the same way that one might make resolutions for the new year, it was at the start of a month like today, that I began giving myself “to-do” lists the night before.  When my head would begin swimming with thoughts — all the many projects I could work on, all the things I could accomplish — all fighting for prime front-row space in my mind, I decided to pour these thoughts out onto paper, so that upon waking and beginning another fresh, new day, I had some direction and priority.  After a couple of weeks of following this pattern, pouring ideas out the night before, waking up and choosing amongst them the “tasks” of the day, I found a renewed sense of energy.  Not only was I able to narrow my focus, instead of being overwhelmed by so many prospects, but I also felt a greater sense of achievement, seeing all that I had completed at the end of each day.

I continue in this pattern still today — and revel in the freedom of doing what I can, exploring the various projects that captivate my interest, and when time does not allow for the completion of all, moving some items to the new day’s list.

What does hope, possibility, promise, potential mean to me?  It means new month, new pages; new day, new pages.

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Thank You to The Muses

Posted on March 31, 2010 by ifshedid

Being unemployed can be incredibly discouraging — not only the main element of not having a job or income, but even the hopelessness of searching for jobs and not finding possibilities.  Or finding possibilities, and then facing the daunting and seemingly-unrewarding task of spending hours crafting a fitting resumé and cover letter, only to click submit and send both off into a black hole of nothingness.  The hours, days, weeks, and months upon end of not hearing any word or making any progress.  Rather than let myself be consumed by these circumstances, I made up my mind at the beginning of this journey that I would allow myself to honestly process these emotions, but I would not wallow in them.  I know and believe that there is a greater purpose to this season in my life — it even ran across my mind the other day, that like Elizabeth Gilbert’s “Eat, Pray, Love”, I could be in my Italy right now – and totally miss it by looking in the wrong direction.  So, to gain the most from this time, I am determinedly making the most of each step of this journey, remaining hopeful, and pursuing those things that I love.

March has been a particularly inspiring month for me.  I finally started my blog, added more items to my Etsy shop, I have started walking AND jogging, and in the process of accomplishing all of these, I have done many of the things I love.  And I have done none of this alone.

Wikipedia defines “muse” as “the goddesses or spirits who inspire the creation of literature and the arts. They were considered the source of the knowledge, related orally for centuries in the ancient culture, that was contained in poetic lyrics and myths.”  Even though I am not living in Greek and Roman mythology, these goddesses or spirits remain ever-present.

I have the privilege of following in the footsteps of my muses – inspiring women, doing what they love, and making the history of tomorrow.  They are scattered around the nation, taking brave steps in unfamiliar territories, and encouraging others by their example — often unknowingly.  Many of these women I have not met in person, and most are not even aware of how they have energized me, but each in doing what she loves, leaves an innovative footprint in this world — pursuing her passions and doing so in a way that only she was uniquely gifted to do.  So, in celebration of the last day of Women’s History Month 2010, I want to take a moment to give a shout out to some of the women of tomorrow’s history.

Katherine Scoleri & Joelle Reed, founders of Moxie Design Studios, authors of "The IT Girl's Guide to Blogging"

The first two women I would like to acknowledge provided me with the tools to make my “ifshedidwhatsheloves” blog possible.  Since last summer I have had it on my mind and heart to begin a blog.  I have always loved writing; it’s incredibly therapeutic, and a tangible way to chronicle the history of the heart.  Many who are close to me have encouraged me in my writing, and especially in this challenging time, I have had this voice in the back of my mind saying, “Start your blog.  Start your blog.”  But it was the hot pink book, the catchy title of “The IT Girl’s Guide to Blogging with Moxie“, and their uniquely-made-for-women style that got me started on my blogging path.  Katherine Scoleri and Joelle Reed are the two women of Moxie Design Studios.  The MoxieGirls have pursued their loves of Art, Web Design, blogging, and more.  The fruits of the labor have been spending time with family, sipping martinis, and working in their pajamas.

Joy, blogger of "Joy of Stamping", co-founder of Eclectic Paperie, co-designer/co-founder of Our Craft Lounge

Robyn, blogger of "My Pink Stamper", creator of online cardmaking video tutorials

As I have been delving deeper into the world of handmade cards, two women who have taken their art and skills to the worldwideweb have inspired me.  Joy from JoyofStamping and Robyn from My Pink Stamper.  Both women started off as sellers or demonstrators of rubber stamping products, and each then chose to take their interests to new levels.  Joy regularly shares her latest cardmaking creations through her blog, has co-founded her own cardmaking-supply business – Eclectic Paperie, and has started co-designing her own “Our Craft Lounge” line of stamps and products.  Robyn continues sharing the latest and greatest products and techniques through her blog and site, My Pink Stamper, by presenting online video demonstrations from her personal “Pink Loft” and answering questions or showcasing cardmaking supplies on her blog.

Karen, founder of kgarnerdesigns, creator of exquisite jewelry

For her exquisite jewelry designs and sharing her story as a “Quit Your Day Job” Etsian, I would like to acknowledge Karen of kgarnerdesigns.  Karen started off making jewelry for the creative release it provided, as well as for an intimate and less expensive way to dress up her bridesmaids.  When considering a way to stay at home with her son, she kept coming back to jewelry-making.  On a budget of $10 a week, Karen knew that if she wanted to keep her hobby, she needed to get something back for her time and investment.  The results — kgarnerdesigns — her Etsy shop.  In the vast world of Etsy shops, Karen distinguishes herself with her timeless designs, the classic metals she uses, and her wedding-day or everyday inspirations.

Heather, blogger of "Wanderlust"

In the world of health, fitness, and learning to love oneself, I would like to send a special shout to to Heather, otherwise known as MadTownMotzie, the author of “Wanderlust“, a blog about one individual’s journey to better health with the help of Weight Watchers, changing food choices, increased fitness, and frequent attitude checks.  Although Heather has been on her journey for life, and has been blogging since August 2009, I only stumbled across her blog last week.  In reading her older posts I have been particularly inspired by her ODB – Operation Disney Bod – in which Heather steps up the exercise, cuts back (but doesn’t cut out) holiday indulgences, and gives herself regular pep talks in order to reach a goal.  I especially appreciate the honest and oftentimes vulnerable way in which Heather invites readers along her journey.

Lisa See, author of "Shanghai Girls"

Most recently, I had the pleasure of joining a women’s book club through my church.  First of all, I want to thank this unique circle of women for hosting the book club because without them, I would not have read “Shanghai Girls” this month.  Moreover, I would not have come to be acquainted with Lisa See, its author.  Not only was I utterly entranced by See’s writing and brief windows into the histories of Shanghai, Angel Island, and Los Angeles in the 1930′s and onward, but I was also incredibly inspired by the manner in which Lisa See carries her love of what she does across all facets of her life.  I read that See has a special fondness for forgotten or untold stories.  By exploring her bio, I also learned that she helps resurrect these stories, not only through her writing, but also by participating in such projects as recording narratives for walking tours of Los Angeles, giving of her time as a guest curator of select Chinese-American museum collections, and serving as the Los Angeles City Commissioner on the “El Pueblo de Los Angeles” Monument Authority.

Linda, follower of dreams, stopped by nothing

Lastly, to a woman who worked as many jobs as she had to, who has made sacrifice after sacrifice, and who has consistently given generously of her heart — all in order to support and make a better life for herself and her family.  An inspiration for following her dreams and not letting things like age, convention, or the opinions of others stand in her way.  After spending 4 years in law school — while continuing in her full-time job, and more than 30 years as a primary school educator, she said “School’s Out Forever”, resigned from teaching, and has been working to following her interest in law.  Times have been tough, and opportunities are scarce, but she continues day in and day out to study for the Bar, bring in income, and keep herself busy with substitute teaching, and senior care-giving.  To the woman who has always been a great inspiration and source of knowledge in my life I say, “thank you” to my greatest Muse, my mother.

So, too all my Muses of March — in the words most famously sung by ABBA in “Thank You for the Music” and slightly tweaked by me……

So I say Thank you to The Muses, for loves pursuing
Thanks for all the joy they’re bringing
Who can live without them, I ask in all honesty
What would life be?
Without a craft or a story what are we?
So I say thank you to The Muses
For giving loves to me

I’ve been so lucky, I am the girl with Muses and Internet
I wanna shout it out to everybody
What a joy, what a life, what a chance!

So I say Thank you to The Muses, for loves pursuing
Thanks for all the joy they’re bringing

(and for those who are just dying to listen to the full, original song by “The ABBA Tribute Band” you can click here to listen via Deezer)

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