What Made Me Cry Tonight

The last 20 minutes of Kid Nation.

This post on Craigslist.

The people who emailed to thank me for that last post.

What did not make me cry tonight:

My boss telling me that the report I handed in yesterday made her "angrier than she's ever been."

Seriously, boss? You must lead a life refreshingly free from rage and indignation.

Better Living Through Chemistry

I'm crediting liberal application of red wine for the swift decline in my Lexapro induced high blood pressure. However, my return to normal blood pressure was followed by heart palpitations. According to Dr. Wikipedia, there are two different kinds of palpitations - the kind that feel like your heart is fluttering and the kind that feels like your heart goes "thump!" I was having the thumping kind.

I called the nurse helpline of my insurance company, and I was trying to explain how my heart felt over the phone. I told her "...and then my heart goes 'blump.' I know 'blump' isn't a word, but...", and she said, "No, but I understand exactly what you mean. " And then I kind of fell in love with the nurse helpline.

Anyway, I would be going about my business, and then my heart would go "blump," and I would get a little dizzy and lose my breath. It made me feel kind of weird and giddy, so I didn't mind it so much, but then I would fear for my life, and I didn't like that part very well.

Between the nurse helpline and the cryptic message my doctor's office left me, I decided that I probably wasn't risking imminent heart failure. As long as I didn't black out and fall down, I didn't have much to worry about. Sure enough, the palpitations went away by themselves.

As far as I can tell, the physical symptoms of the withdrawal seem to be over. In the course of a year I've gone from barely functional to medicated to drug withdrawal to feeling OK again. I hear of people who refuse medication because they worry it will turn them into some kind of vapidly grinning zombie or that the withdrawal symptoms won't ever allow them to go off the drugs. I am here to suggest to you that

IF YOU FEEL BAD, YOU SHOULD TAKE THE DRUGS!

In my case, it was the anxiety that turned me into a zombie, and earlier in my life it was the depression. Once I got medicated I could think and concentrate and interact with people like a live human being. Suddenly, I could write and work as if a key in my brain had turned and let the person I remembered being out of a dark basement.

Coming off the medication (which my doctor specifically chose to avoid the worst of the side effects and withdrawal and fortunately worked for me) was weird and uncomfortable, but now, instead of just feeling like a functional human being, I feel like a capable, confident person. To tell the truth, I worry that this must be a side effect. Surely, people don't normally feel this good, this resilient.

I don't think I have for ten years. But I remember what this used to be like. And I'm looking forward to plenty more.

A Considerably Crafty Christmas

Although I lack the dedication to Pledge Handmade, I am trying to choose as many locally handmade gifts for my family as possible, including a few projects I have on my own knitting needles.

Last weekend a couple of friends, The Husband, and I checked out the Urban Street Bazaar, and I came away with some excellent finds, most of which I actually intend to give away at Christmas. So, if you're related to me quit reading now or you might spoil the surprise.

I was about ready to walk away with Kraftivity Studios' entire inventory, but I managed to select three things, only one of which I plan to keep for myself. This cherry blossom plate is finding a home on my shelf.





This little pot is for my grandmother. I think I'm going to plant an African violet in it before I give it to her.



This sad sack Santa is for my mom's stepmother. She's the type of person who can't answer the question, "How are you doing?" without tossing off a comment like, "Oh, you know. The excruciating pain and paralysis come and go, but I guess I'm fine."





I'm giving this hand painted dishtowel to my mom to add to her chicken collection. It comes from MaggieDell's Designs, which doesn't have a website, but it does have a MySpace page. They'll do custom projects, so just drop them a line if you need a barnyard animal painted on your kitchen linens.





This last plate from Superchica is mine, mine, mine. It nearly leapt off the table into my arms. I don't know exactly why it strikes me like it does, but I keep hugging it because I just love it so much.





I picked up this candle from Shambhala Body Gallery to make our house smell all Christmas-ey.



Finally, the Kitchen Beautician (who also doesn't have a website; come on people, join the 21st century) put together this basket for my girly little diva of a twelve-year-old cousin. I've been keeping all the gifts in the spare room until Christmas, and the whole place smells like roses now.

Random Photo Friday: Hot Tub* Edition

I love this picture of the hall after our wedding reception is over. My brother is looking all James Bond villain in his tuxedo. Friends who now live in three different states are lingering and laughing.

Meanwhile, The Husband and I are enjoying some marital bliss for the first time in our hotel room's hot tub.

This is supposed to be when the party ends and the real "work" of being married begins. However, after 2 1/2 years I still haven't figured out what's so strenuous about hanging out with The Husband all the time. If I didn't think it was going to be fun, I wouldn't have married the dude, and so far it has been.

I would like to impart some wisdom to newlyweds and horny people everywhere. Engaging in "bliss" in a hot tub is not all it's cracked up to be. I have to recommend against the amphibious "bliss." If you feel the need to know why, you'll have to email me because I'm pretty sure posting explicit material on the internet isn't allowed.

*Not pictured

YWCA drive to aid struggling moms

From the Dallas Morning News today.

12:00 AM CST on Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Robert Miller bmiller@dallasnews.com

The Young Leaders Board of the YWCA of Metropolitan Dallas is hosting a Holiday Donation Drive through Dec. 17 to help the neediest families served by the YWCA.

You can help by dropping off canned food, baby food and travel-size toiletry items at the YWCA's headquarters, 4144 N. Central Expressway, Suite 580, or the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce at 2838 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

The donated items will be used to fill holiday gift baskets for single mothers.

"When you consider that the YWCA's typical client is a single working mother trying to raise two children on less than $30,000 a year, you see how tight her budget has to be just to cover the bare necessities," said Cherika Latham, president of the young leaders board.

The board is made up of "emerging leaders" from 25 to 40 who are committed to serving as YWCA ambassadors and raising awareness of the YWCA's mission, goals and initiatives.

For more information about the board, e-mail or call Joyce Meyer at jmeyer@ywca dallas.org or 214-584-2312. To learn more about the YWCA, visit www.ywcadallas.org or call 214-826-YWCA (9922).

The Accidental Multitasker

My boss has asked me to conduct a time study of my work habits for the next couple of weeks, so I'm keeping track of how much time I spend on different tasks and projects. Supposedly the idea is to justify hiring a high-level administrative assistant, so I don't have to do so much paperwork and can concentrate on more managerial responsibilities. Of course, I'm sure she's also using this chance to check up on me. That doesn't worry me, though, because I have no trouble staying very busy.

I've only been doing this for about a day, but I couldn't believe it when I looked at yesterday's list and saw that only twice all day did I spend more than 15 minutes focused on any one thing. The only times I could concentrate for 20 or 30 minutes in a row was when I was having a face-to-face discussion with someone about an issue.

I spend most of my time asking people to do things, and the rest of my time following up to make sure they did them. This probably isn't the best use of any employee's time, but it would be doable if I didn't have my own things to do. I need to hire a new employee, and complete a performance review for another one, and get some invoices paid.

So far, I've always managed to accomplish everything I needed to eventually, but now I'm wondering how. No wonder I'm behind all the time if I'm interrupted every 15 minutes to deal with one issue after another. Maybe I need to designate some "leave me alone" time each day and close my door and turn off the phone. However, I'm the only person with an office but no window, so I'd worry people would think I'm taking a nap or something while I'm ignoring them.

Pleh, maybe I will. I'm not getting anything done as it is. I might as well take advantage.

You Know What Would Be Cool?

It would be cool if there were some sort of website or application that would rank your potential "compatibility" with other bloggers by comparing the amount of overlap in each other's BlogRolls.

Does this exist, and if not, when do you plan to invent it?

28 Things, More or Less

I got a little OCD with witchypoo about the fact there is no #2 on this list. I figure if I'm going to be all over-invested in its ordinal consistency, the least I can do is play along.

1. Any nicknames? Not really. I do go by my middle name instead of my first.

3. Favorite drink? Wine, and I'm not too picky about it.

4. Any tattoos? Yep, my astrological symbol on my belly. I went on a road trip with two of my friends in college, and we all got tattoos in Pittsburgh.

5 Body piercing? Just my ears.

6. How much do you love your job? I love working on a cause I believe in, and that makes me happy everyday. On a day to day basis, I love my job completely about 99% of the time. The other 1% of the time I'm crying quietly to myself with my office door closed.

7. Favorite vacation spot? I couldn't pick one spot. I love to travel.

8. Ever been to Africa? No. I hope to have the chance to go and visit my uncle, who is in the foreign service, if he gets reassigned to an African country.

9. Ever eaten cookies for dinner? Yes. Sometimes I don't even bake them first.

10. Ever been on TV? Once, answering phones for the local public television pledge drive.

11. Ever steal any traffic signs? No. But I did used to collect those little bumps that divide the lanes on the road. I had small white and yellow ones, white and orange reflective ones, and one of those giant yellow ones that mark a left turn lane. I always coveted the blue reflective ones that mark fire hydrants, but I wasn't irresponsible enough to steal one, and I never found one that had come loose on its own.

12. Ever been in a car accident? One time, but it wasn't my fault.

13. Drive a 2-door or 4-door vehicle? 4-door with a hatch back.

14. Favorite pie? If I had to pick just one, I'd say cherry, but my love for pies is broad and deep.

15. Favorite Number? 7 or 17. My birth month is July, and I was born in 1977. The address of the first home we've ever owned begins and ends with seven. The last two jobs I've had hired me on the 17th of the month. Those numbers just keep popping up.

16. Favorite movie? Heathers

17. Favorite holiday? Thanksgiving

18. Favorite dessert? I can't narrow it down. My sweet tooth is mighty.

19. Favorite food? Sushi, and most things that come out of the ocean. Honorable mentions go to Tex-Mex and really garlicky Italian food.

20. Favorite day of the week? Saturday. It's the only day I can manage sleeping in and staying up late without having to worry about work.

21. Favorite brand of body wash? Evidently bath products are a popular gift for females, so I have received several metric butt loads of body wash over the years. When one bottle of body wash runs out, I just reach in the cabinet and choose another one at random.

22. Favorite toothpaste? Tom's of Maine, wintermint flavor.

23. Favorite smell? That's a hard question. I love the smell of onions frying, but I wouldn't want my shampoo to smell that way.

24. What do you do to relax? Read blogs and drink wine. Plant things. Take a hot shower. Knit. I really have the whole relaxing thing down.

25. Do you have a message to your friends reading this? The crow flies at midnight.

26. How do you see yourself in 10 years? Kind of the way I am now, only more so.

27. Furthest place you will send this message? Not too far, I'm pretty sure.

28. Who will respond the fastest? I'll be surprised if anyone does, to tell you the truth.

Adult Supervision

Last night I went to hang out with Jack (a.k.a. The Offspring). Earlier in the week my good sense was overcome by the sheer wonderfulness of the craft store, so I ended up with several wholesome activities to inflict upon The Offspring.

We started with the make your own Super Ball kit.



Let me advise you, if you have kids who are easily disappointed. Do not buy this toy for them. It is absolutely impossible to create balls that look anything like the ones on the package. Fortunately, The Offspring has reasonable expectations when it comes to truth in advertising, and was openly skeptical about the likelihood that our finished products would match those on the box. He was absolutely correct. We did manage to make a few bouceable balls, however.



Then, I tried to sell him on the pirate ship kit, but for some reason "coloring on wood" was a big turn off for The Offspring. I asked him if he had tried coloring on wood before, and he said yes but he wouldn't elaborate. Maybe one of his parental units could let me in on the coloring-on-wood related trauma he has experienced because that's just weird.

I didn't see any reason to expose the kid to the horrors of wood coloring, so we moved on to making sun catchers that look like bugs. We both thought this was pretty fun, and our bugs turned out quite beautifully.





We took a few breaks to play Guitar Hero, watch Futurama, and have a snack. I also managed to accidentally expose the poor child to sadomasochistic sex slavery (thanks a lot, network television) before distracting him with the movie Dodgeball.

Although we were peacefully coloring when The Offspring's folks came home, I have to admit he spent an awful lot of time flinging our homemade super balls at the walls while I made helpful suggestions like, "Let's see what happens if you throw two of them at the same time." But seriously, if I wanted to be all responsible and discipliney I'd have my own kids.

Eat Yer Veggies

This post at Pandagon inspired me to try to include more fresh produce in my diet. I really don't have any excuse not to, especially considering the challenges so many people face in getting any kind of decent food at all. (Uncharacteristically, I jumped into the fray at the Pandagon post close to the end of the comments. Feel free to go over there and back me up or tell me I'm full of it.)

However, I'm always in need of tasty, uncomplicated vegetable recipes. I hope you'll post your favorites in the comments. In the spirit of reciprocity, I'll share some of mine here.

Garlicky Pasta with Fresh Tomatoes and Basil
(from Cooking Light)

We made this last summer with tomatoes and basil from our back yard garden. It was just heaven.

3 tbsp. extravirgin olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
5 cups (about 2 lbs.) chopped plum tomatoes (We just used a hodge podge of tomatoes since we grew a couple different kinds.)
6 cups (about 12 oz. uncooked pasta) hot cooked campanella (or other twisty-ish shape of pasta)
1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. fresh ground black pepper

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic; saute 30 seconds. Add chopped tomatoes; cook for 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring occasionally. Add pasta, basil, salt, and pepper, tossing gently to combine. Serves 6.

The recipe also calls for 1/4 cup (1 oz.) of grated fresh Parmesan cheese to be added to the tomatoes along with the pasta, basil, salt, and pepper, but I like to cook vegan whenever possible. I certainly didn't miss the cheese.

Sesame Kale

2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound kale (about bunch)
2 teaspoons sesame seed oil
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
Salt and pepper if desired

Mince the garlic cloves. Wash the kale and shake it over the sink. It should remain a little wet. Remove and discard the stems from the kale and tear it into bite-size pieces. Save the stems for another use, such as vegetable stock.

Heat the sesame seed oil in the skillet over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and saute for about 20 seconds. Add the kale and water to the garlic and oil, and cover the skillet.

After 1 minute, stir the kale, then re-cover. After 1-2 more minutes, when the kale is wilted, stir in the soy sauce and sesame seeds. If desired, add salt and/or pepper to taste.

Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Sweet and Sour Greens

My favorites for this recipe are beet greens or chard. You could also use collard greens, mustard greens, spinach, or kale. Just be sure to adjust your cooking time depending on how tough your greens are and how tender you prefer them.

1 pound greens
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 large garlic clove, minced
3/4 cup of water
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 tbsp cider vinegar

Wash the greens in a sink filled with cold water. Drain greens and wash a second time. Drain greens and remove any heavy stems. Tear leaves into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

In a 3 qt saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, cook 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions soften and start to brown. Stir in garlic.

Add water to the hot pan, stirring to loosen any particles from bottom of pan. Stir in sugar and red pepper. Continue cooking until mixture boils.

Add greens, reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes or more depending on desired tenderness of greens. Stir in vinegar. Serves 2-4 depending on how much you like greens.

(Adapted from Simply Recipes)

Of course a major reason why so many people don't include fresh produce in their meals is lack of access. Poor urban neighborhoods may not have any grocery stores selling produce, so people have to find transportation to shop for fruits and vegetables. Fresh produce is too expensive for tight budgets to bear. Also, some people don't have the capacity to store perishable items.

Often, I'm just too lazy to plan for meals, so I've come up with a few recipes that require few or no perishable items, but still feature plenty of vegetables.

(The following recipes are a little sketchier than the ones above because I mostly made them up as I went along. I'll try to include all the relevant details, but just let me know if I left out anything vital.)

Tomato Florentine Soup

1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
1 large carrot, sliced
3 cloves garlic, chopped
4 cups vegetable broth (I usually use a powdered mix)
2 can diced tomatoes, undrained (I use salt free)
10 oz. package of frozen spinach, thawed
1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp marjoram

Heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and carrot, and saute until soft. Add garlic, and stir for 30 seconds.

Add broth, tomatoes, spinach, beans, and spices. Simmer 15 minutes. Salt to taste.

Lemony Spinach and Brown Rice

2 tsp olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup cooked brown rice (I use instant, prepared according to directions on package)
10 oz. package of frozen spinach, cooked according to directions on package
3/4 tsp lemon pepper
1/2 tsp dill
1 can mushrooms, drained

Saute the garlic over medium heat in the olive oil for 30-60 seconds. Then mix all the other ingredients together. Stir for a few minutes until everything is well mixed and heated through.

Super Easy Vegetable Soup

Open a bunch of canned vegetables. Pour them in a pot. Heat them up. Add some salt and pepper.

My usual mixture includes

(don't drain the following)
2 cans chopped tomatoes
1 can French cut green beans
1 can carrots
1 can mushrooms
1 can corn (maybe)

1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
A handful of whole wheat macaroni
1 tbsp vegetable broth powder

As much water as necessary to create the desired degree of soupiness.

Season with dill, dried basil, black pepper, garlic salt. Add a shot of lemon juice if you have it.

If you try any of these recipes, I hope you'll let me know how they turn out. Also, please share your favorite veggie recipes.