tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72994783959738234472024-03-07T21:23:34.497-07:00The Little Stuff of Lifebaby stuff and life before babiesStephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16036165207963542073noreply@blogger.comBlogger525125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299478395973823447.post-35540321045892071052010-09-05T14:20:00.003-07:002010-09-05T15:27:15.059-07:00UpdateI guess I needed a break. I didn't realize it. But then all the sudden I wasn't posting anything here.<br /><br />So...sorry about the sudden disappearance.<br /><br />I have some ideas for future posts. I want to start up again. But not quite yet. I still feel kinda burned out. And there are lots of things I'm figuring out right now with work...and life in general.<br /><br />Hopefully, we can meet back here soon.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16036165207963542073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299478395973823447.post-21152651892979899732010-07-13T23:07:00.008-07:002010-07-14T00:48:59.936-07:00Facebook status (in clerihew)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/SdtfST0IV1I/AAAAAAAADEE/yFzhIp2KUdE/s800/perfectlypoetical_small.gif"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://littlestuffoflife.blogspot.com/2010/07/perfectly-poetical-tuesday-clerihew.html"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 144px; height: 144px;" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/SdtfST0IV1I/AAAAAAAADEE/yFzhIp2KUdE/s800/perfectlypoetical_small.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />My clerihew for <a href="http://littlestuffoflife.blogspot.com/2010/07/perfectly-poetical-tuesday-clerihew.html">Perfectly Poetical Tuesday</a>, complete with silly graphics...<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/TD1nJeFqpbI/AAAAAAAAElk/P4aQve_Euv4/s1600/facebookmonster.png"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 66px; height: 114px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/TD1nJeFqpbI/AAAAAAAAElk/P4aQve_Euv4/s200/facebookmonster.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493660532855186866" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/TD1m7dvquyI/AAAAAAAAElU/q8507deYsdo/s1600/facebookmonster.png"><br /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zuckerberg">Mark Zuckerberg</a><br />Thinks we're all from Suckerberg<br />'Cuz <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/well-these-new-zuckerberg-ims-wont-help-facebooks-privacy-problems-2010-5">we trust our info</a> to the monster he's created.<br />Why do we do it? Well...it's complicated.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/TD1nJH1ZH0I/AAAAAAAAElc/kAOgNA7Us0I/s1600/broken+heart-02.png"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 87px; height: 93px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/TD1nJH1ZH0I/AAAAAAAAElc/kAOgNA7Us0I/s200/broken+heart-02.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493660526881349442" border="0" /></a>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16036165207963542073noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299478395973823447.post-10557822207837037822010-07-13T05:54:00.001-07:002010-07-13T05:57:12.770-07:00Perfectly Poetical Tuesday: Clerihew<table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iOA5SAsmCEec3cOzQ6v4Fg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/SdtvbfXMEpI/AAAAAAAADEc/196rrNsEhVs/s800/perfectlypoetical_med.gif" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/boldavenue/LSLButtons?feat=embedwebsite">LSL Buttons</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Good morning! It's <a href="http://littlestuffoflife.blogspot.com/2009/05/perfectly-poetical-relaunched.html">Perfectly Poetical Tuesday</a> (<a href="http://twitter.com/#search?q=%23perpotues">#PerPoTues</a>), and this month we're exploring the newer poetic form of the <a href="http://littlestuffoflife.blogspot.com/2010/06/what-is-clerihew.html">Clerihew</a> – where you get four lines to poke fun at someone famous.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">How to join in</span> today:</span><br /><ol><li>Write your own clerihew (<a href="http://littlestuffoflife.blogspot.com/2010/06/what-is-clerihew.html">here's how</a>), post it on your blog* and include a link back to this post.<br /></li><li>Stop back by, link up and leave a comment.</li><li>Follow the other links and read some great poetry!</li></ol>*If you don't have a blog, feel free to just post it in the comments and skip the linking.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Next PerPoTues</span> will be<span style="font-weight: bold;"> August 10</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>. The style will be <a href="http://www.writing.com/main/books/entry_id/413913"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Septet</span></a>. Check back next week for more information on that (7/20).<br /><br />For now, link on up! I can wait to read some clerihews! (Mine will be up later today.)<br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www2.blenza.com/linkies/autolink.php?owner=boldavenue&postid=13Jul2010"></script>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16036165207963542073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299478395973823447.post-34840191809367628322010-06-23T11:44:00.000-07:002010-06-23T11:44:08.127-07:00Birthday free stuff in Phoenix<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/TCJO5t6sXwI/AAAAAAAAEi0/6ofY17HfY-o/s1600/icecream1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/TCJO5t6sXwI/AAAAAAAAEi0/6ofY17HfY-o/s320/icecream1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486034049575968514" border="0" /></a><br />Stop me if you've heard this one before. I sure thought I already did a post with birthday freebies, but I can't seem to find it. So when people ask me about fun free stuff to do on their birthday, I just keep sending out the same email with this list I gathered from a few different sources (see below for the two main ones). Thought I'd just go ahead and post the info here instead.<br /><br />Many of these are Phoenix-area-specific, but maybe local business in your area offer something similar. It's worth asking!<br /><br />Also, as far as I know, this information is accurate. Of course, businesses can change things at anytime.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/TCJVQBZznJI/AAAAAAAAEjE/SRnCRelL3Ic/s1600/icecream3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/TCJVQBZznJI/AAAAAAAAEjE/SRnCRelL3Ic/s320/icecream3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486041029833628818" border="0" /></a><div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Things you can do on your birthday without signing up in advance</span><br />(Just show your driver's license or other ID with your birthday on it.)</div><ul><li><b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.libertymarket.com">Liberty Market</a>, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.joesrealbbq.com/">Joe's Real BBQ</a> </b>and<b> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.joesfarmgrill.com">Joe's Farm Grill</a></b> each offer a $10 meal voucher on your birthday (can only be used that day). You can even go to all three! This is known as the Birthday Trifecta.<br /></li><li><b>Krispy Kreme</b> - Dozen original glazed doughnuts. (<a href="http://web.sa.mapquest.com/krispykreme/?tempset=search">Locations.</a>)</li><li><b>Harkins Theatres</b> - Free bag of popcorn for customers. (<a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.harkinstheatres.com/">Locations.</a>) I couldn't find anywhere that still offered free movies on your birthday.</li></ul><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/TCJO6IyEefI/AAAAAAAAEi8/67VHZ2cf27Q/s1600/icecream2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 309px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/TCJO6IyEefI/AAAAAAAAEi8/67VHZ2cf27Q/s320/icecream2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486034056787556850" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Things you need to sign up for online and/or print off before you go*</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Free Meal:</span><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Black Angus</span> - <a href="http://www.fishbowl.com/clt/blckangus/lp/join/join.asp">Sign up for the BA Prime Club</a>, and they will email you a coupon when your birthday is coming up for a free steak dinner with purchase of another entree.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Z'Tejas</span> - <a href="http://www.ztejas.com/zmail.php?section=zmail">Sign up</a> and receive a $15 coupon.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Genghis Grill</span> - <a href="https://www.genghisgrill.com/khan/index.html">Sign up for their "Build Your Own Birthday" Program,</a> and they will email you a coupon for one free bowl of stir fry.</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fre</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">e Dessert/Treat:</span><ul><li><b>Cold Stone Creamery</b> - Kids and adults can <a href="http://www.coldstonecreamery.com/birthday/birthday_club.aspx">join the</a><a href="http://www.coldstonecreamery.com/birthday/birthday_club.aspx"> birthday club</a>, and then print the coupon from your online account. Free ice-cream coupon can be redeemed seven days before or after your birthday.</li><li><span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span><span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jack in the Box</span> - <a href="http://www.jackinthebox.com/coupon/happy-birthday-2-U.php">Print this coupon</a> for a free dessert on your birthday.</span></span></span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Baskin Robbins</span> - <a href="http://www.baskinrobbins.com/BDayClub/">Join the BR Birthday Club</a> for a free scoop of ice cream on your birthday. (They will email you coupons for your free ice cream and a discount on cake 5 days before your birthday.)<br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sonic Drive-In</span> - <a href="http://www.sonicdrivein.com/cruisers/joinNow.do">Sign up</a><b> </b>and receive a free treat (i.e. slush, tater tots, drink) on your birthday.</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Not Food:</span><ul><li><b>Sundrops Nail Spot</b> - <a href="http://www.sundropsnailspot.com/club.php">Join the online club</a> and receive a mini manicure on your birthday. Includes cuticle treatment, nail shaping and polish. Located: 3949 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sephora</span> - Sign up as a <a href="http://www.sephora.com/beautyinsider/">Beauty Insider</a> and receive a free lip gloss trio. Stop by a Sephora store to redeem. In-store locations (i.e. Sephora inside JC Penney at Tempe Marketplace) may not participate. </li></ul>Some of this info came from the following sources - check them out for <span style="font-weight: bold;">more birthday freebies</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">:</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/TCJO6IyEefI/AAAAAAAAEi8/67VHZ2cf27Q/s1600/icecream2.jpg"></a><ul><li><a href="http://hstanfi.livejournal.com/189542.html">Birthday Freebies in Phoenix, AZ<br /></a></li><li><a href="http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/arizonaliving/articles/2009/03/23/20090323birthday0323.html">Enjoy your birthday with some free goodies</a><br /></li></ul><span style="font-style: italic;">*I signed up for some of these on my birthday last year, and still received discounts, although some of them came later.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Photos by D Sharon Pruitt, </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinksherbet/" title="Link to Pink Sherbet Photography's photostream" rel="dc:creator cc:attributionURL" name="Account name"><b property="foaf:name">Pink Sherbet Photography</b></a><span style="font-style: italic;">.</span></span>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16036165207963542073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299478395973823447.post-19868178185717922772010-06-22T16:34:00.001-07:002010-06-22T16:35:01.142-07:00What is a clerihew?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/S9yQL1PajOI/AAAAAAAAEKE/5Mb1IMZ_L8A/s1600/clerihew.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 248px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/S9yQL1PajOI/AAAAAAAAEKE/5Mb1IMZ_L8A/s400/clerihew.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466402580665634018" border="0" /></a><br />A clerihew is an awesome poetic form. Here is why:<br /><ul><li>You get to be snarky.</li><li>It's only four lines.</li><li>Irregular/awkward meter and line length is encouraged.</li></ul>This is a poetic form that doesn't take it self too seriously. It's meant to sound a bit off beat. You can write about someone famous or anyone you want to poke a little fun at. The first line can be composed entirely of the name of the person you're writing about.<br /><br />The first two lines rhyme, and the last two lines rhyme (aabb).<br /><br />Sound like fun? Get your snarkiness out in poetic form, and link up on <a href="http://littlestuffoflife.blogspot.com/2009/05/perfectly-poetical-relaunched.html">Perfectly Poetical Tuesday</a> (<a href="http://twitter.com/#search?q=%23perpotues">#PerPoTues</a>) July 12.<br /><br />More clerihew info and inspiration:<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><ul><li><a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/cgi-bin/mwwodarch.pl?Dec.01.2006">The Word of the Day is <span class="headword">clerihew.</span></a></li><li><span class="headword"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clerihew">Clerihew</a> on Wikipedia (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clerihew#Examples">examples</a>)</span></li><li><a href="http://www.themediadrome.com/content/articles/words_articles/right_word4_fixed_forms.htm#clerihew"><span class="headword">The Media Drome: Clerihew</span></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_4780493_write-clerihew-poem.html">How to Write a Clerihew Poem</a></li></ul><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"> <span style="font-style: italic;">Poem/illustration </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/prawnwarp/2805181692/" title="">by mr lynch</a></span>.<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> Here's <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/prawnwarp/3328883143/in/set-72157606866459743/">another one </a>from him, but it was over my head.</span></span>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16036165207963542073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299478395973823447.post-35782228389919158152010-06-15T21:48:00.002-07:002010-06-15T22:02:15.819-07:00A quick updateI'm going to have to postpone the <a href="http://littlestuffoflife.blogspot.com/2010/06/perfectly-poetical-triolet.html">aforementioned</a> "What is a clerihew?" post a day or two. Or three.<br /><br />I really wanted to get it up today, but I'm still kind of recovering from <a href="http://littlestuffoflife.blogspot.com/2010/06/things-you-could-never-plan-for.html">the emotional drain that was last week</a> plus three migraines in six days plus work has gotten even busier. I say that not to complain, but just so you know where I'm at. (Some of you wonder.) And so that you know that I haven't forgotten about you - or poetry - and I'll be checking back in soon.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16036165207963542073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299478395973823447.post-90435697929538883592010-06-10T22:09:00.013-07:002010-06-11T00:39:10.441-07:00The things you could never plan for<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/S4IV7JlFpdI/AAAAAAAAD_Q/rrhv0JAxh6g/s400/IMG00607.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/S4IV7JlFpdI/AAAAAAAAD_Q/rrhv0JAxh6g/s400/IMG00607.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />There are events we anticipate, plan for, prepare for in advance – maybe days or weeks or months ahead of time. And then there are the other things that come up unexpectedly and cannot be ignored. They are suddenly there, in front of you, leaving you gasping for air with no choice but to stop and rearrange your life as best you can, or, rather, watch as your life rearranges itself before your eyes.<br /><br />This Saturday, a friend of my family, who we've known since he was just a kid, will be getting married. The invitations went out weeks ago. Ours mistakenly went to my parents-in-law (the Hubs was named after his dad), but, eventually, it made its way to us – hand-delivered by my father-in-law on his way home from work – and we all had a good laugh about the mix up.<br /><br />But news doesn't always come in carefully selected stationery. Sometimes it's too urgent. I received a text earlier this week telling me that some of my parents' closest friends, friends from another part of their life, who I've known as long as I can remember because they were friends before I was born, just lost their youngest son. I haven't seen him in years, but we all used to play together as kids. He was about the same age as my younger brother – so, mid-twenties. And now he's gone. And I can't imagine what his parents and siblings are going through.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/TBHiLvlizsI/AAAAAAAAEiA/SSqNdMeVrik/s1600/IMG00360_ed.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 280px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/TBHiLvlizsI/AAAAAAAAEiA/SSqNdMeVrik/s400/IMG00360_ed.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481410912866979522" border="0" /></a>My parents will have house guests this week – one here for the funeral and the other here for the wedding. I went over the other night to help them get ready and brought dinner, because I didn't know what else to do. I guess it doesn't matter what life throws at you – people still need to eat and something always needs cleaning. And, during times like these, we all just take care of each other the best we can. Isn't that what everyone does?<br /><br />Today, it was a voicemail. Mom's voice was steady, but something told me that when she said "call me back," she meant it. Over the phone, she delivered the news that her Uncle Bud just passed away. When her voice started to waver, we talked about something else. And then we went out to lunch. There's just too much going on right now to process it all. But people still need to eat.<br /><br />As I was typing this, the Hubs finished his take-home exam for seminary. He came down with a big grin on his face and announced, "One class down, only 23 to go!" (only! 23!)<br /><br />For now, we have I have my evenings with him back. And on Saturday, we will dress up and go to a funeral in the morning and a wedding in the afternoon. Mom will be checking on flights to Colorado. Everyone will still need to eat, and we'll all just keep cooking and cleaning and working and planning and dealing with the things you could never plan for. And, of course, taking care of each other the best we can.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/TBHlnlnpiEI/AAAAAAAAEiI/S0Kr87WyCtQ/s1600/IMG00574_ed.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 186px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/TBHlnlnpiEI/AAAAAAAAEiI/S0Kr87WyCtQ/s320/IMG00574_ed.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481414689762674754" border="0" /></a>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16036165207963542073noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299478395973823447.post-80864811551119603082010-06-08T17:37:00.001-07:002010-06-08T17:40:58.045-07:00Amazing What You Learn - in triolet form<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://littlestuffoflife.blogspot.com/2010/06/perfectly-poetical-triolet.html"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 144px; height: 144px;" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/SdtfST0IV1I/AAAAAAAADEE/yFzhIp2KUdE/s800/perfectlypoetical_small.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;">Earlier this week,<a href="http://twitter.com/boldavenue/status/15347463652"> I tweeted </a>"</span><span class="status-body"><span class="status-content"><span class="entry-content">Amazing what you can learn when you ask!</span></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;">" Then I thought "hmmm...that may be a good beginning for a <a href="http://littlestuffoflife.blogspot.com/2010/05/what-is-triolet.html">triolet</a> this <a href="http://littlestuffoflife.blogspot.com/2010/06/perfectly-poetical-triolet.html">Perfectly Poetical Tuesday</a>! And here it is...</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><br />Amazing What You Learn</span><br /><br />Amazing what you learn when you just ask –<br />Things you never thought you'd know!<br />Find out facts or get help with a task –<br />Amazing! What you learn when you just ask<br />Also might be more than you wanted to unmask<br />About someone's health or life or personal info.<br />(Amazing what you learn when you just ask,<br />Things you <span style="font-style: italic;">never</span> thought you'd know.)Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16036165207963542073noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299478395973823447.post-11863126711109211572010-06-08T00:00:00.003-07:002010-06-08T00:00:03.633-07:00Perfectly Poetical: Triolet<table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iOA5SAsmCEec3cOzQ6v4Fg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/SdtvbfXMEpI/AAAAAAAADEc/196rrNsEhVs/s800/perfectlypoetical_med.gif" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/boldavenue/LSLButtons?feat=embedwebsite">LSL Buttons</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />So here it is: June's <a href="http://littlestuffoflife.blogspot.com/2009/05/perfectly-poetical-relaunched.html">Perfectly Poetical Tuesday</a> (PerPoTues) with the theme of <a href="http://littlestuffoflife.blogspot.com/2010/05/what-is-triolet.html">Triolet</a>.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">How to join in</span> today:</span><br /><ol><li>Write your own triolet, post it on your blog and include a link back to this post.</li><li>Stop back by, link up and leave a comment.</li><li>Follow the other links and read some great poetry!</li></ol><br />A few <span style="font-weight: bold;">other notes:</span><br /><ul><li>My poem post is scheduled to show up after this one.<br /></li><li>If you're spreading the word via Twitter, feel free to use hashtag <a href="http://twitter.com/#search?q=%23perpotues">#perpotues</a>.</li><li>If you don't have a blog, you can post in the comments here and skip the linking part. :)</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Next PerPoTues</span> will be <span style="font-weight: bold;">July 12</span>. The style will be <span style="font-weight: bold;">clerihew</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>. That's another new one for me, but I'll tell ya all about it next Tuesday (6/15).<br /><br />For now, on with the triolets!<br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www2.blenza.com/linkies/autolink.php?owner=boldavenue&postid=01May2010a"></script>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16036165207963542073noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299478395973823447.post-79622916067794552792010-06-07T07:00:00.001-07:002010-06-07T07:00:04.738-07:00On the menu: getting hooked<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.chivetalkin.com/"><img src="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv238/bjenna/MindfulMenusButton.png" alt="Mindful Menus" height="125" width="125" /></a><br /></div><br /><a href="http://littlestuffoflife.blogspot.com/2010/05/on-menu-cooking-ahead.html">Last week's cooking ahead experiment</a> was a huge success! Sunday afternoon I made a plan, organized my ingredients, went to work...and then cleaned up the giant mess I made. During the week, I had minimal meal prep - and less cleanup, as well! I think I'm hooked.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/TAxBu-pqgdI/AAAAAAAAEfI/tPjBIjnwi98/s1600/cookingahead.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/TAxBu-pqgdI/AAAAAAAAEfI/tPjBIjnwi98/s400/cookingahead.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479827121950589394" border="0" /></a><br />So, on the menu for this week...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Monday:</span> Quinoa casserole (trying a new recipe with quinoa, carrots, onions, mushrooms, corn, black beans and vegetable broth)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">(<a href="http://littlestuffoflife.blogspot.com/2009/05/perfectly-poetical-relaunched.html">Perfectly Poetical</a>) Tuesday: </span>Cilantro chicken with rice and fruit salad<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wednesday:</span> Rodeo stew<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thursday:</span> <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/white-bean-tuna-panzanella-00000000000706/index.html">White Bean and Tuna Panzanella</a> with veggies<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday:</span> most likely heading to an <a href="http://www.ignite-phoenix.org/">Ignite Phoenix</a> viewing party and eating there.<br /><br />Friday evening I made vegetable broth, the quinoa casserole and the sauce for the cilantro chicken. I had already made (and froze) a couple batches of rodeo stew as part of last week's cooking frenzy. Thursday's panzanella is really simple to throw together.<br /><br />And, just like that, we're ready for the week.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16036165207963542073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299478395973823447.post-83321125324870722872010-06-06T17:40:00.002-07:002010-06-06T17:46:48.696-07:00Celebrating beginnings<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/TAwsyuRULoI/AAAAAAAAEdc/Y0XPFnYUzGY/s1600/studioushubs.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/TAwsyuRULoI/AAAAAAAAEdc/Y0XPFnYUzGY/s320/studioushubs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479804096528789122" border="0" /></a><br />Yesterday was the last day of the Hubs's <a href="http://littlestuffoflife.blogspot.com/2010/04/first-day-of-school.html">first seminary class</a>. All he has left to do is a take-home test.<br /><br />Then he'll be taking the summer off and is planning to hit the books again this fall.<br /><br />And, I'm sure there will be plenty of books to hit. There definitely were this quarter!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/TAw-TdAy1DI/AAAAAAAAEe4/cRiQzRgo5To/s1600/seminarybooks3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/TAw-TdAy1DI/AAAAAAAAEe4/cRiQzRgo5To/s320/seminarybooks3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479823350529446962" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/TAw-SjD2PsI/AAAAAAAAEeo/cnbDWtvlRvA/s1600/seminarybooks1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/TAw-SjD2PsI/AAAAAAAAEeo/cnbDWtvlRvA/s320/seminarybooks1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479823334972997314" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/TAw-SzMYCfI/AAAAAAAAEew/h-2pPlVvUt8/s1600/seminarybooks2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/TAw-SzMYCfI/AAAAAAAAEew/h-2pPlVvUt8/s320/seminarybooks2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479823339303733746" border="0" /></a><br />Yesterday also marked 7 years since our first date. (7 years!) We went out last night - nothing fancy, just burgers and movie - but we had a great time.<br /><br />And we have a lot to celebrate.<br /><br /><br />****<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Yep, photos by me. Including the grainy one I took of the Hubs yesterday without enough light. Oh well.</span>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16036165207963542073noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299478395973823447.post-87938678410964103932010-05-30T23:50:00.001-07:002010-05-31T00:02:15.663-07:00On the menu: cooking ahead<a href="http://blog.chivetalkin.com/"><img src="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv238/bjenna/MindfulMenusButton.png" alt="Mindful Menus" height="125" width="125" /></a><br /><br />I did some serious cooking today, friends.<br /><br />But before that, I mapped out a menu plan for the next couple weeks. Here's what's up this week...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mon:</span> Barbecue at my cousin's house<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tue:</span> <a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=zLHbALAJgrwC&lpg=PT92&ots=npvBCe0Buj&dq=%22better%20homes%20and%20gardens%22%20cookbook%20%22cheese%20and%20basil%20polenta%22&pg=PT91#v=onepage&q&f=false">Cheese and basil polenta with tomato-basil sauce</a> (which I didn't get around to making <a href="http://littlestuffoflife.blogspot.com/2010/05/on-menu-mostly-vegetarian.html">before</a>). Green salad on the side.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wed:</span> Salad greens with cucumbers and mushrooms, topped with cranberry-walnut-marinated chicken and Parmesan cheese. Maybe a little olive oil for dressing.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thr:</span> Empanadas (Did I mention we got them practically perfect last time? Wondering if they'll be just as good this time.) Rice on the side.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fri:</span> winging it<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZaH-IBs-Ww_ggKhL7CmcNyavoT684m-qyu4AXhb3SvY?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/S-ZnIk_JW3I/AAAAAAAAEO4/v6UYTJOU5XM/s400/IMG00923.jpg" /></a><br /><br />This afternoon I made <a href="http://littlestuffoflife.blogspot.com/2009/03/you-asked-for-it-cabbage-salad.html">cabbage slaw</a> (that's what my cousin requested I bring to the family get-together tomorrow); the polenta (which is ready to go in the oven) and the empanada filling (which just needs to be put into a pie crust, folded over and popped in the oven at the same time) are chilling in the fridge; I cooked the chicken for Wednesday's salad; and I made a couple big batches of rodeo stew. (One for next week; another one for whenever.) I don't think I've ever prepped that much food in advance. I'm kinda proud of myself. So even if my week is really tiring, dinner each night is already almost ready. It's a good feeling.<br /><br />How about you? Do you have <a href="http://blog.chivetalkin.com/2010/05/30/mindful-menus--week-of-5312010.aspx">a menu plan you'd like to share</a>?Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16036165207963542073noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299478395973823447.post-86540743592490024492010-05-28T07:00:00.002-07:002010-05-28T07:00:05.210-07:00Questions about food: natural peanut butterAs the title would suggest, I have some questions about food. So I'm starting a little series, just in case you know the answers. (Ok, so far, I have two questions in mind, but that still counts as a series, right?)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/S_Df0KhCPHI/AAAAAAAAEaE/PEMEJaAbyuc/s1600/appleswithpeanutbutter.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/S_Df0KhCPHI/AAAAAAAAEaE/PEMEJaAbyuc/s400/appleswithpeanutbutter.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472119634524257394" border="0" /></a><br />So, first up: <span style="font-weight: bold;">natural peanut butter.</span> The Hubs and I recently bought a jar of natural, nothing-but-roasted-peanuts-and-salt kind of peanut butter.<br /><br />We kept it in the fridge and stirred it before using it. It tasted pretty good, but the consistency was weird. It started out runny and gross-looking. Then, near the bottom of the jar, it got all clumpy. It was hard to get out of the jar and a little tricky to spread.<br /><br />What's that about? Did we not stir it enough each time? Is natural peanut butter always like that? Is it just the brand (in this case, Trader Joe's)?<br /><br />We actually just bought another jar, because we wanted to give it one more chance. But, this time, we want to get it right!<br /><br />What do you know about natural peanut butter?<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Photo by </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amanky/139591815/" title="">amanky</a><span style="font-style: italic;">.</span></span>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16036165207963542073noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299478395973823447.post-82459022500969252462010-05-27T07:00:00.002-07:002010-05-27T07:00:00.626-07:00What We Found at the Library: Prayer and thankfulness<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://thisheavenlylife.blogspot.com/search/label/What%20We%20Found%20At%20The%20Library"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/S_ms3RR1THI/AAAAAAAAEa0/9kxW0_Evzdo/s320/Library+Button.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474596887576530034" border="0" /></a><br />It's been awhile since I've had assigned reading. And then, this spring, there were three books (<a href="http://littlestuffoflife.blogspot.com/2010/04/what-we-found-at-library-poetry.html">not including poetry</a>) that I was supposed to be reading at once. Not for a grade. And not exactly mandatory. But still.<br /><br />It started when I signed up for a book club through the women's ministry at <a href="http://sovgracechurch.com/">my church</a>. You pick a topic/book from a list (as well as a second and third choice - just in case), and they put you in a group with 5-7 other women who chose the same thing.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/S_mrEBvUn2I/AAAAAAAAEac/rkw8uUtYPWg/s1600/gratitudebook.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/S_mrEBvUn2I/AAAAAAAAEac/rkw8uUtYPWg/s320/gratitudebook.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474594907720294242" border="0" /></a><br />Right about the time I heard back which book club I'd be in (topic: gratitude) and that we'd be starting right away, my small group leader decided we should discuss a book at our twice-a-month meetings.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/S_mrmF3NPcI/AAAAAAAAEak/1OzGQ00H7LM/s1600/prayingbook.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/S_mrmF3NPcI/AAAAAAAAEak/1OzGQ00H7LM/s320/prayingbook.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474595492942659010" border="0" /></a><br />Not long after that a third book came my way, but that is another story for another <a href="http://littlestuffoflife.blogspot.com/search/label/what%20we%20found%20at%20the%20library">What We Found</a>. Suffice it to say, it was all a little overwhelming.<br /><br />So even though the Hubs and I try to avoid buying many new books, we found ourselves purchasing <a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=m6VpPgAACAAJ&dq=choosing+gratitude&ei=Elr4S4D5NJqukATv48nmCQ&cd=1"><span style="font-style: italic;">Choosing Gratitude: Your Journey to Joy</span></a> for my book club and <a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=PJidOwAACAAJ&dq=%27praying+life%27+book&hl=en&ei=Mlf4S_vEKYHkNeTU_ckF&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CDIQ6AEwAA"><span style="font-style: italic;">A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World</span></a> for our small group the same week. (We actually <span style="font-style: italic;">couldn't</span> find them in the library.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/S_mrmiEFyWI/AAAAAAAAEas/KWiR9VaHeFk/s1600/prayinggratitudebooks.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/S_mrmiEFyWI/AAAAAAAAEas/KWiR9VaHeFk/s320/prayinggratitudebooks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474595500512889186" border="0" /></a><br />In the end, it was really neat to be reading Choosing Gratitude and A Praying Life at the same time. The topics meshed together beautifully: giving thanks in all things and praying continually. Being thankful for what you have and praying for what you need. Expressing gratitude for others and lifting them up in prayer. Sometimes I have trouble remembering what I read where.<br /><br />Both books were honest, insightful, practical and focused on the deep-rooted attitudes behind our actions, rather than just overwhelming you with a big checklist of Things You Must Do.<br /><br />I recommend reading them both. Maybe even at the same time - or at least one after the other. My book club has even talked about reading A Praying Life in the near future.<br /><br /><a href="http://thisheavenlylife.blogspot.com/search/label/What%20We%20Found%20At%20The%20Library">What books have you found at the library</a> - or your local bookstore - lately?Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16036165207963542073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299478395973823447.post-55201935443784157482010-05-23T07:00:00.000-07:002010-05-23T07:00:03.172-07:00The Mystery of the Disappearing Kittens<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/S_hHs6xsdqI/AAAAAAAAEaM/qpZWNBvobfc/s1600/IMG00960_cropped.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 155px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/S_hHs6xsdqI/AAAAAAAAEaM/qpZWNBvobfc/s400/IMG00960_cropped.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474204184086345378" border="0" /></a><br />Because I know some of you will wonder, here's the <a href="http://littlestuffoflife.blogspot.com/2010/05/straying.html">stray cat</a> update. We went outside one day last week, and they were gone. No sign of Grizzly Bear or the kittens anywhere. We think maybe when the air conditioning went on, it scared them away.<br /><br />You'd think I'd be glad about that. But, really, I'm not.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16036165207963542073noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299478395973823447.post-56831628132247704302010-05-20T07:00:00.000-07:002010-05-20T07:00:05.038-07:00As I recall...Seems like there have been a lot of recalls the last few years, doesn't it? If it's not <a href="http://littlestuffoflife.blogspot.com/2009/02/peanut-butter-your-deliciousness-is-our.html">tainted peanut butter</a> or questionable produce, it's <a href="http://littlestuffoflife.blogspot.com/2007/09/not-for-all-toys-in-china.html">lead-paint laden toys</a> or <a href="http://littlestuffoflife.blogspot.com/2010/03/are-baby-slings-dangerous.html">faulty baby slings</a>.<br /><br />In fact, March's <a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10177.html">SlingRider recall</a> prompted <a href="http://www.hugamonkey.com/">one baby carrier manufacturer</a> to take a look at the numbers and create this sweet infographic* illustrating which baby products were recalled from January 2009 through April 2010.<br /><br />(<span style="font-style: italic;">*P.S. Dontcha just love infographics?! Numbers are so much better when they have pictures to go along with them.)</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.hugamonkey.com/blog/baby-gear-recall-are-your-baby-products-safe"><img src="http://www.hugamonkey.com/files/resize/recalled-baby-products-680x1358.jpg" alt="baby products recalled in 2009 and 2010" title="Baby Products Recalled in 2009 and 2010" height="1358" width="680" /></a>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16036165207963542073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299478395973823447.post-40283235829113470532010-05-18T07:00:00.001-07:002010-05-18T07:00:00.629-07:00What is a triolet?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/S9yCpmHUNGI/AAAAAAAAEJ8/v-t9lMZF72Y/s1600/trioletrouge.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 295px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/S9yCpmHUNGI/AAAAAAAAEJ8/v-t9lMZF72Y/s400/trioletrouge.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466387698838418530" border="0" /></a><br />As I mentioned <a href="http://littlestuffoflife.blogspot.com/2010/05/perfectly-poetical-found-poetry.html">last week</a>, the style for the next <a href="http://littlestuffoflife.blogspot.com/2009/05/perfectly-poetical-relaunched.html">PerPoTues</a> will be Triolet.<br /><br />This is new to me, too. The fun thing about this poetic form is that it includes a couple of lines that repeat. So, although it technically only has eight lines, you really only have to come up with five.<br /><br />Here's the line-by-line break down. It helped me to color code it, and, hopefully, this makes sense to you too...<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">line 1:</span> Come up with something that bears repeating!</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">line 2:</span> Come up with something else.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">line 3:</span> Rhymes with line 1.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">line 4:</span> Repeat line 1.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">line 5:</span> Rhymes with line 1.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">line 6:</span> Rhymes with line 2. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">line 7:</span> Repeat line 1.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">line 8:</span> Repeat line 2.</span><br /><br />So the rhyme scheme you end up with is ABaAabAB (capital letters are repeated lines).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Information and examples: </span><br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.themediadrome.com/content/articles/words_articles/right_word4_fixed_forms.htm#triolet">The MediaDrome: Triolet</a> is where I discovered the form</li><li><a href="http://poetry.about.com/od/poeticforms/g/triolet.htm#">About.com</a> has a clear, concise explanation with history and links to examples</li><li><a href="http://www.baymoon.com/%7Eariadne/form/triolet.htm">Poetry Form - the Triolet</a> despite the unfortunate font choice, this page has some good tips on how to come up with a triolet</li></ul>I noticed that several sources stress changing the meaning of the repeated lines, but I don't always see how this is true in the examples given. So, as always with PerPoTues, how strictly you follow the form is up to you.<br /><br />****<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Photo by </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40006794@N02/3789277787/" title="">Candida.Performa</a><span style="font-style: italic;">. I thought it was a good fit because of the title ("Triolet Rouge") – and because of the repeating lines. Get it? Stripes? And poetic repetition? Repeating lines? Nevermind.</span></span>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16036165207963542073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299478395973823447.post-68477402587994723652010-05-17T07:00:00.002-07:002010-05-17T07:00:01.211-07:00Straying<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/S_DPPDQ3yJI/AAAAAAAAEZs/atbW_PmrJsc/s1600/IMG00960.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/S_DPPDQ3yJI/AAAAAAAAEZs/atbW_PmrJsc/s400/IMG00960.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472101404736211090" border="0" /></a><br />A stray cat had kittens in our backyard.<br /><br />In case you're thinking, "Didn't that happen before?" The answer is <a href="http://littlestuffoflife.blogspot.com/2009/03/nursing-in-public-sort-of.html">yes</a>. <a href="http://littlestuffoflife.blogspot.com/2009/03/quick-takes-out-for-pack-to-ikea.html">Different cat</a>, <a href="http://littlestuffoflife.blogspot.com/2009/03/quick-takes-time-flies-to-secret-crayon.html">same</a> <a href="http://littlestuffoflife.blogspot.com/2009/04/quick-takes-putting-good-back-in-friday.html">problem</a>.<br /><br />There is a whole feral cat community that lives in our neighborhood. The Hubs and our neighbor Danny recognize them all, occasionally feed them (the Hubs secretly sneaks them food because he knows I disapprove, but he always ends up confessing later on), worry about them during the hot summers, and discuss whether there's an organization that (as rumored) will come pick up stray cats and get them fixed. Danny has also given most of them crazy names like "Cowboy" and "Orangey" (not to be confused with either of the two Orangey Juniors).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/S_DSaogYJBI/AAAAAAAAEZ0/AK9a0NfMGV8/s1600/IMG00961.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/S_DSaogYJBI/AAAAAAAAEZ0/AK9a0NfMGV8/s400/IMG00961.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472104902246802450" border="0" /></a><br />Whenever we see a cat in our backyard, we chase it out with water. So why a certain brownish feline named Grizzly Bear (incidentally, the sister of Polar Bear, who is all white except for her gray nose) decided to have her litter in between our wall and some bicycle tires is beyond me.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/S_DPBaUdCjI/AAAAAAAAEZk/3RGnWQDMa6w/s1600/grizzly%27s%2520kittens%25205-16-10.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/S_DPBaUdCjI/AAAAAAAAEZk/3RGnWQDMa6w/s400/grizzly%27s%2520kittens%25205-16-10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472101170407082546" border="0" /></a><br />But here's where it gets really weird: I'm suddenly really attached to these kittens. Yeah, me. Ms. Just-Leave-the-Cats-Alone! I really wanna keep one. Which is ridiculous for several reasons, such as the fact that our landlord said no pets. And I'm allergic to cats.<br /><br />They're just so tiny and cute. Teensy little bundles of adorable. And I want to take care of all of them.<br /><br />Even though (supposedly) I'm a dog person.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Photos: I took the first two photos, and the Hubs took the last one.</span></span>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16036165207963542073noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299478395973823447.post-3887957635874341352010-05-11T08:00:00.002-07:002010-05-11T08:00:03.487-07:00Life in poetry (or is it poetry in life?)<span style="font-style: italic;">The first time I read <a href="http://makingfoodeatingfood.wordpress.com/">Making Food. Eating Food's</a> </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://makingfoodeatingfood.wordpress.com/2010/03/30/bear-with-me-for-an-amaretto-fruit-salad-recipe/">"bear with me" post</a>, </span><span style="font-style: italic;">I was impressed with the way the writing just flowed so beautifully. When I happened back by later, I found a poem nestled within the paragraphs.<br /><br />So this is my <a href="http://littlestuffoflife.blogspot.com/search/label/perfectly%20poetical%20tuesdays">PerPoTues</a></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://littlestuffoflife.blogspot.com/search/label/perfectly%20poetical%20tuesdays"> Found Poetry entry</a>. The <a href="http://makingfoodeatingfood.wordpress.com/2010/03/30/bear-with-me-for-an-amaretto-fruit-salad-recipe/">original writing</a> is by <a href="http://iamchanelle.com">Chanelle Richardson</a>; I just poemized it</span>. <br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">life.</span><br /><br />you might be familiar with it.<br />the way it<br />changes everything,<br />sneaking around corners<br />with the unexpected–<br />sometimes even<br />with delightful surprises.<br />never predictable,<br />always crazy–<br />crazy good–<br />but crazy nonetheless.<br /><br />oh, life.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16036165207963542073noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299478395973823447.post-4072259288795078922010-05-11T00:00:00.006-07:002010-05-11T12:49:26.478-07:00Perfectly Poetical: Found Poetry<table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iOA5SAsmCEec3cOzQ6v4Fg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/SdtvbfXMEpI/AAAAAAAADEc/196rrNsEhVs/s800/perfectlypoetical_med.gif" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/boldavenue/LSLButtons?feat=embedwebsite">LSL Buttons</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Welcome to May's edition of <a href="http://littlestuffoflife.blogspot.com/2009/05/perfectly-poetical-relaunched.html">Perfectly Poetical Tuesday</a> (PerPoTues)! The second Tuesday of each month I invite you to write a poem based on a certain style, because I believe that <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/boldavenue/2043316">every life writes a poem</a>.<br /><br />This time our theme is <a href="http://littlestuffoflife.blogspot.com/2010/04/perfectly-poetical-free-verse.html">Found</a> <a href="http://littlestuffoflife.blogspot.com/2010/04/have-you-found-poetry.html">Poetry</a>.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">How to join in</span> today:</span><br /><ol><li>Find an excerpt from an article, text on a street sign, a quote from someone famous or other printed matter that's not a poem – and make it into one! Post it on your blog and include a link back to this post.</li><li>Stop back by, link up and leave a comment.</li><li>Follow the other links and read some great poetry!</li></ol><br />A few <span style="font-weight: bold;">other notes:</span><br /><ul><li>My poem post is scheduled to show up after this one.<br /></li><li>If you're spreading the word via Twitter, feel free to use hashtag <a href="http://twitter.com/#search?q=%23perpotues">#perpotues</a>.</li><li>If you don't have a blog, you can post in the comments here and skip the linking part. :)</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Next PerPoTues</span> will be <span style="font-weight: bold;">June 8</span>. The style will be <span style="font-weight: bold;">triolet</span>. I learned about that on <a href="http://www.themediadrome.com/content/articles/words_articles/right_word4_fixed_forms.htm#triolet">MediaDrome</a> and will be explaining what it is next Tuesday (5/18). Be sure to stop back by!<br /><br />In the meantime, enjoy some poetry!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">UPDATE:</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> I don't know what's up with Mr. Linky, but feel free to just post the link to your Found Poem in the comments. Thanks!</span><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www2.blenza.com/linkies/autolink.php?owner=boldavenue&postid=01May2010"></script>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16036165207963542073noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299478395973823447.post-26375716271911156982010-05-09T23:00:00.002-07:002010-05-09T23:11:43.255-07:00On the menu: conveniently vegetarian<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.chivetalkin.com/"><img src="http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv238/bjenna/MindfulMenusButton.png" alt="Mindful Menus" height="125" width="125" /></a><br /></div><br />There are people who are vegetarian for health reasons. And others who are vegetarian for ethical reasons.<br /><br />And then there's us. My current menu plan is mostly vegetarian, but the reasons are not so lofty. I won't bore you with the details, but it had to do with grocery shopping and sales and new recipes and...yeah.<br /><br />Basically, it just works out better for us this week.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/S-edwQ_W39I/AAAAAAAAEPM/glvr5BJVwKE/s1600/vegfood-IMG00956.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/S-edwQ_W39I/AAAAAAAAEPM/glvr5BJVwKE/s400/vegfood-IMG00956.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469513724984745938" border="0" /></a><br />More specifically, here's what's on the menu:<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">M:</span> Chili with lentils and Peruvian beans<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">T: </span>Pan-roasted chicken with potatoes and balsamic vinegar<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />W:</span> <a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=zLHbALAJgrwC&lpg=PT92&ots=npvBCe0Buj&dq=%22better%20homes%20and%20gardens%22%20cookbook%20%22cheese%20and%20basil%20polenta%22&pg=PT91#v=onepage&q&f=false">Cheese and basil polenta with tomato-basil sauce</a> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Th:</span> Potato curry (with tofu)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">F:</span> Pizza (at a friend's graduation party)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/S-eenTnGxmI/AAAAAAAAEPU/rmrJVkUJL_Q/s1600/polenta-IMG00958.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/S-eenTnGxmI/AAAAAAAAEPU/rmrJVkUJL_Q/s400/polenta-IMG00958.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469514670581139042" border="0" /></a><br />That's the other thing I needed to tell you about: polenta! I've never made polenta. But my great-grandma used to make something called cornmeal mush, which I've since learned is basically the same thing. I don't remember what brought that memory to mind awhile back, but, ever since then, I've been convinced I absolutely <span style="font-style: italic;">must</span> make it.<br /><br />The dish above with cheese and tomato sauce, however, is nothing like what I remember Grandma J making. That's okay, though, because I plan to continue experimenting with polenta/mush over the next few weeks. In the meantime, the recipe I chose sounded delicious, and I can make it on Tuesday, so that all I have to do on my busy Wednesday is pop it in the oven.<br /><br />Basically, it just works out better for us this week.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">P.S. I just realized I didn't note the side dishes. Sometimes I plan out main dishes only, knowing that I have simple sides on hand. Then I pull out some fruit salad or heat up corn or toss lettuce and tomatoes together while I'm fixing the entree. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Photos by me. In case you're wondering, the "palenta" came from my favorite Middle Eastern market and was imported from Bosnia (hence the non-English text). I just happened across it while I shopping. </span></span>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16036165207963542073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299478395973823447.post-81731724367421129012010-04-30T08:12:00.000-07:002010-04-30T08:12:00.451-07:00Have you found poetry?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/S9kI-EfdbzI/AAAAAAAAEJQ/q7kbicxmZ38/s1600/noparking.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/S9kI-EfdbzI/AAAAAAAAEJQ/q7kbicxmZ38/s400/noparking.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465409485241413426" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Because <a href="http://littlestuffoflife.blogspot.com/2009/04/happy-poetry-month.html">April is National Poetry Month</a> and because the next <a href="http://littlestuffoflife.blogspot.com/2009/05/perfectly-poetical-relaunched.html">PerPoTues</a> is about <a href="http://littlestuffoflife.blogspot.com/2010/04/perfectly-poetical-free-verse.html">Found Poetry</a>, I've been more aware of little poetic snippets hidden in the every day - even in parking lots.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: italic;">No parking </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Between signs </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">By order of </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Fire marshall</span><br /></div><br />Does that sound a little like poetry to you?<br /><br />What about this recipe excerpt?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: italic;">8 lamb rib chops,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">one inch thick</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">or pork rib chops</span>,<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">cut thicker.</span><br />Chopped sweet peppers:<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">green or red or yellow.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">2 minced cloves garlic</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">2 bay leaves</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />crushed dried oregano</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">olive oil or cooking oil</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Sliced pitted ripe olives</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Snipped fresh parsley </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Place chops on broiler pan.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Broil 3 inches from heat.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Turn once; broil until done.<br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/S9kJbt8h6FI/AAAAAAAAEJY/Ht5KH6MNwYg/s1600/lamb.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/S9kJbt8h6FI/AAAAAAAAEJY/Ht5KH6MNwYg/s400/lamb.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465409994585401426" border="0" /></a><br />For inspiration, here are a couple of my faves from <a href="http://foundpoetry.wordpress.com/">foundpoetry.wordpress.com</a>. Their poems are much more expertly constructed than my first attempts above! :)<br /><ul><li><a href="http://foundpoetry.wordpress.com/2007/04/09/did-this-get-done-yet/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent Link: did this get done yet?"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>did this get done yet?</a><a href="http://foundpoetry.wordpress.com/2008/10/19/the-future-has-arrived/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent Link: the future has arrived"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></a></li><li><a href="http://foundpoetry.wordpress.com/2008/10/19/the-future-has-arrived/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent Link: the future has arrived"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>the future has arrived</a></li></ul>To learn more about what Found Poetry is, there is a <a href="http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/5780">great article on <span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span></a><a href="http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/5780">Poets.org.</a><br /><br />What about you? Are you noticing more poetry in the world around you?<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >****<br /><br />Photos by:<br />1) <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jtcatbagan/4148900247/" title="">catbagan</a><br />2) <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/polkaroo/3481398065/sizes/m/" title="">Polkaroo<br /></a></span></div>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16036165207963542073noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299478395973823447.post-39652203438012812262010-04-29T07:23:00.003-07:002010-04-29T07:56:25.739-07:00What We Found at the Library: Poetry<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://thisheavenlylife.blogspot.com/search/label/What%20We%20Found%20At%20The%20Library"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/S8kjGmXzXiI/AAAAAAAAEIw/F5TehGXdQr4/s400/Library+Button.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460934619450007074" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Even though I'm kind of already in the middle of three different books, I grabbed a few poetry books off the shelf in honor of <a href="http://littlestuffoflife.blogspot.com/2009/04/happy-poetry-month.html">National Poetry Month</a> and took an occasional poetry break.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/S8kjGWd8oVI/AAAAAAAAEIo/XZZC6j9_zrE/s1600/poetrybooks.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 239px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/S8kjGWd8oVI/AAAAAAAAEIo/XZZC6j9_zrE/s400/poetrybooks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460934615180812626" border="0" /></a><br />So, here's <a href="http://thisheavenlylife.blogspot.com/2010/04/what-we-found-at-library-16.html">what I found in <span style="font-style: italic;">our</span> library</a>...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">In Spanish:</span><br /><ul><li><a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=sEe_6MRg5xQC&lpg=PP1&dq=%22Five%20Decades%3A%20Poems%201925-1970%22&pg=PP1#v=onepage&q&f=false"><span style="font-style: italic;">Five Decades: Poems 1925-1970</span></a> (Pablo Neruda)</li><li><a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=oX4tJs8F_3oC&lpg=PP1&dq=%22The%20Poems%20of%20St.%20John%20of%20the%20Cross%22%20nims&pg=PP1#v=onepage&q&f=false"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Poems of St. John of the Cross</span></a><br /></li></ul>Both have the original Spanish poetry with an English translation on the facing page, which helps, but I'm not a huge fan of these translations. For some reason, they tend to throw out the simple, elegant language of many of the original poems and opt for flowery, arcane words instead. The moral: don't judge a Spanish poetry book by the English translations. Ugh.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">In English:</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> <a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=F-gzPwAACAAJ&dq=%22A+Murmur+in+the+Trees%22+dickinson&ei=SB7ZS_rUK5DqywSRrojjCQ&cd=1">A Murmur in the Trees</a></span> (nature poems by Emily Dickinson)<br /><br />I'll leave you with one of her more familiar poems, which seems particularly apropos in this era of follower counts, social networking and (ahem) blogging...<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I'm Nobody! Who are you? </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Are you–Nobody–Too?</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Then there's a pair of us?</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Don't tell! they'd advertise–you know!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">How dreary–to be–Somebody!</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">How public–like a Frog–</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">To tell one's name–the livelong June–</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">To an admiring Bog!</span>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16036165207963542073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299478395973823447.post-21250193154851749552010-04-18T18:00:00.001-07:002010-04-18T18:00:00.558-07:00On the menu: planning betterSince my <a href="http://littlestuffoflife.blogspot.com/2010/03/on-menu-using-up-and-working-around.html">last menu plan posts</a>, I've learned some things about meal planning. That time, I planned two weeks at once - and then ran into some glitches.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. Underestimating amounts.</span><br />There were a couple times I ran out of ingredients I'd planned on having for a dish later in the week. And I didn't want to be running off to the store all the time.<br /><br />For example, I wanted to make a cucumber yogurt side dish. Then we ate most of the plain yogurt as a snack with fresh fruit and honey. It was reeeally good. But it messed with my plan. In the end, I sliced the cukes, some tomatoes and some of our mint, then drizzled my homemade Italian dressing over the top. That was good too. But still. It's the principle of the thing. I need to figure out how to account for snacks, etc. when I come up with my plan.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/S79DsiLqviI/AAAAAAAAEHw/JFplW4VTBgc/s1600/tomatocuke.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 311px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/S79DsiLqviI/AAAAAAAAEHw/JFplW4VTBgc/s400/tomatocuke.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458155705765379618" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. Overestimating my energy level. </span><br />Some days I'm pretty tired out by dinnertime. (I think it's a combination of the stress of running a business - plus all the tiredness-causing allergy meds.) And the thought of trying a new recipe can seem like more work than I'm up for.<br /><br />I need to make sure to plan several easy meals and limit the number of new things I'm trying. That way, if I was going to try a new dish on Tuesday, but I'm drained after an afternoon of client meetings, I can just pop the chicken and rice I was planning for Wednesday in the oven instead.<br /><br />Sometimes the Hubs steps in and takes over. (He made the <a href="http://littlestuffoflife.blogspot.com/2010/03/on-menu-sequel.html">empanadas I had planned</a>, and the process turned out to be quicker and easier than it looked. Also? They were delish!) But now that he's going back to school, he's just not going to have as much time for that sort of thing.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/S79DsL-joXI/AAAAAAAAEHo/lNhDXFItDdE/s1600/empanadas.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/S79DsL-joXI/AAAAAAAAEHo/lNhDXFItDdE/s400/empanadas.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458155699804807538" border="0" /></a><br />With that in mind, here's the basic plan for this week (still figuring out some of the details)...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mon:</span> I'm making <span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/moroccan-lamb-salad-00000000000657/index.html">Moroccan Lamb Salad With Carrots and Mint</a>, only I'll be using leftover pork instead. Which probably wouldn't make most Moroccans happy. Shhh...don't tell.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tue:</span> Pesto chicken and maybe some pasta.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wed: </span>Gonna try out that empanada recipe - with extra veggies in the filling.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thr:</span> Lentils.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fri:</span> Tilapia and rice.<br /><br />What about you? Anything delicious planned this week? You can link up at <a href="http://blog.chivetalkin.com/">Mindful Menus</a>.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16036165207963542073noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299478395973823447.post-54989170747891887962010-04-16T00:17:00.001-07:002010-06-06T16:56:41.594-07:00First day of schoolTomorrow the Hubs starts a seminary class.<br /><br />Before I continue, I know that some of you who know us in real life may not have heard about that. The thing is that, while he was considering this as an option and going through the application process, he told very, very few people. He wanted to know it was a sure thing first. I guess this must be kind of a guy thing, because my dad totally got it. Anyway, then, all of the sudden, he was accepted and ordering books and - boom! - tomorrow he starts.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/S8gKNhZ4zLI/AAAAAAAAEIY/UMuHp_67XOU/s1600/hubsonmac.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 270px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/S8gKNhZ4zLI/AAAAAAAAEIY/UMuHp_67XOU/s400/hubsonmac.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460625775608253618" border="0" /></a><br />And, if you know him in real life, you may already know he is very intelligent and a voracious reader and brilliant with languages and gifted at explaining things in just the right way so the light bulb goes on.<br /><br />He's wanted to go back to school for a long time, and now things have fallen into place. Although he's pursuing a Master's (and I can totally see him as a professor), we're taking things one class at a time. We'll see where it leads.<br /><br />For now, we're both really excited about him embarking on this journey. And I am so very proud of my Hubs!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/S8gJTpcxcKI/AAAAAAAAEIQ/42Dq5ohcHU0/s1600/felipeviajero.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 235px; height: 256px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_w4V3wNgMuUQ/S8gJTpcxcKI/AAAAAAAAEIQ/42Dq5ohcHU0/s400/felipeviajero.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460624781335425186" border="0" /></a><br />Oh, one more thing, he recently signed on to Twitter (as @<a href="http://twitter.com/felipeviajero">felipeviajero</a>). So he'll be posting periodic updates on his seminary experience, as well as his adventures on the light rail and other random observations, <a href="http://twitter.com/felipeviajero">there</a>.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16036165207963542073noreply@blogger.com4