The Accurate Account

The Space Between

2015-03-21T16:59:00.000-07:00

They say the first to go is the memory. Or is it smell? Perhaps it is eyesight. Well, whatever it is, I'm sure the first to go are the "days." All the days you wish to fill with your heart's desire. Days, they come and go so quickly, and before you know it, three years will pass in a blink of an eye. As times passes quickly, do you recall the days? The smell? The sights? The seasons?

Unbelievable how years have gone by since we last met. It's time to reintroduce myself, I suppose, since I've changed a bit. I'm sure you have, too. Perhaps three years ago, you had no interest in what I have to say, this crazy little blog thing, or enough time in your life to surf the web mindlessly enough to stumble upon me. Change is good.

Not long after my last post, I took a hiatus from life. That's how I will define it and I'm sure you will speculate what I mean by that. It doesn't matter, really. It was a break. In many ways, in all forms, and in every capacity. As with any break, there is healing and regrowth. Sometimes, a break can weaken a structure. But to create a break requires strength.

So, I fast forward from then to now, because now, I need to pick up where I left off. Like a time warp or celestial worm hole, the space in-between, the gray matter or black space, if left to decipher, will only send one into a Hawkings-like ramble. Now, is all that we have.

* * *

Now, is the middle of March and the beginning of Spring. It is this time each year that I am reminded of the intense energy of the Earth. Winter, with its bitter cold and fury has imbedded itself in the ground, frozen time in the still waters, and forced the creatures of the earth from its path. She breaths pure ice into our lungs and frosts our teeth as we cringe from her whipping winds that freeze the flowing water in our veins. She surrounds us with her cool beauty of frozen waterfalls and iced over walkways. She cares not that our soft warm bodies walk among her hollowed branched forests and along the gusting paths of drift and pile. We forge through what cities we have created, yet she is merciless with navigating herself into our world. She commands us through pelting our backs with her sleet and ice; punishing us for not respecting her or reminding us of her strength, one is not sure but only wishes for the release of her asphyxiating grip.

Promises are made by Spring of life to come, but Winter overcasts those glimpses of hope. Unavoidably and eventually, there must be change. Winter must brake loose her grip and the regrowth of Spring will be upon us. What Winter has not destroyed in her path, what victims she has not made her own, will awake in the sunshine. All of Spring's treasures lay just beneath the surface or on the tailwinds of Winter. Winter, our very own black hole or undefined gray matter or black space: necessary, cruel, and misunderstood. She removes the positive life energy from the elements that make life thrive. But yet, they were there all along, somewhere in-between the fallen leaves of Autumn and the sprouts of flowers bursting through the snow. Spring emerges, not with a gentleman's touch, but rather, with the same drive for life, from deep within us that forces us to gasp for breath, that drives our us to hunt when we hunger, and the urgency to pursue our love, passions, and desires. It is with that strength, that Spring breaks the long shadows of Winter so a new life may begin again.

Tree Oh Six

2012-06-19T12:17:00.000-07:00

Tree Oh Six. It's not just the number on my house or a way to express my address in Heynabonics. It is a new start in: life, health, and happiness.

Our New Home

To move into our new home, we went through quite the ordeal. I don't think I can adequately recommend anyone buy or sell their home right now. I can go on-and-on about how awful the housing market is, how you will end up losing money, and how the paperwork for getting a loan is harder than running a marathon. If I had the choice today, I'd rather run a marathon in the desert, barefoot, than go through that ever again.

It must be said, I never felt more stress in my entire life. I tried my best to not let my life suffer too much, but the stress was out of control. One area of my life I completely neglected was my health. During this whole process, I completely stopped juicing. In March, actually ended up getting pneumonia with a sinus infection which lasted until June. I not only ate very unhealthy foods, I ate fast food take-out regularly. I could tell you about the mashed potato incident at KFC but I am sure there is a very traumatized KFC worker out there somewhere who could give you the details. Ultimately, I put on so much weight and my skin became so gross. On top of this, I developed a knot in my back about the size of a golf ball that I am still trying to get out.

So was all of this stress worth it? I question that sometimes. The only thing I can do now is really reap the benefits of my new home and enjoy every square inch of it! I absolutely love it for some many reasons. But, the number one reason why I love it is because the former owners built raised garden beds!!

Welcome to 306.

Summers' Garden

We were in the house exactly 14 days when I told Jonny that we were going to put in the garden. We had so many boxes to unpack and we didn't even have curtains to hang, but I wanted to prepare for reversing the stress in my body. After planting our garden in grueling 92 degree heat, I cashed in my birthday gift-certificate for a hot stone massage. Ahh. Well needed.

And now, the first step - again- towards a juicing lifestyle. Earlier this morning I re-read my blog entries from my other juicing experiences. Reading them was like a surreal out-of-body experience. Did I really feel that good about myself? Did I really feel that healthy? Did the weight really seem to melt off? I honestly thought I was joking.

But it was true. It was true then and it is true now. It's just that I am so far removed from the person I enjoyed being that I have to work extra hard to get back there. Another thing I noticed from my old blogs, that is wasn't easy then either.

So, here's to a new home, a new life, and returning back to the place I started -- healthy and happy.

Oh Dear

2012-03-05T20:24:00.001-08:00

Dear former juicing self--

I doubt that you will recognize me, but I used to be the girl who juiced religiously. You might not believe who I have become, but I have fallen so far from my beloved juicing habits. What happened? How did I ever come to this? How will I ever be the person I once was?

It all began with jury duty. Now, I am not one to blame my life on certain events or situations, but a couple of weeks ago, my life and stress level went into overdrive. While on jury duty, the judge bought us lunch and we had many very nice meals. That was the beginning. After my service was complete, then came the game of playing catch up with my life. I had piles of papers to correct (at school), a house to be cleaned, laundry to be done, tickets to issue (at the box office), interview potential counselors (at camp), grad school, and yes...a new puppy who had surgery. I think I forgot to mention that we also sold our house and now only have 40 days to find a place to live. This all happened in 10 days.

After one major meltdown I found comfort in some of my closest friends; Gertrude Hawk, Samario's, and Cara Mia's.

Last night, I was so disgusted by my recent eating habits, I made a glass of fresh orange juice. It tasted to good and pure that I don't think that I can ever let myself get to this point of stress again.

So, I am sure you have been here too. This is the moment where you look at yourself in the mirror and say, "Common, you can do it. I know it's not easy but you did it before and you will feel much better." It is also a bit comforting to know, that when you say this to yourself, you mean it, and you know it is true.

I'm not perfect, and I don't expect anyone in my life to be. I don't expect myself to only drink juice for the rest of my life. But what I do expect, is to pull myself up once I fall, and get back in gear. Feeling stress is bad enough, but coupling stress with unhealthy foods just leads to a very unhealthy life and body. My body is my temple and I should let the stress out and healthy goodness back in.

See you soon, juicing self. I've missed you.

Love,
Michelle

The Goodness Continues

2012-01-15T10:17:00.000-08:00

I knew my mind could make it to day 15, but at times, I wasn't sure about my body.

Yes, there were times I could murder a tray of pizza, but, let's face it. It takes time to adjust to any new routine. I am here on day 15 and I am 7 pounds lighter. My skin looks so fresh and healthy. My breath is not sticky and gross. I feel like my insides went through the car wash and are sparkling clean. Many people I work with are sick, and other than a quick case of pink eye, I have never felt healthier!

The key to juicing is just to keep doing it. I have decided to extend my cleanse until the end of January. I am going to keep going forward in 2 -4 week segments. Juicing is not a diet for me, it is a lifestyle. The alternative, for me, is to be fat, sick, and nearly dead.

My Great-Grandmother's Juicer (Little Nana)

Last night I was a little hungry after dinner. I did not feel like messing up my juicer for a small glass of juice. I decided to break out my grandmother's juicer. Pressing the juice by hand and drinking the juice reminded me of all the days my dad and I would make juice together. During the middle of winter, he would bring home large bags of oranges or grapefruit. We would spend the mornings juicing our fresh fruit from Florida waiting for the sweet reward.

After all of the recent reports on what actually is in your orange juice, from concentrate or not, I am so thankful that my body was raised on goodness. While other kids were drinking SunnyD and Tang, my dad and grandmother were using it to clean the dishwasher. Don't believe me? Read HERE

*Update- my father called to tell me that my juicer actually belonged to my great-grandmother, Little Nana Leggat. I guess juicing really is in the family! Let the love of goodness continue.

Juicing Side Effects May Include:

2012-01-07T07:33:00.000-08:00

It is the dawn of Day 7 of my New Year's Resolution. Before I begin, I ask you, how well are you doing on your resolution? Did you join the gym? Did you exercise yet? Have you been kinder to your neighbor? Did you scale back your family budget? Did you learn to say "no" to your child, boss, or spouse? I believe we all start the new year with good intentions and then fall quickly back into our former-less admirable- selves. Not this girl.

I have had 7 days of juice and clean food. When I try to explain to others what I am doing, I am always greeted with a furrow of the brow and and question; usually something like, "So, all you eat all day is that juice?" or "Don't you eat real food?" I love it. While in the lunchroom, someone might say, "That can't be healthy for you?" --as the questioner is munching on a sugary snack or a leftover casserole. I guess we all have our own interpretations as to what is or is not healthy. For me, this lifestyle works.

Today, instead of listing my juicing recipes, I thought I would tell you some of my "side effects" from juicing from the past few days.

Detox headache - around day 2 I had a very annoying, hangover like, headache.
Bloat- all of the badness leaving my body
"The runs" - yes, literally from my couch to the bathroom- on day 2/3
Hunger - not consuming enough juice, smelling food. (add jealousy)
Clean palate - I can taste everything clearly. I didn't realize my palate was to dirty! That slimy, gross, sticky breath, "I need a mint" feeling is gone.
Vision- my eyes seem to be focusing better and more quickly
Calmness - No more afternoon sugar crash or jittery feelings. Constant energy
Clarity - Brain fog is clearing.
Awareness - time, relationships, environment, and self. This is difficult to explain but the juice has made me understand that the health of my body does not just include the food I eat, but everything that goes into it: how I spend my time, having meaningful friendships, positive conversation, location is everything, and taking care of myself is a priority.

The most important lesson learned so far is that I have let my life get in the way of taking care of myself. No matter what your resolution is, if you have not started your resolution yet, start today. Try your new life for 1 week and then let me know how it turned out. You just might find that you like the New You.

The Hunger Games

2012-01-03T17:32:00.000-08:00

There is no way to describe Day 3 of juicing other than "detoxing." Last night I had a pretty annoying headache. Today, for the most part, was good, other than feeling a bit tired. Hopefully tomorrow will bring a renewed sense of energy.

Tomorrow's breakfast

I started today off with my Morning Goodness, the same recipe as yesterday but I added some mango. Delish! I also had the same juice for my lunch. My morning routine has improved and I am getting pretty good at ironing out this new schedule.

Here is my line up for tomorrow morning.

As you can see, a lot of food goes into each juice.

7 small apples (or 4 regular)

2 small cucumbers (or 1 regular)

2 romaine

2 oranges

4 stalks celery

The interesting thing about juicing is that you never need to feel like you are hungry. Once you feel the hunger, drink some juice or have some veggie/fruit snacks. Drink as much as you want!

Joe Cross and Reboot your Life was featured on the Williams-Sonoma website.

Check it out HERE

The new page is filled with recipes and video tutorials. The site does seem to be crashing a bit, perhaps because of the heavy online traffic from other people starting to juice as their resolution!

I'd juice in the morning

2012-01-02T16:13:00.000-08:00

"Don't mess with my morning routine." I think that was my response to Jonny's suggestion to buying a house with one full bathroom. My morning routine is sacred. Don't mess with it.
Wake-bathroom-teeth-shower-makeup-hair-coffee/dogs/banana.

I have been performing this way for years, and my system is down to a science.

Enter juicing.

Ah@$nalkh!!!***##&!*!

Juicing after-school is a cinch. I can choose my veggies or fruit, leisurely chop, and relax in my big cozy chair as I sip the goodness. Juicing during the summer is even better - no schedule, no hunger! I can juice whenever. Juicing with a job - not so fun.

I am working on creating a better morning routine to get the freshest juice possible. Although I can make my juice the night before, sometimes I like to make a large batch in the morning for my breakfast and lunch.

Here are some Juice Routine-Buster tips:

Pick out your ingredients the night before
Chop and peel anything that needs it
Put everything on 1 plate or in a big bowl so you do not have to keep going back into the fridge
Have your clean juice cup near your juicer
Put the bag in the reserve tank so clean up is easy
Put a dry towel on the counter so when you wash the juicer, you can just set the clean parts out to air dry

I timed myself with this process this morning. It took about 9 min. in total. If I can avoid hitting the snooze button, I will have fresh juice every morning.

Day 2 Juice Recipes

Morning Goodness

2 grapefruits

2 oranges

1 banana

4-5 strawberries

Yum.

Green Grass
2 apples
2 long carrots
1 large handful kale
2 small red potatoes

Tastes like I licked a lawnmower, but not offensive. Maybe skip potatoes next time and add another apple.

The Resolution- 15 days

2012-01-01T11:29:00.000-08:00

Ok, so here is the disclaimer: I am by no means an expert at juicing. I am not a nutritionist. I am only a huge fan of consuming my daily caloric intake by the form of juice. Why? I'll leave that to the other non-expert to explain. Read about Joe Cross. So, why blog about my juicing experiences?

Many people are striving to "start the new year right." Every year, we make resolutions and quickly slide back into our former-less admirable-daily routines. Juicing is the kind of lifestyle change that can change with you. The cleanse is the most challenging part. My first attempt at the cleanse brought about a roller coaster of mixed emotions and experiences. You can read about it on my blog. I only documented days 1-4 but you should know that I lasted 10 days before I had to go to North Carolina for nearly 3 weeks. I wish I never had to stop.

When I returned from NC I fit in another 5-day fast before school started. I have maintained a juicing lifestyle since. Typically, I juice for breakfast and lunch. Lunch is challenging because I don't eat until 1:00pm and it is impossible to tote my juicer along. I will either pre-make my juice the night before or bring store-bought juice. I realize that this situation is not ideal, but there are a few very good pre-made juices out there. I enjoy Jamba Juice coconut water juices (Amazon) or Bolthouse Farms juices (Wegman's). Along with fresh veggies, it is enough to tide me over until I get home.

I've not been perfect. I fall off the wagon from time to time. I might go a few weeks without a total cleanse and then I notice how sluggish I feel. It is very rewarding to start fresh and feel the goodness. I use that word a lot, goodness. Drinking fresh juice is like drinking the sun, literally. Don't laugh just yet. Try it, and you'll agree.

I am starting the new year off with a 15 day cleanse. This will be my longest stretch (think marathon of juicing). If you are not sure what you should do as your resolution, just read. Encourage me. Maybe, together, we can have a happier and healthier new year.

Day 1 Juice Recipes

Carrot-Mango-Ginger

7 long carrots
1/4 pineapple
1 mango
1 grapefruit
1 thumb ginger

makes 2 servings

Tastes like the carrot-ginger dressing you get at Japanese restaurants.
Next time, I will use less ginger. Because mango is so expensive, I am a little disappointed I can't taste it.

Cucumber-Kale-Carrot

7 long carrots
3 cucumbers
handful of kale, about 7 stalks
1 thumb ginger

makes 2 servings

Jonny says, "It tastes like the garden." Again, I'd add less ginger. But honestly, the veggie juices are just a little harder to get used to.

Overall, today felt like day 1.

Another trip around the sun

2011-12-31T20:53:00.001-08:00

It is a very quiet and relaxing New Years here at the Summers' residence, other than soundtrack of Jonny learning to play "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" on the ukulele. The dogs, Jon, and I indulged in a feast of shrimp, cheese, and kilebasea. If that isn't exciting enough, we watched HBO until about an hour ago. We chatted about our favorite moments of the year and then ranked our favorite and least favorite holidays. This conversation was sparked after seeing so many negative posts about 2011 on FB; so many people wishing 2011 good-bye, saying it was the worst year of their life, and hoping to never see it again. Jon and I had an ah-ha moment last year after we watched "the decade in review." At the end of it, we looked at each other and one of us said to the other, "we didn't just have a bad year, we had a bad decade." Could it possibly get worse? Of course it could, but looking back, I can't say that I have the same feelings that I had last decade. How could I? This year I did lose my last grandmother, my house was appraised less than the value (contributing to the ripple effect of us staying in Scranton longer than we ever intended), and we had several minor financial setbacks, like when our chimney ended up in our driveway and Jon's car needed some work. But, are our circumstances any different than any other American? I highly doubt it. The difference this year is that we have decided to turn our setbacks into something positive and to learn from our hardships and challenges. When our chimney fell, we realized we needed to invest in our house if we were ever to sell it. Although the appraisal came back low, we realized we could wait out the housing market a little longer. This gives us time to finish our Master's degrees. And not long after my grandmother passed, my family was suddenly in touch with an entire clan of our family we never even knew existed. We met with them in Texas and now have more family than ever. Some other beautiful moments in 2011: FaceTime - for bringing me so close to so many far away, the birth of my beautiful cousin Boston, adopting a juicing lifestyle, ABC news recognizing my students and me on Made in America, making in through a year of grad school, visiting family, planting flowers with my mom in my garden, watching my friends realize their dreams -Marissa goes back to Italy, Kelly starts her business, and Jonny is learning to play the ukulele. Just being a part of their joyous moments makes my heart swell with happiness. I am not the most religious person, but I believe myself to be spiritual. If these hardships we all endure are placed in our lives only to provide more beautiful and loving ones, than I am ok with having them. No one deserves to be unhappy or mistreated, but the reward of having a hardship is knowing there is a lesson to be learned. So, as you look back at 2011 don't just think about the hardships as bad events in your life, what lesson can you take from it? I wish you a healthy and peaceful 2012. Love, Michelle Ps I'm still juicing. Starting a 15 day cleanse on new years day. Join me!

The Human Juicer, Day 4

2011-07-26T19:01:00.000-07:00

My Friend the Juicer

Day 4. Someone please pinch me! I cannot be on the same diet. JMJ What the heck is going on? It just might be that I had my breakthrough moment when I woke this morning. I woke up, slightly sweaty, but feeling like I had the best sleep I've ever had. I wasn't in any sort of agony! All day, I kept waiting for the shoe to drop; for the leg pain to come back, the headaches to return, the desire to gnaw on my own leg...but nothing. Not a single thing. Very Strange.

Something else very strange happened. My husband found a recipe online. That's not all. He went to the store and bought the ingredients for our "Juice Friendly" recipe. Are you ready for the best part? He also made the whole thing! We had a fantastic mix of veggies with an Asian style dressing. Oh my! Who do I love more, my 'now-perfect husband' or the Juice, for the transformation??

All in all, I am ok letting go of all of the badness that has built up inside me for so many years. I am ok with drinking most of my meals because I know it is all goodness. I am definitely ok with my husband coming home with groceries and making dinner! What the heck will tomorrow bring??

The Human Juicer, Day 3

2011-07-25T17:23:00.000-07:00

So, what happened to day 2? Good question. I would love to answer this one for you, except, I think I have selective memory and I blocked it out. If you ever decided to go on a juice diet, you might want to do the same; and, here are some more tips for you: don't watch tv (too many food commercials), don't do this diet with your spouse and look for sympathy (you are both equally miserable), don't plan on exercising (you will have no energy), and don't, whatever you do, order pizza (don't give up!).

Day 3 started off far worse than it ended. I woke up with incredible leg cramps from the waist down. At one point, I actually thought that I was starving to death, so I Googled "starvation mode" just to make sure I was ok. When I did this, pictures of little kids from Ethiopia came up, and I realized, I was overreacting just a tad. I started the day off with a grapefruit and apple juice. That fought off the hunger for most of the morning. For lunch, I made my famous "Tomato Salad." (Yes, you can eat any and all raw fruits and veggies) This salad has been a favorite of mine since I was a kid, and making it was my way of rebelling against the Juice. It was about this time that I became very angry at the Juice. Every-time I would think about making a veggie one, I gagged. But my will power was too strong to break the diet. The result was that I became very hungry!

Jonny came home from work ready to tackle a burger. I think he was imagining coming home to the the grill fired up with a London broil, mashed potatoes, and veg. What he got instead was my will-power winning the battle of Will-power vs. Juice. So, that's pretty much how to describe Day 3: Juice-0, Michelle-1.

The Human Juicer

2011-07-22T21:34:00.000-07:00

The Royal Buffet

After watching the movie Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead the hubby and I decided to purchase a juicer and go on a juicing reboot. Today was day 1 of the new juice diet. If you haven't seen the movie, you are probably wondering what the great inspiration was to suddenly run out and buy a juicer. My husband, who over the past year has probably only eaten a handful of veggies, is actually the force behind this movement. To sum up the movie, 2 men who are over 400 lbs embark on a healthier lifestyle, and jumpstart it by juicing. Spoiler alert- the results are miraculous!

So here we are. I made a trip to the Farmers' Market today and bought $35.00 worth of fruit and veggies. I even brought home veggies I have never seen before. When Jon came home from work, we made "dinner." I had all of the veggies outside on our table (there is not enough room in my fridge). Jon coined it "The Royal Buffet." We went to town, putting together all sorts of combinations. I picked what I thought was going to be the grossest combo - 1 beet, 2 apples, 1 carrot, 1 cucumber, and 2 peaches. It is unbelievable how mother nature can make that combo quite appealing.

Jonny Juice

All in all, day 1 has not been bad. Keeping my mind off of food has been impossible. I guess that is the whole reason for this blog post- to prevent my lack of will power from taking over. I plan to do this for the next 10 days. I used to have a very healthy lifestyle for a very long time; I was a vegetarian for a long time, exercised regularly, and was very active. Over the last 5 years, I have moved further and further away from this. Hopefully, this juicing reboot will get me back on track, or at least point me in the right direction.

I apologize now for being one-of-those people who blog about their diets. I guess I now just "get it." All of "those people," are actually just hungry!

I think I need stitches

2011-06-13T20:23:00.000-07:00

My friends and family can tell you, that it is without fail, I somehow manage to ruin holidays and vacations with trips to the ER. I would not call myself a "sick" person, rather just clumsy. I am reminded of these, less than joyful occasions, as I sit here, on my first day of summer vacation, with my foot propped up and bandaged.

In no particular order, I guess I am apologizing for all of the co-pays, cold kielbasa, and warm lemonade my family endured.

Christmas, 1999
Pneumonia got the best of me. Hospitalized for tearing abdominal muscles. Yes, the doctors were trying to kill me.

Valentine's Day, 2006
Pneumonia returned. In bed with for a week, hacked for months. Truly romantic <3.

Summer, 1994
I can skateboard, not! Torn ligaments in ankle. On crutches for 6 weeks.

Summer, 1990
Handstand on scooter- do not try this at home. Chipped jaw bone and missing chin. 13 stitches, plastic surgery and a year's worth of drs visits. Not allowed in the sun.

Summer, 1996
Dorney Park Migraine- locked in a hospital storage closet for hours because they could not shut the lights off in the patient room.

Summer, 2011
Frankenfoot. So, who ever said I went to med school? 24 hours after the weatherstripping on the door butchered my toe, (and after Dar..who's life motto is "tough it out" said "that is really bad. I'm not touching it"), I headed to the ER for my No-so-Mc. Dreamy Dr. and his side kick Nurse Tony to tell me, "I think you need stitches." After a little pedicure joke, I convinced them that glue and a tetanus shot was all I really needed. Day 1 of summer vacation, D.U.N.

Hopefully, I do not have any more to add. There were a ton of bumps and bruises along the way. Many broken fingers and migraine trips to the ER. Oh well.

Generation Gap

2010-08-28T18:00:00.000-07:00

When did I get this way and how in the world did it happen? I can remember what my mother looked like at my age. When I was a child, I can remember what it was like to meet a "grown up." When I was in college, I believed that anyone who was not of college age was out of date. I am now 32 years old and can already notice the attitudinal and behavioral progress creeping towards old. As a teacher, I fall in generation gaps all of the time. Here are some differences I've noticed in myself.

I try my best to save money for "a rainy day" (i.e. the furnace breaks) as opposed to "going out"
Kids walking through my yard annoy the crap out of me. (and yes, I do yell at them)
I will use anything to get that glowing youthful skin.
My work clothes are modest and don't require me to flaunt to get a tip.
"Going out after work" means I am running to Target
My handbag is not a fashion statement it is a status symbol
I have new hobbies! Gardening, cleaning, interior decorating, and dog walking.
"Things" bother me - the bad driver, the kid who walks in front of my car, the coupon that is not accepted because of some restriction, people/services arriving late
I pay for the things I read at Borders. (and I skip the overpriced coffee)
I have not willingly seen 2am in a long time....(exclude insomnia and caffeine overdose)
I bought new hangers for fun...really..I did.
I don't walk because I have to, I do it for exercise.
I can tell my favorite bands/tv shows/commercials to my students and they have no idea what I am talking about.
Clothing I wore when I was younger is "coming back" (aka flannel & stirrups)
I talk to my dr. about "family history" and things I might be "at risk"
I am more than 2xs as old as my youngest student.
My students don't remember 9-11
I now believe manners and good work ethic are more important than a fancy degree.
I buy quality clothes because they last longer.
I am ok with me being me.

Overall, change is a good thing. Every once in a while, when you are caught up on life's journey, it is good to stick your head out the window and scream, no matter how old you are. And, for the record, although I don't feel like I am aging gracefully, I would never want to be any younger than what I am now.

Poor Michelle's Almanac

2010-06-13T17:59:00.000-07:00

So suddenly summer sprung upon me, half unprepared and yet, more than willing to be thrown into the arms of the sunshine. I find myself staring at the calendar knowing that this time will go by all too fast. My year-round employed friends and family simply roll their eyes, and sigh, "You poor thing." Seriously, take away the sarcasm, and I am going to have to completely agree. Poor, poor me, with an unrestricted amount of time, no children to be pining over, and over a million items on my task list. I think the only other people that can fully understand (and appreciate) my situation, are those in the blue-haired club that spend their days fitting in a game of golf or bridge, a trip to the salon, and bounce grandchildren on their knee. You laugh, but I have something strangely in common with these folk: what do I do with all of my time? Unlike the retired crowd, I have not quite reached the pay-scale of "afternoons at Mohegan," or "country club crowd." My luxurious gym membership consists of walking around Lake Scranton. My garden is less than lush as I try to grow plants from seed instead of picking out the freshest in blooms from the local nursery.

In an attempt to make the most of my time, I devised a schedule, in the spirit of Benjamin Franklin.

Morning question: What good shall I do this day?
7:00 am Wake, wash, eat breakfast
7:30 am Exercise
9:00 am Wash
10:00 am Work on camp
1:00 pm lunch
1:30 pm Work in art studio (to be preceded with "create an art studio") or garden
4:30 pm Break
5:00 pm Dinner
6:00 pm Summer reading/develop school lessons
8:00 pm Put things in their places, music, diversion, conversation.
11:00 pm sleep
Evening question: What good have I done today?

Summer goals:

Prepare an amazing week at camp
Create an art studio
Take an accounting class
Read 10 novels
Create lesson plans for next year
Create storage space in my house
Develop a good tan without burning
Spend more time at the lake
Trip to Texas
Trip to Maine
Go to the beach
Work on flower beds
Install a fence (well, hire someone anyway)

And this is just the start! Be sure to check back to see how well I am progressing!

Eat this and call me in the morning.

2010-04-13T15:55:00.000-07:00

Nearly 3 years ago, I was diagnosed with pre-cancer in my uterus. This rare condition for someone of my age, has had me on the offence. My goal: I will not give cancer an excuse to enter my body. I had surgery to remove the cells and take monthly hormone treatments to balance off my estrogen dominance. I have changed my diet and lifestyle. The following is my recipe for good health, concocted by my mystery-doctor chef.

Briskly walk 30-60 min. daily
Take folic acid, 400 mg. or less daily
Avoid soy and soy products, high in estrogen
Meat is good protein, eat organic meat, free from hormones
Eat Sardines in oil and wild caught salmon, they have Omega-3
Eat fish 2-3 times a week or take fish oil that is molecularly distilled
Use organic low fat milk, free from hormones
Maintain ideal body weight
Avoid refined sugar
Avoid fried foods
Sleep 8 hours a night
Drink clean water, free from heavy metals, chlorine, and fluoride
Drink green tea only sweetened with honey (contains ECGC a cancer preventer)
Eat plenty of fruits and veggies, organic on thin-skinned varieties

It is plain to see that although my condition has brought me to this diet, all this diet really is, is how we used to eat, drink, and behave. Modern commercial foods and busy lifestyles seem to have dictated the proto-typical American diet, one comprised of convenience foods and pleasure treats. I can't imagine a doctor saying to anyone, "eat hormone-injected meat, an excess of refined sugar products , and lay off the exercise." I am posting this so you too can get back to basics, enjoy real food, and live a healthy life. Eat this, and call me in the morning.

Millennium of Debt

2010-03-04T17:39:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I opened my credit card statement only to be completely blown away by their thoughtful projections in regards to my credit. I have a minor balance of $600.00 on a credit card. Since my goal is to be debt free by the end of the year, every month, I make payments that are more than double the minimum payment due. Thank goodness for that because what my credit card company told me, was earth shattering. They said that if I were to only make the minimum balance each month (on $600!!) it would take me 1,027 years to pay it off. Yes, go back and read that again because that is exactly what I did. Here it is again, 1,027 years. What is that?? Is that even legal? How can they ask me for a minimum balance, knowing full well that it will take me over a millennium to pay it off? No wonder why our banks are in such trouble. I guess they don't really need any of their money right away. Let's see, how would I feel if my great grandmother to the 25th degree charged her plow? I guess it would probably be costing me about 3 million Deutsch marks or 5 solid gold bricks. I guess I really shouldn't be complaining about my student loans.

Millennium of Debt

One-hundred sixteen-thousand,
eight hundred five dollar$
One-hundred sixteen-thousand
Minimum payments

One-hundred sixteen-thousand,

eight hundred five dollar$

How to pay off, pay off your credit cards?

With interest-with advances

With purchases- and balance transfers

With statements-with due dates

With balances - with fees

With One-hundred sixteen-thousand,

eight hundred five dollar$

How do you pay off your minimum balance

in just one life??

How about 1027 years?

Measure in centuries.

Credit card corruption.

It's time now to sing out

though the interest never ends

Let's cherish our minimum balance now,

Because for generations it won't end.

Oh, you've got to remember the purchases

because the payments never end

Share the credit, share the wealth, spread the payments

Measure, measure your payments in centuries

UPDATES:
3/31/10 only 831 more years to go until my balance is paid off!

Psychoanalyze Your Lunch

2010-02-25T18:35:00.000-08:00

Brown bag, brown bag, in the fridge..tell me what type of life this is! Everyone says that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and that dinner is the most important time for a family. Lunch, on the other hand, is a meal which we rarely neglect; partly because we are usually hungry around mid-day, and partly because our employers actually tell us we have to take one. But, what does your meal scream about you? Are we really what we eat?

Unfortunately, yes, we are. Try out this sample menu:

Monday: Baby green salad, roasted walnuts, cranberries, grilled chicken, and Gorgonzola cheese. Warm balsamic dressing and bottle of 0 calorie flavored water. Snack: little pomegranate seeds and honey glazed almonds.

Interpretation: I love having lunch with my girlfriends!!! In fact, I love showing off my healthy selections while ravishing my mouth with little petite treats. I may have credit card bills out the wazoo but who cares?? Later, I am going to the gym and give my little fluffy dog, Oliver, a walk in the park. Starbucks, anyone? Chi latte, skinny, extra foam, with free market tea only!

Tuesday: Sushi Express Salmon and tuna rolls, miso soup, and organic rice crackers. Snack: Fuji apple and Voss water, and must eat with chopsticks!

Interpretation: Why the hell aren't there any good sushi places around here? I need a job with more culture...these people are so ignorant. In fact, these people didn't even know what sushi was until they saw The Breakfast Club. Ugh... I just can't connect. Later I am going to read Sylvia Plath in the park and hit up some wi-fi from my neighbor, on my Mac, and blog.

Wednesday: Leftovers! Meatloaf slices, mac & cheese, and a pudding cup. Snack: goldfish and a diet coke.

Interpretation: Why am I the designated lunch maker in the house? Do I wear a hair net?? I barely made it out of the house this morning because I had to get everyone ready. Lunch?? What Lunch?? Will I even have time to eat this crap because on my lunch break I have to run to the post office and the dry cleaners. Work is my escape but I have a million things to do once I get home. Joey has football, Sally has swim, then dance. I don't even remember when I signed Jacob up for karate. Later, I am going to Target to pick up some vacuum cleaner bags and eat a roll of cookie dough by myself. Seriously.

Thursday: One South Beach frozen meal, 1/4 cup cashews, 1Polly-O string cheese, and plain yogurt. Snack: 30 roasted chick peas, 3 sugar free candies, and black coffee.

Interpretation: I can do this. Really, how hard can it be? Look, I am a successful person, but, I just need to watch what I eat. I am not even overweight!! But, if I want to look great in those skinny jeans, I'll just do this for a few weeks!! Who am I kidding?? Later, I am going to hit the elliptical for 1/2 hour, meet my girlfriends at the new "steam yoga" joint, Tweet my speed-dating updates, and suck on Fudgesicles while I drool over McDreamy.

Friday: Tuna sandwich on wheat, slightly soggy, wrapped in tin foil, yogurt, side salad of lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Snack: sugar-free Jello, carrot sticks, and a Chunk bar.

Interpretation: How the hell did I end up eating a tuna sandwich at my desk by myself?? FML this is just pathetic and embarrassing. No wonder why I am skipping my high school reunion. I guess next I will find myself at a department store buying over-sized sweaters with embroidered animals on it. Whoa...holy wake up call!! Later, I am updating my resume. At this point, I am willing to do just about anything to be eating a grilled chicken salad with my girlfriends.

All in all, our lunch can scream more about us than a new haircut. The best part is, you can change your lunch tomorrow!!

Dad's Anthracite

2010-02-12T13:59:00.000-08:00

There are some things in my life that I appreciate now, more than when I had them.
My dad's coal stove is one such thing: As a teenager, it used to bother me to go to my father's house in the country on the weekends (RD#3 Dalton, PA--just 1 mile from Lake Winola, 1.5 miles past the Baylor Ice Co., on the corner of Freeman Rd and Purdy Rd, right next door to the one-room-schoolhouse and cornfield).

As much as I loved spending time with my sister and him, it seemed so far removed from everything. I never even told my friends that we had a coal stove. My father, son of Al Leggat from A. Leggat & Co. Heating and Cooling, to this day, knows more about green energy than Al Gore. When my father bought our house in Dalton, he installed a beautiful coal stove in the basement, which he ran every winter using Pennsylvania anthracite coal. Besides heating the house, the coal stove served many useful purposes. I loved it when my father would fill a metal pot with water, and place it on the stove for humidity. Or in the middle of winter, after we would make fresh squeezed orange juice from the ripe oranges from FL, he would put the rinds on the stove and let them dry. The whole house was perfumed with ripe oranges all month long. The stove would force such warm air, that after I took my shower, I stood in front of it for 10 min. and my hair would dry. (My father also had tons of Lubriderm Lotion on hand for my constant dry skin). My father would also deposit the white ash onto the driveway. There was never a need for rock salt. Any excess ash went onto a mound right next to the compost pile. I believe it was the combination of the ash and compost that produced some of the most random vegetables growing in that area. He would let them grow and the woodchucks would eat them. How amusing it was to watch them in the yard.
Speaking of creatures, I will never forget one spring. My father was cleaning the exhaust pipe. He was meticulous in doing this. I watched as he reached his hand into the pipe only to bring out a dried bat. Yes, the bat must have gotten stuck in the pipe and literally dried to death in the pipe. It looked like something from a Hitchcock film. Its poor little wings expanded, like it was gripping onto the sides of the pipe. Yes, I have been scarred for life!

In this day and age, when windmills are popping up faster than daffodils, it is nice to know that over 20 years ago, my father embarked on reducing his carbon footprint as a one-man journey.

Married to England

2010-01-10T16:43:00.000-08:00

Jonathan and I went to England for 2 weeks for his brother's wedding. Enjoy the scenery.

The Secret Ingredient

2009-11-25T16:39:00.000-08:00

Long before I knew how to do anything, I knew how to bake an apple pie. From the moment I was tall enough to see over the kitchen table, my Nana had me in her kitchen and at her side. Before that, I was under the table playing with her Tupper-ware and wooden spoons. Everyone in my family could tell you stories of their favorite Nana recipe. They could each remember how they tasted, how they smelled, and how they felt when they ate it. After my baking partner passed, I threw in my baking towel. Over the years since, I have attempted to bake a few pies here and there, but they never seemed to match up to the pies Nana and I would make together; they tasted like they were missing something. Tonight, and long overdue, I took out my baking towel; actually, it was my Nana's. I fired up the oven and sunk my fingers into the mixing bowl once again. I am not sure how my pies will taste, as they are sitting on the cooling racks just waiting to be enjoyed, but I was sure to add the secret ingredient.

Leggett's Gold Mine

2009-11-22T13:23:00.000-08:00

Ok, so Leggett's mine is not really a gold mine. It is actually a closed anthracite coal mine. This photo was taken today and ironically this morning, my husband and I coined our property the Leggett's gold mine. Why? Well, these beautiful images taken from the view of my front porch will soon be luxury homes within the next few years. Although we will miss the spectacle of sunsets, we are happy to appreciate them now as our home appreciates in value!

Autumn Sunset

2009-11-20T13:55:00.001-08:00

I took this photo today when I got home from work, around 4:15p.m. Usually, the sun will set to the right of the tree line, over West Mountain. Because of the time of year, I was able to see the sun slip behind the Leggett's Creek mine, just across the street from my home. All of the leaves have finished falling, leaving the sky filled with a winterly scene of branches and cool hues.

6th Degree Celebrity

2009-09-08T19:14:00.000-07:00

I've always wanted to have a document keeping track of all of the famous people I have met in person in my life. Here's my best attempt.

1985 I think the first famous person I ever met was Richard Harris. He came to my school when I was in 3rd grade and hand picked several children to perform in his adaptation of Julius Caesar. I was one of his children. My role was to wait upstage right until the girl with the flashlight gave me my cue to go onstage. While I was waiting, Sir. Harris exited in my wing, and every night, he kissed the top of my head. After he kissed me, the girl with the flashlight gave me my cue and I went onstage.

1988 Also while in grade school, on a typical vacation to Atlantic City, my sister and I had an experience of a lifetime. We were staying in one of the suites and were allowed private pool access during certain hours. These hours were also the same hours that the performers were allowed to use the pool. My sister and I played for hours in the pool with our favorite TV stars (we watched the reruns every morning), The Monkees, MickyDolenz, Michael Nesmith, Peter Tork, and Davy Jones. My sister rode the elevator with Davy Jones, for which I am eternally jealous!! It is also fair to saythat The Grass Roots were swimming with us too, however, I was really not interested in them, nor would they play with our beach ball the way Micky did!!

1991 When I was in middle school I used to usher at the Masonic Temple, a local venue for traveling Broadway Shows. I remember I would run out into the alley behind the backstage area to try to meet the actors. One year I caught up with Barry Williams, or Greg Brady. I didn't even have a piece of paper to ask for his autograph. He gave me a hug and I can still remember the smell of his black leather jacket.

1996 In college, we frequently would have guest performing artist and directors. My freshman year in college as a theatre student, I was assigned the job of props mistress. One of my jobs was to create real torches for the production under the direction of Paul Barry. Well one day, Mr. Barry met me in the scene shop area and instructed me on how to make proper torches for the stage. It didn't look complicated to me as they were only made out of coffee cans and a little bit of sand. I should have known to trust my instincts as the grand curtain went up on flames on opening night!!

1997 I have been very fortunate to grow up in the very creative, and small town of Scranton. Hometown to Pulitzer Prize winner playwright Jason Miller, it is small enough that it is not long before you meet him out somewhere. Always ready for a conversation, and never remembering me each time I would meet him out, Mr. Miller bought me several drinks on different occasions. A brilliant man with a great style of conversation. I am honored to have met him.

1998-2004 While working at an upscale summer camp, it is more than fair to say that I met my fair share of children of celebrities and their parents. I don't think it would be fair to list them, as they were children in my care. To me, they were no more or less important than any other child. My love and experiences with them will last a lifetime, designer name or not. So, I reserve these few lines for all of the children who will be something some day, famous or not. And to their parents, who entrusted me with their care.

2002 (I think..will confirm this) It was a sunny day at the Portland Sea Dogs game. I was there with about 40 of my campers. We sat in the nosebleed cheap seats, just below the luxury boxes. Ironically enough, as I was getting our girls settled, who were trying to socialize with the boys camp sat just a few rows away, they quickly became distracted by watching me speak to a very familiar gentleman, former President George Bush Sr. He asked me about all of the girls and where we were from. He joked about my responsibility with them. Then he offered to buy us all ice cream. He ushered over a couple of the ice cream sellers. We were thrilled to have such a treat from the former President and his wife. It was a wonderful experience as he sat with me for a bit in the cheap seats with the former President. As the sun beat down and he became hot, he went back into his luxury box and our girls went back to harassing the boys!

2008 A couple of years ago I became involved with an organization for children who stutter. At our summer camp, my partner arranged for his friend and supporter Jessie Martin to make an appearance at our camp. He sat in on my counselor meeting. We had great conversations about camp and said, "I will send my kids to your camp someday." after I told him of my goals to own a camp.

2009 At our camp/organization fundraising gala, I had the honor of meeting some of

our honored guests. I spoke to B.D. Wong about possibly coming to camp as one of our "counselors." John Slattery and I

had a nice conversation about the camp and was a very genuine person to speak with. On our way out of the building, my husband ran into Bill Withers standing near the door by himself, as I was looking around the room for the ladies room. We asked if we could have our picture taken with him. He was such a gentleman and said to Jon, "A piece of advice, as you get older, you must always wait for your wife." The flicker of the flash had no sooner finished, and his wife just arrived from the ladies room.

Beetle 1 - Michelle 0

2009-08-17T20:38:00.000-07:00

Before stepping away from my garden, home, and precious puppies for 10 days, I had some expectations for when I returned. I expected that my garden would be fruitful, my home would need a cleaning, and my puppies would be filled with seperation anxiety. So what happened? My home was spotless (thanks to my mother giving me the royal treatment), my dogs now have seperation anxiety for my mother (thanks to her giving them the royal treatment), and my garden is now absent of all of my cucumber plants, my tomatoes are splitting, and my corn looks like it was run over by the lawn mower. My blossoming rose bush has been completlely eaten by some bug, who has only left the stems, to remind me of where a rose bush once stood.