What's in our DnA?

An out-of-the-blue message from a novice change-maker...

2009-09-12T18:15:00.003-04:00

Dear friends and family,

I realize this message from me has come from out-of-the-blue... some of you haven't heard from me in years and must wonder why I'm suddenly emailing you now and others get my random blog posts but never a direct email. I have paced back and forth to my computer, wondering if I should "bother" people, especially knowing that not all of us share the same political ideas or values. Then I realized every single one of the people listed in my address book were people that have had some sort of impact on me and might be patient with me as you read on. I realize when talking about health reform political tongues can lash and minds can become muddled in right or left wings but I can't just sit behind the computer screen any longer.

Right now Daniel and I are in the middle of sorting out our own health care. He is in grad school and gets limited coverage through school but I am left with no care. I had to make a scary decision this summer: to be insured, be poor and be miserable at my job or be uninsured/or pay for private insurance, be poor and like myself again. As scary as it was, I lept, in faith, and jumped into the second option. I have been fortunate that this is the first time in my life I have had to make that choice but I realized that it just isn't right to be stuck in a job for the sole purpose of health coverage. For those in this situation, you'd probably agree that the view is much different from the "uninsured" side of things. It's rather ironic timing that this has happened in my personal life in the midst of this national health reform. Although I'm not always a sign-seeker, I take it as confirmation that I shouldn't sit idly by and hope others will step in to influence Washington for change. Instead, I need to be one of those people, one of those naughty, little change-makers.

Change is such a loaded word these days. President Obama partly won his title on this courageous note of change however now that change is happening, many clutch their security blankets and conclude with a knee-jerk reaction of fear. Granted, change is never easy but that doesn't make it wrong. Wasn't change the impetuous during the Civil Rights movement, allowing all races equality? Wasn't change on the agenda when the Americans with Disabilities act was passed and people with disabilities were no longer sterilized or institutionalized? Didn't change allow the opportunity for women to vote, have careers and own land? During the era's of these changes, there was also the same volatile fear we hear today, the need to clutch to what is familiar and safe. However, living as we now do, can you imagine our lives without these necessary changes? Can you even imagine not being able to sit at a restaurant with friends of all races, all backgrounds? Can you imagine locking up a young child with autism or down's syndrome? As a woman, can you imagine not being able to pursue careers or influence politics as you do so now? Some may say my comparisons are dramatic and have nothing to do with the current health care debate but I firmly disagree. Those times of change were all about freedom just as it is now. No matter the income, race, or status, all Americans should have the freedom to take care of themselves. It is our basic right as human beings. If I truly live in the "country of the free," then I should have the right to choose and access health insurance so I can responsibly take care of myself and my family without financially burdening other Americans.

As the world of health care currently turns in our country, none of us are in the drivers seat, even those that have insurance. Instead, well-fed corporates take the wheel, making decisions on whether or not we "qualify" for coverage and how much it will cost. Their wallets swell as pre-existing conditions are discovered or essential non-generic drugs are prescribed. It is time for us to reclaim the wheel and take control over our own health care, our own health. If car insurance is a mandatory requirement in most states, why isn't health care? Do we really care more about our cars, our property, then our own bodies? Our own health?

So first, let me thank you for taking the time to read this long-winded email (for those that subscribe to our blog, my apologies if you received this twice). In addition to satiating my need to do something, to become that change-maker, I hope this email has encouraged you to do so as well. If it has, one really easy step is to log onto this website and notify your congressmen of your opinions. It is a safe and secure site and provides an easy way to show support with the click of the mouse.

I do hope this email finds you and yours healthy, happy and you're able to pursue your dreams. Although my decision to take the job with no health care was risky, I am happy and a healthier person for it. Hmmm.... isn't that ironic?

All my love,
Ashley-Anne Furner Brown

A Yankee's Observation of the South: Food

2009-08-30T20:45:00.000-04:00

As it is proving to be a large part of life down here,

my first observational post of the South is about Food...

Chain Game: I have never seen so many chain restaurants in a 10 mile radius in my entire life. From KFC, to Bojangles, to Chiles, to Checkers... Greenville has every chain restaurant known to man... makes me feel a little sick...
Farm Fresh: To counter the fast-food revolution in Greenville, the county has a WONDERFUL farmer's market... really one of the best ones I've been to in the states (the ones in MD are just too overpriced). It is so amazing, I'll be writing a separate post about it later!
Fry me home: Everything you order comes with something fried... fried hush puppies, fried corn bread/corn sticks, fried potatoes, and fried okra. My arteries are searching for an exit strategy.
All things meat: It would be hard to be a veg-head here. Meals aren't meals without a large portion of some sort of animal. Not only is the meat the main attraction, it usually takes up 2/3s of the plate. This meal was from Uncle Yammy's Ribs... beef brisket and Yammy's chicken. (Note the fried corn sticks (top left) and fried okra in the picture!)
Royal Pigs: The south isn't good for a kosher diet either. Pork is the meat of the south. We drove towards Raleigh a few days ago (to go to Trader Joe's for our organic, preservative free products... ha!) and drove past a sign that read "Take the next exit and visit our Pork Center!" As if a center of pork isn't bad enough, who was inviting us? A cute little pig, his little red tongue sticking out, balancing a large crown on his head. We are admist royalty here!
NC BBQ: I am learning that barbeque is nothing to mess around with down here. Maybe it's because the pig is king or maybe it's because it is just that good. Eastern Carolina barbeque is vinegar based and is becoming a fast favorite. The whole hog is cooked slowly over coals, chopped up and laced with slightly salty, slightly spicy sauce. I don't take it as seriously as the locals, but I do like it. The texture and saltiness reminds me of kalua pig in Hawa'ii... YUM! Somehow I've failed to get a pic of the bbq we've eating... this one will have to do (what we've had looked better than this, though).
Mean, Lean Grilling Machine: I'm not sure if #7 has much to do with the South as it's more about our love affair with grilling. Fellow apartment dwellers can commiserate I'm sure. When you live in an apartment, the opportunity to cook outdoors is either limited or.... illegal (silly fire codes....) so we have always coveted our parent's grills, barbecuing any chance we could. Our new place boasts 6-8 grills on the premises, most near the pools. Tongs, lighter and full propane tanks are even included!

We've grilled every meal this week, including dessert....
let's just say I'm not a huge fan of grilled cantaloupe!

Pyrates life for me!

2009-08-25T16:28:00.007-04:00

Welcome to Greenville, North Carolina!

Although there were moments of "are we ever going to make it?"
we've done it... we've moved and gained residency in an entirely new state!

Daniel is pursuing grad school in Maritime Studies/History at Eastern Carolina University. He has a love of the sea and it's wonderful to see this all fall into place for him. The program will be for at least two years and discussions are already underway about a thesis and it was only his first day today!

I'll have a change of pace as well... taking a break from public ed and working one-on-one with students with disabilities. I'll also be working with teachers in rural areas, teaching them best practices of working with students with disabilities. I'm pretty excited for the change. All in all, the transition is going well and am enjoying the last few days of summer before I begin working next week.

My hope is, during this move, is to keep you all posted on our NC adventures on this blog... I do think I need to change the name of it, though... possibly Pyrate's DnA*... what do you think?

Arghhhh!

*The next few years will be consumed with everything-pyrate I presume... ECU's mascot is the pirates and, let's face it, my husband will be studying everything martime!

Holiday Festivities

2009-01-12T20:55:00.023-05:00

Being blessed with two fantastic families,
we had several holiday festivities to attend!
Below are just a few highlights...

Christmas Eve Dinner
with FurnerFam

We received this raclette machine for our wedding (thanks Michael and Isa!) and had yet to use it. It's basically a tabletop grill with little trays that melt yummy raclette cheese. Mom prepared a great spread... sliced meats and vegetables, roasted potatoes and broccoli.

After dinner, we all asked this question... if we can melt cheese, what else can we melt? It was experiment time! First was the dark chocolate, next the caramel and next....

the Peeps...

Before....

After...

Who would've thought we could be so devious on Christmas Eve!

After we recovered from a wonderful and gooey dinner,
we spent the rest of the evening opening presents and enjoying one another's company.
Thank you Melinda and Emma for driving in from Chicago!

Christmas Morning at Home

We have a tradition of spending Christmas morning together in our own home exchanging gifts. Although we agreed to not do as many gifts this year (as our big gift to each other was an LCD projector we purchased in October) we just couldn't resist buying a few gifts....

Christmas Day Dinner
with the Brown Family

After a fun morning at home, we drove down to
Mom and Dad Brown's for a great Christmas dinner.
It was so nice to catch up with family,
exhange gifts and enjoy a great meal.
We played some great games around the dinner table.
If you've never played "Sausage," email me... it's hilarious!

Paulie being his fantastically expressive self! He is 12 and truly
one of the most sincere pre-teens I have ever met...
always kind and sincere to all family members.
We're so lucky to have him as our nephew!

The Great Gin-Gin (grandmother on Dad's side).
She is 91 years old!

Anderson Christmas Party

As we all didn't get to spend Christmas Day together,
we continued the Christmas celebration with a family
party at Rachel and Paul's home, catching up with
aunts and uncles from near and far ...
(well.. not that far... Pennsylvania... :)

It was an evening filled with great food
(yummy turkey dinner!) and generous gift exchange.
Rachel planned a mad-lib version of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas
that was too funny...

We played the gift-exchange-game-of-many-names:
Yankee Trader, White Elephant, Give-n-Take...
Basically everyone brings a wrapped gift and
we take turns picking from the pile or "stealing"
from someone else. Unfortunately my strategy
didn't quite pay off...

I ended up with the gift I brought...

Daniel won an '80's music boxed set that was pretty great though.

Daniel and I introduced one of our favorite games and with a rendition
of a song and before we knew it we were in the ultimate of competitions....
Wii American Idol!

With comments provided by Wii versions of
Randy, Paula and Simon, we took turns selecting songs
and singing at the top of our lungs!

It was fun to see (and hear) everyone
let loose and belt it!
I really think Karaoke is one of the best party games...
everyone got into it!

Megan and Rachel

The ladies singing it!

Phill, Daniel and Paul

Sisters in Song

Megan, Aunt Jacque, Aunt Barb and Uncle Bob

All in all, it was a fantastic holiday!
We are blessed with remarkable family!
We are thankful for the joy they bring to our lives.

XO

2008-12-31T21:15:00.003-05:00

Hope you're more excited for the new year
than Daniel is after a visit to the dentist!

We wish you a fantastic 2009, filled with joy,
love, prosperity and peace.

Happy New Year!
DnA

E&E Slumber Party

2008-12-27T11:24:00.020-05:00

During the holiday break, my nieces came to town. Emma Anne (9) braved the slippery roads all the way from Chicago and Emily Marie (12) flew on a 4 hour plane ride from Salt Lake City all by herself! To honor the occasion, we needed a Tata and Niece Slumber Party! They both responded to the Evite I sent a few weeks ago, anticipating the evening filled with movies, make overs, Wii Karaoke and junk food! Before the big event, Emma mentioned "This is really a big step for me, Tata... last time I had a sleep over was when I was 5 and it doesn't count 'cause I didn't have a choice and I got scared!"

To avoid anxiety, we focused on the positive and started the evening at the grocery store. We each got to pick out our favorite junk food. Emily chose Hershey's chocolate with almonds, Emma selected a big box of Hostess Zingers and I chose French Onion dip. Oh... and don't forget the Orange Soda!

Emily received a big Caboodle make up kit for Christmas so we just had to do makeovers! Emily was our make up artist and Emma was our hair designer. They pretended we were on What Not To Wear and gave me fashion tips. Emily knew what she was talking about "... and then you dot your eyelid with white to open your eyes..." and Emma taught us how to best apply Hannah Montana hair glitter... I definitely learned a few things! I love how Emily can multi-task... applying mascara, talking on the phone AND giving me fashion tips!

My completed look...

The many model faces of Emily Marie... surprised, serious and silly!!

The fashion show included dressing up in my dresses
and strutting it in heels. Since I'm a size 6 shoe and Emily is an 8,
she was a good sport about going barefoot!

After our show and dancing, we washed our faces,
got in our jammies and played Boogie and Wii Karaoke!
Emily and Emma did a great job dancing and singing!

By 10:30, we all needed some wind down time... we made popcorn and watched Mamma Mia. We sang to the songs and bopped our heads to the music. It was really fun to watch it on the LCD projector... felt just like we were at the movies!

By midnight, the movie was over, our eyes were drooping and it was time for bed. Emma and Emily snuggled up to their stuffed animals and blankets, the camping lantern nightlight was lit (via battery, of course) and goodnight hugs were exchanged. Soon all three of us were fast asleep!

Fortunately no one really stirred until 8/9am the next day and both girls slept through the night. Regardless, Emily and I still looked like we could have used a bit more sleep...

And Emma, bright-eyed as usual, called her mom
to tell her how excited she was that she made it
through her first real sleep over!

Thanks, Emily and Emma, for a great time!
You are both kind and fantastically fun people!

2008-12-25T00:34:00.008-05:00

Wishing you all a
very happy Christmas,
filled with peace, love,
unity & laughter.

XOXO
DnA

Santa Lucia Traditions

2008-12-14T17:48:00.025-05:00

Swedish heritage extends from my mother's side and, with it, a plethora of traditions... straw ornaments on the tree, folk art paintings and Swedish oven pancakes. A favorite includes the celebration of Santa Lucia on December 13th (read more about it here or my mom's blog). In our family the celebration began early in the morning, an hour or two before dawn, the house lit only by candles and holiday lights. The oldest girl in the house would wake up first, don a white robe and candle wreath and, one-by-one, sing each family member awake, handing them a lit candle whilst carrying a tray of sweet pastries. Once we were all awake, we sang to each beloved Christmas decoration... the lit tree, the portrait of the Madonna and the creche. With the sun just peeking through, we would sit around the dining table and eat a yummy breakfast, reminded of the Spirit of Christmas and peace family brings. My family continues the tradition with their children and am excited to continue with my own. Ella Paris is the perfect Santa Lucia with her brothers as the star boys.

Although I didn't wear the white robe and candle wreath this year, we still celebrated with singing carols and eating yummy Swedish oven pancakes with whipped cream and raspberry jam. How do you make it, you ask?
Melt 4 pats of butter in a 400F oven
(be careful as not to let it burn!)

While the butter is melting, in a blender add:

4 eggs 2 cups of milk

4 tablespoons of sugar

1 /1/3 cups of flour

and 1 teaspoon of nutmeg

Blend until frothy.

Gently pour batter into heated, buttery pan and bake for 20-30 minutes at 400F. When they poof and pop on the edges, they're ready... serve right away for their yummiest!

Top with freshly whipped cream,
sour cream or raspberry jam.

Daniel, still sleepy-eyed, enjoying the first
of many Santa Lucia Days!

I sort of forgot there is only two of us.... :)

Happy Santa Lucia Day!

Autumn Highlights

2008-12-04T20:34:00.020-05:00

Thank you to all those that sent kinds emails and words in regards to my last post. It has been difficult to post again as, although it was cathartic, it's still difficult to revisit the words.

However, life has continued marvelously. A few highlights include....

Taking my students to the homecoming game and pumpkin farm...

Revisiting wedding photos (and... eh-hum...finally printing some off...)

Designing business cards for Daniel...

Catching up with friends and family...

and Thanksgiving yumminess!

Ups and Downs

2008-09-13T14:00:00.006-04:00

Life for us has been filled with ups and downs lately.

Since my shortcake post, we soon discovered the greatest of ups... pregnancy! We were in bless-ed shock as we checked, double-checked and triple-checked the third (and only positive) pregnancy test. A half hour later, around 9:30pm, we found ourselves at the local clinic to confirm with a blood test. Sure enough, I was pregnant and the projected due date was April 1st 2009! We left the clinic with joy, as we walked around the building in gentle surprise. We were excited to start our family and continue with our next rite of passage.

A few days later we traveled to visit some of my family in Charlotte, NC, reveling in family visits, cute nieces and new nephew, yummy meals, MarioKart and relaxation.

We spent the weekend in Beaufort, NC with my sister and her daughter. We played in the waves, saw fireworks, visited a potential graduate school (ECU) and practiced our "arrr!" at the Beaufort Pyrate Invasion (I haven't even mentioned that Daniel is writing a pyrate novel, have I?). What a lovely holiday! It was the first time this summer when Daniel and I both had off. It was so nice to just be together. It reminded us of the "no-jobs" summer we spoiled ourselves with last year... although we had little money then, the lazy days spent together were priceless.

After a great vacation, it was back to Baltimore, Daniel back to work and one week for me before it was time to return to teaching. I was apprehensive and excited to start the year pregnant. My classroom was changed to a room with a private bathroom... meant to be used for my students with toileting needs but I was so thankful to have access to it! So far, though, the sickness was manageable. Daniel took incredible care of me... getting me ginger for the nausea, massages for the headache, clean sheets for my naps. Daniel has always been an attentive, kind husband but his excitement shined as he made sure I was comfortable.

Soon I was back to work for a week and preparing for the student's return. I work with students with mild to severe disabilities, ranging from autism, mental retardation, cerebral palsy and severe learning disabilities. Being the new team leader, I was excited to meet the new teachers to our program and begin the year. These teachers offer great enthusiasm and dedication to our students.

Before I knew it, it was time for my 10 week appointment. In the examining room, Daniel and I anxiously waited for the doctor to arrive. We were to hear our peanut's heartbeat. The doppler's batteries died so she charged up the sonogram machine. Daniel had to leave as he was late for a teaching appointment. The doctor had difficulty finding the heartbeat but concluded it was because of her lack of ability to read the scan. She tried to put me at ease, whilst blaming her technical skills. She requested blood work and another ultrasound with a technician the next day. I drove home worried. I tried to be hopeful, but I saw her eyes. Her expression as she searched the screen for a sign of life. Daniel soon came home and we tried our best to be hopeful. I was grateful we only had to wait one day until the next scan. I went to work the next morning to keep my mind off of things. We met at home and drove together to the doctor's office, quietly hoping, loudly praying along the drive.

I had the next ultrasound alone with the technician. As Daniel thought I had just gone to the bathroom, he was surprised to see my face as I came back into the waiting room. As the technician gave me no news, no view of the screen, I knew I had lost the baby. We sat, Daniel needing to hope, me choking back tears. We were finally called back by the nurse with the kind, caring eyes. Soon the doctor came in, with a long expression. "Your blood levels are low." I was numb. She continued, me only half listening, half understanding. I saw the progesterone numbers... weeks ago they were in the 13000's, now just 7500, by now they should be in 20000’s. "I wish it was my technical skills that were to blame but this is no longer a viable pregnancy." We stopped tears as I asked about my options, etc... My cervix was completely closed and it may be several weeks to months before I would miscarry on my own. Upon returning home, we would call to schedule the D&C for two days later.

We went home in downer shock... not the same "up" shock we felt upon discovering I was pregnant. This was the gut-wrenching, knock-the-wind-out-of-you shock. The shock no one should feel. Until now, I had been blessed to never feel this kind of shock.

Upon opening the front door, our little home felt like the enemy... filled with memories of peanut... empty cans of ginger ale and crackers by the bed, pregnancy books on the coffee table, the bright red "L'il Pirate" onsie we bought in Beaufort. I wanted to throw it all out the window but cling to it at the same time.

I immediately wanted everyone to know. I didn't want people to still think I was pregnant. My mom notified my family, Daniel emailed his. Other than tears and sobs, I don't remember what we did that evening.

We coped. We survived. We managed.

We received many beautiful Gifts. We were supported by the prayers and positive energy from friends and family, supported by your love. Colleagues covered for us at work, God covered us with love at home. A leafy plant, tied with a beautiful yellow ribbon, arrived at the door. Meals were brought with love. Daniel and I depended on each other in a way we never have before. We drew closer to each other, gave each other space in other moments. We spoke in awe of those who have lost loved ones post-birth and their ability to cope, to survive after their loss.

Another Gift included an incredible medical staff for the D&C surgery on Friday. They were kind, gentle and compassionate. As my cervix really didn't want to let this baby go, I had some complications but soon my body relinquished control.

Before long we will be able to try again.

I am not alone. Countless women miscarry, countless couples mourn the loss of the baby they never knew, of the baby they loved the minute they discovered him. I find comfort in these sad numbers, knowing miscarriage is not the swing of the gavel on our future family. But I still get sad. We still find, in the middle of a video game or curry dinner, tears can fall. I still get choked up watching a mamma pushing a stroller.

Despite the downs, however, I am thankful for my life.

For my family. For my friends. For my husband.

I am hopeful.

I know that after a down, there is always an up.

After the storm, there is restoration.

Strawberry Shortcake

2008-07-13T13:40:00.001-04:00

Stawberry Shortcake has a distinguished history in the Furner Family. It all began during our first of many visits to John Escuaga's Nugget Casino in Reno.

Of course the steakhouse provided other experiences as well... like when us kids would try to sneak a quarter in a slot machine or when I was 4 or 5 and plopped a heaping soup spoon of what I thought was sour cream in my mouth, which turned out to be creamed horseradish... but the main reason we visited the bright lights of the Nugget was for dessert... the syrupy smooth strawberry shortcake. It wasn't the traditional shortcake. It was served in a large bowl, with a strawberry soup puree at the bottom, the disk-shaped cake floating on top, a generous spray of freshly whipped cream and, teetering on the top, a generous scoop of sliced berries. It was a great balance of textures, color and, most importantly, taste.

Since moving almost 20 years ago, it seems we might still be on a quest to find a shortcake that compares to the Nugget's creation. Until then, I'll settle for a recipe I've been making since my first trip to Switzerland at 14... a simple shortcake bursting with fresh cream and slightly sweetened berries.

I think my dad
& Daniel agree!

Porch Garden

2008-07-12T13:49:00.001-04:00

During the warm days of May I got super excited about the idea of
planting a porch garden. I haven't had much luck at caring for live
things -my fish have died, the frog grew mold and the beautiful cut
flowers Daniel brings home don't last as long as they should.
But... if I'm trying to be better to Mother Earth, I might
as well try growing a few things. Plus, maybe this
will compensate for the energy
we use for the Wii playing!

I planted the array of pots with varieties of tomatoes (roma, beefsteak and patio's), hot peppers, basil, lemon balm, strawberries, mint and sweet peppers. I wasn't expecting much when I planted the little sprouts in May but have been pleasantly surprised. It's fun to see them gain height and flower. Then watching the blossoms being replaced by little green bundles, eventually sprouting into jalepenos, tomatoes and banana peppers.

We've had our first little harvest... two tomatoes so far.
There is just something so rewarding about growing your own food,
having the ability to go out to the garden
and pick the fruit from the vine.

The Tibetan flags that
flutter in the wind.

Yum Yum Peppers

Yummy fresh caprese salad made with porch-grown tomatoes
and basil with fresh mozzerella after the harvest!

Wii Fun

2008-07-11T12:55:00.001-04:00

Last summer we spent the last of our wedding money on a Wii gaming system. For those debating on getting one, it's great! Video games were new to me. My only encounters with the Mario Brothers happened at my cousin's house who lived 10 hours away. So, needless to say, I was a bit apprehensive about this purchase but once I saw it in action, I was super excited about it. The activity level is great with the Wii... the first time we played tennis and boxing our arms were sore the next day!

Daniel received Mario Kart for his birthday and we've been playing it ever since. It combines my childhood affection for racing games and my love of quarters. I always hated seeing "10, 9, 8, 7, 6...INSERT 2 CREDITS TO CONTINUE...5, 4, 3, 2, 1.... GAME OVER" flash across the screen. We're so excited we've taken a few photos. Enjoy!

Me beating the first level, my Mii in a proud pink race suit. Her name is Fifi.

Daniel's giant Mii statue. His name is Pepe.

The juxtaposition of the giant media screen and the Buddhas.
Hey... both are in 1st place?!?

Victorious Daniel

And one more makes 9!

2008-07-10T20:44:00.006-04:00

On Monday my sister Molly gave birth
to the 9th Furner grandbaby!

Luke Hunter Gickling

I love the significance of this photo...
an infant brother looking up to his older sister.
Can't wait to see you in August!

For more photos:
http://gicksters.blogspot.com/

Recycling the old fashioned way

2008-07-10T17:39:00.005-04:00

Our apartment complex doesn't recycle. Isn't that ridiculous? The neighborhood to the right does. The homes to the left do. But the apartments in the middle? Nope! Daniel makes bi-monthly trips to the recycling center on his day off. Last week we went together and it brought back so many memories of our trips in Reno.

As a girl of seven or eight growing up in the littlest biggest city in the world (that would be Reno...), I would be on the lookout for any cans that littered the sidewalk or playground. Once we got enough cans together, my family and I would take them to the recycling center near the center of the city. During the drive I would always hope that I would be chosen to carry the large aluminum -filled sack into the lot... well.... at least on the trips where the sack wasn't torn or dripping! We would walk up to the man standing guard and, slowly, as not to miss one, count each can as we dropped them onto the large conveyor belt. It seemed to magically wisp them to recycling heaven. I think we earned about 2-4 cents/can. I didn't really understand why we were getting paid for something we should just do but I also didn't complain as I could get my dolls a new dress with those few dollars. However, we weren't doing it for the money. We were doing it because it's just right. It's just right to use a product again if you can. Why not?

Last week Daniel and I went to the recycling center together. It was different than Reno, no conveyor belt or financial reward for our beneficial offerings but my feelings were similar... that we were doing something good for Mother Earth, our nurturer. More importantly we were doing what's right. I was impressed at how many dumpsters there were, each with different signs describing what could or could not be deposited.

It's rather ironic... having to have to drive and burn oil to be able to get our reuse-ables recycled but it's worth it. It just is.

Summer Tata vs The Calendar

2008-06-20T11:57:00.011-04:00

Never look at a calendar before you go to bed. I did this last night around 11 and to my sad surprise realized I start summer school in a week, just as I was slipping into the silly skin of lazy summer days. Daniel calls this content, relaxed woman Summer Tata**. Last night in the kitchen, as we were making a late evening supper, dancing and laughing the hours away, he exclaimed "I like Summer Tata!" It made me think. Is Work Tata a different soul? Is she bad? Is she good? Is she stressed? Is her stress justified? Where does Summer Tata disappear to from late August to early June every year?

Ahh... the questions....

I'm learning... Work Tata is neither good nor bad. She has existed. Her stress is legitimate but so many times her work ethic is the unneeded cause of this anxiety. Her job is stressful. She teaches students with mild to severe educational and emotional disabilities that require routine, structure and consistency. Many parents of her students provide little reinforcement so she is constantly playing the role of teacher, parent, aunt or even friend. It is hard to leave stress at work, knowing that some of her students return home to a bed on the floor, 8 hours of mind-numbing TV and a bowl of condensed tomato soup if they're lucky. But... this is even more reason for my students and colleagues to get a glimpse of Summer Tata the duration of a long school year.

As I approach classes this summer, I will integrate Summer Tata in my interactions at work and play. Work Tata may raise her observant eyes from time to time, but that's okay... the balance of the two is essential for both job security and sanity!

Summer school can't be all that bad anyways...
according to the calendar, it's only from 8am-12pm...
oh........ it also said today is the first day of summer.....

**Tata is an endearing name my beautiful nieces and nephews
have chosen for me, inspired by SuisseFam... and it's stuck...
now my husband playfully calls me
Tata from time to time.**

A Week of Revelry!

2008-06-19T20:58:00.012-04:00

From my last day of work, to Daniel's 29th
birthday, to our first year anniversary,
this has been a busy week!

Imagine squeezing in Father's Day in years to come!

It started off with saying goodbye to my students for the school year....

Daniel's 29th Birthday Celebrations....

Camping at Savage River State Park...

and our First Wedding Anniversary!

Each of the items above were used in our wedding ceremony in someway.
Stay tuned for anniversary info...