I dream about food.... with such frequency that sometimes I wonder if it's unhealthy, or if I should have my mind focused elsewhere (and sometimes I probably should). I dream about vegetables and produce, the progression of growing seasons, irrigation and landscaping.....the insatiable smells of standing smack dab in the middle of a 100 square foot herb garden in full bloom....
Tonight at the restaurant, I opened up the walk-in cooler and jumped up and down when i saw a box of big 'ole fresh limes. Limes.....seriously. I'm not so sure something like that should make a guy as excited as I was. I guess they were just sooooo green and bright.....I was just blown away.
Mind, body and soul, inside and out....I am a foodie. A chef [in the making]; one who feeds others....
Inescapable.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Solving a Jigsaw
Today was one of those days. Of "those days", which day was today? *That phrase is so generic...so murky and vague. It was the type of day where routine/everyday happenings and things stand out against their all too familiar backgrounds and surroundings. Where subtleties laid waiting to surprise me, and the "what if's" , "just maybe's" , and "it could happen's" craned their necks, and found their posture.
Humans. We are so funny.. and whimsical. and INTERESTING. Much of our days becomes subconscious repetition/routine and it's easy to miss the brief pause Mr. T gives between smiling and waving at me every Tuesday morning near the coffee shop. I've always noticed it....but have continually missed the significance in it until today.
Great day for the record books. A great day. Days like today are worth remembering, worth recalling tomorrow, worth talking about on the weekend. They're worth blogging about---all because of their ironically insignificant components juxtaposed to their larger whole.
Every day's a new day....
Humans. We are so funny.. and whimsical. and INTERESTING. Much of our days becomes subconscious repetition/routine and it's easy to miss the brief pause Mr. T gives between smiling and waving at me every Tuesday morning near the coffee shop. I've always noticed it....but have continually missed the significance in it until today.
Great day for the record books. A great day. Days like today are worth remembering, worth recalling tomorrow, worth talking about on the weekend. They're worth blogging about---all because of their ironically insignificant components juxtaposed to their larger whole.
Every day's a new day....
Sunday, January 25, 2009
New Year's Resolutions
I think one can conduct a brief survey of friends, strangers or family and surmise: You either love 'em or hate 'em [N.Y.R's] .
In a previous post from a few weeks ago, I'd mentioned something to the effect of "Habbits are so hard to break--that's why they're habbits [for better or worse]. And N.Y.R's are often hated for being such a pain in the ass to formulate. They force us to acknowledge our undesirable personal qualities/characteristics we've either developed or exacerbated.....or both!?!?!"
In years past I've had long lists and other years my lists have ceased to exist. This year I have a list. 20 some days into 2009 and I'm pleased to say that my list is "Still in tact." A verbatim, sneek peek into some of Jackson's 2009 NYR's:
(in no particular order or priority)
-- Volunteer "ME" (mind/body/and/or soul) monthly
-- Read Everyday
-- Pray
-- Write letters
-- Dream with courage
-- Recipe portfolio
-- Create your Best KAMP ever
-- Sibling relationships
-- Inspire
-- Define necessities and accessories
-- Pursue Adventure
-- Create Memories
-- Give voice to the voiceless, the poor in spirit, Remember the Least of us....cultivate peace
-- Foster friendships
I think they're worth consideration...
In a previous post from a few weeks ago, I'd mentioned something to the effect of "Habbits are so hard to break--that's why they're habbits [for better or worse]. And N.Y.R's are often hated for being such a pain in the ass to formulate. They force us to acknowledge our undesirable personal qualities/characteristics we've either developed or exacerbated.....or both!?!?!"
In years past I've had long lists and other years my lists have ceased to exist. This year I have a list. 20 some days into 2009 and I'm pleased to say that my list is "Still in tact." A verbatim, sneek peek into some of Jackson's 2009 NYR's:
(in no particular order or priority)
-- Volunteer "ME" (mind/body/and/or soul) monthly
-- Read Everyday
-- Pray
-- Write letters
-- Dream with courage
-- Recipe portfolio
-- Create your Best KAMP ever
-- Sibling relationships
-- Inspire
-- Define necessities and accessories
-- Pursue Adventure
-- Create Memories
-- Give voice to the voiceless, the poor in spirit, Remember the Least of us....cultivate peace
-- Foster friendships
I think they're worth consideration...
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Surgery Side-effects & Aftermath
What feels like long ago, I had a bit of a mishap on a soccer pitch. It resulted in some extensive O.R. time (operation room) and a 3 year recovery and physical rehabilitation process. Needless to say, I feel like somewhat of an expert [at least a well-versed, experienced individual] on the inner hospital procedures, operations, and all the "maintenance" required after being sliced, diced, sewed, stiched, and stuck with needles filled with various drugs [some HEAVENLY, others...not so much], scalpels, and surgical scissors.
* I'm impressed I could actually write all those things, down... generally, I can withstand quite a bit of physical and mental pain, but when it comes to surgery/hospital/doctor related things, I'm a big wanny. Even hearing those words, [Surgical scissors....scalpels] makes me shudder and feel queezy. buuuh.
Well---as much as I would enjoy glorifying the battle scars I still bear, and recounting their epic tales of infliction, this post is for my brother. Being born with a cleft lip and palate his surgery stories, while in quantity and Total $$/"bills paid" probably out-sum my own, are not nearly as "cool" as mine. (My own list is comprised of horrific youth dog bite incidents, massive scrapes & scabs from high speed biking wipe-outs, black eyes and absurd bruises from sports injuries, and a pair of really really broken bones) But his are every bit as real and challenging to me as my own. He got home yesterday, after a 9 hour, consecutive-procedures stint in the O.R. @ Gunderson Lutheran LaCrosse. Will leave out the gory details and simply list: jaw plates, tooth, plastic surgeon, sewing.
Watching him sit on the couch all day in his pj's, wrapped up in bandages and dressings on his nose and lip, and dosing in and out from the precription drugs he's on---it's an excrutiatingly painful reminder of how annoying and how cruddy post surgery is.
Pain aside, there are 2 factors that really compound the frustrations of Post-Op-Life.
1.) Food & Diet (and this obviously is a huge deal to a foodie like myself. Not a big deal, a HUGE deal). You can't eat stuff....you slurp it. or drink it. You have no apetite. When meals come to you in deconstructed, blended form....they're not too appealing. And in Brandon's case, it's painful as well (oral surgeries make this normally enjoyable part of one's day, NOT enjoyable.) Think open mouth wounds ----> avoid salty acidic foods. The worst part, is that while your own diet takes a divebomb to the lowest levels of canned soup, applesauce, pudding, and "mush like concoctions", everyone around you continues to enjoy things like crispy, thin crust pizza, hamburgers (the big fat, hand formed kind that sit about 4" high on the plate), and the holy grail of munchers: Chips & Salsa. *Personally, I don't like giving up cereal....but I can't stand cereal when it's soggy.....and that is how one eats cereal when they've had oral surgery; Soggy. bleh.
2.) Bed rest. Surgery is physically draining. You lose weight. Lots. (Hooray, some people think.....NO.) I predict Brandon will be 10-15 pounds lighter in about 2 months...sad. He's already a skinny little boy. I mean, he's a tough cookie...he's just lean, and shaving 10-15 lbs. makes him look......peaked. *This partially due to the previous item, Food and Diet. The other crappy thing about Bed Rest, is that it takes about 2 or 3 days before it's better termed Bed-RestLESSNESS. Your back hurts in places you didn't know existed from uncomfortable, pillow elevating postures and sleeping positions. ie. Bran. currently has to sleep sitting up. Your eyes hurt (a consequence of too much tv/dvd's, books, and the sensitive effects of anesthesia finally wearing off). and Your social life takes the largest hit. Activity is limited and for guys like B & myself, becoming a spectator sucks.
sympathizing with Brandon, who's 18th Birthday is a week away. Poor kid. I'd make him some good soup, but it'd probably just piss him off...
* I'm impressed I could actually write all those things, down... generally, I can withstand quite a bit of physical and mental pain, but when it comes to surgery/hospital/doctor related things, I'm a big wanny. Even hearing those words, [Surgical scissors....scalpels] makes me shudder and feel queezy. buuuh.
Well---as much as I would enjoy glorifying the battle scars I still bear, and recounting their epic tales of infliction, this post is for my brother. Being born with a cleft lip and palate his surgery stories, while in quantity and Total $$/"bills paid" probably out-sum my own, are not nearly as "cool" as mine. (My own list is comprised of horrific youth dog bite incidents, massive scrapes & scabs from high speed biking wipe-outs, black eyes and absurd bruises from sports injuries, and a pair of really really broken bones) But his are every bit as real and challenging to me as my own. He got home yesterday, after a 9 hour, consecutive-procedures stint in the O.R. @ Gunderson Lutheran LaCrosse. Will leave out the gory details and simply list: jaw plates, tooth, plastic surgeon, sewing.
Watching him sit on the couch all day in his pj's, wrapped up in bandages and dressings on his nose and lip, and dosing in and out from the precription drugs he's on---it's an excrutiatingly painful reminder of how annoying and how cruddy post surgery is.
Pain aside, there are 2 factors that really compound the frustrations of Post-Op-Life.
1.) Food & Diet (and this obviously is a huge deal to a foodie like myself. Not a big deal, a HUGE deal). You can't eat stuff....you slurp it. or drink it. You have no apetite. When meals come to you in deconstructed, blended form....they're not too appealing. And in Brandon's case, it's painful as well (oral surgeries make this normally enjoyable part of one's day, NOT enjoyable.) Think open mouth wounds ----> avoid salty acidic foods. The worst part, is that while your own diet takes a divebomb to the lowest levels of canned soup, applesauce, pudding, and "mush like concoctions", everyone around you continues to enjoy things like crispy, thin crust pizza, hamburgers (the big fat, hand formed kind that sit about 4" high on the plate), and the holy grail of munchers: Chips & Salsa. *Personally, I don't like giving up cereal....but I can't stand cereal when it's soggy.....and that is how one eats cereal when they've had oral surgery; Soggy. bleh.
2.) Bed rest. Surgery is physically draining. You lose weight. Lots. (Hooray, some people think.....NO.) I predict Brandon will be 10-15 pounds lighter in about 2 months...sad. He's already a skinny little boy. I mean, he's a tough cookie...he's just lean, and shaving 10-15 lbs. makes him look......peaked. *This partially due to the previous item, Food and Diet. The other crappy thing about Bed Rest, is that it takes about 2 or 3 days before it's better termed Bed-RestLESSNESS. Your back hurts in places you didn't know existed from uncomfortable, pillow elevating postures and sleeping positions. ie. Bran. currently has to sleep sitting up. Your eyes hurt (a consequence of too much tv/dvd's, books, and the sensitive effects of anesthesia finally wearing off). and Your social life takes the largest hit. Activity is limited and for guys like B & myself, becoming a spectator sucks.
sympathizing with Brandon, who's 18th Birthday is a week away. Poor kid. I'd make him some good soup, but it'd probably just piss him off...
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Lost Now FOUND!
This day, honestly could not have been any better!!!!
I'm reading one of the greatest books I've ever read, my dinner party was absolutely wonderful, and MY GLASSES HAVE BEEN FOUND!!!!!!!!!!!!! Granted, they're 160 miles away in Minneapolis, but at least their location is known.
And Gracie loves me..........and we're watching movies tonight. Just the two of us.
such a good day. such a good good day....how fortunate.
I'm reading one of the greatest books I've ever read, my dinner party was absolutely wonderful, and MY GLASSES HAVE BEEN FOUND!!!!!!!!!!!!! Granted, they're 160 miles away in Minneapolis, but at least their location is known.
And Gracie loves me.....
such a good day. such a good good day....how fortunate.
In Father's Footsteps
My glasses are still lost, but I've found something much more important. Something of higher value than some chic designer frames...
The other day I finally started a new book. It is a book that I was skeptical of...and just couldn't seem to lift the cover on for a few months now. "Why" this has been, I'm not completely certain...a variety of personal reasons I guess.
At any rate, it's my Father's first published book called "Life at the Crossroads: Reflections from a Country Store." I'd leave a synopsis and brief summary of the content, but to do so I think would cheapen a reader's first time experience...and I think it'd cheapen the words my father has chosen within. In short though, it's his memories and stories from his childhood, and the lessons he's learned from the humble farm and country store he grew up on. I feel so proud of him. And I'm impressed. Not only with the result but with the path he's walked to get where he is now. And I've had the vantage point to see him, hear him, observe him....under go some challenging life changes from the time he started to the time it hit the press back in October. I'm halfway through it, and I feel like I'm learning things about my Father that I've always known, but have never known. And that's a rewarding and incredible feeling that I wish I could more accurately describe.
The ways he presents his ideas...his vocabulary and word choices...even his punctuation, reminds me of HIM. My dad. It's him---and the stories are him...some of them I've heard so many times, even I could recite them ---> and I've enjoyed predicting "what he'll include" and "what chapter[of his life] comes next."
I'm laughing at myself, because I've never been so eager to blog as I am right now!
The book is the essence of my father: sometimes funny, sometimes poignant, contemplative, humble......and full of love.
Someday, if I ever have a family, I hope I'm like my dad and his first book.
The other day I finally started a new book. It is a book that I was skeptical of...and just couldn't seem to lift the cover on for a few months now. "Why" this has been, I'm not completely certain...a variety of personal reasons I guess.
At any rate, it's my Father's first published book called "Life at the Crossroads: Reflections from a Country Store." I'd leave a synopsis and brief summary of the content, but to do so I think would cheapen a reader's first time experience...and I think it'd cheapen the words my father has chosen within. In short though, it's his memories and stories from his childhood, and the lessons he's learned from the humble farm and country store he grew up on. I feel so proud of him. And I'm impressed. Not only with the result but with the path he's walked to get where he is now. And I've had the vantage point to see him, hear him, observe him....under go some challenging life changes from the time he started to the time it hit the press back in October. I'm halfway through it, and I feel like I'm learning things about my Father that I've always known, but have never known. And that's a rewarding and incredible feeling that I wish I could more accurately describe.
The ways he presents his ideas...his vocabulary and word choices...even his punctuation, reminds me of HIM. My dad. It's him---and the stories are him...some of them I've heard so many times, even I could recite them ---> and I've enjoyed predicting "what he'll include" and "what chapter[of his life] comes next."
I'm laughing at myself, because I've never been so eager to blog as I am right now!
The book is the essence of my father: sometimes funny, sometimes poignant, contemplative, humble......and full of love.
Someday, if I ever have a family, I hope I'm like my dad and his first book.
Monday, January 19, 2009
LOST and LONG GONE
I am annoyed. Arguably angry, and antagonized. That's right, antagonized. By my own stupid carelessness....
I lost my glasses. And this wasn't just any pair of glasses..... I went ahead and spent a ridiculous $230 on them. All on the simple notion that a) "I wanted new, darker, thicker frames" and b) I was "due" for a new pair of glasses.
In truth, they can only be so many places, and I probably haven't looked nearly hard enough or thought nearly long enough on "where else" they may be. But my frustration is presently too great for me to overcome and reach a point of mental clarity and rationale.
I've got a dinner menu to plan. Letters to write. And books to be read....and a checklist to check off. So dumb. So dumb. So long gone....shit.
I lost my glasses. And this wasn't just any pair of glasses..... I went ahead and spent a ridiculous $230 on them. All on the simple notion that a) "I wanted new, darker, thicker frames" and b) I was "due" for a new pair of glasses.
In truth, they can only be so many places, and I probably haven't looked nearly hard enough or thought nearly long enough on "where else" they may be. But my frustration is presently too great for me to overcome and reach a point of mental clarity and rationale.
I've got a dinner menu to plan. Letters to write. And books to be read....and a checklist to check off. So dumb. So dumb. So long gone....shit.
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