not all who wander are lost.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Sound Sleep


For the past three weeks I have been having a really difficult time sleeping. Feeling exhausted but unable to sleep ranging to being wide awake and alert - tossing and turning. To me: this is unacceptable. A good nights rest is just as important as a healthy diet and a regular yoga practice. I don't need as many Hours of sleep as some, but I do need for those few hours to be uninterrupted sound sleep. The sleeplessness started in Seattle, but I was blaming that on the time difference. Once I returned back East, I still had trouble sleeping - but then attributed that to time change (again). But now that I've been home for a fair amount on time I'm getting frustrated. I find myself doing Legs-Up-The-Wall at 3 o'clock in the morning, focusing on the rising and falling of my breath, with my headphones on playing some soothing music (check out "Manose"). I hate the idea of taking any medicine: benedryl leaves you with a benedryl hangover and I'm not game for taking any of those PM products. I've cut out all caffeine, with the exception of my morning cup of coffee. So until I'm able to figure out what is keeping me tossing and turning, I've turned to Melatonin. I have been taking one at night about an hour before I go to sleep, and along with some earplugs (sorry Dad, but your snoring has become unbearable) I have been able to get a deep, sound sleep through the night. Here's what it's all about:


What is melatonin?

Melatonin is a hormone made by the pineal gland, a small gland in the brain. Melatonin helps control your sleep and wake cycles. Very small amounts of it are found in foods such as meats, grains, fruits, and vegetables. You can also buy it as a supplement.

What does natural melatonin do in the body?

Your body has its own internal clock that controls your natural cycle of sleeping and waking hours. In part, your body clock controls how much melatonin your body makes. Normally, melatonin levels begin to rise in the mid- to late evening, remain high for most of the night, and then drop in the early morning hours.

Light affects how much melatonin your body produces. During the shorter days of the winter months, your body may produce melatonin either earlier or later in the day than usual. This change can lead to symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), or winter depression.

Natural melatonin levels slowly drop with age. Some older adults make very small amounts of it or none at all.

Why is melatonin used as a dietary supplement?

Melatonin supplements are sometimes used to treat jet lag or sleep problems (insomnia). Scientists are also looking at other good uses for melatonin, such as:

  • Treating seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
  • Helping to control sleep patterns for people who work night shifts.
  • Preventing or reducing problems with sleeping and confusion after surgery.
  • Reducing chronic cluster headaches.

It may be that melatonin, when taken as a supplement, can stop or slow the spread of cancer, make the immune system stronger, or slow down the aging process. But these areas need more research.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Show Update!!

Show Update: I'll be playing at the Dead Dog Saloon in Sea Isle City this SATURDAY December 3rd, starting at 10pm and playing til close!! I hope to see you there...this is the Dog's last night and their Christmas Party (open to all...with great drink specials). Otherwise you won't be seeing me grace their stage until atleast July!

Cailin Callahan and Friends
Dead Dog Saloon
Sea Isle City, NJ
Saturday December 3rd
10pm - close

Sunday, November 27, 2011

THURSDAY night YOGA.


Yay!!! In addition to the schedule already in place (Tuesdays 5pm - 6:15pm "Peoples Yoga" / Wednesdays 7am - 8:15am "Yin" / Saturdays 9:15am - 10:30am), I am adding an additional day!!! THURSDAYS from 7:15pm - 8:30pm will be a "Candlelight Slow Flow" yoga class! I hope that you'll be able to come and check it out @ Surfside Fitness, 21st + Dune in Avalon!!

THURSDAYS
CANDLIGHT SLOW FLOW VINYASA
7:15pm - 8:30pm

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Family Time and Twilight

Mom, Dad and me headed up to Marlton this afternoon for lunch with my moms family. Grandma and Grandpop Karis, as well as her brother Guy- his wife Claire, and his daughter Rebecca. We had a deeeelicious meal at the Redstone, and the service was awesome. My gram had been asking me for photos, so I picked some of my favorites from the past 4 years -- as I was sorting through them I shed a few tears over the good times had, and all of the amazing people I've met. You all know who you are -- if you still read this blog from time to time, thank you! I love you all, and you certainly made a huge impact on my life.

Came home, took a power nap and then met Kylee at the movie theatre to see Twilight for the 4th time. Yep, I did it- and I'm not ashamed to admit it. I haven't gone to the movies much these past few years-- too busy working and then traveling abroad. But now that I'm committed to spending the winter at home, I'm going to start going a lot more. Movies in the afternoon are $6, at night they're $11. Compared to a pint at the bar...I think that the movie is a way better spot to enjoy a few hours. Anywho- kylee and I agreed that we love the latest, Breaking Dawn, despite it's bad reviews. This is TWILIGHT people...not an Oscar winner, but twilight. Don't take it so seriously. Just...enjoy.

I cried (again) when Charlie walked Bella down the aisle--that scene gets me everytime. Probably going to see it again this week if anyone wants to join our Twi-Hard team....

Apologies for random rambling-- it's late, I'm exhausted and have taken a melatonin in an attempt to finally readjust back to east coast time and get a decent nights sleep...

Friday, November 25, 2011

Lunar YINyasa Flow

Come join me to tonight at Surfside Fitness for a candlelit lunar YINyasa flow. Class begins at 6:30pm and ends at 8pm. We are going to start with calming, flowing breath- moving into Chandra Namaskar (Moon Salutations), a soothing vinyasa. Throughout class we will be incorporating cleansing and energizing breath techniques (Kundalini-inspired) and we will end with a half hour of deep Yin. Hope to see you there and share this practice with you all!

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Thanks on Thanksgiving.

Once again, I'm overflowing with gratitude. Thanks to yoga, I now incorporate the act of expressing this gratitude during meditation, during my practice, or even just recognizing it in my mind as I lie in bed at night just before bed...every single day. So, on this Thanksgiving holiday I don't feel the need to express gratitude for every thing, big and small, that I am thankful for - because this has become a daily ritual for me (like how grateful I am for Feist's new "Metals" album, or how thankful I am for my amazing friends, and how infinitely grateful I am for the yoga classes that I've been teaching and the people who have joined in...). Today, I am going to focus on just one thing that I am insanely, abundantly grateful for:

I am grateful that my Dad is reading the newspaper.

The man is a fucking walking, talking miracle. With an expiration date long past due, he lives each day with excitement, positivity and acceptance. He'd given up on reading the newspaper - it became difficult, frustrating and confusing. And then just the other day he declared "I'm going to read that damn newspaper!". It takes a little while, but he made his way through it - and read it yet again this morning. And for this - I am filled with gratitude. Happy Thanksgiving everyone, and remember to count and acknowledge your blessings each and every day...the big AND the small....

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Yin Yoga for Kidneys and UB


As I'm sure you know by now - I am in love with Yin Yoga. Obsessed. And the more that I learn about it, the more fascinated I am by this powerful, reflective form of yoga. There are only 3 books out on the subject, and I am so very grateful for Sarah Powers incredibly descriptive but easy to digest book, Insight Yoga. It's brilliant. "In our body we have YIN organs and YANG organs. The Yin are those concerned with the pure energy of fundamental substances such as chi, blood, essence, and spirit. They transform, regulate, and store these primary energies. These are the kidneys, liver, spleen, heart, and lungs. The Yang organs are involved with impure substances such as undigested food, urine, and waste. Their job is to receive and digest food, absorbing useful components, while excreting waster. These are the urinary bladder, gallbladder, stomach, and small and large intestines.

In Chinese medicine, the organs are completely linked to the meridians that flow through them. Each yin organ and meridian has a direct sister-brother relationship with a complementary yang organ and meridian. This means that what we do to one directly affects the other. Although the yin/yang organs have different anatomical functions - their energetic, emotional and mental qualities are intimately intertwined. The KIDNEYS are paired with the URINARY BLADDER. "

****************
This is WHY we need to practice Yin yoga to keep our Kidney and UB meridians in check:

"The kidneys are a storehouse of vital energy. They house our essence energy, which is considered the substance that pervades all organic life and is the essence of growth and decline. Their energetic health rules the general health of the lower back, the reproductive organs, the urinary system, the lower intestinal track, and all the fluid systems of body (including joint lubrication, blood and circulatory system, lymphatic system, endocrine system, perspiration, saliva, tears, and sexual secretions). Kidney chi emotional imbalance is associated with all kinds of fears, while a balanced kidney chi gives us access to our innate gentleness, openness, and wisdom. With our mental qualities, the kidneys are associated with short-term memory, willpower, and healthy ambition. If our kidney energy is deficient, we have trouble completing tasks, have less energetic and sexual drive, and feel less enthusiasm. The urinary bladder is much the same in the energy, emotional and mental qualities. THe Kidney and UB meridian organs' influence on our body-mind is connected with the LIMBIC system housed near the center of the brain. The limbic system controls sleep cycles, appetite, and libido; promoting bonding; modulating motivation; and setting the emotional tone of the mind, providing a filter through which external experiences are integrated into emotional states."

The Kidney Meridian: begins at the little toe in each foot, running through the sole, through the arch, and up the sindie of the knees and legs, entering the torso near the tailbone. It moves up along the longitudinal ligaments of the lower spine, connecting internally with the bladder and kidneys. It also moves externally over the abdomen and chest, while internally flowing through the liver, diaphragm, and lungs. It goes through the throat and ends at the root of the tongue.

The Urinary Bladder Meridian: starts at the inside of the eyes, goes up the forehead and across the crown, and enters the brain. It then runs down the back body parallel to the spine. A branch goes into the body at the lumbar spince and connects with the kidneys and urinary bladder. Outer branches run all the way down the backs of the legs and end at the little toes.

***************************

One Hour YIN YOGA Session, emphasizing the Kidney and Urinary Bladder Meridians:

  1. Butterfly
  2. Saddle
  3. Sphinx
  4. Seal
  5. Full Forward Bend
  6. Dragonfly
  7. Lying Spinal Twist (both sides)
  8. Stirrup
  9. Legs Up The Wall
  10. Corpse
*Hold each pose for 5 minutes.

Yin is an opportunity to crawl into ourselves and stay for a while. We learn that we can relax our resistance to strong sensations and emotions, turning TOWARD - rather than away from - what is arising within us. Namaste.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Home, with Herkimer.

I'm home, but I've brought a few things back from Seattle with me. First thing I brought back was "This Guy", compliments of Jer. My Dad finally got his cast off, but he was complaining that he cant bend his pinky finger anymore. I said "No worries Dad, that's how all the cool guys point to themselves...not with their thumbs, but with their pinky fingers." Apparently someone on the show 30 Rock started this, and Jer thought that it was funny - so we pointed to ourselves with pinky fingers the whole time I was in Seattle. Doesn't make much sense? Yeah, I know - you probably had to be there. Anywho - we got Dad pointing to himself with his pinky finger now.

The second thing that I brought home with me was Herkimer coffee....9 pounds of Herkimer coffee to be exact! It is simply the best, (yes I'm sorry, even better that Stumptown). When Julisa was putting in an order for the restaurant, I asked her to order me a bunch as well to last me through these upcoming months. SO delicious. Seattle is known for coffee, but this is the best.

The third thing that I brought home with me were two Heidi Swanson cookbooks, compliments of Dr.J. I love love love Heidis recipes, and found out that several of the epic meals J-Ngan has prepared are from her books. Janice and I had talked about her brilliance and I said that I planned to buy the cookbooks when I got home. Totally unnecessary because Dr.J bought them for me right before I left Seattle!! I can't wait to dive head first into these delicious and nutritious cookbooks -- thanks J!

And last, but CERTAINLY not least -- LISSIE. Big big thanks to Jer who introduced me to Illnois-based musician, Lissie. She is awesome...a big country, a bit folky, a bit rock and roll - and totally awesome. CHECK HER OUT.


Monday, November 21, 2011

Holy Shit-Balls.

Yep, I just said "holy shit balls". Julisa is my only friend that not only has a potty mouth like I do-- oh no, she takes it even further. Her creative cuss words were contagious, and before I knew it I was saying things like "shit balls", and "shit fuck", "balls" and so many more ball-shit-and Fbomb variations. Mom, I know that this doesn't excite you so I'll try to keep my truck-driver-mouth to myself when I get home. Anywho- last night J-Ngan made the best meal that I've ever had in all my life. Unfortunately (for you) the recipe is top secret-- if we told you we'd have to kill ya! It was so sublime, so spectacular - that the only thing that I could think to say was "Holy Shit Balls". I think that I said it about 10times during dinner. It was so SO so SOOOO delicious. The ingredient that I think really added a ton of complexity (as well as down-right-deliciousness) to the meal was the sour pickled mustard greens that Janice incorporated. Outstanding. The pickled greens reminded me of the fermented spring onions that I ate in Laos. So yummy! Thanks again to the oh-so-wonderful Janice for making an out-of-this-world meal. Holy Shit-Balls!

Just SOME of the ingredients that went into this dinner...

Pickled Sour Mustard Greens...SOOO good!

Chef J-Ngan...holdin' it down.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Emma's Cup Cocktail


It's my last night here in Seattle, and we decided to stay home for a delicious J-Ngan homemade dinner and some of Jules spectacular cocktails. The one that J, J and me are sipping in this photo is: 2/3 dry white wine, 1/3 Aperol and a generous splash of St.Germain. Shake the shit outta it to mix it and ice it, then serve strained into a cute cup. Using a vegetable peeler, peel the rind of an orange for the garnish. Enjoy, or better yet- enjoy with good friends...

Dr.J's Optometry

A view from the Ferry, looking out at Mt. Rainier.

Took the ferry to visit the optometry practice that Dr.J (Janice) and Jer are buying. It's in Port Orchard, which is about an hour from where they live in Seattle. The ferry ride was beautiful- you could see Mt.Rainier as well as the Olympic mountain range. The air was crisp and cold but gorgeous and refreshing.


Dr. J in front of her soon-to-be Optometry practice.

Janice has been an optometrist for almost 7 years now, but she's decided to take it another step and buy her own practice! Things are in the works, and Dr.J should be in her new office by the new year. It's a big step for J & J, and I'm super excited for them! We had fun getting the "grand tour" and trying on heaps of different glasses. Another amazing say with Jules, Jer and Janice...only dinner tonight and breakfast tomorrow- then I'm headed back east....

Try these on, no - try these on. Hey - try THESE on....

Do I look smart in these? Wow, everything is just a blur...

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Italian Spritz




The "spreetz" (Spritz) is the signature cocktail of Venice. Aperol is an Italian aperitif. Some of it's main ingredients are bitter orange, gentian (gentian is a flowering plant that is often used in the making of liquors, aperitifs, and bitters - giving cocktails a floral-esque flavor), rhubarb and cinchona. It looks similar to Campari, but be warned - they are not the same. They look and smell very similar, and even have some similarities in taste - but the alcohol content in Aperol is half that of Campari, coming in at only 11%. A Spritz is Aperol, Prosecco (italian sparkling wine), and club soda - along with an orange slice and two green olives. It is light and refreshing -- perfect to sip on before a meal, and totally acceptable as a drink to be consumed throughout the day, starting early in the afternoon.


I was turned on to these Italian Aperol Spritzs by Julisa, of course. Who, I have found out, was introduced to them by the lovely Janice and Jeremy. J & J had gone to Venice for a trip and fell in love with these classic Venetian cocktails. They enjoyed them all day long through the trip and when they got home they were sure to mix up one of these for their friends. Julisa fell in love with the cocktail instantly, and then put it on La Medusas drink menu. And after that it seemed to pop up on drink lists throughout the city. So, Seattle - you have Janice and Jeremy to thank for bringing this classic but totally trendy cocktail into rotation! Since J & J were responsible for introducing us to this cocktail, I found it only fitting that Janice be the one who showed us how it was done:


Spritz:

  • Aperol
  • Prosecco
  • Club Soda
  • Orange
  • Green Olives
  • Ice
  • Glass: wine glass or rocks glass, either is good :)

First you fill the cup 1/4 the way with ice - you want to chill it, not water it down. Next you pour one part Aperol in a glass, top with one part prosecco, and then you can do one part club soda - or if you want a more potent spritz then you can just add a splash or two of the sparkling water. J-Ngan squeezed some orange into the cocktail, then garnished it with an orange slice (which I squeezed into my cocktail), along with two green olives (we used Picholine olives, pit in) that she stuck onto a bamboo skewer. So boom:

one part aperol

one part prosecco

one part club soda

garnish: orange slice and green olives

ENJOY, or as they'd say in Italy, Divertiti!



Friday, November 18, 2011

Dolin Blanc Vermouth


I always thought that vermouth was just something that was added to a martini. I didn't think that it was something that you'd drink just on its own. But in fact, it is insanely delicious just over ice. Julisa turned me onto Dolin Blanc vermouth....we just pour it over some ice in a rocks glass and enjoy. And it's actually pretty inexpensive, only around $14 a bottle!! So drink up! Plus you look and sound super sophisticated when you order a "dolin blanc". Ha. Love it!

"Dolin Vermouth de Chambery is made with fine wines of the Savoy region and botanicals found in the Alphine meadows above Chambery. Together they impart a fresh and elegant nose, with a subtle and complex palate. Ideal as an aperitif or in cocktails"


"Once, during Prohibition, I was forced to live for days on nothing but food and water."

Team Edward Twilight Premiere


We don't mess around....pouring some Pinot Blanca into a thermos and packing plastic cups.

You're goddamn right! Team Edward!

Lines, lines, and more lines. People camped out for hours. We arrived an hour and a half early and managed to get somewhat of a decent seat.

Passing the time, playing cards.

In our seats, wine in hand, ready for BREAKING DAWN!!!

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Dads Current Health Update

Here is the latest update about Dad, that I meant to post along with the other email that she sent the other day:

So let me describe as best I can what state of physical and mental health Paul is in right now.
Headaches-absolutely none.
Hearing-same as it ever was. Its been lousy for years.It hasn't changed , no better, no worse
Vision---same as its been for the past 6 months or so. The field of vision is small,but he can still see the same. The squiggly lines are always there , but for the most part he tries to ignore them.
He MUST wear his eye patch. If he has it off for even a minute or two with both eyes open he gets extremely dizzy.
He does have some dizziness on occasion, but he is aware of it and slows down what he's doing so it doesn't create a problem.
His shoulder is really hurting him. That's not tumor related. It might be because he hurt it when he fell in the driveway getting the paper that day, or else its just an old injury from before, that was masked while he was taking the steroids.
His memory has good days and bad days. Better now then it has been in the past few months.He loses his train of thought now and again.
He is able to read, but writing sometimes gives him a problem.
His "I'll chew my own arm off" because of steroids has slowed way down.He loves every meal, but can wait without discomfort. Dropping the steroid dose has taken some of the swelling away in his face and neck. Its still there but not as bad. His ankle swelling is pretty much a thing of the past.
His weight is still high. He's now carrying an extra 50 pounds.We are going to try to slowly lose some of that. Its going to have to be a reduction of food, because for reasons I will get to, exercise isn't the answer. I will need help with this, because in most cases, I am not with Paul when he's out for breakfast or lunch etc. So all you people who take him out, remind him that he does not need dessert at lunch. He doesn't need the appetizer either. He'll be having a small dessert at night. He doesn't need it twice a day.Getting even 10 pounds off will help, and by just making small changes we should be able to do that. You all want him to be more active and in less pain , so help out will ya. He won't love you less if you don't give him a cookie!!!!
His leg pain is tumor related. The numbness is a direct result of the tumor. Walking more is not going to "make it better" His legs won't get stronger by walking more, it will just hurt him.That is why cutting out the unnecessary calories is so important. We will keep taking short walks and hopefully doing some other upper body exercises.
His hand really bothers him, but hopefully the cast will come off and stay off tomorrow.And the hand will be as good as new.
His spirits are high as always.He never complains about anything. And he laughs more than anyone I know.
And that is the State Of Paul as of Weds. November 16th. later, Doreen

-William Arthur Ward

Crazy Amazing Cosetta

I would call Cosetta Romani amazing, but that wouldn't be enough, because she is CRAZY AMAZING. Vibrant energy, fully-engaged in life and in the moment, and a nurturing soul. I felt super blessed to be able to be in one of her classes this morning at Spira Yoga (a fabulous new studio in West Seattle), and it was even better because I got to practice alongside my best friend. It's moments like this that I hold on to and keep in my heart - and when I'm having a rough day it's reflections on these moments that make me smile despite the gloom. First of all, we practiced in a circle, which I LOVE. Those of you who have been to my classes know this, because we practice in a half circle. Yoga encourages a sense of community, and I have a hard time feeling connected to someone when my heads up their ass as our mats are stacked. In a circle I can see and feel connected to the people that I'm practicing with. It helps to break down any barriers, and I use that community that we've built for encouragement. Last night at a power yoga class at Be Luminous I wouldn't have dared trying any of the arm balances that were being barked out. But in Cosetta's class...with a little bit of guidance, alot of courage and a little bit of laughter I was able to get into a tricky arm balance that I'd once thought impossible. Cosetta is brilliant at breaking down barriers that we have built within ourselves, and she helps you to fully let go of any inhibitions that are holding you back.

I think that it's fair to say that I travel very often, and yoga is something that I never leave home without. I always have a personal practice, but I've also been really blessed to stumble upon some great yoga studios along the way {chang mai/thailand, hermosa/costa rica, boulder/colorado} and I'm so glad to have happened upon Spira. Well, I guess that I have Julia to thank for that. For anyone who is in the area, or who will ever pass through Seattle, add SPIRA YOGA as a must-stop, and of course - any class of Cosetta's is bound to blow your mind. For more about Cosetta and all of her crazy amazingness check out www.puravitayoga.com She will be holding a Trance Dance workshop from 8-10pm this Saturday if anyone lives locally...I hope to make it and let loose my inhibitions. Also, for the schedule at Spira you can check out www.spirapoweryoga.com, which is owned and operated by the equally fabulous , Dora.

namaste my friends !

Cosetta's class this morning was so fabulous I requested that everyone stay so that we could take a quick photo and capture the moment.....

Time for TWILIGHT!

The most common response that I get when I tell people that I love Twilight, is laughter. All of my friends mock me and have a very difficult time understanding what I see in this story. Well, aside from it being a beautiful love story (yes, it's a love story...not a vampire story), it's also the ultimate fantasy land. Originially, I had refused Twilight, condoning it to be a stupid teen drama. Julisa talked about it incessantly, going on and on about the movies and the books. I laughed at her, just like everyone now laughs at me. How had my beautiful, talented, educated, cultured, well-read friend get pulled in by such a ridiculous story of vampires? Well, the connection that I've made now is that the series is so well written by Meyers, that the fantasy land is enchanting enough for you to get lost in. When Julie discovered the series I think that she needed an escape from life for a bit. And I can say the same for myself. I don't regret one minute that I've spent with my Dad, but seeing someone slowly deteriorate in front of you everyday, someone that you love more than anything in the whole wide world , well - it begins to wear on you. And THAT is when I embarked on this love affair with Twilight. A magical fantasy land to escape to, if only for a few hours each day. (Well, it was more like full day marathons - watching movies 1, 2 and 3 every single day - and having read the series about 4 times through now). Everyone has their addictions, and atleast mine is only a silly love story. There are far worst things to turn to in dark times... SO, tonight I will be attending the premiere with my Best Friend, and the one responsible for making me a goddamn Twi-Hard, Julia. And we will proudly be rocking our Team Edward tshirts with the rest of the insane, adoring twilight fans.


Wednesday, November 16, 2011

He Just Keeps Going....

Just making a great day even better was getting good news back from the homefront. Here is mom's latest email update about Dad:

I should have known when the manager at the Farley rest stop comped our coffees that it was going to be a good day.I told her I was the one who wrote the letter praising her employees a few weeks ago. I said they make our trip better every two weeks when we stop there. She saw Paul's patch and figured we were heading to Will's Eye and then I told her our story.Bam! Free Coffee. Mine is called HYPER BEAN. Talk about a wake up cup of Java. I fly to Philly after that.

The MRI took place almost on time. The Avastin treatment got off to a slow start , but then we caught up, and the doctor saw us as scheduled. Adding up our day so far and its already a miracle. But wait, it gets better...

Paul's scan improved again. Not drastically different from the last one, but better. At this stage of the game , no growth is good. To get a reduction is even better. She was thrilled with everything. Like us though ,she is more interested in how he "IS". How he is doing. And she was super pleased with what she saw and heard.

So Paul Callahan, who doubted me when I told him he'd get through last Christmas, is now about to celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, birthdays, and anniversaries etc Yes, he is a walking miracle.An absolute Everready Bunny. He just keeps ticking!

We will continue going to Philly every other Tuesday for his Avastin. And we will continue to take Temador once a month for at least 6 more months.He tolerates them well ,and obviously they are doing their job, so why mess with success. He will continue with his supplements, juice and good diet. And we will continue to have the time of our lives.

We won't be getting another MRI for 3 months, so I won't be writing very often unless there is some significant change.We have all been together for a long time now. Let's keep it that way.Please feel free to call , write, stop by,pray and celebrate with us.

We go back to HUP on Thursday to have Paul's cast removed. Thank God! and special thanks to lori King who had dinner and dessert here waiting for us when we got home. Love, Doreen

AMEN.

WHITE BUFFALO, Seattle


I have seen the White Buffalo a number of times now, and goddamn he's JUST SO GOOD. I don't know of anyone with such a heartbreakingly beautiful voice. And to make the show even better than it already could have been - I got to enjoy it with two of my beautiful friends at a super-awesome venue, the Tractor Tavern. Our bartender Casey kept the beers flowing, and we danced and swayed the night away. The White Buffalo just released a new cd (which is amazing) but only available at his shows. He'll be releasing it sometime in December but for now, I got mine bitches!!


OMG, the white buffaloooooo!!

the two most beautiful women in the northwest <3

love.

matt, the drummer, gave me a drum stick. yeeeeeewwww!!!


And I's on an island, an island for one
Burning my eyes staring at the sun, staring at the sun

And I's always silent, well had of gone deaf and dumb
I feel like a loser cause i never won, but I never won

'Til you blew in just like paper in the wind
And I just wanted something to believe in
And I just want to be your man, your friend
Carry on with you right down to the very end
Oh I'm with you
Oh I'm with you
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/t/the_white_buffalo/love_song_1.html ]
And I's always diving, diving under the gun
Well holding on to nothing, holding onto some, well holding onto some

And I's always striving, but I'm left undone
Countin the days but the lonely dont lye, they get up and they run

'Til you blew in just like paper in the wind
Well I just wanted somethin to believe in
And I just want you on my arm, every limb
Carry on with you right down to the bitter end
Oh I'm with you
Oh I'm with you
Oh I'm with you


the white buffalo, love song #1



J-Ngan's Sauteed Greens over Quinoa

Janice has a skill that not many people have...the clean out the kitchen and make something epic skill. My mom has it too, and it's damn impressive. With a little of this and a little of that, Janice just started pulling random things from the fridge and pantry and voila....an epic meal. The whole point is to clean out the fridge, but since the recipe was so good I'm going to share it with you so you can swing by the grocery store and pick up what you need...

Sauteed Greens over Quinoa with Farm Fresh Egg

  • Swiss Chard
  • Two little heads of baby bok choy
  • One can of chick peas, rinsed
  • 2 cloves of garlic, diced
  • One tomato, diced
  • Pancetta (obviously you can leave this out to make it a vegetarian meal)
  • Quinoa
  • Water, or better yet - BROTH, and better than that...HOMEMADE broth
  • Eggs



  1. In a pan, sautee your diced pancetta, when that's cook remove the pancetta and set aside.

  1. In that same pan sautee throw in the diced garlic, bok choy and the stems of the chard into the pan and sautee til they have softened a bit.
  2. Throw in the diced tomatoes and chickpeas, and then add in the leafy parts of the greens.
  3. In a separate bowl, cook your quinoa. I always do 1 cup quinoa, 1 1/2 cup liquid. Instead of using water Janice used a homemade chicken stock that she'd made and it was deeeeelicious.
  4. To assemble put a bed of quinoa down, the sauteed goodness on top, toss some of your pancetta on top of that and then finish with a fried FARM FRESH EGG.
SO GOOD.