Did you know...?

Following the example of my many wise friends I thought I would share 10 things about me you may not know:

1. I can't eat yogurt or bananas in the morning because the texture makes me gag.
2. I despise blowing my nose.
3. I have an acute ability to detect silk in clothing and ginger in food... neither of which I like.
4. I drink a glass of milk with two ice cubes almost every day.
5. I always check behind shower curtains before using the bathroom.
6. I rarely breathe through my mouth... even when I sleep.
7. I only chew half a piece of gum and I usually chew it long after it has lost its flavor.
8. I like that I don' t have a middle name.
9. I only eat tuna sandwiches in the summer when it is warm outside.
10. When I say "a few" or "a couple" to describe quantities it in no way means 3 or 2 but could range anywhere up to 10.

Blank Sheet of Paper

There is a song I have enjoyed over the last couple years that seems to be sticking with me lately. Tim McGraw's "Blank Sheet of Paper" keeps wandering through my mind. It isn't the circumstances in the song but the idea of having so much to say swirling around in your head but not being able to translate the words down onto paper. The 21 days that 2008 has had to offer haven't all been bad but they certainly have not been what you wish for when the clock strikes 12 on New Year's Eve. Somewhere in the midst of trying to make sense of its joys, tragedies, freedoms, and restraints I hope to be able to translate my words onto paper. I am hopeful that the words will come and I already see 2008 taking an upward turn. Until the words come ...

1920 - 2008

This week I lost my grandma, Helen Chaix. She was a wonderful woman. For those of you who have lost someone you love you may recognize where I am at; that blurred phase where it just isn't quite real yet... even after almost a week. A few things that are part of me that came from her: my English ancestors, a love for gardenia flowers, an appreciation of relaxing in the spa, my sassy (sometimes spit-fire) attitude, and hand-me-down shoes when I was in elementary school and we wore the same size. She was a petite little thing and had the most beautiful silver hair. She fought cancer years ago and won. She was an impeccably matched dresser, even in her trendy velour sweatsuits. She always remembered birthdays and she loved my grandpa, Roy. Sixty eight years of marriage is something I can't even begin to imagine. I cherish the legacy she left behind as a woman who loved her family and I have only started the process of missing her. I love you Grandma.

Garlic Mash

This event actually occured in my house this week. My roommate, so in love with the garlic mashed potatoes I made, actually hugged the container of leftovers. It was priceless!