missing in action

My motivation. Oh, and my vertigo for the most part, thank God. 

But really, the motivation has just flown right out the window. Maybe it's because of all this rain we've been having. Either way, it's gone and I'm ready to get it back.

Suggestions would be much appreciated.

a cat in your lap is worth....what's that saying?

My vertigo is almost gone. I have been out and about for the past two days and am happy to be able to enjoy spring weather! Not that doing nothing wasn't kind of nice...here's how I spent the better part of 3 days:

wha'dya think?

Cute huh?

I have some time on my hands at the moment because I'm actually home sick, and have been since my trip to the E.R. on Saturday morning. I have vertigo. Unbelievable. And let me tell you, it's no walk in the park.

But I am trying to find a silver lining between bouts of falling down, seeing double, and feeling like I'm going to barf.

Silver Lining #1 - I have guilt-free time to browse the web, find new blogs (of which I've added to my favs), update my own blog, and watch Food Network nonstop*
Silver Lining #2 - I am hoping that this vertigo will forever rid me of my motion sickness I experience whilst flying, boating, or carnival-ride riding

However, all this scrolling is making me dizzy. Time to lay down and watch food porn.

*One problem, I have printed out so many yummy recipes I may never leave the kitchen once I am better!

summer salad

Okay, I know it's only April. But a 70 degree day is close enough for me to bust out my favorite summertime salad. So simple, fresh, delicious, and the perfect accoutrement to our delicious beef brisket burgers. Yes, beef brisket. But that will be another post on another day.

Back to salad. A go-with-anything salad. Great with fish, grilled shrimp, chicken. The possibilities are endless. Oh, it's also really very good with a grilled steak and a nice crusty bread to mop up all the goodness. And of course, a nice bottle of wine.

favorite summer salad

1 avocado, medium dice

1 small cucumber, cut in half moons, or quarter slices

1 stalk of celery, cut in half moons

Grape tomatoes (as many as you wish), cut in half

Generous handful of freshly chopped parsley

Hearts of palm (as many as you wish), cut in half lengthwise, then cut into half moons

Half a lemon

White wine vinegar

Good olive oil

Salt

Place first six ingredients into a medium bowl. Salt to taste. Squeeze half of lemon over everything. Add about 1 tsp vinegar and about 1/2 to 1 Tbsp olive oil. Gently mix. Adjust lemon, vinegar and olive oil to taste. You don't want it to be saturated in dressing, but you will know what tastes right to you.

and now for something completely different...

I read this on another blog this morning and thought it was great. I hope that if you are in need of inspiration, this resonates with you.

You are stronger than you think, remember to stand tall.

Every challenge in your life helps you to grow.

Every problem you encounter strengthens your mind and your soul.

Every trouble you overcome increases your understanding of life.

When all your troubles weigh heavily on your shoulders, remember that

beneath the burden you can stand tall, because you are never given more than you can handle...and you are stronger than you think.

-Lisa Wroble

post vacation blues

At this time last week I was talking a nice stroll in 80 degree weather to the corner grocer with my best girlfriend for a delicious cafe con leche. Ahhh...

Presently, I'm sitting on my sofa looking at leafless trees, 35 degree weather, drinking my bastardized version of what should be a very fine cup of coffee. Wah!

I miss Key West.

Choppers and I always have such a wonderful time there. And it was extra special this year for a few reasons: 1) our friends from Omaha came with us and we got to introduce them to our little slice of heaven, 2) we got our open water scuba certification, and 3) for once, I didn't gain 5 pounds!

Now, if I could just figure out a way to live there and make money without having to wait tables! Any ideas?