tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-223647252012-02-16T13:50:00.657-07:00Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.comBlogger3711100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-60513421790145652212012-01-31T15:17:00.002-07:002012-01-31T15:17:38.288-07:00

There are days that I wonder, at what point in one's life, do you become too old to throw on a baseball cap in lieu of doing your hair?   This week isn't going to be that week for me.

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-73831997284296900032012-01-20T13:55:00.000-07:002012-01-20T13:55:35.940-07:00

This time of year always makes me nostalgic -- it was about this time that I started my adventures in Nepal back in '99.  So when the day dawns on January 15th I try to take a few minutes to remember things I desperately want to hold on.  And I do the same every day for a week or so afterwards.  I'm fortunate that my best memory of my trip kisses me every day before he leaves for work, hugs me

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-7839339882351845182012-01-12T08:00:00.000-07:002012-01-12T08:00:03.419-07:00

After what timeframe, if at all, does the presence of a shoe in the dryer with albeit clean, but wet, clothes change their status to dirty and demand a do-over? Little girls about 12-months in age, make for the BEST laundry helpers.

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-86660877267525770902012-01-11T16:19:00.001-07:002012-01-11T16:19:06.380-07:00

Somewhere after lunch today turned into the type of day I convince myself I'm okay with the number on the scale and the strength/tone of my body (which I'm really NOT) in lieu of finding the motivation to eat well and take care of myself.   I'd like to transition into evening with a glass of wine and a bowl of popcorn.  The bigger, the better.  For both. Please excuse me, I'm off to raid

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-79034903681596051022012-01-03T20:53:00.000-07:002012-01-03T20:53:01.613-07:00

When both of my girls were born, I set a personal goal of being able to nurse them until their first birthday.   With KT, we hit a horribly rough spot about 9months in and she self weaned.  Honestly, I'm not sure what came first, problems with my supply or her not wanting to nurse.  Whatever the case it came to an end much more quickly than I'd hoped for. This time around we encountered

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-45844818285540951512012-01-02T09:14:00.000-07:002012-01-02T09:16:48.342-07:00

This last year has been crazy.  New baby, heart condition, trying to run a business with two kids at home...seems like I have little time for this blog anymore. But I miss this.  I miss this space.  The ability to sit down and dump my feelings out.  For me, it's therapeutic. I'm not one to sit and make resolutions.  I know that by mid-January I'll be booking a one-way guilt trip because

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-66198594745441432172011-12-26T22:17:00.000-07:002011-12-26T22:17:57.011-07:00

Changing tables are few and far between in certain stretches along I-80.  This includes places such as rest areas, gas stations AND restaurants.  When the temperature hovers in the single digits it doesn't allow one to lay a child on the seat and change a diaper while standing outside the car, leaned over said baby.  It causes one to come up with creative ways to change diapers. When those

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-123494066244771252011-11-27T10:04:00.000-07:002011-11-27T10:21:33.706-07:00

The countdown has begun.   Just imagine it: 2 adults, 1 preschooler, 1 infant and 2 dogs journeying almost 4000 miles round trip in the span of 10 days.  As much as I love road trips -- and I used to really love this one pre-kids -- it's so much more involved now. This is where I wish we had a bigger vehicle (a full size SUV with a 3rd row seat would be nice, instead of a double cab

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-61901681192460782812011-11-15T22:57:00.001-07:002011-11-15T22:59:18.828-07:00

Twice today I've gotten emails regarding AARP memberships.  Twice.  Granted I feel (as in my body physically feels) like I should be hitting retirement age but my feet are firmly planted in my 30's.  Early 30's for another little bit. Gotta love junk mail.

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-7187870918101379412011-11-06T10:52:00.003-07:002011-11-06T10:52:55.297-07:00

After talking about it for years, it finally happened. My own road bike.  I'm already dreaming of the time it will allow me out of the house, away from everything but myself (and whomever I can convince to ride with me) -- giving me time to clear my head.   Now I'm crossing my fingers we have a short winter and a nice, mild spring!  These wheels needs to hit the pavement ASAP.

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-739447681593554132011-10-28T09:26:00.000-06:002011-10-28T09:26:02.325-06:00

Today is starting out to be one of *those* days.  You know the kind.  Where you wish you could either crawl back in bed and start over, fast forward to the end or dump a couple of shots of Bailey's in your coffee. Hell, this whole week has been that way. This morning my list of annoyances is long and my patience is short.  I'd love to sit here and prattle on about everything that is

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-13167853531247583692011-10-12T11:32:00.003-06:002011-10-12T11:32:38.102-06:00

Too much to do and never enough time to get it all done. Does that seem to be the theme for other people as well?  I certainly hope so.  Not that I hope you can't get your stuff done as well, but that I'm not the only one who hopelessly feels like they're never accomplishing what needs to be finished. This time of year is tough -- C's birthday, Halloween, KT's birthday, Thanksgiving,

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-84813614983049711682011-09-20T14:43:00.003-06:002011-09-20T14:43:58.239-06:00

My husband snores.  Horribly some nights.  Much more so the older we get.  And since 95% of the time he's in bed and sound asleep before the thought of sleep even crosses my mind, I often find myself trying to drown out the noise coming from his side of the bed in an attempt to drift off myself. A couple of years ago we had a mini-sleep study done on him.  Nothing too extensive -- just one

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-2907864285267999402011-09-11T17:52:00.003-06:002011-09-11T17:52:49.595-06:00

"Some of us think holding on makes us strong; but sometimes it is letting go."  ~Hermann Hesse~ This quote has been rattling around in my brain for a few days now.  The more I try to take on, the louder the cacophony gets.   I need to do a better job of really listening to it--not just letting it rattle.  I can't keep beating myself up over to-do lists that get longer and longer; I

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-44590490199043319912011-09-07T07:41:00.000-06:002011-09-07T07:41:35.259-06:00

As the temps begin to drop low at night and the kids head off to school, it's evident that the change of seasons is creeping upon us.  In homage to the season change, I thought it fitting to mimic this transformation.   Maybe it will be good all the way around. If not, it's only cosmetic.  At least here on the blog.

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-11686709334053783842011-08-15T07:54:00.000-06:002011-08-15T07:54:15.879-06:00

The baby was up just before 6am this morning to nurse.  As I laid her back in her crib shortly before 6:30 I thought briefly about crawling back into the warm cocoon of my bed, pulling the covers up over my head and trying to ignore the sun  infiltrating the bedroom.  Instead I resigned myself to shutting the alarm off and enveloping myself with steam from the shower. An hour later I was

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-21416552343730989492011-08-05T17:38:00.000-06:002011-08-05T17:38:29.988-06:00

For the first time ever, we actually went on an honest-to-goodness family vacation.  Someplace that didn't include tents, camp trailers, hunting, fishing, or days without running water.  Something other than 3-day weekends into the wilderness or cross-country treks to visit family (not that visiting family isn't good, I'm not saying that).  Someplace that we'd never imagine ourselves

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-66505754452971042642011-04-29T15:17:00.000-06:002011-04-29T15:17:43.531-06:00

It's been a while since this place has had a facelift.  Maybe it's time for a change again.  Let me see what I can come up...

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-82268024770632967202011-04-25T15:00:00.000-06:002011-04-25T15:00:07.295-06:00

Two week ago our Pinto Bison (he was lovingly nicknamed that years ago) had a quick surgery to remove a fatty deposit/lump by his front shoulder.  About 4 days after the surgery --just when the fur started to regrow and the sutures started to itch-- he started incessantly licking close to the wound.  He couldn't reach the wound itself due to its location but could get about 2 inches away.  He

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-81212190248523890732011-04-19T09:43:00.000-06:002011-04-19T09:43:00.462-06:00

(Today's tip is brought to you as a Public Service Announcement to all sleep-deprived mothers.  Please don't ask how I know this information.) When there is plastic melting on the burners of your stove top, quickly turn the heat off before it catches fire and then allow the burner to completely cool down.  While doing this it's appropriate to curse at yourself if you're the cursing kind and

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-43599732312221724212011-04-06T20:51:00.000-06:002011-04-06T20:51:46.100-06:00

A couple of things I forgot to mention in the other post:when incubating the yogurt you need to maintain the temperature around 100 degrees for the cultures to flourish.  With the light on in the oven mine hovers between 102 and 104.   after incubating the yogurt allow it to chill before trying to strain it.  I tried to strain it warm today and suffice it to say it only created a mess.  A BIG

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-72936799992422504902011-04-04T23:59:00.000-06:002011-04-04T23:59:56.674-06:00

Often at the end of the day I'm scrambling to get just one more thing done before heading to bed.  It always seems that my to-do list is exponentially longer than the time I have available to work on it.  My hubby politely reminds me that projects like this aren't helping the situation.  ___________________________________________________________ A few weeks ago I got fed up with spending $0.50-

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-22725271558976151462011-03-28T13:25:00.000-06:002011-03-28T13:25:51.334-06:00

Since baking with sourdough is a much lengthier process, it lends itself to be a bit more forgiving if life falls apart and I can't get to dough for an extra 30 minutes or so.  This means my worries about over-proofing are significantly less and we can enjoy yummy baked goods without the extra anxiety time constraints can cause right now. Cherry Sourdough Coffee Cake Ingredients 1 1/2 cup

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-89632097411086777562011-02-15T10:13:00.000-07:002011-02-15T10:13:50.520-07:00

Anyone that knows us in the "real world" knows that our sense of humor is a little *off* to say the least.  We laugh a lot and I attribute that to be a large factor in how we've made it through some of the cards we've been dealt together.   Typically it's him who's spouting off wise cracks and jokes so my contribution to our humor is much smaller in percentage.  My husband has this incredible

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-16901169912684848362011-02-10T09:50:00.000-07:002011-02-10T09:50:06.837-07:00

Oh, she's cute.  No one has ever doubted that (and I'll gladly admit that I'm biased because she is my offspring after all).  But really, she did break my heart.  Or rather the pregnancy in general did. We only stayed in the hospital for 2 days after she was born.  Not the typical 72 hours that the insurance will cover for c-sections.  My OB felt that we'd be better off at home if we wanted to go

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-86549573833166703642011-01-28T14:47:00.000-07:002011-01-28T14:47:10.473-07:00

Following in the footsteps of KT's pregnancy, this pregnancy threw us a fair amount of curve balls:hyperemesis, almost 26 weeks of life with a PICC-line, vomiting until the morning I delivered, breech baby, external cephalic version which was successful for about 2 hours, breech baby again, baby measuring large, too much amniotic fluid, flirtations with pre-eclampsia.  Shortly before midnight on

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-50996535807660442122010-11-24T11:24:00.000-07:002010-11-24T11:24:01.434-07:00

For 176 days I looked down at my left arm to see this. This morning this is what I see.

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-22755040189964707952010-09-09T01:13:00.000-06:002010-09-09T01:13:18.884-06:00

I'm not sure what's worse, insomnia or migraines?  Put them together and you've got one wicked combination. All I want to do is go to sleep and wake up feeling better.  For the last 90 minutes I laid in bed.  Tossing and turning, the thoughts racing through my mind like a freight train.  So here I am, sitting in front of the computer.  Writing down some of the frantic factors in an attempt to

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-81223918052503095562010-08-26T11:02:00.000-06:002010-08-26T11:02:37.084-06:00

20  -- Point at which I am in this pregnancy, in terms of weeks along. 12  -- Time I've had a PICC-line stuck in my inner-left bicep, in weeks. 116  -- Number of times I've jabbed myself in the abdomen with a heparin shot. 7 --  OB office visits I've had in the last 12 weeks. 5  --  Ultrasounds I've had done so far to check baby's growth. 14  --  Weight of baby at yesterday's ultrasound, in

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-87464174450003819382010-08-12T22:58:00.000-06:002010-08-12T22:58:51.359-06:00

Apparently the dogs will play.   And act up.  Performing WWF (or is it WWE now??) moves on my living room rug just minutes after KT goes to bed.  Refusing to sleep on their designated beds at night and attempt time and time again to coyly find a spot on the mattress next to me.  Barking at 5:15am to go outside and harass whatever wild thing has dared to moved in the field behind our house.  Did

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-19305382051226596002010-08-04T09:12:00.000-06:002010-08-04T09:12:07.260-06:00

Or rather, "need" to bake. The sourdough starter got stuck in the fridge some time ago.  For the life of me I can't remember if it was before we went camping (??) or before our quick trip to Michigan (??).  Either way it's been way too long since its presence has graced our kitchen counter. I pulled it back out last night, fed the yeasties and gave it a nice warm, comfy spot in the kitchen to

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-84325952944946456192010-07-26T12:41:00.000-06:002010-07-26T12:41:38.838-06:00

The blue dress was a disaster.  The color -- much darker than the pictures portrayed.The fabric -- much heavier than I anticipated.The fit -- just wrong, very wrong.The skirt -- had POCKETS!!  Who puts pockets on a formal dress??  (and this gal certainly doesn't need any more attention drawn to these hips) It got returned and I went on a mission to find another dress.  Thankfully I waited until

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-87704248963093604822010-07-19T15:36:00.000-06:002010-07-19T15:36:01.597-06:00

...although vague and confusing for those who have more recently joined this party, the last post was not only a plea it was an announcement. You see, Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a severe form of morning sickness, with "unrelenting, excessive pregnancy-related nausea and/or vomiting that prevents adequate intake of food and fluids. Baby #2 is due January 11th, 2011.

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-216768258998951312010-07-06T09:36:00.000-06:002010-07-06T09:36:56.393-06:00

Dear Hyperemesis: I  know you and I have a sordid, tumultuous relationship.   I know we have a history and the odds were high we'd meet again at some point if the situation warranted. I know your presence typically indicates everything is going as planned. I know you are not prepared to cede just yet, nor am I asking for such conditions. All I ask is that this week, in light of everything else

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-31934682100005058882010-07-02T14:14:00.000-06:002010-07-02T14:14:37.559-06:00

The votes were really a landslide -- toronto blue won out without any competition.  Which is good because it's the color that I really liked and wanted to order anyway. Thanks for the suggestions!  Now on to find something for rehearsal dinner...

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-49838346955435081372010-06-28T13:37:00.000-06:002010-06-28T13:37:41.580-06:00

So there's this wedding C and I are going to the beginning of August.  My original plan to make myself a dress was foiled when I realized the fabrics I found online, I didn't like in person (I had ordered swatches to be on the safe side).  Plus, I decided it wasn't worth the time and frustration to make a dress when I could find a fairly inexpensive alternative. I haven't even attempted to head

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-70015116360731920192010-06-22T10:54:00.000-06:002010-06-22T10:54:37.384-06:00

For those of you who know my father-in-law, you'll fully appreciate this post. We bought a new barbecue grill over the weekend.  The one we were using had served us well -- 10 years, thousands of meals cooked and many winters weathered -- but I had been wanting one that could actually hold enough food to have company over for dinner.  After the grill was assembled, C got "the look" on his face

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-63580950064914721692010-06-04T13:18:00.000-06:002010-06-04T13:18:29.399-06:00

Today is National Donut Day so I decided to try my hand and make my own.  This is the first time I've ever made donuts so aesthetically they're not the prettiest, but holy moly, are they tasty! SOURDOUGH DOUGHNUTS 2 c. sifted flour 1/2 c. white sugar 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/4 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. cinnamon or nutmeg (I usually put in a bit of both!) 1 egg 1/2 c.

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-76015983380993963582010-05-17T10:29:00.000-06:002010-05-17T10:29:38.425-06:00

This is one of my favorite times of the year.

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-19378889138834152782010-05-15T14:56:00.000-06:002010-05-15T14:56:48.638-06:00

My original intent was to have my Etsy store launched and open for sales today.  It didn't happen.  Surprisingly though, I'm okay with it. About 10 days ago I made the decision to push the Grand Opening back to June 1st.  I was sitting at the sewing machine one day fretting over how I was going to get it all done and ready.  I had dresses, skirts, shirts and pants to get sewn; I had pictures to

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-25013836575092698522010-04-22T09:18:00.000-06:002010-04-22T09:18:47.642-06:00

I'm taking the leap. Walking to the edge, holding my breath, closing my eyes and taking that step off into the unknown. I'm opening an online store on Etsy. Right now I'm shooting for an opening date of May 15th.  This could be pushed back to June 1st depending on how much stuff I get sewn in the next couple of weeks.  (When I thought about doing this I neglected to remember the launch would

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-17690525771342335702010-03-25T10:07:00.000-06:002010-03-25T10:07:21.471-06:00

If you can't tell by what's written here, I usually have half a dozen projects going on at any given time.  Often times they don't get finished and get tucked away in a box/bin/corner somewhere (I'm really trying to work on that) but I love seeing things come to fruition.  I love creating stuff with my hands and see it transform before my eyes. One of my problems is that I have many hobbies

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-17135240652383145112010-03-10T15:04:00.000-07:002010-03-10T15:04:49.619-07:00

Last week I had a very successful venture in sourdough baking!  (Finally, thank goodness!)  I opted to make dinner rolls and they turned out beautifully -- great sourdough flavor, the trademark slightly chewy crust and a good internal texture. Ingredients (makes 12 large dinner rolls) 1 cup sourdough starter 1 1/2 cups warm water 1 tablespoon yeast 1 tablespoon salt 2 tablespoons white

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-64421216119356277012010-02-25T08:04:00.000-07:002010-02-25T08:04:00.738-07:00

Despite the really cruddy weather last summer, we had a great time with our garden.  The yields left a LOT to be desired but that was mainly out of my control.  This year we're trying something new. 2/14 -- Planting Seeds  2/24 -- New Seedlings (Tomatoes & Peppers)

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-55717593798017607102010-02-24T08:15:00.001-07:002010-02-24T08:15:00.392-07:00

I'm sitting at a point I hate.  I've been here before and you'd think I'd learn my lesson.  You'd think I know enough to not make the mistakes that put me here.   But I don't.  I know what I need to do, I know what I should do, but I'm just not doing it.  It's more fun to take the easy way out and be lazy. This last 6 months has been tough.  I've had many things to deal with in terms of my health

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-37541402662987550042010-02-23T19:11:00.000-07:002010-02-23T19:11:43.758-07:00

Holy cow, my husband is awesome! Friday morning we woke up to clouds and grey skies in Moab.  I knew he had something planned for our anniversary but he completely played it off as though it was no big deal that the weather was postponing it.  As the weekend went on and the clouds lingered his mood began to match the gloom in the skies.  He pouted, he sulked.  I tried to stay upbeat and

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-65864133295768198142010-02-22T10:26:00.000-07:002010-02-22T10:26:13.731-07:00

As I cracked my eyes open this morning I could sense something was different.  Something was lighter, more cheerful.  A renewal of sorts. Perhaps a good night's sleep had refreshed my body.  A roll to the left confirmed that indeed was NOT the renewal I was sensing.  Hauling KT in the backpack carrier for a handful of miles the last couple of days had taken a toll on my body -- sore hips, a huge

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-17105150388721083392010-02-21T14:52:00.000-07:002010-02-21T14:52:07.284-07:00

The clouds still obscure the red rocks and the snow flakes fall beautifully on the town today.  With temps in the 30's and no sun shining through the haze, plans for today had to be chosen carefully.  Someone (i.e. me) forgot to pack snow boots for the tiny tater (really, who would have thought there would be this much snow here) so we have to plan for adventuring in places where the mud is

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-70706729206936449622010-02-20T18:19:00.000-07:002010-02-20T18:19:02.439-07:00

The sun has shone through the clouds for all of about 10 minutes since we pulled into town on Thursday.  Temps are about twenty degrees below normal; the weather continuously changes from rain to snow and back to rain.  Hikes have been postpones; hikes have been attempted in the wet weather.  KT has fallen off the beds in the hotel room numerous times and yet still jumps around like a monkey. My

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-86631623726536517572010-02-19T08:00:00.001-07:002010-02-19T08:00:08.295-07:00

10 years ago we said our vows in a tiny little church in Franksville, Wisconsin.  Surrounded by our closest family and friends, blanketed by the newly fallen snow of one of the worst storms to hit the Midwest in years. 9 years ago we celebrated our 1st anniversary in our tiny little rental house in Provo.  The cold drafts blew through the windows as though the glass was peppered with shotgun shot

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-32102968473325782522010-02-18T09:41:00.001-07:002010-02-18T09:41:00.191-07:00

Moab, Utah is a place near and dear to our hearts.  We moved to Utah shortly after we got married and spent our first 6 wedding anniversaries there (or at least we celebrated there President's Day weekend).  We skipped '07 since KT was months old and opted in '08 to try our hand at combining one of our favorite places with our new favorite little person.  When the wee sprout was just barely a

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-16734416739885546742010-02-17T21:51:00.000-07:002010-02-17T21:51:59.406-07:00

One of the most important things I learned in this attempt is that I need to have more patience.  I need to give myself WAY more time than I think I'm going to need to make a batch of sourdough goodness. I started this project on Monday evening with the hopes that we'd have hamburger buns for dinner on Tuesday.  We had hamburgers for dinner tonight, not last night as I'd hoped.  It wasn't a big

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-58836150011707493822010-02-16T09:37:00.000-07:002010-02-16T09:37:50.710-07:00

  My sourdough starter is 14 days old and appropriately (hopefully!) active.  It's doubling with every feeding and some days wants to be fed twice a day.  So last night I pulled some out and mixed up a batch of hamburger bun dough.  It spent a nice, lazy night in the fridge to help develop flavor and is fermenting/proofing away on the counter as I type.   My hope is to have buns for dinner

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-40636406756774117272010-02-03T20:25:00.000-07:002010-02-03T20:25:28.207-07:00

I cannot leave well enough alone.  Even though I have too many unfinished projects to count laying around my house, I continue to take on new things. Many, many moons ago (aka pre-job, pre-child, when I was still a student moons ago) we went a couple of years without buying any store bought bread.  Every 10 days or so I'd make a double batch of whole wheat bread that resembled dark, dense bricks

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-30405894157217660092010-02-02T22:33:00.000-07:002010-02-02T22:33:48.991-07:00

Ch-ch-ch-changes! I figured that with my new look (shorter, darker, some days curly hair) and my new out"look" on life it was only fitting to completely revamp this blog.  I spruced up the background to something new and snazzy; I updated the blogs I follow; I dumped a bunch of kitschy stuff.  More importantly though, I reworked the title, the blog description and my profile.  The Plant Girl

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-11049998844588682492009-12-31T17:13:00.002-07:002009-12-31T17:24:40.913-07:00

I sit here basking in the soft glow on Christmas lights, listening to the familiar chatter in the living room. Deep inside me there is a sense of contentment and peace that I haven't felt in a long time. Long enough that I can't pinpoint when I've felt this at ease.At this moment I look forward to the new year and a new start to life! Tonight I will celebrate a successful decompression surgery,

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-29511979823188247442009-08-03T20:39:00.004-06:002009-08-04T09:38:06.328-06:00

My last post here was posted the middle of June -- right as it felt like the world was crumbling around me. I was talking about the rain and the dreariness, asking for sunshine. In part I was talking about the weather; in part I was talking about me internally.There was a handful of small things that when they all came together it became too much for me to handle. Losing my job was the

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-21917472505227777362009-06-18T00:01:00.002-06:002009-06-18T00:09:41.398-06:00

The days blur together in a fog of grey clouds and raindrops. The sun make fleeting appearances and brings with it hope that is quickly blown away.It feels as though we've had nothing but rain for weeks on end. The grass is in desperate need of mowing.My tomato and pepper plants are floundering and are precariously close to drowning. They are on the verge of giving up the fight.We need some

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-77513760623556188262009-06-12T11:29:00.002-06:002009-06-12T12:24:12.500-06:00

I know that my last post was vague, that was the intent. As someone told me, "it reads like a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma". There are a couple of friends from way back when that know who I'm talking about, or at least have a good guess. But for the rest of you here's a little more light on the situation...JU was one of my best friends in High School. Undoubtedly my best male

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-7139892960833407292009-06-11T11:15:00.004-06:002009-06-11T22:05:26.344-06:00

I really believe that friends come in/out of your life at specific times for important reasons. Sometimes they lend a shoulder to lean on in times of need; sometimes they serve as a source of humor on a glum day; sometimes they give you a reminder of a simpler time or another version of yourself that has faded.I've had friendships wax and wane over the last 15 years. People that for one reason

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-68795503225410893652009-06-07T19:40:00.003-06:002009-06-07T19:59:17.155-06:00

After last year's attempts at transplanting strawberries (and the two post-planting frost episodes), I was nervous to try again this spring. But as one who can not pass up free plant starts I decided to give it one more shot this year. If the frost got them, I'd admit defeat and would plant something else in the area designated for berries come next year.Much to my surprise and delight, all 50-

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-77758514426315380122009-06-04T01:30:00.001-06:002009-06-04T01:31:52.123-06:00

It's time for a change around here. I need something bright and cheery -- something fun to look at. Maybe it's my version of a mid-year crisis.

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-45535896618857239102009-06-01T16:05:00.002-06:002009-06-01T16:15:57.800-06:00

The official end date is June 5th, 2009Even though I knew it was coming, it still stings. I think I'll go stand in the rain and let it wash away the tears.

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-31227922867204382642009-05-26T10:42:00.002-06:002009-05-26T10:50:17.323-06:00

First of all, I'd like to thank everyone for the support -- the emails, the phone calls, the text messages, the blog comments, the posts on Faceb00k -- it means a lot to see that kind of empathy from people.I still have no idea when my final date of employment is. I still am not entirely sure what I'm going to do after this gig is up. I've been weighing my options, looking at our budget and

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-36659478130513687762009-05-19T10:52:00.003-06:002009-05-19T10:55:18.117-06:00

My time with the University will draw to a close in the near future. Now I need to figure out what the next step in this journey is.

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-66941652917087914012009-05-15T01:36:00.003-06:002009-05-15T01:46:13.972-06:00

It's been an exhausting week. No news, yet.A friend mentioned today that sometimes the not knowing is more difficult to handle than knowing, no matter what the outcome. At least then you can plan a course of action. I think she hit the nail on the head.My gut is saying the grant didn't get funded. Too bad my gut is also saying it needs more antacids as my reflux is flaring.And yes. It's

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-86487172127397743212009-05-12T10:13:00.002-06:002009-05-12T10:24:14.896-06:00

Fibromyalgia (pronounced fy-bro-my-AL-ja) is a common and complex chronic pain disorder that affects people physically, mentally and socially. Fibromyalgia is a syndrome rather than a disease. Unlike a disease, which is a medical condition with a specific cause or causes and recognizable signs and symptoms, a syndrome is a collection of signs, symptoms, and medical problems that tend to occur

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-59878305723446487632009-05-11T22:20:00.003-06:002009-05-11T22:24:01.059-06:00

I'd hope that means good news, but in the world of government sponsored grants, you never know. The only thing you can count on is the clarify of their "no" when they tell you your proposal isn't going to be funded. I was told we'd have an announcement by today. After the close of business (EST) this afternoon I spoke with the contact person for the proposal and she hadn't heard anything

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-9038435788065815142009-05-08T21:16:00.002-06:002009-05-08T21:38:07.321-06:00

When C and I moved in together, we agreed that we would try to maintain some sense of our individuality even though we were becoming "us". That we would take time for ourselves; that we would retain some semblance of "C" and "A" even after we merged as one.10 years later I will admit that I am struggling with this. C hunts. No flames on this please, it puts food in our freezer for a

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-71289923042948076352009-05-08T16:01:00.002-06:002009-05-08T16:15:50.836-06:00

My brain works in funny ways. When I'm mad or restless I clean. I've always been that way and I don't even realize what I'm doing until I'm about 60% done with whatever I'm tackling.C used to laugh at me when I was in grad school -- before I could sit down to work on any big project I'd go through and clean the house first. Now he's learned to get out of my way when I go on cleaning spree now

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-83806296891084585312009-05-07T17:05:00.004-06:002009-05-07T17:19:10.177-06:00

We should know by the beginning of next week if the grant was approved for funding or not. The review committee met earlier this week and announcements were scheduled to be disbursed following the meeting. How long they take to get to us, I don't know. Whether they'll be electronic or a formal, written announcement, I don't know.All I know is that this wait is torturous. If the grant is

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-38660495964888231342009-05-05T10:39:00.003-06:002009-05-05T10:44:03.512-06:00

I got the phone call from my Dad about an hour ago. After almost a week, "Grandma" B passed in her home this morning, surrounded by family.She was a wonderful woman, someone whom I'm grateful to have known. I will hold tightly to the cherished memories I have of her. My thoughts and prayers go out to her immediately family during this time.

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-27805986087955027522009-05-02T11:38:00.004-06:002009-05-02T12:06:59.167-06:00

May 1st is a difficult day for me. I can see it on the calendar any other day of the year and I'm okay, but on the day itself I struggle.When I realize the day has come upon us, I feel the familiar burn of tears.Throughout the day whenever I glance upon some reminder of the calendar my throat tightens and I momentarily lose track of my thought.I see bits and pieces of that day interspersed in

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-78282108338293945742009-05-01T15:49:00.002-06:002009-05-01T16:02:19.336-06:00

When we lived in Utah, there was a fantastic Mexican restaurant we used to go to. The kind of place that was packed anytime you went there, even if at lunch on Tuesday. Food was made fresh as you ordered and you got a great amount for your money. Most of the time we ordered and took it home to avoid waiting for a table and being packed into a seating area like a herd of cows.It is a chain

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-21755968982238990482009-04-30T21:19:00.002-06:002009-04-30T21:31:26.370-06:00

A very close friend of the family had a stroke last night. I'm not sure of the prognosis but from what I've heard, I think the end is close.When I was born she made my mom and dad a baby quilt to honor my arrival. In 2006, she made one for C and I to honor KT's arrival. Both pieces are cherished items in my household.Tonight I made sure to pull it out and tuck the little one in, extra tight

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-87795340102199534182009-04-29T23:33:00.002-06:002009-04-29T23:39:46.601-06:00

As it is now technically April 30th in the Eastern Time zone, I can officially wish my sister a Happy Birthday!I'm lucky to have a fantastic relationship with my sisters. I desperately wish that I could see them more often but know that the blame falls squarely on my shoulders for moving away from home.I hope that you have a fantastic Birthday, Stretch! I'm so proud of the person you are today.

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-91514369151414356742009-04-27T14:32:00.002-06:002009-04-27T15:11:16.636-06:00

We had some beautiful weather here in Idaho last week -- numerous days of 70 degree temperatures and sunshine. When the weekend rolled around and the sun was continuing to shine (albeit slightly cooler than our temps during the week), we took the chance to get out in the yard and start doing work.C put on his incredibly sexy rubber boots and tilled the garden areas. We turned the sprinkler

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-56500382072528835862009-04-21T22:20:00.003-06:002009-04-21T22:33:11.596-06:00

After countless, futile attempts to get an answer, I was finally told yesterday that the review panel will meet on May 4th to discuss the grant proposals. Letters will be sent out by the 11th notifying applications if their projects were funded or not.If the project gets funded, I'll work through the end of June (unless money is drummed up elsewhere) and then go on hiatus until the new project

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-71749904252983724212009-04-16T12:05:00.000-06:002009-04-16T12:59:18.593-06:00

One of the books I'm reading asks the reader to "write down a list of [at least] 50 activities that you love". So here it goes...Sipping coffee while watching the sun risePlanting flowers in the garden and flower bedsPicking flowers from mountain meadowsWatching fruits/vegetables grow from seed into something edible, knowing that I helped to make it happenLaying in the grass and watching the

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-87129734215935940342009-04-14T11:07:00.002-06:002009-04-14T11:30:08.114-06:00

After 10 years together, it is clearly obvious that my husband will sleep through just about anything. Drives me absolutely insane. I'm awake with the smallest of noises -- my heart racing as I strain to hear every sound in the house, trying to figure out what's going on. Next to me he sleeps like a log. Completely oblivious unless I jar him awake and force him to pay attention.Absolutely

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-9895367105314436672009-04-08T21:57:00.002-06:002009-04-08T22:16:59.044-06:00

A couple of months ago, I started running again. Trying to build up some stamina and endurance in the hope to work up to running a 5K this spring/summer. I made it to about week 5 of the 8 week training program I was doing but severely stalled out a month ago and my gym attendance dropped drastically.I've tried to justify my reasons for not going -- the craziness of the grant submission, my

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-65347076935992124562009-04-02T00:45:00.002-06:002009-04-02T00:57:19.930-06:00

The clock on the macbook reads 12:50. My eyes are wide open and my mind is racing faster than is legal for this time of night.I shut the computer down, originally at 9:30 and began winding down for bed. By 10:30 I was pulling the covers up, snuggling in and breathing a sigh of relief at the early turn in. I was yawning as C crawled in next to me.Two hours and half a dozen techniques later, I

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-27916694291599013732009-03-30T12:48:00.003-06:002009-03-30T13:04:41.970-06:00

Although neither of my degrees is emblazoned with Beaumont Tower, my loyalty to Michigan State runs deep. Especially when it comes to Spartan sports.I may have not graduated from any of their Colleges, but I spent 3 amazing years as a student there. The friendships I made will have a lasting impression on my life and the study abroad trip I participated in...well, that was a life altering event

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-55597124818451239492009-03-28T15:37:00.003-06:002009-03-28T15:46:21.608-06:00

What is it about this time of year that always puts me in a funk?Yet again, I've found myself in a major rut. Struggling to find the motivation to get to the gym; struggling to find the motivation to keep the house clean; struggling to find the motivation to make dinner.I don't know if it's the weird weather. Some days it's 65 degrees and sunny. Two days later the wind is howling and the snow

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-68691759893434961162009-03-23T20:50:00.002-06:002009-03-23T20:58:34.118-06:00

For the last 10 years, a great number of disagreements between C and I have arisen because he does something stupid and I laugh at his misfortune. I know I shouldn't but I just can't help it. He can be writhing in pain and through tears of laughter, I'm trying to stifle my giggles to ask him if he's alright. Not my best trait I admit, but he has on occasion admitted himself that he does his

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-44085153683846715432009-03-20T13:33:00.000-06:002009-03-20T13:33:00.723-06:00

The itch is beginning. The itch to get out and get dirty. To do some digging in the fragrant, wet soil of the flowerbeds and garden.After last summer's success I've spent many a moment this winter dreaming of the additions I can make this year. Lettuce? Almost definitely.Garlic? Quite possibly.Potatoes? Still debating.Cucumber? Nope. Not after discovering my sans gallbladder system objects

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-45594907876479966362009-03-19T11:26:00.001-06:002009-03-19T11:28:41.123-06:00

Anyone following this blog through a reader, will see a post again this weekend that they happened upon last night or today.It wasn't supposed to publish until this weekend but for some reason it did last night. I got it sorted out but it is scheduled to go again this weekend.So when you see it again, don't think you're going crazy. Just me messing things up.

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-17263060508190815542009-03-18T11:00:00.002-06:002009-03-18T11:17:01.846-06:00

The toddler tornado was given playdough as a Christmas present. My OCD tendencies hadn't allowed it in the house until then. Yeah, I know. I'm a bad mom and I really need to let go of some of my quirks now that I have a child. Baby steps though, baby steps.We pulled it out last week when Aunt A was here, to try to cut down on toddler tantrums and try to wean her from her television addiction.

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-27792520579877435032009-03-17T15:24:00.005-06:002009-03-17T17:40:25.753-06:00

Last weekend prompted a multi-purpose trip down to Utah. On the agenda was taking my visiting sister back to the airport, hitting the Sportsman's Expo we used to frequent and catching up with friends.After 48 hours of fast-food, toddler tantrums and beautiful weather, my mind wandered as we headed back north on Sunday. As I stared at the lackluster, late-winter mountainsides out the window I

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-7370334677156585052009-03-09T15:47:00.002-06:002009-03-09T15:51:27.288-06:00

We made it -- with under 3 minutes to go before the deadline. I honestly didn't believe it was going to happen. The girl who did the submission said she's never had one go in so smoothly (once they were ready to submit it). I guess after everything else, we were due for something to go correctly.I still can't believe we managed to actually get it in.

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-14214923467474698882009-03-09T12:31:00.003-06:002009-03-09T12:36:23.068-06:00

I'm faced time and time again with the fact that I am NOT a patient person. I do not handle it well when I have to wait on things that are out of my control.One of the subcontracting agencies has their paperwork completed and has issued a letter of support. The one that didn't get their paperwork in until Friday -- they're the one we're waiting on.I called one of the collaborators 30 minutes

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-56955885890198898672009-03-06T01:12:00.003-07:002009-03-06T01:19:37.963-07:00

I discovered late this afternoon (Thursday that is, I have yet to go to bed) that one of the subcontracting agencies has NOT turned in the necessary paperwork to their research office. Without a letter of approval from them, our research office will not submit the grant.We have less than 2 business days to get all of the appropriate department and college signatures and then hope our little

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-14008072214924708722009-03-04T15:26:00.003-07:002009-03-04T15:33:55.758-07:00

The grant application package got submitted to the campus research office yesterday. Now they look it over and after approval, officially submit it to the USDA. Then we wait for an answer and hope for funding.I'm tired. Exhausted might be a better descriptor, but I doubt that really covers it fully. Working 80+ hour weeks and getting 2-3 hours a sleep at night does not agree with me anymore.

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-9151054278381094982009-02-23T10:44:00.002-07:002009-02-23T10:51:23.552-07:00

Lately, I feel like much of what I say has fallen on deaf ears.Are my emails circling around in cyberspace, unable to reach their destination inbox?Did my voicemail messages get recorded over by subsequent callers?I'd yell louder but I'm already hoarse from all of the verbal and written requests. Sometimes the squeaky wheel doesn't get the grease.

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-66151522956678988812009-02-21T15:44:00.003-07:002009-02-21T16:15:30.716-07:00

In December I typically start checking in on federal grant opportunities that could fit our funding needs. I diligently watch for their anticipated openings and requests for applications (RFA), preparing project ideas in the hope that something will come along that is applicable to us.Why do I watch them so closely? Why do I willingly subject myself to the insanity that ensues when we reach an

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-38792732546491332742009-02-19T14:37:00.003-07:002009-02-19T14:54:31.849-07:00

Next year is the first of the "big" anniversaries -- 10 years. I'm saying the same thing today that I've said every February 9th for the last 8 calendar years. I truly wonder how 9 years has gone by so quickly. It seems as though just yesterday we were a couple of bright-eyed, energetic kids walking down the aisle. At 21 I thought I had all the answers. I was scared to death and incredibly

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-51891813367994493452009-02-17T15:52:00.003-07:002009-02-17T17:05:26.408-07:00

Over the last few days, I've come to realize that the perks of DH's job do help to outweigh some of the negatives. There are still things I'd change -- things that I don't understand at all -- but I think I'd begun focusing too much on the bad and not at all on the benefits.One of the big perks is our product allotment. The employees of the company are given a specified amount to use on

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-16259272972227807282009-02-13T22:09:00.002-07:002009-02-13T22:22:23.064-07:00

Yesterday marks 3 years that I've been blogging. In that 1095 days (yes, I accounted for leap year last year) I've published 274 pots.That's just under 1 post every 4 days. Not the greatest odds, I'll admit.My frequency waxes and wanes in correlation to the craziness of life. Sometimes when I'm the most stressed I blog more; sometimes when I'm the most stressed I don't even think about

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-60815205855306203042009-02-10T16:06:00.002-07:002009-02-10T16:14:32.831-07:00

They feel like some ancient form of chinese torture. The pain is enough to make my eyes water as I slowly separate their adhesive layer from my skin. It leaves the affected area sore and sometimes red for a good hour, post-removal. But I find myself fascinated with looking at what others would surely deem as gross -- what this torture device has actually removed from my face.To someone who

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22364725.post-20650929673014360502009-01-21T23:30:00.003-07:002009-01-22T00:02:48.151-07:00

If you choose to accept it, is simple.Take a day and try to do as many mundane/routine tasks as possible using your non-dominant hand.Sounds simple enough, doesn't it?Included in that list of things to try:brushing your teethwielding toilet paperpouring whatever morning beverage you partake in (coffee, juice, tea, water, milk)drinking whatever beverage you partake inspreading butter/jam/peanut

Plant Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11471946317376166507noreply@blogger.com7