The trick to braving a cold bed is to first take a hot shower. So hot that you can't even stand it. Then you put on warm fuzzy slippers, sweat pants and a hoodie.
How do you do it? When I was little, I used to get in the tub, turn on the water to the temperature I wanted and then turned on the shower. Now, I stand outside the shower, turn on the water, turn on the shower, then finally adjust the temperature before getting into the tub. The only problem with adjusting the temperature to "so hot that you can't even stand it" is that you get immune to the hotness. Or maybe, the hot water just disappears because, hey, that's what it's like living in an apartment. You keep going up and up and up on the hot water faucet, dialing it further and further until you can't even turn it up anymore. Then you start coming down on the cold until you're maxed out on pure hot.
I used to fold my arms across my chest and catch water then let is splash down really hard. It's the same sound you get when you wring out a washcloth in the shower. It's really satisfying, but I don't do that anymore.
It's hard to adjust to where the water hits on you, too. I'm taller than my shower head, so sometimes I feel like I need to bend down or aim it straighter in order for me get the full effect of water splashing down on me. The problem is that I want it on the back of my neck, and I can't get it to go there without the water also landing in my wine glass.
After 45 minutes, the sound of the bathroom fan is annoying me.
So then you get out and dry off and get cold immediately and then have to crawl into a cold bed without dinner on Thanksgiving and without feeling warm and fuzzy and into that cold bed that is chilly no matter how many blankets you put on.
So I guess that really isn't the trick to braving a cold bed. Either way, for a second, I forgot which way to turn the faucet off.
Favorite People
Salzburg, Austria
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Oh Sunday Morning
(1100) I woke up. My day is shot. I don't feel like doing anything already. I had resolved to be less lazy. It's not working today, because it is Sunday morning. I just put on my hospital gown Snuggie and decided to read a blog about a sad man who feels numb.
Maybe I feel numb sometimes. There are few people in my life that I can truly rely on. Even fewer of those people are in the same area code as me. No one really cares deeply. If I called someone at 0400 to come pick me up somewhere, who would come?
It's a shame to feel this way at the beginning of the day.
Maybe I feel numb sometimes. There are few people in my life that I can truly rely on. Even fewer of those people are in the same area code as me. No one really cares deeply. If I called someone at 0400 to come pick me up somewhere, who would come?
It's a shame to feel this way at the beginning of the day.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
"It's a cold and it's a broken hallelujah"
Today is the day we celebrate the baby's short life. I'm unable to attend the calling hours, but I'm thinking of the family all day.
It's an odd thing to think about, really, the death of an infant. It doesn't seem like death is supposed to be a part of an infant's life. Death is a part of life for someone older. Not even that old, even 20 years old. At least at 20, it seems like a natural progression. We grow and grow and grow until we're done growing, and then what's left? Death. But with a baby, he's just begun growing. His life started as one cell, joined with a second. And division and multiplication took place and now he's a million little cells. Little cells with years left of dividing and multiplying. Some of his bones aren't even hard yet. His hair isn't real hair yet. His eyes aren't even able to see further than a few inches away. The natural progression would be for his bones to form, his hair to coarsen, and his eyes to focus. Not for him to die without even experiencing the warmth of his own home.
It's fun to think about what Anthony's personality would be like. Would he be quiet and studious? Outgoing and a class clown? An athletic do-gooder? Or like his father, on a mission to spread the word of God? We'll never know, but I'm sure Christen and Anthony will always wonder what life would be like if their other children had an older brother. It's a shame he never got to grow up. I hope they heal quickly. And know they're lucky to have met such an amazing person; a person with, yes, a short life, but a strong one. Blessings to everyone who was touched by Anthony's story.
It's an odd thing to think about, really, the death of an infant. It doesn't seem like death is supposed to be a part of an infant's life. Death is a part of life for someone older. Not even that old, even 20 years old. At least at 20, it seems like a natural progression. We grow and grow and grow until we're done growing, and then what's left? Death. But with a baby, he's just begun growing. His life started as one cell, joined with a second. And division and multiplication took place and now he's a million little cells. Little cells with years left of dividing and multiplying. Some of his bones aren't even hard yet. His hair isn't real hair yet. His eyes aren't even able to see further than a few inches away. The natural progression would be for his bones to form, his hair to coarsen, and his eyes to focus. Not for him to die without even experiencing the warmth of his own home.
It's fun to think about what Anthony's personality would be like. Would he be quiet and studious? Outgoing and a class clown? An athletic do-gooder? Or like his father, on a mission to spread the word of God? We'll never know, but I'm sure Christen and Anthony will always wonder what life would be like if their other children had an older brother. It's a shame he never got to grow up. I hope they heal quickly. And know they're lucky to have met such an amazing person; a person with, yes, a short life, but a strong one. Blessings to everyone who was touched by Anthony's story.
Monday, January 17, 2011
2011: A Bier in Review
I spent this past weekend visiting my good friend Sarah in Michigan. She lives about an hour away from Detroit, and who knew it but Michigan is known for its microbrews! So, we spent most of our time being beer advocates (BAs, otherwise known as badasses).
The first night we hung out with a baker's dozen of engineers at a brewery called Dragonmead, located in Warren, MI. It was not at all what I expected. Very un-Medieval, aside from some armor and artwork on the walls. No jousting. There was an acoustic singer named Julianne who was not at all worth my attention. Almost immediately we were bombarded with rules: No moving tables. No splitting checks. No tip less than 20%. Blah blah blah. We were given a free basket of pretzels with mustard, which was good, but we had to ask at least 3 or 4 times before we got a refill. My engineer friends also were snubbed when asking for a refill on a beverage. I'm not sure if it was cool or uncool, but there's no real food at Dragonmead, but you can order take-out or bring in any food you want. I did, however, enjoy the sampler. Five six-ounce samples of any of their ~40 of their own microbrews on tap. I opted for the Final Absolution Belgian style trippel, Lancelot's cream ale, Ring of Fire, Bishop Bob's Holy Smoke rauchbier, and the Crown Jewels IPA. The Final Absolution was their signature, which I can see why. Smooth, malty, with some good spices going on. The Ring of Fire was spiced with jalapeno peppers, and although I love spicy foods, I could barely stomach six ounces. Not a good burping beer at all! The rauchbier was disappointing in that it was barely smoky in flavor. I was expecting a Virginia ham flavor, as I've seen with rauchbiers in Germany. I loved the IPA, naturally, and the cream ale was a good balance to the Ring of Fire. I was also able to sample some of Doug's Crooked Door amber ale (aka Gryffendor amber ale), which may be a beverage I would drink a lot of. Although the service was severely lacking, it definitely had a few good flavors. I'm not sure I would visit there again, though.
The next day, we made our way to Little Bavaria - Frankenmuth! I was very excited as soon as I saw the blue and white flags on the houses! We first stopped at Sullivan's Black Forest Brew Haus.
We were confused that a German community would have an Irish sports bar, that felt like a family restaurant that Gram and Gramp loved to frequent after Sunday church. I would never guess it was a brewery from the looks of things. However, we did see several awards for the beers. Mind you, they were pre-2006, and since then the brewery obtained a new brewmaster. We had high hopes, anyway. Their sampler was stupendous. About 10 five-ounce samples for $12. Every porter and stout severely disappointed me. I did enjoy the Grateful Red amber ale. Apparently everything else, however, wasn't that impressive because I can't remember anything else! We ate some nachos and fish sandwiches (their famous fish sandwiches!) then headed across the street to Bronner's humoungous Christmas warehouse!!! I'm still overwhelmed. I can't even think about the amount of lights and ornaments and holiday cheer we saw.
Afterwards, we went a few miles up the road to Frankenmuth Brewery. One of my favorite places now! We were greeted with airhead blonde girls who were somehow able to find Justin, an eighteen year old busboy to give us a tour of the brewery. He explained the brewing process and we were able to see where every step of their microbrewing process takes place, except for fermenting. Very cool! Justin's favorite drink? Root beer. I promised I wouldn't tell anyone what his real favorite beverage is...he's only eighteen! We grabbed a table and ordered the sampler and munched on some amazing pretzel breadsticks with homemade mustard. The beers were: Hefeweizen, Munich Dunkel, English IPA, Pilsner, Red Sky Ale, Winter bock, and a porter. My favorite hands-down was the Red Sky amber. Clean and caramel-y. I had another. After some delicious pizza, we had full bellies!
My favorite brewery in Michigan so far is Frankenmuth by a landslide! Highly recommended. Good beer. Good food. Good people.
Good night!!
The first night we hung out with a baker's dozen of engineers at a brewery called Dragonmead, located in Warren, MI. It was not at all what I expected. Very un-Medieval, aside from some armor and artwork on the walls. No jousting. There was an acoustic singer named Julianne who was not at all worth my attention. Almost immediately we were bombarded with rules: No moving tables. No splitting checks. No tip less than 20%. Blah blah blah. We were given a free basket of pretzels with mustard, which was good, but we had to ask at least 3 or 4 times before we got a refill. My engineer friends also were snubbed when asking for a refill on a beverage. I'm not sure if it was cool or uncool, but there's no real food at Dragonmead, but you can order take-out or bring in any food you want. I did, however, enjoy the sampler. Five six-ounce samples of any of their ~40 of their own microbrews on tap. I opted for the Final Absolution Belgian style trippel, Lancelot's cream ale, Ring of Fire, Bishop Bob's Holy Smoke rauchbier, and the Crown Jewels IPA. The Final Absolution was their signature, which I can see why. Smooth, malty, with some good spices going on. The Ring of Fire was spiced with jalapeno peppers, and although I love spicy foods, I could barely stomach six ounces. Not a good burping beer at all! The rauchbier was disappointing in that it was barely smoky in flavor. I was expecting a Virginia ham flavor, as I've seen with rauchbiers in Germany. I loved the IPA, naturally, and the cream ale was a good balance to the Ring of Fire. I was also able to sample some of Doug's Crooked Door amber ale (aka Gryffendor amber ale), which may be a beverage I would drink a lot of. Although the service was severely lacking, it definitely had a few good flavors. I'm not sure I would visit there again, though.
The next day, we made our way to Little Bavaria - Frankenmuth! I was very excited as soon as I saw the blue and white flags on the houses! We first stopped at Sullivan's Black Forest Brew Haus.
We were confused that a German community would have an Irish sports bar, that felt like a family restaurant that Gram and Gramp loved to frequent after Sunday church. I would never guess it was a brewery from the looks of things. However, we did see several awards for the beers. Mind you, they were pre-2006, and since then the brewery obtained a new brewmaster. We had high hopes, anyway. Their sampler was stupendous. About 10 five-ounce samples for $12. Every porter and stout severely disappointed me. I did enjoy the Grateful Red amber ale. Apparently everything else, however, wasn't that impressive because I can't remember anything else! We ate some nachos and fish sandwiches (their famous fish sandwiches!) then headed across the street to Bronner's humoungous Christmas warehouse!!! I'm still overwhelmed. I can't even think about the amount of lights and ornaments and holiday cheer we saw.
Afterwards, we went a few miles up the road to Frankenmuth Brewery. One of my favorite places now! We were greeted with airhead blonde girls who were somehow able to find Justin, an eighteen year old busboy to give us a tour of the brewery. He explained the brewing process and we were able to see where every step of their microbrewing process takes place, except for fermenting. Very cool! Justin's favorite drink? Root beer. I promised I wouldn't tell anyone what his real favorite beverage is...he's only eighteen! We grabbed a table and ordered the sampler and munched on some amazing pretzel breadsticks with homemade mustard. The beers were: Hefeweizen, Munich Dunkel, English IPA, Pilsner, Red Sky Ale, Winter bock, and a porter. My favorite hands-down was the Red Sky amber. Clean and caramel-y. I had another. After some delicious pizza, we had full bellies!
My favorite brewery in Michigan so far is Frankenmuth by a landslide! Highly recommended. Good beer. Good food. Good people.
Good night!!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Lullabye
My mom was married and pregnant before she even hit her 20th birthday. She somehow got enough courage and strength to leave a very bad situation and move in to an old apartment in a bad neighborhood with her sister; the two of them cared for my oldest sister, Janet. Janet is 14 years older than me. My mom soon became friends with a young woman down the hall named Joy.
I've known Joy since the day I was born. Joy's daughters, Desiree, Christen, and Lindsay, were like my sisters growing up. Desiree was older and babysat Christa and I. Christen and Lindsay were close to Christa's and my age. Lindsay is getting married this year, and Christen was due for her baby to arrive in February of this year.
I feel so bad, because I was unable to make it to Christen's baby shower. She sent a thank you card for the cute clothes. The card said she was going to bring little baby Anthony home in the outfit my mom picked out.
I got a voice mail from my mom. She sounded sad, like she'd been crying. I called her back and heard the bad news. Christen went in for a routine check-up, only to find no heartbeat. She was emergently prepped for Cesarean and gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, weighing just under 7 pounds. He was perfect, except that his little lungs weren't expanding, nor his heart contracting. No blood flow to his little brain, a brain that might someday rule the world.
"Code Pink."
It was over a day later that Christen and her husband Anthony found out that little Anthony had to be resuscitated and placed on a ventilator.
Now, it's up to prayers and miracles to get him better. So he can hear his first lullabye.
I've known Joy since the day I was born. Joy's daughters, Desiree, Christen, and Lindsay, were like my sisters growing up. Desiree was older and babysat Christa and I. Christen and Lindsay were close to Christa's and my age. Lindsay is getting married this year, and Christen was due for her baby to arrive in February of this year.
I feel so bad, because I was unable to make it to Christen's baby shower. She sent a thank you card for the cute clothes. The card said she was going to bring little baby Anthony home in the outfit my mom picked out.
I got a voice mail from my mom. She sounded sad, like she'd been crying. I called her back and heard the bad news. Christen went in for a routine check-up, only to find no heartbeat. She was emergently prepped for Cesarean and gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, weighing just under 7 pounds. He was perfect, except that his little lungs weren't expanding, nor his heart contracting. No blood flow to his little brain, a brain that might someday rule the world.
"Code Pink."
It was over a day later that Christen and her husband Anthony found out that little Anthony had to be resuscitated and placed on a ventilator.
Now, it's up to prayers and miracles to get him better. So he can hear his first lullabye.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
To be a bachelorette
I worked 12 hours today. I'm not doing laundry. And I ate popcorn and coconut cream pie (sugar-free) for dinner. To bed.
Friday, January 7, 2011
I think I'm going to write about something EPIC
Every year, Lake Superior State University makes a list of words or phrases that need to be banned, due to over use, misuse, or uselessness. (Go ahead and google "banned words list 2010"). One of the top words is epic. I think the first time I personally used epic was in describing the New Year's Eve party I attended 2009 into 2010. The party really was epic. My friends and I still talk about it today.
But last night was also pretty darn epic. Here's the back story. I visited my friends Andrea and Bryan for one "last hurrah" before my BFF Andrea has to go back to school on Monday. I spent the entire day lounging and talking with Andrea; we even cooked up some fabulous root vegetable chips (OK, so they were a little "overdone," but good nonetheless). A couple rounds of Pictionary with the three of us, several beverages consumed, and I'd say it was an epic event. We even had a few a-ha moments. Andrea and I were hoping Bryan would call off work today, but he decided to man-up and go into work. Andrea and I are feeling horrible right now (Fail!) Regardless, I really felt that we were living life to the fullest last night.
Anyway, my dream of this blog going viral isn't working out exactly as I had planned. I guess I need to facebook it more.
I'm just sayin'...
But last night was also pretty darn epic. Here's the back story. I visited my friends Andrea and Bryan for one "last hurrah" before my BFF Andrea has to go back to school on Monday. I spent the entire day lounging and talking with Andrea; we even cooked up some fabulous root vegetable chips (OK, so they were a little "overdone," but good nonetheless). A couple rounds of Pictionary with the three of us, several beverages consumed, and I'd say it was an epic event. We even had a few a-ha moments. Andrea and I were hoping Bryan would call off work today, but he decided to man-up and go into work. Andrea and I are feeling horrible right now (Fail!) Regardless, I really felt that we were living life to the fullest last night.
Anyway, my dream of this blog going viral isn't working out exactly as I had planned. I guess I need to facebook it more.
I'm just sayin'...
Falafel sandwich for lunch!
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