Give Thanks

Give thanks to whoever it is you pray to 
For all you have and had and wasted
Give thanks to the one you pray to
For all you've used and felt and tasted

This is the time of year to look at our lives and give thanks for all we have been given. 
We have the people and things in our lives by the grace of God. It's not some cosmic accident or some random action that our lives are the way they are.

God gives us the things we need and it is up to us to make them work and to build them into a life we love. 

We all have people and things we've lost and circumstances beyond our control, things that tear our world apart and knock us off course. These times are the hardest and test us the most. These are the times for us to be thankful for what we still have and for the people in our lives who give us strength.

It can be hard to give thanks while you are planning a funeral or  when you heard you have stage IV cancer for instance, but try it. Think about what there is to be thankful for and focus.

For instance, a few years ago my brother Michael passed on after a 10 month battle with lung cancer. His was a long and painful struggle and I was his primary caregiver. I thought I was going to lose my mind. This was my big brother and I

loved him very much. There were 3 of us kids,  we lost our parents years ago and we were not close to the rest of our family. Losing a third of our sibling circle was like losing a part of me. A part of my childhood and my history, I still find my self thinking "I gotta tell Mike". But he is not here.

Some times the pain and frustration can be unbearable, but when I get that feeling I have to turn it around and focus on the fact that Michael had faith in God. He believed in God and according to this belief he is with our parents. He is with God. He is no longer in pain and struggling to breathe. He could not be cured in life but he is cured in death. I remember the good times we had and focus on those things. I give thanks that I was able to care for him and be there when he needed me. I give thanks that we was able to say good bye to his sons. 

This year I give thanks that I had him as my brother for 50 years and he shaped my life in a way nobody else could. I am thankful that because of his death me and my sister have grown closer and have a better relationship than we ever had before. 

I was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer a little over 3 years ago. Three years ago on Thanksgiving I didn't know if it might be my last one. I was in the middle of my chemo treatment plan and I didn't know if it was going to work. I was scared and I do not remember giving thanks for much that year. 

This year I give thanks that I am in remission and I am still alive. I give thanks for my doctor and the treatment he put me on that so far is keeping me alive. I give thanks for my job that kept me busy through the worst of it and for the money and insurance it provides. I give thanks for the support of my family and the love and care they show me. I still don't know if this will be my last Thanksgiving, but I don't know anyone who has a guarantee of tomorrow. So we should give thanks for today.

There is a saying - Be kind to everyone, you never know what battles they are fighting. This is true, most battles are invisible ones. 

I think my focusing on what you have and not what you don't have will help you in your own battles every day. It gives you power over your thoughts and can direct them in a positive and productive way.

This year I give thanks to be able to share my stories and I hope I made you think. Maybe you have some stories of your own, some things like mine that can be pretty bad. Try to focus in the good things. Even if you have to look real hard to find it. Find it and focus on it, remember when you focus on something it becomes clearer and the things around it become fuzzy. It is something you can control in situations where you may not have much control.

Give thanks to whoever it is you pray to 
To feel his love and see his face
Give thanks to the one you pray to
For mercy and love and grace

CIAO, Stephanie

I got to get organized!

It seems that lately nothing seems to go as I plan. Take last week-end for instance. I announced that I was not going shopping on Saturday. Every time I go shopping on Saturday it takes up the whole day and I have got. to. clean. this. house!!

So, I went shopping on Saturday. 

We left the house around 10 am and first hit Kohls to check out the sales and spend my Kohls cash and use the $10 birthday credit they gave me. Can't let THOSE baby's expire!

Then we go over the Earth Fare for some lunch. They have a really good lunch bar and excellent pizza. I stay healthy and get veggies and a chicken leg. And mango lemon-aid. 

Then we went over to Costco to get some napkins. We buy Kirkland napkins in bulk cause we can be a bit messy and because they're cheap. We buy their toilet paper also, but we won't expand on that.

It was packed. And Saturday samples carts were in full force. Let's see....I tried the bacon, the cinnamon rolls, the yogurt and the spring rolls. I bought  giant package of the cinnamon rolls and the spring rolls. 

Got a churro on the way out and we are off to Walmart.

Once in Walmart I remember several things I need in addition to what was on my husbands list and an hour and $100 later we headed home. 

I am exhausted.

I was on my feet for almost 4 hours. My back hurt. My feet were swollen.

I finish my churro on the way home and as we unpack the car I announce that I am going to put the grocery's away and then just sit down for a minuet.  

Yeah, so everything's unpacked and I sit on the recliner just for a few minuets.......ZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.....

So....

Sunday I should get that cleaning done. 

Well.....I did get some of it done.

I have got to get organized.

I am now officially announcing that I am not going shopping this week end. I am not doing anything until the house is cleaned.

All of it!

CIAO, Stephanie

NINJA Cooking!! Recipe and Review

So, with the cold weather upon us it is time to break out the crock pot for week night stews, soups and casseroles.

I just got the Ninja 3 in 1 cooking system. It's a souped up crock pot. It can be used like a stove top, for steam roasting and baking and as a crock pot.

I tried two of the methods so far. The first one I tried was the stove top method with one of the recipes that is in the cookbook that comes with the Ninja. It is the Chicken Piccata. I had to modify it somewhat because I did not have all the ingredients. The method is to use the stove top function to brown the chicken, remove it from the pot and add rice and liquid. It has a rack that fits inside the pot and it is elevated somewhat so it goes on top of the rice. You put the browned chicken and a vegetable onto the rack, switch over  to the oven function, set it to 300,cover and it cooks the rice and steams the chicken and veggies in 15 mins. Of course you need to add spices and flavor.

It was really good. The chicken was cooked through, the rice was good and the veggies tender crisp. Also, this is a great way to reduce the amount of oil and fat in you diet.

So, I tried the crock pot with one of my own recipes and it came out really good. Here is the recipe for beef tips.

You will need:

2 Lbs of lean stew beef or beef tips

1/4 cup all purpose flour

2 Tbsp olive oil

1/2 of a large or 1 small onion, chopped

1 1/2 tsp chopped garlic

1 can of beef both

1 tsp tomato paste

6 good shakes if worchester sauce

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 spring rosemary (chopped)

1/2 tsp dried thyme

Gather all your ingredients first-

Chop up the onion and set aside. Add the olive oil to the pot, coat the beef tips with the flour and brown using the stove top function. 

Once the meat is nicely browned remove it and set aside. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook until tender. 

Add back the meat and the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil. Then switch over to the crock pot function and cover. Cook on low 4 hours. 

I served this with broccoli, mashed potatoes and biscuits. The liquid thickens up nicely and the meat is fork tender. I think you will like it. This is a great comfort food meal.

I think that because the pot is larger and wider than the one I was using it cooks more evenly and reduces the liquid to a great consistency.

I hope you try it. Enjoy!

Oh, almost forgot to mention that the clean up is a breeze! It has a no stick finish and nothings sticks to it. 

CIAO, Stephanie

Truckloads of animals

I have a 23 mile/30 min commute to and from work every day, so I am on the highway for at least an hour every work day and see some weird things sometimes.

One morning I was headed into work early to catch up on some work so it was about 7am. The exit I have to get off is 2 lanes wide and one end is traffic coming on and then about ½ mile down is off ramp. Many times you’ll get over to get on the off ramp and coming up right behind you is someone getting on. They go to the left and you stay in the lane to get off to the right.

This one morning I got over headed to the off ramp and in my rear view mirror I saw a car coming up on me so fast I thought he was going to run right into me, but instead he cut over to the left and veered around me so fast it was over before I could blink and off he went sailing through the air and landing on the side of the off ramp halfway up an embankment. Amazing that the was able to go around me. My guardian angel was with me.

Me and 2 other cars stopped and ran up to the car. My heart was pounding, I didn't know what I’d find. Thank God he was OK..banged up a little but awake and talking. He was an older gentleman maybe late fifties.  I do not know what he was doing going so fast. The other driver that stopped said he thought he was drunk but I didn't smell anything on his breath. Anyway…..that was the scariest thing. Pretty mild when you think about what could have and what has happened on interstates around the world.

This was a human.

 The most disturbing thing I see and I see it on a regular basis are truckloads of cows and chickens. I work in a rural area and there is a chicken (processing) factory about 8-10 miles down from where I get off and a slaughter house at the exit before.

They put the animals in these trailers that have what almost looks like the plastic milk crates for the sides. They need the air to keep the animals alive long enough to slaughter them I guess.

The cows are big so you only see bits and pieces and can’t really make out the entire cow at once. You might see a hoof or a knee or something. The trailer is too high to see their faces. The chickens are another story though. 

They pack those poor things in so tightly, you can see where they have no room to move or anything. You can make out the entire chicken. There are usually feathers wafting off the truck and the smell will gag you.

And you know.... You know where they are headed and what is going to happen.

I usually speed up to get away from them.

Sometimes when I think about them I can't eat meat for a few days. But then, I think it is something primal or some base instinct that makes me over come my revulsion and eat it. It is weird when you think about how our food is processed and shameful. I am ashamed that I crave the meat and protein but fear not having it, thinking I will get sick. Thinking I'll get anemic. I have heard many stories. Humans need protein. 

Another time I was pulling up to a red light and saw only two cows on an open truck. The rails came up to just below their chins and they looked pretty and cute. As I crept along I looked at the first cow and his brown eyes met mine. I felt it's disinterest. Then the second cow, who was looking ahead slowly turned it's head and .....I swear to GOD...it's eyeball was hanging out. This almost made me hyperventilate. WTF!?!?!? 

How. Could. This. Happen? 

These are animals.

People sometimes make fun of me. Saying I like my meat wrapped up in saran wrap on a styrofoam tray. I grew up in the city, I never thought about it. They say I am a hypocrite, maybe I am. How do I deal with this?

I saw two trucks crammed full of chickens today.  I don't look and speed up to get away from them.  Wishing I was braver, stronger and smarter to find a way to stop this. 

CIAO, Stephanie

November Blush Beauty Box - Review

YAY...November Blush Beauty Box has arrived! 

This month's featured item is Cargo High Pigment Pencil in brown. 

This is a light brown, sort of like milk chocolate. It is a eyeliner. I haven't used it yet but it seems to go on really smoothly when I tested it on my arm.

Next is a full size tube (1.7oz) of Pur-lisse pur-protect essential daily moisturizer with spf 30 sunscreen.

I can't wait to try this. I have used (and I reviewed) the pur-lisse pur-youth preserve serum, which I LOVE and I know I won't be disappointed with this daily moisturizer.

Next is a small sample tube of Anastasia Beverly Hills Mini Hydrafull Gloss in Sorbet.

It's a pretty peachy color. I don't really like gloss so this goes into my give away box.

Then there is Nick Chavez Horsetail Root Lifting Spray.

It's a good size sample bottle (2 oz) I used it yesterday and it is awesome! I have fine straight hair. I have used many volume enhancer with varied results. This is one of the better ones. 

Next is Smartfx Smartlash Eyelash Enhancer.

This is suppose to be an eyelash enhancer, I think sort of like Latisse. It claims to give the appearance of fuller lashes without any side effects. I am going to try this. I always had great lashes but when I had chemo they all fell out and they have not grown back they way they were before, so I am hoping this works. I'll let you know.

Next is Paula's Choice Resist Ultra-light Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum. 

It's a sample (trial size it says) .17 oz. It has hyaluronic acid and is an anti-aging (wrinkle) serum. I will use this :-)

Lastly is Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Maximum Volume Mascara in Black.

This is a full size mascara and I love it!!

The box toss in's are 

NeoStrata Antioxidant Defense Serum, .07 oz. it neutralizes free radicals and fights oxidative damage. and a tiny sample of Angel's Magic NHEB-05 Lotion, this is a face and body lotion. I love the angel!!

This is a monthly subscription for $24.95 or you can also get a one time box for $34.95.

http://www.blush.com/product_November+2013_55381.htm

Best beauty box out there!!

CIAO, Stephanie

I try to keep a distance from

We all have things that make us shiver and grimace and gag. I have a lot actually. It's not that I'm a prissy prude, or anything I just have a weak stomach and low tolerance for slimy, shady stuff.

Here is my list-Part 1 

1. People who talk with food in their mouth. I know, I lot of people do this and it's not so bad. I am talking about the ones who just can't seem to shut up or hide their chewed up food while they yap away. GAG...I try not to look at them.


2. People who wear way too much perfume. I once had a co-worker who would just dose herself with perfume, everyday. You could smell her as soon as she walked in the door. One day she tried a new one that as soon as she came in my eyes started to water and my nose started to burn. It was like this all day. It must of bothered more people than me because that was the only day she wore that particular kind, thank God! This is always a tricky situation, because if you say something you can hurt their feelings but if you don't you may need oxygen. Best to let HR department know about problem and let them handle this.

3. People who don't like dogs. What..really?? If you don't like dogs, you can't be trusted. My dog Mitchell has shown me so much love and understanding, much more than some of the people I know. They are all about unconditional love and acceptance. They will lower your blood pressure and ease your loneliness. Treat them right and they will die protecting you if they need to. Dogs are the most awesome being.



4. People without compassion. I mean really, do they really think they are perfect? Or that things can't/won't happen to them? Give it time, it can and it will.

5. People who are bi-lingual but when they are in a group with others that speaks their language, don't bother to speak English, even though they KNOW you can't understand what they are saying because it easier to speak their native language, Really??...no, it's rude, like whispering.

6. Rude cashiers at the grocery store. Right, I just worked all day to earn money to come here and spend it at a store with some rotten person who is a miserable SOB at the check out..Then......the ones who grab the card out of peoples (usually an older person) hand and start pressing the buttons with a look of contempt because people are not going fast enough. A warning to all cashiers, I have made a vow that if I ever see you do that to someone again or if you try to do it to me, I am going to break your fingers! Get a different job before someone (me maybe?) loses it on your ass.

7. Women with uber long talons. They usually have them done up with sparkle and art. There is no way they can DO ANYTHING! And, it angers me when they have small children, I know they scratch them all the time just trying to swipe their little noses and stuff. Plus how do they...you know....take care of their own personal hygiene (you know what I'm talking about)

8. Breast Cancer Awareness Anything. If you are not aware of  Breast Cancer by now than you have been living under a rock.

9. People who abuse animals. Now, these people should have to endure each and every act of cruelty they have ever inflected on an innocent animal. This is a sub-category of item #3 and #4. 

10. Drivers who, when beside you on the interstate see your turn signal, pretend they don't and speed up or stay right next to you so you can't change lanes, then....when you slow down to go behind them, change lanes and get in front of you. 



These are just some of the things I try to keep my distance from. Life is too short to waste it on the things and people that don't have value. What are some of the things you try to keep your distance from?

CIAO, Stephanie

Just a reminder that November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. I have a special blog for this that I will put out around my birthday, which also happens to be this month and as a stage IV lung cancer survivor I am thankful to be seeing 3 1/2 years after my diagnosis.