The Meaning of a Pencil

Rarely does someone (unrelated) touch our life in a way that you feel such a void and misdirection.

Last Sunday, we lost a great, great man. Stubborn in his way, strong as an ox, smart and crafty. A man who was familiar with family, familiar with what it meant to be a man, husband, father, and friend.

Gerald H. Fehring left to work on the house of the Lord, Sunday, December 19, 2010. He has left a legacy in three amazing children. Shane, a master craftsman like his father, Cameron and Amara, talented, successful thespians, students of life and love. And Kris, his wife, mother of Cameron and Amara, step-mom to Shane, his partner and sole mate. Their passion for skiing, laughter, family and friends were deeply rooted.

As I reflect on my memories of Jerry, one stands out most of all - the pencil. There was not a day I recall Jerry not having a yellow pencil behind his right ear. At his second wedding, the male half of the party surprise Jerry with the signature look as they walked down the isle.

I ponder the meaning of that pencil and realize, it's much more than the carpenter and his craft. It's about being prepared. It's about dedication and committment. It's about structure and foundations. The pencil, always sharp, as was Jerry. Ready to help, as was he. Jerry was a vet and a fireman, a carpenter, actor and ready volunteer. A guy you could count on for his tall stature, curly - graying hair and a laugh that would shake the room. He was taken too soon.

During this time of great loss, it will be a different kind of December for the Fehring family and I pray they feel the love around them. The strength from their extended fabric and know that Jerry was needed for a greater job. Let his family not feel fear, pain, loss, or abandonment, let them feel pride for the man they shared life and love with. Let them feel pride for the countless people Jerry and his family touched and continue to touch. Let us surround them.

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid."
John 14:27

Pay It Forward

During this season of giving, let's give not because it's a holiday; let’s give because it's needed. There are countless people who are in need in one way or another. It may be food, money, gifts, toys or as simple as a smile! Too often we cannot look beyond ourselves to help others but expect to be helped when we're in need. Everyone has the ability to give. Stop thinking "What will it cost ME?" What does it cost you to smile at someone or hold the door? NOTHING!

I would extend to you the challenge of Paying It Forward - the idea is to act without the expectation of being paid back, but with the hope that the recipient pays the favor forward by helping someone else.

This became more present to me today when, as I often will, I went to the drive through at my local Starbucks. I ordered my usual, pulled up to the window, was given my total and handed the attendant my credit card - I asked her to put the car behind mine's drink on as well. She said "oh, do you know them?" I said "no, I just think it's fun to do sometimes -starts the morning out brighter." She said "well that's very nice."

I gathered my drink and left. As I drove to where I catch the bus, a car pulled up behind me. I exited my vehicle cautiously and the lady behind me at Starbucks was there. With tears in her eyes she told me she'd never had a stranger do something so selfless and nice. I said "Well have a great day." She went on to explain that lately because the holidays are very tough on her as her family life isn't "normal" she'd felt so sad and alone and truly didn't want to live any longer. She'd mentioned that she'd actually been contemplating suicide. I explained to her that there are no "normal families" and our happiness is all in what we want and create. I told her that she is a special and unique piece of this world's fabric and she'd leave it tattered if she left before her time. I believe as a Christian that everyone's story is written and I didn't believe hers was meant to end just yet. She asked if she could give me a hug- we did and with tears in our eyes we went on our separate ways.

I'm certainly not looking to be sainted, just to pass on that we all have this power - we all are very unaware of the people around us, most of whom "we know." Take a minute to extend something positive to someone else.

Have an amazing holiday. Remember to ALWAYS pay it forward.

Be blessed.

It's Like Riding a Bike!

We've all heard the saying "It's just like riding a bike." I believe being or coming back to being healthy is the same - we all have the tools; the majority of us have been healthy at some point in our life so we know how to get back there. Get back on the bike!

I'm back in the saddle - well after this weekend that is. I knew in the beginning this weight loss journey wouldn't be without it's ups and downs or more downs than ups but in the end, I'll be happy I stuck with it.

I meant back in saddle quite literally. I've started a new job at the University of Washington; it's a huge campus, lots of places to walk, run, and ride. I've challenged myself to ride in the next six months at least some of it. My ultimate goal is to bike to work at least a couple times a week to from home. I'm blessed to live in an area that is SO bike friendly. Just a few miles from my home, is the Burke Gilman Trail, I could jump on it and ride it straight to the University. It's roughly 10 miles...I think!

I was discussing this master plan with my boyfriend, who in the sweetest way semi-ignored my text of "don't you think I could do it - at least one day a week? How long do you think it would take." It's not that he doesn't believe I can do it, rather he's afraid I'm not sure what an initial undertaking it would be. Okay fine, I'll start closer - work up to the full 10 miler! I mean I'm not trying to do the Seattle to Portland ride...EVER. I truly believe riding my bike (which I don't currently own) will certainly jump start and hopefully keep me on the weight loss track.

In addition to my scheme of becoming a true Seattle bike commuter, of sorts, I've vowed to enroll us (love how I throw my boyfriend under the bus with me) in at least one 5K a month starting in mid-February. Hey, we need time to train. We both have goals of weight loss for various reasons, wedding, health, semi-pro football, just down right looking good; but more than anything it just really needs to happen for us. Put aside all the fun, fancy reasons, I have a heart condition, he has apnea. Plain and simple we need to lose weight.

So I challenge you to get off the couch too - try something you've wanted to but didn't think you could (no not a new flavor of Ben and Jerry's) do something to regain your health, we all have habits that could use some cleansing.

If you're out on the trails even just for a walk and you see me dying on a bike or out for a run, pray for me....errr I mean pass me a thumbs up because I plan, eventually to look good doing it.

Happy pavement pounding.

Thanks FOR giving.

This Thanksgiving I sit back and look at all I have, all I've accomplished and all I hope to in the future. The world is an ever changing, sometimes scary, but always amazing orb. Blessed are we to be free to choose our path.

I've recently had the opportunity to be off work due to a lay off; to be in a position where I learned, due to erroneous information I'd received, that I'd only have one paycheck from November 12th through December 23rd. This would be under $2K with almost $4K in total bills during that time. I found myself applying for unemployment, food stamps and standing in the food bank line. I sold personal belongings, looked and looked for work. Looked at every financial option I may have. I was ever so humbled.

A week ago I stood in the food bank line wondering how people did this every week, how do they make it through, I cried. I'd never thought I'd be in this position - poor planning, poor circumstances have put me here and it's up to me to do whatever it takes to overcome. I also promised myself to be sure to donate food to the local bank as much as I possibly could.

This Thanksgiving, I'm thankful for a happy, healthy family. For friends who appreciate me and make me laugh. I believe we're all an extension of each other. I'm thankful for traditions and creating new ones. I'm thankful for the Lord God in my life, for his ever present love and comfort that things will be just fine, maybe not how I planned, but FINE. I'm thankful to live in a free country where I can choose MY destiny and not leave it to someone else. I'm thankful for great parents who show me daily, love, dedication, hard work and selflessness. I'm thankful for a man who loves me and a son who shows me what love is. Find your thanks in all you do, all you have and all you're able to obtain whether it's tangible or not.

Blessed are those that can give without remembering and receive without forgetting. - Author Unknown

In this season of being thankful let's make sure to not only pay it forward but to be thankful daily, not just during a holiday of over indulging on turkey and stuffing but truly daily for what you have and what you do not have, for what you can offer and become. THANK YOU.

I'M LOSING!!!

Sometimes I feel as though it's my mind that I'm losing! I can honestly say that beyond a few loose marbles, I've actually lost 13 pounds since my 9/21/2010 start. Excited and honestly a bit shocked to see that on my scale Tuesday morning.


Not only am I facing a lay off at my job; a job that I truly love and feel super dedicated to, I've caught a horrible cold that I simply cannot shake. In addition, I'm working full time, back to school, managing my son's "everything" schedule, applying and interviewing for a new job, and my mom came to visit! All combined is certainly a recipe for disaster, but luckily the scale said I passed! I'm not certain how. I didn't journal anything I ate for a week, I didn't hit the gym or really exercise much at all, but I was very mindful of what I ate.


Imagine what would happen if I truly did work out and log everything!!! Well trust me, I'm back in the saddle. My mother's stay was sadly short, everything else remains the same so it's just up to me to do the right thing for this life change.


Join me won't you?

Like I Have New Batteries

One week into this journey I've lost weight and I've gained an enormous amount of energy! It's crazy, just 7 short days ago I was suffering from insomnia, fatigue (I know weird combo), short temper, moodiness. I was lethargic and essentially in a food coma. Eating fast food, fast, processed food and far too much of it. With a crazy schedule between work, school and my son's social calendar, I could justify every drive through, every restaurant.

I cannot believe that in just a week I've regained my crazy energy, maybe not 100% but close. I wake up at 4:45am, do chores, make lunches, prepare dinner, homework, blah, blah, blah, the simple point is I used to stay up until 11:30pm, hit snooze until 6:00am, then bump and grump through the house trying to figure out why I was so tired, why I seemed rushed, why I just felt like going back to bed. No breakfast, fast food and sugary snacks through the day until I hit the drive through at night. Here's the shocker, all without exercise! I know huh.

Now, up at 4:45, oatmeal, computer work, chores, 100 sit ups, 100 push ups, make my son's breakfast, lunches and get ready for work - awake and ready to face the day. I feel refreshed. I pack my lunch or make healthy choices, I drink lots of water, and take vitamins. At night I walk the track during football practice, hit the gym three days a week and am beginning boxing workouts. It's sad that I waited so long to get to this feeling, to make these seemingly simple changes. I hope I can inspire others to make the changes now, find the "good food euphoria" and enjoy a happier, healthier life before irreversible problems arise. Anyone can do this, most of you want to. Love yourself enough to want great things, you deserve it!

Keep up the good work.

93 To Go!

Five days into this journey, I feel great. It's incredible how eating right and exercising will even improve your attitude, your mindset is different, better, happier. Ask my boyfriend! Before Tuesday, I was stressed, felt ugly, sad, emotional and sometimes just plain depressed. I wanted to talk to no one, I wanted to see no one, I wanted to be no one. I'm so much better, not healed, not done...but better.

I woke up this morning 7 pounds lighter than I was last Tuesday when this all started. Seven pounds is HUGE, but again I know it's simply the answer to eating better and exercising, it's the answer to the simple shock my body is going through, flushing out all the crap I'd put in my body since the end of January.

I'm super excited to see what's next and I know I can do it, I know I'm in the right place mentally. I believe in myself and truly believe that's one of the biggest hurdles.

My frig is completely packed with colorful foods; asparagus, broccoli, apples, grapes, chicken, carrots, beets, pork chops, salad. Everything looks so good! Last night I made a delicious dinner of baked chicken, steamed market fresh broccoli, and braised potato quarters, yummy. It was great to season my own food, not drive through and have it handed to me, processed and greasy. Those of you that know me, know I love to cook. I love to create great meals and I'm super happy to have brought that back in my home.

Let's start this new week with a positive outlook on our goals, eat right, exercise and believe in yourself.

Old Habits and New Ones

Well, I'm less than a week into this journey and I've lost two pounds! Don't get it twisted, I'm sure it's just the pure shock I've put on my body with the change in my eating - I barely would count it as success, but I'll take it even still.

My hope is to blog weekly, however I was compelled to write earlier this time, partially for my sanity, partially - I hope - for your entertainment.

During the season premier of The Biggest Loser; watching contestants talk about how they got to where they are today; seeing many of them uncomfortably sitting in their cars eating fast food, it was as if I was looking at myself. I reflected on how I used to pull up and order food for myself, my son then pretend I was ordering for someone else too. Sadly that someone else was simply my stomach, my emotions, my insecurities. I fed them well. I'd eat more than some NFL line backers and sometimes not even feel full. I could consume 6-7 pieces of pizza in one sitting. I started to believe I really might have a disorder where I didn't have the sensation of being full. I believe now that I'd simply stretched my stomach to a point that it took so much more to get full!

Though I've tried everything, Alli, Phen-phen, Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, Adkins, soup diet, grapefruit diet, air diet, praying diet, I've come to the conclusion it's not a diet I need, prayer maybe, but truthfully it's not a diet any of us need. This is a life change; a chance at re-birth - simply starting over, eating right, exercising, and being conscious of EVERYTHING we consume.

We need to start a new revolution and know that it took time to get here -it'll take time to change. One program that's really worked for me in the past is journaling, writing everything down. Initially I'd walked around with a small note pad and wrote down everything I ate and the calories they held. I'd made a decision to not consume more than 1800 calories - why...because I made it up! I mean I knew one pound of body fat contains approximately 3,500 calories. Which means, in order to burn 1 pound of fat, you must have a calorie deficit of 3,500 calories. Therefore, to lose 1 pound of fat per week, you need to have a 500 calorie deficit each day. I figured I'd up my chances in losing more by eating WAY less.

I've since become more educated, conducted more research and it turns out you really do need to eat to lose - careful, I didn't say run to McAnywhere! I still track everything I consume but now use a tool called Daily Plate from www.livestrong.com. This is part of the Lance Armstrong foundation and really has been a Godsend. There's tools to set goals, track literally anything on this planet that you'll consume with full nutritional breakdown. With your goals you'll chose how many pounds a week you'd like to lose and the program will tell you how many you're allowed to consume daily. Additionally you can log your fitness - here's where I wish they'd upgrade. When you log a workout the system give you back the calories you burn, so be mindful to keep them subtracted in your head or just add your work outs at the end of the day. There are groups and challenges that help you keep in touch with like-minded people after similar goals. There's even a feature called "Loops" where you can put in your location and the distance you want to walk/run, and it produces a loop or three to get you going. Oh and THERE'S AN AP!

Well I'm off to get physical! Finally, I'm AMPED - I missed this feeling, I think it was hiding under wrappers and calories! Watch out folks!

Losing 100 Pounds - Won't You Join Me!

The time has come to make some drastic changes, I mean drastic! Changes in my mood, my outlook and most importantly, my health! As most people wait until the New Year to conjure up a resolution, I waited until the season premier of the Biggest Loser! I have long known I needed to take better care of myself; just this past January I lost 32 pounds and felt great only to gain 18 of it back. It is now time! Though I’ve told myself this many, many times before; the roller coaster must stop now, life changes must occur and a new me, mentally, emotionally, physically and hopefully with that FINACIALLY will come out of this shouting from roof tops that I too can achieve greatness!

Okay enough of the pep talk. If you follow my blog you’ll know suffered a stroke five years ago so you’d think my health was paramount and in my mind and heart it truly was. For some reason, eating and eating unhealthily was simply easier. I feed my emotions, my pain, my successes, my failures, everything. Because of my stroke I could no longer get additional life insurance. Because I’m a single parent, I needed it. Just last week I qualified for it! The last step was to complete the blood, urine, height and oh yes the weight – stepping on the scale for the first time in a long while, I cried when the medical assistant moved the slider to 250 then 265, 275…277 – there I was in all my glory, less than 3 sacks of potatoes from 300 – ashamed, I drove to work in silence and tears. How can I have a 120/80 blood pressure and be morbidly obese??? I wasn’t overweight as a kid. I’ve been in healthcare for 17 years, I know what’s right – I teach my son healthy choices everyday. I’m astonished by the childhood obesity plaguing our country but yet I stand before you a hypocrite. Easy to give advice but poor to receive it. Those days are over.

The day before the biggest loser premier, a friend posted a YouTube video about a man and his journey; www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SbXgQqbOoU. I was touched by Ben’s story so much that I went to www.bendoeslife.com to read more. PUMPED, I wanted to get off the couch and instantly go for a run, but I had a sleeping 7 year old upstairs, so I cleaned out my cabinets of junk. Anything Jillian Michaels wouldn’t have approved of was gone. I wrote down my goals, my why and went to bed ready for 9/21!

I’ve regained my desire to be fit but to help keep me on track, I’ve decided to put it all out there – blog about my journey too – I thought if Ben can do it, so can I. Why else would I be crazy enough to put my weight out there for the entire world to see? Hopefully along the way, I’ll inspire someone else to make life changes too. Am I terrified? Hell yeah. Will I stumble? For sure, but I’ll get back up and keep moving because not only am I worth it but so is my son, my future and the friends and family that surround me.

Here we go…

Not so EXTREME!

Candy is my nemesis or maybe quite the opposite –it’s all in how you look at the glass I suppose! I must be genetically immune to diabetes given my sugary consumption. As the sour revolution grew so did my obsession, so imagine my giddiness when one of my true favorites, Sour Patch Kids came out with their new Sour Patch EXTREME. Three new flavor combinations, one piece is a sour apple/strawberry mix, one a orange and blue razz mix, and the third is watermelon mixed with grape. The bag’s graphics portray animated two-color faces with insanely puckered and otherwise distorted faces, and a tagline proclaims “2 SUPER SOUR flavors in one”

The candies are covered in sugar, similar to there counterpart Sour Patch Kids, large in size, ready for a handful of mouthwatering, face puckering, eyes tearing sour goodness. I go slowly, though I want to dive it, they are twice the size of their small kid friends, I take one. Mildly reminiscent but not overwhelming, I pop in a couple more…have I ruined my taste buds I wonder, couple more….hmmm. I enlist a few nearby friends, “hey try these new Sour Patch EXTREME’s,” I tell them. Apprehensive of the EXTREMENESS, they take one, in there mouth it goes, I wait. Disappointment! “Where’s the EXTREMENESS?” Exactly, I reply. To my dismay, the scientific geniuses at the Patch Headquarters some how missed the mark. Not only are these the antithesis of EXTREME but they are far less sour then their little friends.

Remember, I know candy – I highly un-recommend these little treats. Stick with the originals.

Back to the Fast Lane

I'd argue that I was born in a pool, swimming from day one for my love of the sport is beyond measure. If I could do it all over again I'd have never stopped swimming. I was blessed with a mother who because of her personal experience of fear in a community pool, made sure her children were in lessons at a young age. This continued to weekends at the lake, skiing, wake boarding, parasailing, more swimming. I wish now I would have competed more when I was younger. Some of my most fond memories are surrounded by swimming, the smell of the chlorine, the sound of the water, then masses of people.

While living in Northern California, I helped with a youth swim team where my love was re-sparked, and so began my future as a Master Swimmer - as much as that makes me sound like a physically stellar swimmer, it's simply a classification of an age group. Being surrounded by like minded athletes I began swimming more and more, signing up for open water swims - my first, the Pier to Pier in Santa Cruz followed by what would become an epidemic -Alcatraz! I've since swum from Alcatraz three times and hope to make a return. My friends in the chlorine world have tried to talk me into Maui Channel Swim - we'll see.

For me there's something personal about swimming - it's you and the water. I've been fascinated for some time with the power of water both as an element (foe) and a training partner (friend). As much as I enjoy the weight room, I far prefer a workout in the pool. Long course, short course, open water it doesn't matter - it's having the ability to move gracefully through it; working every muscle, achieving greater than before distances that brings me happiness.

Adding to my circle, people like Rowdy Gaines, three-time gold medalist, Olympic Hall of Fame member, Masters great, coach, father...etc, coaching great, Paul Murphy of the Danville Masters Swim Club, or my 82 year old grandmother, I am continually reminded that swimming never leaves your soul - it's an incurable addiction to hit the lanes daily, watch out, I'll be back in the fast lane soon.

Beneath the Ink

Tattooing; an age old form of art for sailors and tribes. Tattooing; a release of pain, a portrayal of beauty and self expression.

Dealing with feelings of pain, betrayal and loss she sought the release through cutting. The razor to the skin was the therapy she sought. The warmth of the blood was the expel of the emotional hurt. For years it was covered up with stories fabricated to be what it wasn't to avoid questioning and therapy. Therapy couldn't help her she thought; handling this on her own was the only answer. Years later and the blessing of a beautiful child she'd concluded the trade of the razor for the needle, the tattoo needle. The pain, the release was the same. The end result though was far more beautiful. She still had control of the pain, she still had full control of the end product yet she'd be sure to not lose her seed from the instability viewed in the razor.

We all have addictions, whether it's alcohol, drugs, shopping, eating - mine was cutting. From the age of 14 I became fond of dealing with deep seeded stresses, old pains from my life, with a razor. There was not remorse after, the pain healed the pain. As time went on, the stories got old. Though I was never "found out" I got tired of covering up the act. When my son was born my meaning changed. The triggers were still there; still are today but I've replaced the need to cut with working out, writing and tattooing. With tattooing (and working out) the end product is much better. The story is told in the art, the pain to relieve the pain is addressed. Though not all my visits to the artist are because I wanted to harm myself nor is every trip to the gym, I've simply found a better way to deal with the stress. Some would say trading one addiction with another is not the answer, however I've changed hurting myself with loving myself. I know sitting in a chair in a poorly lit room talking to an overpriced therapist will only result in more negative stress!

Last year I began sharing my story and have since had the opportunity to talk with youth who are starting down the path I traveled. I don't plan to change the world with what works for me but to share alternative solutions in working through an addiction. In the end, for most of us we realize we're bigger than the addiction, that people love us and were in control. That we're worthy of all great things. Having my family and friends - real people who love and respect me, solidify why I will fight hard to push through any trigger to return to the razor. Addictions never leave the addict but I am in control of my actions and future; I owe the best to myself, my son, my family and my friends.

Growing Examples

Are you a do as I say person or a do as I do person? Maybe you're a do as I say, not as I do person. I wonder often why this is okay; why do we talk a different walk than we talk? Why isn't it important for us, as adults, as parents, friends, leaders to be a positive example by doing positive things. Positive actions need no words. Why would we tell our children to not do something that we're clearly doing?

We are raising the future and we have one chance to do so, it should be critical l for your daily input to be what you want from the next generation's output. Not a saint, just real. Too often do we use "cause I'm an adult" as an excuse to do what we tell our children not to do. Granted there are somethings that are legal for adults to do but not for children, that's a different chapter!

I'm worried about the success of our future as a nation, not because of our legal system, our school system or our economy. I'm worried about what we choose daily to teach our children or simply what we do not. It pains me to see parents telling their children to not do exactly what they are doing. How do we gain our children's trust and respect if don't earn it by being the best example they could have?

I'm grateful of this little person, this little sponge the good Lord gave me and though I may often fail or fall short, I pray I lead by example, I pray he'll gain respect for life, for women. I pray he'll do things or simply not do them because of what he was surrounded by, to be given one chance to create this little person into a successful, honest, good choice making big person, is a HUGE undertaking but I'm ready. I hope you will take the challenge too! “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.” St. Francis Assisi

Ride For The Brand

When you hear "Ride for the brand," you may think of corporate America, standing behind your company, however the saying comes from the old west where the cowboy would ride for the brand, following the cattle till the end because it was his job, his livelihood.

Coming from Wyoming, the last Old West, I've been so fortunate to learn Cowboy Ethics from true cowboys, true men who stand behind their work, honor their work, their family and would certainly give the shirt off their back for their neighbor. Too often now, especially in the big city we don't even know who our neighbor is - why is that. It's truly unfortunate.

Not only are Cowboy Ethics important to me and my family but they have become law in the great state of Wyoming. In March of 2010, Gov. Dave Freudenthal signed legislation adopting an official Wyoming state code.

The symbolic measure spells out 10 ethics derived from a "Code of the West" outlined in a book by author and retired Wall Street investor James Owen.

The ethics code carries no criminal penalties and is not meant to replace any civil codes.

The state code admonishes residents and lawmakers to live courageously, take pride in their work, finish what they start, do what's necessary, be tough but fair, keep promises, ride for the brand, talk less and say more, remember that some things aren't for sale, and know where to draw the line.

If only this code could continue onto our children, but then again, why can't it. Beyond teaching your son to be a gentleman (a near lost art in and of itself), beyond teaching our daughters to be strong and expect greatness, why not teach our youth that a handshake means something, your word, means something. Hard work shows you care about your legacy so why not teach our legacy to strive for the best, do the best, be the best because in the end your word, your character, that handshake is ALL you have.

I pray at the end of the day I've been a great friend, a great family member and a great neighbor. I hope to pass on to my son why your word and your character are the most important tools you have in your saddle bag and that he'll ride for the brand long after I'm gone.

Hi FIVE

Just 24 miles north of Seattle in the cute, neighborly little town of Edmonds lives a new bistro that has quickly become a force to be reckoned with. FIVE Restaurant Bistro opened just a few months ago has quickly become the favorite to the locals, and those just driving off the boat. A very hip, eclectic joint, Five has raised the bar on European comfort food. From their wood fire, rectangular pizza's to their scallops with the lime, bechamel sauce is ridiculously tasty with a perfect touch of spice. The Chicken Saltimbucco, Farm Pizza, kid's macaroni and cheese, lattes and mojitos...need I say more? The staff are very attentive without being overbearing and Ted, the owner; it's just obvious why FIVE is so great when you see him interacting with the guests.

As a self proclaimed "foody" there are very few places I've felt compelled enough to actually write about. Don't get me wrong, we're surrounded by great places to eat, moreso closer to Seattle but few have impressed me like this place. I recommend you add this to your list of must do's in Edmonds.Oh and a plus, plus - the patio is now open!

Such A Headache!

(PFO Occluder placed in my heart to close the hole.)
Bright lights, movement, sounds, all causing excruciating pain. For years I'd dealt with migraines, migraines with visual disturbances (auras) that would put me down for hours. A healthy, athletic young lady, I'd just pushed through these horrible headaches.

One day in early July, 2005, I'd again suffered a migraine, while eating dinner with my young son (2.5). He'd dropped his plate; when I tried to speak I remember sounding like a slow motion record. I stood up and fell to the ground, I had no feeling on my left side. I tried again; nothing. I recall my left arm seemingly moving on it's own, almost in slow motion. I motioned to my son to get the phone; he helped me dial 911.

Was I all of the sudden allergic to shrimp? What was happening? As best as I could, I told Jordan that the ambulance was coming and he needed to help mommy.

When the medics arrived, I recall being scared, not knowing what was happening, scared for Jordan, what would happen with him? The next thing I remember was seeing my son riding on a paramedic's shoulders in the ER of the hospital. The next thing I recall was waking up the next day in a hospital room, not the same hospital I started at, and my mother [from Wyoming] was in my room. It was the 4th of July.

The shock came when the doctor came into my room and explained that I'd had a stroke. A STROKE? I was 30 years old, how is that possible? He went on to explain that I'd had a hole in my heart, because I was on birth control, that caused a clot that went to the right side of my brain.

PFO or Patent Foramen Ovale and the connection to migraines had just started being recognized and studied by medical professionals. I was lucky, I'd just returned from Wyoming the week prior and I lived in a cardiology and neurology power state, I was in great hands.

It has been determined that migraine sufferers with a visual aura are twice as likely to have a PFO. Now you can have a PFO and never have a stroke, however if you are suffering migraines, you're now able to have the hole closed prior to having anything more catastrophic than a bad headache!

In November of that year, just before my 31st birthday, I had heart surgery to close the hole and have been migraine and symptom free!

I suffered residual damage from my stroke, loss of feeling to my left hand, only 30% feeling to my entire left side (it feels like pens and needles all the time), short term memory issues, and mild aphasia, which is where I lose words in my normal vocabulary while speaking.

Overall I'm super lucky, I've been around stroke survivors who have had life altering outcomes so I'm reminded how lucky I am.

I've become an Ambassador for the American Heart Association where I get to speak to groups about Stroke education and the importance of quick action.

My stroke allowed me to be more aware of the blessings in my life, the friends and family that I may have taken advantage of previously. The small things, smells, sounds, memories.

Be heart healthy, know the signs of stroke and act fast! Teach your children how to dial 911 it may save YOUR life!

Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body

Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding

Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes

Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination

Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

I'm nutty about Nutella!

As many others, I'm a fan of chocolate and peanut butter - BUT, I'm a bigger, huger, nuttier fan of Nutella! If you've not yet allowed yourself the delicious tongue vacation of the perfect mix of hazelnuts and chocolate, please toast some bread, or just dip your spoon in a jar of Nutella http://www.nutellausa.com/ and savor its greatness.

Sadly, I'd missed the National Nutella Day (yes it's so great that it has it's own national holiday) on February 5th, 2010 but I assure you I'll make it up by trying some of these great recipes http://www.nutelladay.com/nutella-recipes/.

As I continue my love affair with this smooth, rich, delectable concoction, I urge that you experience some yourself. I'm certain it will become a staple in your home soon! Try it on a banana, pancake, crepe or as I said...just a spoon. I wish you all the chocolaty happiness you deserve.

If you're allergic to nuts - I am so very sorry, but I'll find you something equally amazing soon. Stay tuned!

"You never really know a man until you understand things from his point of view, until you climb into his skin and walk around in it" - Harper Lee

"You never really know a man until you understand things from his point of view, until you climb into his skin and walk around in it" - Harper Lee (To Kill A Mockingbird).

We are ever so quick to judge the man next to us - smelly, overweight, not groomed. We watch a mother with her unruly children and judge, a mixed race couple and judge, we even judge the well to do. Our judgments may be positive or negative but usually in the mindset that "it would never be me."

Have you taken a moment to try to dip into their life - how did they get to where they are, that you're now judging?

I feel fortunate in a way to be from a small, small town in Wyoming where everyone was a neighbor, where a hand shake meant more than a contract. It wasn't until I got out of the "bubble" and realized there was a HUGE world out there that didn't function this way - quite the contrary. There is good in everyone, I truly believe this - I believe somewhere in everyone's sole there's a piece of them that is compassionate and caring, loving and generous - I don't believe you could live without this in your heart - it may NEVER be tapped into, but it's there.

You don't have to be religious to want to love your proverbial brother, you should want to because they deserve to be loved, just as you do. They too are someone's family. I agree at times when you're wronged it's ridiculously difficult to turn the other cheek, to seek out the deeper root; we're human, but try as you may to step back and forgive.

People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

I Can Do Anything Great!

How often do you truly start your day off pumped? With the exception of Christmas or your birthday, do you really wake up, look your tired self in the mirror and say "I Can Do Anything Great!" ?

A business partner of mine shared a video on Monday that inspired me to change my routine (or at least quiet outlook).

http://www.stupidvideos.com/video/just_plain_stupid/Jessica_Gets_Pumped_For_Bedtime

If you think your at your end; redirect your thoughts and tell yourself your worth unimaginable success - you know deep down you already believe that, yet you succumb to the easier, less flattering "I'm a failure." Believe you have every tool to succeed, to build a continued path to the greatness you deserve and you WILL achieve! It won't be easy, but truly, truly it will be worth it!

It's Not Just One Day...

Annually Americans schedule barbeque's, camping trips, vacations, kids are out of school and for most it's an extra day off work but why...rarely do we stop and think why we're given this "holiday."

Let's take a moment and remember why we're given the opportunity to enjoy these graces. Why are our streets lined with flags? Educate our children of why they have a day off from school. Shake the hand of a soldier. Embrace and be thankful of your freedoms.

MEMORIAL DAY -beginning in 1868, a United States Federal holiday, celebrated the last Monday in May. Formally known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. soldiers who died while in the military service.

As we stand here looking
At the flags upon these graves
Know these flags represent
A few of the true American brave

They fought for their Country
As man has through all of time
Except that these soldiers lying here
Fought for your country and mine

As we all are gathered here
To pay them our respect
Let's pass this word to others
It's what they would expect

I'm sure that they would do it
If it were me or you
To show we did not die in vein
But for the red, white and blue.

Let's pass on to our children
And to those who never knew
What these soldiers died for
It's the least we can do

Let's not forget their families
Great pain they had to bear
Losing a son, father or husband
They need to know we still care

No matter which war was fought
On the day that they died
I stand here looking at these flags
Filled with American pride.

So as the bugler plays out Taps
With its sweet and eerie sound
Pray for these soldiers lying here
In this sacred, hallowed ground.

Take home with you a sense of pride
You were here Memorial Day.
Celebrating the way Americans should
On this solemnest of days.

Be sure as your enjoying your camping trip, BBQ's or a simple day off that you remember why, educate our youth and thank a soldier - more importantly don't wait until May to do just that - remember daily why you're free, the amount of courage each and every soldier, and their families face to train to save and protect our freedoms that we've come accustom to taking advantage of.

COMING SOON