"You Bought It, You Eat It"

In an attempt to actually EAT the food that we bring into the home, Blair and I are instigating the end of month You Bought It, You Eat It week. During this week, only basic grocery purchases such as fresh fruit and milk will be permitted. The rest of the week will involve cleaning out cupboards, freezer, and fridge of food that would not be out of place on the Island of Misfit Toys.

The idea is to finally eat the Indian food instant meal packages that looked so deliciously appealing in the store. To figure out just what the heck to do with the leftover yogurt, broccoli, red pepper slices, half an onion, Italian bread crumbs and feta cheese instead of asking God to please forgive me for waste as I toss them out. And maybe...just maybe to delve into the depths of the freezer that haven't seen the light of day in years.

What do YOU do with leftover kalamata olives?We're looking forward to it. Kind of a fun challenge to see what food/meal combinations we'll be able to come up with--with a LOT of help from online recipe sites. As you can see from the photos, we keep a full larder. We'll let you know what's left to work with the last week of January.

[If any of you would like to have us over for dinner, the end of any month would be a GREAT time, please and thank you.]

The Write Motivation: New GSO Based Writing Class!

PSA: This is a class taught by an exceptionally talented novelist / magazine writer friend of mine. Perfect class for anyone interested in exploring their writing.

The Write Motivation: A Beginner’s Writing Class

Have you always wanted to write, hoping to see your words in print one day? Has fear, uncertainty, or doubt ever stopped you from moving toward your goal? If so, this class is for you. Learn how to achieve the writing momentum you desire by using proven methods to make you more productive.

Geared toward unpublished writers who want to write novels, short stories or magazine articles, this class will explore the obstacles and impediments that most novices face, giving you the tools and techniques to remove the hurdles and become the writer you wish to be.

When

This five week class meets from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday nights from February 9, 2009 to March 9, 2009. As an added bonus for students, week 4 will include a panel discussion that includes two novelists and a magazine writer whose work has appeared in two books in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. The discussion will focus on how these authors started and overcame obstacles in their pursuit of publication.

Where
Sponsored by The Sanctuary of Greensboro, an organization that offers a nurturing environment for people to explore their creativity. This class will meet in The Sanctuary’s studio offices at:
1150 Revolution Mill Dr., Studio 7
Greensboro, NC 27405
Call (336) 621-1514 to register or email
Elaine at ehatch@thesanctuarygso.org
www.thesanctuarygso.org
Cost - $49

Instructor

The Write Motivation is led by Christopher Laney, a Greensboro freelance writer whose work has appeared in Carolina Skies, NC Career Networking, American Venture and NC Signature magazines.

Lasik Surgery Recap

The surgery is complete and I am a sighted woman. People have been asking me all day if it feels "cool" to see and I have to laugh a bit. The world looks the same as when I wore contacts so there's no drastic difference... unless I stop to remember I'm NOT wearing contacts.

The surgery itself was fine, although I've come to the sad conculsion I'm a wimp when it comes to pain. You know how you sometimes wonder what your pain tolerance is, and how you might hold up under childbirth or enemy torture? The truth is, I'd spill government secrets at the first hint of pain. Need to know where we keep the nuclear launch codes? Follow me!

So we get there for the surgery and I gulp down my valium. Maybe it had an effect, but I didn't feel much. I think my greatest concern was that Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Want To Have Fun" was playing in the background when my eye surgery began. Not confidence inspiring. Pink Floyd would have been more apprpriate, given the flashing red and green psychadelic lights that dominated the procedure. My job was to focus on the flashing green light. Except at one point the doctor said, "You're going to lose all sight for just a minute," and then there was blackness, which was fine, until I heard them saying, "Suction, 15 seconds." Thank you, but I don't like to think of my eyeball and suction in the same sentence.

The whole thing probably lasted 10-15 minutes, max. My eyes did burn and tear for several hours and I was senstive to light. (I believe I walked into the dining area where Blair was eating dinner and said something along the lines of "MUST you eat with the lights on?!?") I also had to sleep in goggles, but I took an allergy pill which knocks me out so that really wasn't much of an issue. They said if you're prone to scratching or rubbing your eyes to sleep with the goggles for a week, so I'll try again tonight.

Other than that, I have to put in eyedrops throughout the day and not wear make-up. I saw a friend today and he said, "You look tired." Bite me buddy, that's what lack of under eye concealer will do for a girl.

Overall, I'm thrilled. Sight was great today, drove everywhere, typing on computer now with no trouble. Eyes feel a little tacky, but no aches or pains. Very pleased thus far. Thanks to all of you for the well wishes!!

Kylah Needs A Home

This is Kylah. Here's her story:

She is about 9 years old and is originally from the Guilford county animal shelter. She started out being an inside/outside dog and was only chained up a few hours a day. Now, her guardians have a new baby and can't devote time to Kylah. She is currently spending the majority of her time alone and chained up in their back yard. After receiving a DDB brochure in the mail, her guardians finally believe she does indeed deserve better and want help finding her a new home.

She has no behavioral problems. She is house trained, spayed, up-to-date on shots, does not chew on anything, does not bark uncontrollably, or anything bad. She gets along well with other dogs, cats, and kids. She is the best dog.

From her guardians: "We are not providing Kylah the home she needs or craves for anymore. I can tell she is not as happy as she used to be. She really needs a home where she can be primarily inside. She is pretty much a big lap dog."

If you, or if you know of someone, that can take her/foster her please, please use the contact info below. She needs to be off the chain and in a home where she can be loved.

Contact: Shari Strader / sdstray40@yahoo.com / Greensboro/Triad, NC DDB Rep /dogsdeservebetter.org