News/New Project

As most of you know, the past 3 years & almost 2 months has been pretty tough. I've had 11 surgeries since May 2, 2007, 5 of which were for HS (Hidradenitis Suppurativa), a disease I've been dealing with & managing fairly well since I was 21 & in college. But for whatever reason, 3 years ago it decided to progress to Stage III, and it's only gotten worse since. Of course, in true Lambert style, I've also hit a few other speed bumps along the way, like appendicitis 6 weeks after the 1st surgery (Go Me!!!) & then gallbladder removal in January 09 that's given me nothing but more problems than I had before I had it removed, hence the other 4 surgeries.

Since I have lost 3 jobs due to these illnesses, unable to continue working, lost my COBRA medical coverage August 31, 2009 and have been forced to rely on Carelink, our county's "welfare" medical coverage, I decided I would document my experience, both as someone going through the "public option" as some might call it & as someone who is fighting a disease with no cure, that no one really cares about, is quite embarrassing & needs funds for research.

I'm not a professional writer, and English was never my favorite or best subject. I am anal about a few things grammatical like there, their & they're, your & you're, valeDictorian NOT valeVictorian, and NEVER end a sentence with a preposition, but please don't expect perfection, because you won't find it here. :)

So, please, if you have time, take a look at my new blog, HS & Me!!! http://hsandme.blogspot.com


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Mediterranean Chickpea Wrap

The following recipe is for the most amazing vegan food I've ever made, much less eaten. It's from Tal Ronnen's book, The Conscious Cook, and it's delicious & VERY easy to make.


Mediterranean Chickpea Wrap


Ingredients:

sea salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 carrot, peeled and finely diced
1 onion, diced
1 bananna pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas with liquid
1 white potato
5 whole sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, coarsley chopped
4 tortillas, toasted

Directions:

1. Place a large asute pan over medium heat. Sprinkle the bottom with a pinch of salt and heat for 1 minute. Add the oil and heat for 1 minute.

2. Add the carrot, onion, bananna pepper, and garlic to the pan and saute, stirring frequently, for 5 to 7 minutes, until the vegetables are just beginning to soften. Add the cumin, red pepper, cayenne and black pepper to taste.

3. Saute for 1 minute.

4. Add the chick peas and their liquid and 1 1/2 cups water. Bring to a boil. Add the potato and sun dried tomatoes. Simmer 20 minutes or until potatoes are soft. Serve wrappen in the naan bread or tortillas.

Alexander Martin Rowland Charitable Foundation

As I stated almost two months ago, a childhood friend experienced a tragedy no family should ever have to experience; she lost her 3 year old son, Alex. But, in true Becky fashion, she has done exactly what another of my friends did when she lost her daughter in a car accident 10 years ago. She wanted to make sure something was done to prevent what happened to them, so no other family had to go through the pain & suffering they went through by starting a foundation in his name, The Alexander Martin Rowland Chartitable Foundation, that is committed to bringing awareness about the deadly effects of Carbon Monoxide.

It is still in the beginning phase, but they are are 501(c)3 non-profit foundation, and ask that while they are still getting everything together you please visit the website Carbon Monoxide Kills for more information, and I am asking that everyone, PLEASE, install carbon monoxide detectors in your home, but make sure you install the properly, in the correct place, NOT integrated with your smoke alarms. Smoke rises & CO falls to the floor. Having the two in one unit is not helpful for both. The small cost of these two devices is well worth the cost of a life. I know, because a smoke alarm saved my life, and now I have a friend who's lost her baby from carbon monoxide when she had detectors in a duel unit with her smoke detector!!!

You Can Make This

I just found a really neat site, and if you're looking to make some money and have strong writing skills with the ability to give good directions, this may be a great site for you. It's called "You Can Make This". It's similar to eHow, but the logo alone makes it look much more interesting. :)

New Layout

Well, it's been awhile since I've posted anything, but it's been a little crazy around here, and I've been having my ups and downs. Right now I have my mother's laptop, so I can post from bed, so I decided to druge this old thing up. I hope everyone's doing well.

QOTD

Today I learned that an old friend I've known since I was 11 suffered a terrible tragedy early in the week. Her family's home was consumed with carbon monoxide, and her youngest son perished. I'm not exactly sure of his age, but he was either 3 or 4. Her other two children were affected, but seem to be okay. She, however, is still in intensive care. She and her family are in need of prayers & positive thoughts. And please, everyone, make sure you tell the people you love how important they are, because you never know when you might not have the chance again!!!

"Before someone's tomorrow has been taken away, cherish those you love, appreciate them today."
~ Michelle C. Ustaszeski

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Another Quote

WOW!!! As I was just going through some quotes, I came upon this next one, and it hit me like a ton of bricks. I thought, "These are the words I were looking for a little less than 2 years ago but were unable to find." It reminds me of someone whom I struggled with, desperately, and as I come to terms with the failure of that relationship, this brings an entirely new perspective, which I believe is MUCH needed!

Amazing!!! It's also so, very true. It's definitely going in my quote book. I love it!!!

"Selfishness is not living as one wishes to live, it is asking others to live as one wishes to live." 
~ Oscar Wilde, The Soul of Man Under Socialism


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QOTD

This one's a keeper!

"Have the courage to say no. Have the courage to face the truth. Do the right thing because it is right. These are the magic keys to living your life with integrity." 
~ W. Clement Stone


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QOTD

As the Olympics conclude, I feel like posting this quote that reminds me of my Olympian friends. The past eight years of my life has turned me into a completely different person, for the better, and it's all because of them & the people I've met through them. Thank you!!!

"To withhold from living is to die ... the more you give of yourself to life the more life nourishes you."
~ A.Nin


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Great Quote

I just found this really amazing quote on one of my Dutch friend's Facebook page while reading about her adventures in Vancouver at the Olympics. It really spoke to me. I believe it to be true for myself, and I think for many others as well. If you fear rejection, giving yourself to someone whom you know hardly even thinks about you, subconsciously, keeps you safe.

"Perhaps we all give the best of our hearts uncritically to those who hardly think about us in return."
~ T.H. White

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Vancouver 2010 Has Begun

The 2010 Olympics have started & boy have they ever!!!

First of all, may all of the positive thoughts & prayers go out to the family, friends & teammates of Georgian Luger, Nodar Kumaritashvili, as well as the entire sliding community. I can't even begin to imagine what they are going through, but I pray they will get through it AND the powers that be in luging & all other sliding sports will do what needs to be done to prevent this from happening again in the future, not just in Vancouver. Personally, I can't believe those medal poles weren't covered in heavy duty pads from the start, but at this point, I suppose it neither here nor there.

To be continued...
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QOTD

<b><i>"If you wait until conditions are perfect, you'll be waiting forever. Go ahead with the way things are, with what you have, and get busy creating new value."</b>
~ Ralph Marston</i>

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The Purpose of a Dog

 

I just got this in an email from my mother, and I had to share it.  It’s beautiful and I’m definitely going to let it make a difference in the way I love my life.

A  Dog's Purpose?
 

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to  examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners,  Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to  Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.  I examined  Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.  As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to  observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the

experience.  The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker 's family surrounded him.  Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.  The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion.  We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.

Shane,who had been listening quietly, piped up, ''I know why.''  Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.  It has changed the way I try and live.

He said,''People  are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?'' The Six-year-old continued,''Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.''

Live simply.  Love generously.  Care deeply.  Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like: 

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.  Take naps. Stretch before rising. Run, romp, and play daily. Thrive on attention and let people touch you.  Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.  On warm days,stop to lie on your back on the grass.  On hot days,drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.When you're happy,dance around and wag your entire body.Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.  Be Loyal.  Never pretend to be something you're not.  If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.  When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

 ENJOY  EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!