tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10032878171270444272011-07-07T16:02:53.855-07:00Locally inspired, not so large, unperfect and ours.jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.comBlogger1021100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-47553067855180211582009-06-26T14:25:00.000-07:002009-06-26T15:23:43.349-07:00

Two moths since that last post, huh? We've been so busy, in the eloquent words of David Wooderson, 'L-I-V-I-N.'I do intend to keep writing here, but for now I think the best update is more photo-centric.My mom has a new portrait commission. He's a fox. Harvested the Brussels Sprouts! Official Plant Friend Update to come. Nieces & their Mama at Freestone during our first NorCal visit of the year.

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-38889523516935712732009-04-23T22:32:00.000-07:002009-04-23T23:14:03.386-07:00

Wednesday morning, Dr. So swept into the room we were waiting in, big smile spreading his chubby cheeks, and said, "Great news!"He handed the radiology report to Mark to read for himself, but he developed a sudden, very damp, optical condition. Strangely, the same thing happened to me, so Dr. So read out this beautiful stanza himself:"Status post bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction, no MRI

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-1328165612304120412009-04-18T13:54:00.000-07:002009-04-18T14:18:04.809-07:00

So the MRI is on Monday, and I just want it to be over. Looking forward to this test has been really reminding me of this period of testing last year, which was arguably the worst in this whole process. It's been a challenge to stay in the present and remember that my situation now is very different than it was a year ago. I don't want to waste this weekend, but I really would like it to be

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-86180759752084328152009-04-07T11:37:00.000-07:002009-04-07T12:10:32.676-07:00

And if you know me well you'll know that I'm an authority on naps.My appointment was fine. He did a little prodding (all good) and set up my MRI for later this month, the 20th, I think (it's in my planner, not my brain. That's how I work.) So that will be good. I think getting IV contrast MRIs for the rest of my life will maybe get me over my abhorrence of IVs. That would be nice. And I do really

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-4350137909182012872009-04-05T23:33:00.000-07:002009-04-05T23:52:56.217-07:00

Oh, it's been a while. I haven't seen Dr. So, apart from a friendly parking lot run-in, since May, after my last radiation treatment. Tomorrow's the day we resume our tumultuous acquaintance. I'm not sure our visit will go beyond the usual armpit poke and a little more scheduling, but we'll see. Surprises abound and all that. Mainly I just need to make sure my follow-up imaging is on-track.

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-16083367519590462472009-03-31T10:38:00.000-07:002009-03-31T11:20:48.763-07:00

Hi, everyone. I don't know why it's been so hard for me to get over here and write lately. A few out-of-town trips and apparently I'm all wackadoo. I do have lots to write about, but I thought I'd start my comeback with something I know a few of you want, and that I'd been working on for quite a bit. Salad Dressing!I don't have a name for this. It's just the everyday vinaigrette that I use when

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-10481482827992324822009-02-12T12:10:00.000-08:002009-02-13T11:49:32.877-08:00

I haven't been working on very many art/craft projects around here. All of this walking & making sure there's always milk in the house, I suppose. I'm not used to doing it all. I have several projects that are sort of stalled right now. Promise to share when they're done. But I was looking around blogland today and found (thank you, Extreme Cards & Papercrafting) a German site filled with

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-3433620448766972902009-02-08T15:30:00.000-08:002009-02-08T15:42:19.204-08:00

A year ago today I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Today, I'm fighting with the bad sinuses I'm so used to. I suddenly love my bad sinuses! And I'm procrastinating with stuff like this:Now I'm off to play with the plant friends and make today positive, between shower steamings.Also! 100th post! I'm sorry it's not more substantial but I'm happy it's here.

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-20014568070125988252009-02-06T13:14:00.000-08:002009-02-06T14:39:42.330-08:00

I'm not going to lie, kids. This recipe I'm about to share was adapted from this one, over at Epicurious. But I have to say I like my version better and judging by the several happy dinner guests, you may too.So did I blog about pumpkins last year? Mark and I always look forward to picking out pumpkins in October. We select very carefully, ride in wagons, drink cider, and our pumpkins usually end

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-688002735627780912009-02-04T11:34:00.000-08:002009-02-04T13:17:57.073-08:00

So here I am, now. Healthy, able to concentrate on lots of new and exciting things. But my recent past is chockablock full of heavy, scary junk. Stuff that new people do NOT want to hear about. I was prodded to test this by a particularly adorable friend last night and, um, I was right. As funny as I tried to be, those two nice young men were praying for a trapdoor to open under them when I said

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-28067140742977408432009-01-30T11:05:00.000-08:002009-01-30T15:12:14.690-08:00

1. What's your favorite color? Orange. 2. Why isn't 11 pronounced onety-one? Too long. Besides, if it were we wouldn't have your favorite number, eleventy-threeve, or mine, eleventeen. 3. Mark - Boxers or briefs? Boxer-briefs.4. What was the best thing before sliced bread was invented? Germ theory and the advent of regular bathing. 5. Can you post that recipe if the super yummy salad

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-64520444552174433072009-01-22T13:30:00.000-08:002009-01-22T13:36:25.042-08:00

So, I haven't gotten any comments for a month now, but I know you're still out there. In fact, I'm getting visits from new cities every day. So let's make sure you're getting what you want. Can I answer any questions for you? Do you want to hear more about my plants? Curious about something I've neglected to mention on my new body? Something nagging you about skin transplants, the scintilating

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-5633409584131650312009-01-19T21:20:00.001-08:002009-01-19T21:26:54.283-08:00

Somehow I ended up tossing logs up a steep hill today. I'm sure I'll be sore, but I loved every minute of it.

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-15987393990996775342009-01-19T01:31:00.000-08:002009-01-19T01:52:00.216-08:00

I've spent a fair amount of the hours in 2008 marveling at the human body.My mom made the doctors' jaws drop when she basically did a pull-up in her hospital bed a few days after her 2nd hip surgery. It was easier to get the linens sorted that way.The men's gymnastics at the Olympics this year had me googling "Iron Cross" late into the night.And by most measures, I've healed pretty quickly. I've

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-56707527968383706252009-01-06T13:38:00.000-08:002009-01-06T14:56:01.425-08:00

I don't think it will come as a surprise that I'm ever so happy to welcome an officially New Year. I'm excited to see what Mark and I will create in the year ahead. What our home will look like, the decisions we make about what's important in our lives, and the experiences we choose this year will little by little create a memory of '09 that is unknowable right now, and that's very fun to think

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-62921783676519355992008-12-23T16:11:00.000-08:002008-12-23T16:28:42.317-08:00

A while back a photo newsletter I subscribe to sent out a list of photo contests to enter. One caught my eye right away because of its theme. Started in 1999, M.I.L.K. stands for Moments of Intimacy, Laughter, and Kinship. My favorite moments, really. I didn't think I had anything to contribute, and am genetically predisposed to Not throw my hat in, in general (the downside of humility). But

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-90756455292778396972008-12-22T09:38:00.000-08:002008-12-23T16:29:20.444-08:00

Or really, it's far more informative than any holiday letter I'd send. And I never sent any holiday letters anyway. Interesting. So while this has been a pretty crap year for me, it's been a year of unprecedented Jess access for you! Is that a good thing? Well. As much as I'm pining for '09 I've got a little more to fill you in on before it's over. And one more apology for not posting in so long.

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-82178484175644325402008-12-04T16:02:00.001-08:002008-12-04T16:06:23.520-08:00

I got a fabulous email the other day out of the blue, asking me if I'd mind having a photo I took in Portland considered for the newest Schmap. I said sure and forgot about it. Then I got another great email (see below).You can check it all out by scrolling down and clicking on the orange Schmap badge on the right. This is almost as flattering as having my dad set a slide show of my photos as a

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-38155288771230862112008-12-02T21:39:00.001-08:002008-12-02T22:00:42.588-08:00

Last time I visited Dr. Ls (looks good and I can run) I met his new receptionist. Nice, young man very eager to fetch me water. Frankly, though his last receptionist was very sweet, I wasn't very surprised that she was gone. Mainly because she took 6 weeks to deliver a message of mine to him, which prompted the whole last minute before surgery skin freak-out, medication change, and hive episode.

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-43207424941789013562008-11-23T17:28:00.000-08:002008-11-23T19:38:06.752-08:00

Well.My plan was to write several posts each about different happenings of this past week. Now even more is happening, and if I don't get something out, it will all go the way of the mythical "Anniversary Post" and the even greater mystery, the "October Post." At least I'm recognizing these terrible habits and making some sort of a change.Physical TherapyI was scared to go to my first PT

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-55741438670765325942008-11-17T13:39:00.000-08:002008-11-17T14:18:10.206-08:00

I have been down with a flu for a bit, so it's been very quiet, sleepy, and sneezy around here. Mark was home to tend to me a bit, but it was a sad use of his week off. We did enjoy several good films and a record amount of beautiful sunsets.Later in the week we made it out to Quail Botanical Gardens and had such a treat in the bursting citrus garden. I took lots of notes and am looking forward

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-3053320466621301222008-11-06T18:12:00.000-08:002008-11-06T18:22:13.892-08:00

Well, that was fast!Congratulations to Brain-Prism for being the first to donate $500 and winning a flight in a 1943 Stinson. I'm wishing this generous guy a perfect day on which to enjoy his prize, and an unforgettable zip over Temecula.Maybe if we're lucky, he'll let us know how it went.There's still time to donate to the 3-Day, and several more dollars needed to reach the girls' goals. I hope

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-87203172695169768992008-11-04T18:28:00.000-08:002008-11-04T18:32:49.546-08:00

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-61600718005881174082008-11-04T12:34:00.000-08:002008-11-05T11:26:41.886-08:00

A little while back I wrote about how important it is to be aware, of our bodies, our options, and breast cancer as a whole. But wouldn't you rather not? Don't you wish breast cancer was a little more like, say, polio? A disease with which our kids are going to have absolutely no association, no mental image, save maybe a vague impression that it's probably not good?Every year we learn more and

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-88963015316687217652008-11-01T11:22:00.000-07:002008-11-01T11:45:30.905-07:00

Hi kids. I'm here. I'm fine. I've been just a bit busy and Mark is off this week, which I'm just realizing usually translates to much less computer time for me. I'm actually okay with that overall, as it also means I'm having more fun than usual. But I do have lots to catch you all up on. Lots of pictures to share. But not today. Mark's parents are here and I just have a sec before I join up with

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-10053446603735569322008-10-24T11:38:00.000-07:002008-10-24T12:13:53.796-07:00

I plan on doing pretty much all of my holiday shopping at locally owned shops. I'm storing up my energy for a big Che Bella run (not that you need extra energy for this. A visit to Che Bella will most likely leave you feeling restored. I'm just particularly wiped these days). There are a few other spots around town that sell fantastic gifts and really make San Diego special, and they just will

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-50652972919258904332008-10-13T17:09:00.000-07:002008-10-13T17:52:20.651-07:00

Last night Mark had to work a night shift, and I managed to have a pretty peaceful evening. After driving him in (my first time back behind the wheel) I settled in at home with the latest from This American Life. Then I got out the bag of craft goodies that Mark got me to recuperate with and whipped up something from Folding Trees, where you can find the tutorial for this and lots of other

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-82851720736358683382008-10-09T13:50:00.000-07:002008-10-10T12:38:38.888-07:00

So I finally got around to watching the Christina Applegate episode of Oprah which aired right before my surgery. I feel really good about what she's doing to increase awareness of breast cancer, even when you can see it's still really scary and painful for her. It also made me feel really good about how open I've tried to be here. I know an amazing woman who fought her own battle against breast

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-44849366751530373602008-10-09T13:24:00.000-07:002008-10-09T13:49:23.234-07:00

Well it's been a very busy week here at our slow little home, though you wouldn't always know it. Mark's been back at work since Monday and that's been mostly okay. All of my busy-ness is going on internally, and I have to remind myself of what my body is doing for me right now to explain the sleepyness. Tuesday we went in to Dr. L's office to have him look at everything and remove all my

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-13619806859066199442008-10-03T19:15:00.000-07:002008-10-03T19:31:41.182-07:00

Hi my friends. I can't say I'm the sharpest of tacks right now but I wanted to say hello. It was so wonderful getting home to so many nice messages from all of you. Since then there's been a lot of sleeping and most everything has continued to improve. Last night was not the best, but when I woke up at 10 realizing that I hadn't had pain medicine in 6 hours and was feeling okay, I was so happy.

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-87784491577590016212008-10-02T15:58:00.000-07:002008-10-02T16:01:07.898-07:00

Just got home from the hospital and Jess is resting comfortably in bed! She'll probably be the next one to post here, but let me just say THANK YOU! to all of you for your good wishes, positive energy, and thoughts (not to mention more than one parcel). The friends of The Jess are the best anyone could ever hope for!Tons of love and thanks to all!The Husband

Marknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-48321816917105625932008-10-01T14:38:00.001-07:002008-10-01T14:39:38.256-07:00

Hello friends,The Husband here. Just a quick update to let you know this morning's case went very well and Jess is resting in the post-op recovery area. We're planning to come home later tonight, will post more updates then. Thank you all so much for your good wishes and positive thoughts!

Marknoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-30129160043686922182008-09-30T12:29:00.000-07:002008-09-30T13:10:53.576-07:00

Yesterday we met with Dr. Ld to make sure my skin was heading in the right direction. While we were waiting for him, I noticed a few red patches on the inside of my elbows and wrists. He came in and agreed that my body breakouts looked much better. Then I showed him the new spots and there was some brow furrowing. Hard to say exactly what it was, but it looked like I may be having a reaction to

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-18062901513903673202008-09-27T21:03:00.000-07:002008-09-28T20:19:23.439-07:00

The countdown to surgery is well under way, so I thought I'd post an update. I've found it a little harder to get happy about this surgery, mainly because it's not saving my life this time. But last week I turned a corner and I'm ready to go.Mark has been increasingly sweet in talking about how he'll take care of me. He's even managed to stay away from the tapioca pudding I socked away for myself

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-25526866035935277582008-09-21T01:15:00.000-07:002008-09-21T01:28:07.135-07:00

I learned how to use the timer on my camera in about 4 seconds. An odd benefit of brand loyalty. This also involved running, jumping [and tripping] over rocks, and scattering a lot of sand. A very good day in all.

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-61904639963911543002008-09-19T12:24:00.000-07:002008-09-19T13:28:43.213-07:00

One curse of digital photography: I took 200 photos on our trip to Monterey. 200 photos take a while for me to sort through, improve if possible or necessary, and generally decide what to do with. So long that I'm just not posting about the trip itself. I just don't like posting without the evidence. Soon.But now lets get to the plants. Before we left I had a lot of time to get our place settled

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-3002355739930937702008-09-08T12:14:00.000-07:002008-09-08T13:10:32.844-07:00

It's a god day for a little looking back. And ahead. I find myself, amazingly, more hopeful than I was on our wedding day. For quite a while this year, I felt that our shiny newlywed promise had been ripped out of our hands. Now I'm okay with the promise we have instead. That we absolutely can get through the icky stuff, that our love will sustain us and grow in - not be diminished by - hard

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-33911067792295742742008-09-02T15:20:00.000-07:002008-09-02T16:03:06.441-07:00

We're heading out of town this week to celebrate our first anniversary. I think first wedding anniversaries are always big, but it's hard to think that any future anniversary of ours will top this one. The year we've had, and the amazing place our relationship is both in spite of and because of the adversity we've faced . . . I really can't be thankful enough. That we're both still here is a

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-80651288793017283402008-08-29T10:27:00.000-07:002008-08-29T12:19:08.383-07:00

Am I kidding? Turns out I'm not, but I am a little late. Truck Driver Appreciation Week started on Monday, but you can bet those guys are working all weekend long, so there's still time to say thanks.Okay, I know. Why does someone like me who cares about local food and clean air want to talk about truckers? A few reasons.* You think you're depressed when you have to stop by the gas station?* Tell

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-73446566420560490402008-08-26T19:58:00.001-07:002008-09-27T22:51:36.844-07:00

What do I get up to when my husband's working late? Mani-pedi? Another viewing of "Persuasion"? Cookies n' Cream ice cream and a silly magazine?Well, not tonight. Tonight I'm dorking out, learning about Firefox Extensions and listening to the DNC on KPBS. Oh Yes. I hear Hillary Clinton just walked out in an orange pants-suit. Faboo, Hill. And what's that? My google analytics want checking? Well,

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-27428663713918058342008-08-26T09:43:00.000-07:002008-08-26T10:21:37.424-07:00

It's definitely August, right? The weather feels like September and my late start in the garden has it looking like July. Split the difference.Here's what's up on the patio.Finally! Some Oregano. I planted, oh, 80 or so seeds this year and last. Here's what finally happened:Of course now the bugs have found it. But I'm very stubborn, so it's an organic smackdown. I've been using Neem oil on these

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-48969597693019141742008-08-16T11:30:00.000-07:002008-08-19T16:44:34.990-07:00

It's a wacky, mixed-up life when the part of your body that's been "impaired" for over 14 years suddenly becomes a source of delight and pride.Yesterday I went to get the eye exam that I'd been putting off since January because of more, ahem, pressing matters. I wasn't dreading it, but it did give me that odd (new to me) Dr's office palm sweats. I felt compelled to mention my cancer on my little

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-57079801517969511762008-08-13T19:32:00.000-07:002008-08-13T19:43:09.177-07:00

This year I've seen a lot of beautiful people suffer & struggle. A lot of people struggling while their support systems also carry heavy burdens makes life very hard. Somehow I tend to be optimistic about the big things, but I've had bad days where I felt like all the good people are doomed to get chewed up while the bad folks party.Today I saw something I hope I'll remember for a long time.We

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-41275940944925442952008-08-11T12:40:00.000-07:002008-08-11T12:58:28.907-07:00

I have three packages to get in the mail today, but I wanted to quickly post about one before it's shipped out and forgotten. The giant stack of "pretty" magazines that I keep not for recipes or really any other purpose for which they were produced got pulled out last weekend and stripped of their nicest photos. Hopefully, we will soon be getting a lot less junkmail, since I siged us up at

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-89676008743982016262008-07-31T10:13:00.000-07:002008-07-31T10:42:11.176-07:00

This may seem like it should be posted on another blog (funtimers!) but it's not, so here's the story.A guy walks into a flower shop.He buys a ton of flowers.Next week, the same thing.And then again, he shows up.So what's his deal? Does he have a mad passion for flowers himself? Personal assistant to San Diego's leading Don Juan? Trying to woo his own lady, Cliff-style?Nope.He's a set designer,

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-32549439810399804152008-07-27T10:59:00.000-07:002008-07-27T19:30:27.902-07:00

Hi. I procrastinate.Anyway, I've gotten some interesting mail in the last few days that I thought was worth sharing. The first, on Friday, was my packet of pre-op stuff from Dr. L and approvals from my insurance. I haven't opened the pre-op stuff because I learned last time that Dr. L's office lists pretty much every horrifying possible outcome on most every page, and they never forget to include

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-70665341232002710642008-07-16T19:43:00.000-07:002008-07-16T21:38:50.871-07:00

Modus - Tuesday we decided to spiff up slightly for a random dinner out and settled on Modus. We hadn't been back since Mark's birthday mixology party and we were happy to catch some of the new menu items. They've got a grilled caprese dish that was pretty much like summer in my mouth. It's a good thing I got distracted when they came to clear the plate; it was about to be licked. It was also

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-59700341638136562342008-07-15T12:46:00.001-07:002008-07-15T13:05:10.889-07:00

Well I am so backed up with posts that I don't quite know where to start. Last week was an amazing week with Mark not at the hospital. I'll surely do a run down of the highlights in the days to come. Today I have quite a bit to do before seeing Dr. L to (hopefully) figure out a window into which we can expect to plan for my next surgery. So todays post will be a teaser of things to come that

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-64488690542633086592008-07-03T00:27:00.001-07:002008-07-03T00:35:25.076-07:00

This is my latest completed project (I think). Miss Lyla's parents finally got it and, thank great goodness, liked it, so here it is. My grandmother encouraged me to try this craft, called scherensnitte in it's German incarnation, and I used a book she gave me for this one. It's my first attempt and I really enjoyed it. Soon I'll be designing my own. I've got two in the works that are either

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-7938725776309107872008-07-03T00:18:00.001-07:002008-07-03T00:21:28.771-07:00

DSC_0056, originally uploaded by beckerjess.I'm just up to being busy, but I thought I'd check in. I have a lot of projects in the works and the plant friends are great (though I'm not sure I'll be succumbing to any more spontaneous Henry's plant purchases.)There is something that's been hard for me to figure out lately. Summer. It's always been my favorite season. But now that everything I'd

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-3892932993802301212008-06-17T13:04:00.000-07:002008-06-17T13:55:57.830-07:00

We're home from Santa Rosa and Portland, the city with the most vegetation and coolness together that I've ever seen. I'm happy to be back at out little base camp, because sometimes it was definitely scary to be so far away from someplace I knew I could rest or heal. We didn't rent a car there and spent a lot of time on foot or having cabbed way across town. A strange thing about getting back in

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-81942682664392657122008-06-06T13:18:00.000-07:002008-06-06T13:39:24.216-07:00

I hear you have been having some problems leaving comments on the blog lately. That is simply not acceptable to me, so I'm changing the comment procedure.Everyone else, you'll forgive me if I single this lady out for a second. I hardly know this person, but all I do know is fantastic. If you've read her comments on the blog, you'll get a taste of how warm and kind Barb is. After she works her

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-26299371493258851852008-06-02T18:46:00.000-07:002008-06-02T19:02:40.805-07:00

The other day, when I was twisting that floral wire into P's, O's, and C's, I had a visitor. I'd left the patio screen door open and was working just inside when I noticed the buzzing. I looked up to see a bee trying to get out through closed windows. Thinking about Colony Collapse Disorder usually just makes me feel sad and powerless. I didn't know if this was a honey bee or a yellow-jacket, but

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-9618071282809525082008-05-31T12:59:00.000-07:002008-05-31T13:48:50.336-07:00

One of the little gifts I received when I was just home from the hospital was a watercolor pencil set and postcard-ready watercolor paper with a note encouraging me to "make something beautiful while [I] heal." Now, I've got to be the absolute worst with watercolors, so I've got nothing great to show yet in that media (though I'm getting better). But think about that all the time and I have been

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-12424472253906170632008-05-27T12:52:00.000-07:002008-05-27T13:49:30.713-07:00

So this is a weird phase. I finished radiation, and had just enough time to dance a tiny jig before visiting Dr. So. That meeting was just to begin the conversation about next steps, but it went really differently than I'd expected.First, nobody's going to insist that I take Tamoxifen. It's pretty much up to me. So guess what? It's probably not going to happen.Next, we talk about kids, which will

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-8391119837509640552008-05-14T16:43:00.000-07:002008-05-14T17:15:50.179-07:00

Not quite.I was originally scheduled to finish radiation today, but after a peek at my chest, Dr. W decided to push trough to Friday. He'll be narrowing the focus 'til the end though, concentrating on the center of my breast and letting my crispy armpit take a rest. Things should continue to deteriorate for about a week after treatments end, and then start slowly getting better.I'll be happy to

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-183041969324732282008-05-11T11:11:00.000-07:002008-05-11T11:47:54.843-07:00

Brandi asked me to re-tell the story of how I found my cancer and I realized that I'd never posted it here. I think it was finally emailed out after about 40 awful face-to-faces and phone calls. Gosh, I hated that part. Anyway, now, it's pretty amazing. So here it is.My mom had breast cancer when she was in her early 40s. My father's mom had breast cancer twice, maybe 30 years apart. Both

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-27337817341541588482008-05-08T16:06:00.000-07:002008-05-08T16:08:23.711-07:00

I love getting comments from you all.

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-75274758489969175662008-05-08T15:18:00.000-07:002008-05-08T16:03:38.093-07:00

Is that a ridiculously obvious statement? I don't know, I was surprised.So for my second surgery (I still don't know when that will happen) the tissue expanders will come out, implants will go in, and the salient details of typical breasts will be added. That's right folks, nipples and areolae. Feel free to stop reading if you just got the willies. The takehome for today is the title.So, nipples

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-86538047900105141202008-05-05T11:05:00.000-07:002008-05-05T11:32:39.541-07:00

Hello there. I'm sorry I haven't posted in so long. I've not been avoiding you or any scary subjects, I promise. There's been little to report and lots of bustle. Mark's blog has the rundown on his birthday. We've also had friends in town and another friend's birthday to celebrate.Here's the medical status:I've got 7 more radiation treatments to go. My skin is red, I'm stiff and having trouble

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-33222265306333120142008-04-16T12:19:00.000-07:002008-04-16T12:36:33.217-07:00

The week is absolutely looking up. My mom is home & improving at a rate that is pretty freaking amazing. She's already so much better than at this point last time around. I know, hip replacements can be life-changing. But after being unhealed and in pain since last July, I think most of us were prepared for a slower version of the average story. As usual, my mom is amazing.I'm also feeling better

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-33642296828709679422008-04-14T11:01:00.000-07:002008-04-14T11:17:12.915-07:00

Just thought I'd make it known that Mom is doing fine. She's going to be staying at the hospital a little longer than we thought, but she's made some amazing progress just in the last day. She actually doesn't even have any pain without medication while she's still.I'm a bit tired from a slightly sleepless weekend, but was back at radiation this morning. Saw Dr. W and his lovely staff, which is a

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-71380747168250711122008-04-10T09:45:00.000-07:002008-04-10T09:54:13.789-07:00

Just checking in here, fifteen minutes before my mom's set to check in for her surgery. I'll pop in to radiation a little earlier than usual today and then go see how much of a nuisance I can make of myself while she's waiting to go into the operating room. I've also switched the rest of my radiation schedule so that I'm having treatments at 9:30 a.m. for the rest of the course. That'll free up

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-27345628833571730632008-04-07T20:44:00.000-07:002008-04-07T21:05:53.945-07:00

I had my first radiation treatment today and everything went fine. The bonus Mark time was so much fun and we almost ran towards eachother outside the building. I still wonder what people think when they see us. "Did you see that doctor? Oh my goodness, he's in love. Wait, is he a person or a doctor?" And then when I arrive for my appointment with Mark in tow. "Um, did that girl bring a doctor

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-78012005149926467962008-04-02T21:02:00.000-07:002008-04-02T21:25:04.909-07:00

Well, The Jess is all inked up after a trip to the Sharp Healthcare Tattoo Parlor and Radiation Center. I have to say, I didn't expect expect the marking tattoos to spell "MOM" but you learn something everyday, I guess.Actually the marking tattoos are no more than gray dots, hardly detectable even if you're looking for them, and were only sore for a bit. The session today was all about getting

Marknoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-29651745860624773262008-03-28T15:33:00.000-07:002008-03-28T16:11:21.700-07:00

Fabulous. Love the New Doctor. Very astute, very confident, very well regarded, very fantastic sense of humor. I have to wonder how I am getting so lucky with the doctor selections. I mean I have a billion now, and I know my husband's being on staff helps, but my odds must be thinning.So, I'll be having the last vestiges of cancer in my chest blasted by radiation every day (Monday thru Friday)

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-28136997031028690432008-03-26T14:48:00.000-07:002008-03-26T15:28:01.042-07:00

I have a lot to say about how cancer has and hasn't changed things, bits and pieces of ideas that have been coming together in my head. But those thoughts are going to have to steep a little longer. I've got to run out soon to grab some last minute treats to incorporate into a little surprise for Mark tonight. He deserves, well, everything good. Things that will take a lifetime to give. For

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-37951639158299347782008-03-25T21:09:00.000-07:002008-03-25T21:14:42.214-07:00

Hi Kids. Sorry there hasn't been a new post in a while. Our computer had to go in for an emergency procedure but is back with us and happy to be of service. I'll fill you all in with a big post tomorrow. For tonight, just know we're both fine and haven't been avoiding the blog on purpose.

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-77355575499072531762008-03-20T13:24:00.000-07:002008-03-20T13:44:45.037-07:00

I can't believe it's already Thursday. Lucky, I guess, because the start of the NCAA tournament is pretty much the most fun we've managed this week. Mostly I've managed my pain from the last tissue expansion in my chest with varying results. And Mark is out for a sec managing our taxes. So we're really exciting folks, as you can see. We did manage to schedule a consult with the Radiation

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-6729980747023587202008-03-18T11:07:00.000-07:002008-03-18T11:51:40.702-07:00

So, we've gotten Plastic Surgeon Dr. L in the loop about radiation, and he still wants to go ahead with my expansion that we scheduled for today. The procedure was a little uncomfortable last time, but I'm actually thrilled because this is the final expansion and will involve a little less fluid. It also makes sense to cross this off the list now since I don't even have a meeting to start the

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-69627928435142311192008-03-14T17:12:00.000-07:002008-03-15T11:58:13.513-07:00

General surgeon Dr. S so generously made time for us Friday on a non-clinic day to talk about my sketchy surgical pathology results. To re-cap, the pathologist found DCIS up to the very edge of one of the outer pieces of tissue that was removed from my chest. Dr. S finally got together with him to talk a little more about that finding. Unfortunately it's still sketchy, but I still have a

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-76965509367503064082008-03-13T21:21:00.000-07:002008-03-13T21:53:37.452-07:00

Looks like my quiet week at home has translated to a pretty quiet blog. I'm sorry if that's left any of you feeling out of the loop. Yesterday I spent my first day at home alone, with no appointments, plans or visitors. It was great to not think about the clock and just be lazy. Plus, Mark got home quite early. When he called to say he was on his way, he asked if I could cue up the ipod so that

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-77475998860932018922008-03-12T11:53:00.000-07:002008-03-12T12:20:23.394-07:00

Monday night I started to feel some swelling in my chest. I woke up on Tuesday and it was worse. I knew exactly what I wanted and needed. My plastic surgeon Dr. L and a big thick needle. Yes, things just keep getting stranger. A few months ago, I never would have contemplated plastic surgery. Now, I'm on a happy first name basis with everyone in the office and I actually want to be there and be

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-46534595021157831062008-03-10T11:02:00.000-07:002008-03-10T11:17:23.871-07:00

Mark's gone back to work today for the first time since my surgery. It's so hard to believe that was two weeks ago already, but we're so thankful that his work team was so great about letting him be home with me. I think we'll have to take our adjusting slowly today, though.It was so strange getting up in such a quiet home this morning. Mark had gathered all my regular morning stuff in concert

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-5975838442945442272008-03-08T16:41:00.000-08:002008-03-08T17:39:21.571-08:00

I spent a lot of last week trying to prepare myself for the next step in my breast reconstruction; the gradual inflation of the tissue expanders that are already in my chest. My actual skin is mostly numb and they use lidocaine at the injection site, so their assertion that I wouldn't really feel pain, just pressure and tightness, was pretty reasonable sounding. And because it's done in a series

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-82428770373883463652008-03-06T11:22:00.000-08:002008-03-06T11:47:43.607-08:00

Four years ago tonight was our first date, which I actually didn't know was a date until about halfway through when Mark held my hand at the Waterfront. Here's us on our first anniversary (AKA Spamalamaversary, AKA Spamalama, AKA Spam), taking in Stomp at the civic center. Tonight will be a landmark Spam in a different way. Me being on the road to health, the most important gift, will mean a much

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-91539098040016239202008-03-05T18:59:00.000-08:002008-03-05T22:00:03.718-08:00

I'm sorry I'm posting so late today - I know I told you to stay tuned for Wednesday news. Actually, Surgeon Dr. S surprised us yesterday with the pathology we were waiting for, but we wanted to go over everything with Oncologist Dr. S before we got too excited. That's right, excited.The report showed that none of my lymph nodes were involved at all. Also, my left breast was absolutely clear. The

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-21004181480305259302008-03-03T16:30:00.000-08:002008-03-03T17:00:03.217-08:00

One of the crazy things about this slow life we're living right now is how quickly things change. Words like "fine," "normal," and "ok," mean completely different things than they did just weeks ago. Apparently "Potato Day" needs redefining too, because somehow I overdid it yesterday. This has happened once already and is bound to happen again, no matter how careful and gentle I am with myself.

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-59230386212692433362008-03-02T14:33:00.000-08:002008-03-02T14:55:16.592-08:00

Mark's first day of his week off is always potato day. On potato day we don't do chores, we don't make appointments or big plans, we often don't leave the house 'till noon. We usually have a big breakfast, stay in or jammies until we can't stand it, and generally do a lot of giggling. Today is not the first day of anything, but it feels like my potato day. Everything's sort of settled in here. I

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-41990920095669205512008-02-29T19:28:00.000-08:002008-02-29T19:58:19.483-08:00

I am home sweet home, happily set up in the library (pillow positioning is easier in there) and thankful for so many things.Getting ready for surgery was not as bad as I'd expected. Both my general surgeon & anesthesiologist were very sweet with me as we were getting set up. I didn't have any funny drifting-off moments, those came later with the pain medicine. But waking up was good. My post-op

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-17942481004760650942008-02-28T14:26:00.001-08:002008-02-28T14:26:21.692-08:00

Jess is home and resting comfortably!

Marknoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-61977325027521507432008-02-28T08:39:00.000-08:002008-02-28T08:45:38.114-08:00

So we're post-op day 3 now and getting ready to leave the hospital. Jess had a good sleep last night and is feeling better on all fronts. We took an extra day in the hospital to get everything settled down, which was a good call. We're planning to get sorted out and make for the door later this morning. Will keep you posted (HA)!

Marknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-86030866100865297092008-02-26T11:46:00.000-08:002008-02-26T11:52:58.261-08:00

So it's the first post-operative day and Jess doing really well! She had a good night, got some sleep, and her pain was well controlled. She's been getting out of bed a little bit this morning and taking some liquids. Best of all, she's as confident, strong, and beautiful as ever. We've had some great talks, plenty of smooches, and we've got our new bracelets on. We also had a nice visit from

Marknoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-88795479297576216682008-02-26T00:01:00.000-08:002008-02-26T06:29:16.406-08:00

Getting right to it, Jess' surgery was very successful. Both our surgeons had smiles on their faces as they discussed the case with us. Best of all, the frozen section on the sentinal node biopsy was NEGATIVE!!! After a long day, Jess is now resting comfortably at Mary Birch Hospital for Women. So quiet and peaceful in her private room, she looks absolutely beautiful!I'll write more in the

Marknoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-24143953605942914322008-02-24T16:51:00.000-08:002008-02-24T17:14:47.136-08:00

It's the day before surgery, and there's so little to do. That can be a good thing. I have plenty of time to relax, providing I can find the means. And as my plastic surgeon, the kind Dr. L tells me, all I have to do is not eat after 11 and show up on time.But lots of times not having anything to do can feel terrible. You know that, right? I'm sure you've felt it before, and I know a lot of you

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-54541138205833937712008-02-23T13:49:00.000-08:002008-02-23T14:03:23.320-08:00

Today is a gorgeous, priceless day in San Diego, and I feel good if a bit sleepy. So this will be just a short post. I do still have a few pre-op errands to run despite spending a king's ransom in pj's yesterday. Also, Des & Margaret are flying in today to help us get through this next step, for which we're so thankful.For now I'll leave you with this piece I noticed today by one of my favorite

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-41749042575156621272008-02-22T12:07:00.000-08:002008-02-22T12:41:34.865-08:00

A very difficult part of this is not knowing what to expect. That's a whole different issue than being completely terrified of what's secretly going on in my body, which I'm sure I'll write more about later. I really don't know what to expect from my surgery and recovery. Although I've been tremendously well informed and trust my doctors, I've never been in the hospital before - never had any

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-3789256638172250522008-02-21T18:37:00.001-08:002008-02-21T18:37:50.120-08:00

I'm not going to pussyfoot around. Chances are if you're here, you already know I have breast cancer. If you didn't know about this blog before, it's no indication of our intimacy - I'm just so shy that the only people that do visit me here found this all by themselves. So I got a little more comfortable with the whole blog-being-read-by-humans idea about a second ago and now I'm going to tell

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-69030019359541859752008-01-20T09:38:00.000-08:002008-01-20T10:11:53.694-08:00

I'm back from Michigan, where I've been for the last week visiting the Rings. Despite a very nice time with each of them, the modest satisfaction of dealing with a little bit of real winter, and some delicious food, I have to be grateful I'm home. I don't know what put it into my head that I would be fine traveling so far without Mark. Well, I was fine. But there are many kinds of fine and I just

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-9200675245056231412008-01-07T14:37:00.000-08:002008-01-07T15:19:12.046-08:00

I get a little identity crisis sometimes when I cook, and New Year's Day is always a trigger. My mother is a true southern lady. And though she's spent most of her life now in California, her food roots are seriously southern. I like the way the south eats. The south grows it's own meals, shares and trades with neighbors, and uses everything. This locavore thing that Mark and I are so inspired by

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-59520921796847006532007-12-31T11:56:00.000-08:002007-12-31T12:00:43.976-08:00

Happy New Year, kids.We're staying in and spoiling ourselves tonight. Here's what we're eating:Fennel, Persimmon, and Blue Cheese SaladSteamed Lemon BroccoliRoasted Potatoes with GruyereChicken TarragonGinger Pear Tatinand a little bubbly, of course.Cheers to you. If you're reading this, you're loved.

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-73310880565160025722007-12-29T12:26:00.000-08:002007-12-29T13:28:50.562-08:00

After last year's gingerbread disaster, I didn't even try to be creative for the holidays. Then, I ended up with an army of undecorated spice soldiers, only about 6 of which were finished and gifted. And poor Kristin, they weren't even her kind of cookie. They made for great snacks in Cancun, anyway. But a funny thing happened this year. One minute I'm just wrapping presents, the next I'm

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-37008977182390615352007-12-23T11:14:00.000-08:002007-12-23T11:43:00.108-08:00

We're really feeling the season in San Diego, and it's not because of a profusion of lights. It's certainly not the weather. Nope, it's the quiet. Pacific Beach is a madhouse during pretty much every other season of the year. No parking, squealing and half-naked coeds, their detritus everywhere. It can get to be a bit much. But at Christmastime, ahh, you can breathe here. Mark and I went down to

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-28958601740852421172007-12-13T13:29:00.000-08:002007-12-13T13:49:00.183-08:00

Well, it's pretty much done. The vortex (now just a lower-case item) has been tamed. Over about a day and a half I plodded along in my methodical, tortoisey fashion. Don't knock it - I found at least two hundred dollars worth of gift certificates.Mark worked a week of nights and then went straight to a week of regular (long) days, so I was solo but fine. And then on Tuesday, at four o'clock, Mark

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-85220593761191141712007-12-08T14:14:00.001-08:002007-12-08T14:28:22.906-08:00

Here it is.I'm off to give this mess a two hour spurt while Mark sleeps. He's still on nights, which should be a perfectly productive schedule for me, except that I can't so much sleep when he's not here. At any rate. I hope to make some progress, if only of the mental sort, this afternoon before I break for roasting turkey, and browning up some butternut squash & peas. Then on to Hanukkah (we're

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-20956686656208245862007-11-28T11:02:00.000-08:002007-11-28T11:13:07.655-08:00

Back to the subject of our slow little home.Mark and I have a big back closet in the guest room/library/office. This room is not a great loft, so how many issues can you find in that last sentence? Yes, it's a disaster. And beyond the frustration of climbing over things and constantly shuffling boxes and bins, I've started to lose things. Right now I walk back there and my teeth start to itch. So

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-81434421097615420732007-11-26T10:33:00.000-08:002007-11-28T11:14:00.578-08:00

We just got back from a fantastic week in Northern California. The weather was so great my toes only went numb once. And to be fair I'd gotten a little wild and pulled the flip flops out. Oops.The light down here is so beautiful today that I'm remembering the day we spent in Petaluma (est. 1858). Petaluma seems to be the town that everyone's a little bit in love with, and I am no exception. I

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-50529428295002650782007-11-04T13:19:00.000-08:002007-11-28T11:14:52.384-08:00

Yesterday was a funny sort of Saturday.I stepped out into the sun, heading down to the park around noon. It was beautifully quiet, with that sort of idyllic weekend weather I'd been missing since the fires. I stopped on the stairs to soak it in, listening to the wind and the little peepers. Then suddenly I heard a loud nasal squawk, which seemed so much like a grumpy negation of what I'd been

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-71111729504165370862007-10-31T14:12:00.000-07:002007-10-31T14:22:09.695-07:00

The last few Halloweens have not been very exciting for us, which is just fine, because they still include pumpkins.This year's selection was a first - a daytime pumpkin hunt. Just as fun, and turns out there are even fewer people around to watch me being pulled back to the patch in a little red wagon. This is Thunk: and his friend Ooof!

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003287817127044427.post-65703161922691802772007-10-09T15:06:00.000-07:002007-10-09T15:32:45.428-07:00

I've been bogged down with a little sinus thing lately; not so happy. Most of the last 4 days have been spent either steaming myself in the bathroom or watching bad tv with a bottle of saline spray within reach. Mark always at the ready with the Tylenol and pints of water. Blech. The brightest spot has been the amount of plant maintenance that the dry weather has required lately.Somehow my plant

jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05971268747206257111noreply@blogger.com0