I felt the need to post a blog simply stating that I have officially become a Michigander. I know there are places around the state of New Jersey that got quite an amount of snow. But come on people!!! I had big plans to shop all day with my mom and the malls are closed. Crazy. I am dissapointed and glad I live in a state where people are completely foolish and unafraid of the snowy roads. But we very scared of tornados....

Such is life.

To My Sister

Last weekend Stephen and I went to Dayton, Ohio to visit my sister, brother-in-law, and two nieces Lucy and Iris. We left after I got out of work on Thursday, rode the five hours to their home, and was able to hold Iris, who is almost 3 months, and take a peek at Lucy sleeping before heading to bed exhausted. I woke up early on Friday though and sat with Sarah in bed until Lucy got up. She was, well, a little surprised to see me I think. But she warmed up quickly and went to wake Uncle Stephen. We preceded for the rest of the weekend to have a lovely time visiting. We played with Lucy, held and soothed Iris, and had great conversation with Sarah and Alan. 

Whenever I visit my sister I always come away feeling filled. She is a wonderful friend and mentor to me, full of wisdom and advice, a great sense of humor, and such a deep love for me. I honestly don't know how I could get through my life with out her. She was my comrade in arms when we were growing up and our parents were being parents, she was the girl I wanted to be someday when she went off to college and became a 'grown-up', and she is now the woman I want to be. A loving and caring wife and mother who is always reading, writing, working on a project, learning something new. Sarah is absolutely everything I could ask for in a big sister and she is one of the best friends I've ever had. I look forward to growing old with her as my friend and sharing many more life experiences with her. Maybe one day we will even live like the two aunts in one of my favorite stories....

'What would a young pretty girl do down here with all this sand?'

'We like the sand, Jo.'

'But we're old maids, Cal, with no vices except cigarettes and double-dummy mah-jongg...'

--'The Unspeakable Egg'

F. Scott Fitzgerald 

Green Stir Fry

Last week my friend, Judith, and I went on a trip to Ikea so she could begin furnishing her new home. I told myself I would only buy a new rag rug for $5. Ha. If you've ever been to Ikea you know that is a ridiculous statement. But I only spent $25 on a few things I really needed. Ha, again. You never really need all that little stuff from Ikea. Although, one of the items I got was a wok. I have been wanting one so badly but was starting to feel like it was out of reach when Stephen and I saw one in a fancy kitchen store for over $100. This one, thanks to the Sweeds, was only $7.99! So, I said to Stephen we needed to try it out asap. Being that I hadn't yet been to the local farmers market this season I thought we should try a stir fry with all local veggies. So Stephen and I went on down the the Fulton Street Market got some fresh onions, asparagus, a green bell pepper, and sugar snap peas. Well let me tell you! With a little chili sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil it was by far the best stir fry we've ever made. The wok was fantastic and with rice in the rice cooker it was ready in 15 minutes (after chopping all the veggies). I would highly recommend getting yourself a wok, some delicious fresh veggies, some hot rice, and have yourself a tasty and quick supper!

Catching Up

Ok, so I know I am officially over due for a blog. Let me at least catch everyone up on my latest adventures. This blog will be written in the "what I did over summer vacation" style.

I haven't blogged since October so lets see... 

Christmas was lovely. I spent it with family and friends in New Jersey. In January I had my 22nd birthday and it past without a hitch. I don't really think I ended up doing much for the big double 2. In February I sold my car. My first car I had since I was 17. It was hard to say goodbye to ol' Rex but I believe she is in good hands. She went with a lady who bought her for her daughter to drive. Another gals first car. That made me and Rex both very happy. I always get the feeling she's doing well. I am now driving my moms old Subaru station wagon. Her name is Clarabelle. And yes I do have a strange attachment to my cars. Also in February I performed with my dance studios ensemble at the Grand Rapids Art museum. It was a great experience and by far one of my favorite performances. March was a nice month. Stephen had his spring break and went to NJ to visit his family. I stayed behind and worked and caught up on some reading. I always enjoy a little time just to myself. At the very beginning of April my parents came for a visit! It was a great time. They were here for Holy Weekend which was so nice. We went to the museum, played lots of cards (500 rummy and spades) had a fantastic feast day on Easter, and ate as much as possible! It was the week after Easter that Stephen and I decided to become mostly vegetarian. We still eat the occasional chicken and we are eating much more fish and beans. It's been a really good challenge to our bodies, minds, and cooking skills (try this recipe!). At the end of April Stephen had his very first art exhibition! It was here in GR at the downtown art gallery his school owns. It was a show for him and the other girl who is also a graduating BFA. Stephen did 4 large scale paintings that went over well with his professors, friends, and the public. He even sold one! We were probably never more excited as we were when we heard that news. And he has sold two more paintings since then! There is something so powerful and completely exciting to see the person you love so much realizing these huge life goals and dreams. May has been crazy so far. I am getting ready for the recital which is this weekend and I can't wait for it to be over. I only have two more weeks of teaching and then at the beginning of June I will be off to Costa Rica for a week with the Clark clan! I can barely even think about it I am so out of my mind excited! I am also patiently awaiting the arrival of my next little niece, Iris. I'm so excited to see what she'll look like. 

That is more or less what's been happening with me. I am happy, fulfilled, and ready for the next adventure!