family

My COVID Vaccine Experience

Andi

Last week I went and got my COVID-19 vaccine, and this, was my experience.

I receieved the sinlge dose Johnson & Johnson Janssen Vaccine.

First of all, even though there were many people at the vaccine clinic, the process was quite effecient and rapid. I went in and the instructions were clear and I had no wait time whatsoever. Other people I have spoken to that have also received vaccines at other places have reported the same quick and streamlined process. I happened to have my child with me, and the nurses and staff were so kind to him. He was quite enamored with all the attention he got.

The shot itself did not hurt at all. I barely felt it, and it was over so quickly, it took my kid longer to get a sticker off the backing and onto his shirt than to give me the vaccine. Afterwards, I was instructed to sit in the waiting area for 15 minutes to make sure I did not experience any severe reactions. I did not and so when my 15 minutes were up, I left.

We went to a birtday party, and then to the grocery store, and then went home and played a board game and I was feeling fine. My arm didn’t even hurt. About 8:30pm I started getting really tired and decided I should go to bed. But after crawling into bed, I couldn’t get warm. For me, this is a pretty big indicator that I am sick, so I got up and checked my tempurature. It was 99.7. I grabbed some extra blankets and got back into bed, but was unable to get comfortble. I didn’t sleep much that night. My body was stiff and no position I curled up in was cozy enough for sleeping.

The next day, my temperature ranged from 99.1 to 100.4 throughout the day. I was generally achy and uncomfortable. I’d finally get into a position that was tolerable and start dozing off, but just as I was drifting off either a child, my partner, or the cat would appear and wake me back up. I laid in bed and watched movies all day. Finally, I’d had enough and asked my partner to go to the store and get me some medicine.

After I took the medicine I did feel a bit better. I got up and ate some snack foods and even played a little bit of a video game with the kids. My fever finally started dropping around 7:30pm. The papers I was given said symptoms would last about 24-48 hours, and my fever lasted right about that 24 hour mark.

The next morning I was certainly feeling better, but still very tired and had a solid headache. This could be a side effect of the vaccine, or because I hadn’t had any good sleep and been tied up in all kinds of shapes trying to find a comfy spot. I am unsure, but either way, it was still caused because I’d gotten that shot.

By the following day, I felt fine. All aches and tiredness had passed. I’d gotten a good rest the night before and was ready for the day. This was now 72 hours after the vaccine. Those first 48 hours were the worst, but all had also gotten better. I was feeling good.

If you are planning on receiving the single dose vaccine I would plan on at least two days of just generally not feeling great. I have a pretty powerful immune system and think I’m pretty spry and healthy, but this still knocked me down for a day. If you don’t wish to miss any work, I’d try to get an appointment for a Friday evening to give yourself Saturday and Sunday to rest and recouperate.

Ultimatley, I’d rather be feverish for a 24-48 hour period than risk COVID. I’d also say that whichever vaccine is available to you, get it. The others have the two doses, but I’ve also heard they knock you out for at least a day as well. Be prepared for a day of ick, but in the grand scheme, that day is worth it.

family

Beauty Tips from Elderly Women

Andi

There are a plethora of beauty lines out there, all claiming to be the best magic cure for your skin care routine. We all strive to keep our youthful glow as we grow older and use various creams and ointments to accomplish this.

Stepping aside here to take note of the fact that when you are 55, you will not be able to still look 25, no matter what you use, because nature doesn’t work that way. There is a kind of unspoken pressure to always appear striking and youthful, even when we age. For some reason natural aging is shameful and should be covered up. For that matter any natural blemish is shameful and should be covered. But this caveat is a topic for another day.

I have had several elderly relatives in my life that I knew growing up. As a kid, I didn’t really take heed of their advice. I just filed it away under “whatever, I might need that in the future”. Trust me younger people, you will probably end up needing that in the future. Listen to the elderly. Another caveat for another day.

I’ve also noticed in the make-up videos I’ve seen, most women have blemishes, acne, scars, circles and splotches. I have often found myself berating my own skin because it isn’t perfect. Nobodies skin is perfect. No one’s. If it looks perfect, it’s because the blemishes have been covered. You are not flawed or ugly for having a spot.

Each person has different skin. This is why there never can be one magic skin routine. What happens to work on my skin, may make your skin blotchy, dry, or break out. I, for instance, have extremely sensitive skin, and the products a lot of other people use irritate my skin. I’ve had a lot of products thrown at me that did nothing or made the issue worse. So I’m not here to give you my skin care routine or products. What I am going to do is give you three tips some older ladies gave to me about their skin. And keep in mind, these women were old, and they definitely looked old. But when you are in your 90s and still looking vibrant and only 70, you are looking brilliant. I think their skin care was working, and through practice have earned the right to say, their tactics work.

1. Always Move in an Upward Motion

When applying cream, makeup, or any other contact with your face, never tug downwards on your skin. Always apply in an upward motion. This minimizes skin sagging and wrinkles. Now, it won’t eliminate either of those things, as both are natural occurrences of growing old, but it helps to keep them at a minimum. Always move upwards.

2. NEVER Touch Your Face

My elderly aunt told me this years ago, and I was like, whatever, who cares? I care now! Your hands are touching all kinds of things throughout the day, and when you touch your face, you transfer all that dirt and germs to your face. We’ve all been forced to learn this rather harshly through the pandemic how much touching our faces spreads illness. Touching your face is bad for your skin and your health. Don’t do it. Not that I can berate anyone for doing this. I’ve caught myself so much putting my hands on my face. I’ve got to keep reminding myself to stop doing it. Its a hard habit to break.

3. Be Consistent

I can remember my grandmother every day sitting down at her table and pulling out everything she put on her face. Washing and cleaning it and then applying her lotions and creams and explaining everything she was doing to me. I remember her telling me, “just washing your face with a bar of soap every day is leagues better than doing nothing at all.” Your body gets dirty as you go about your day, and its necessary to clean all that dirt away. Even something as simplistic as washing your face with soap will help. Set an alarm for yourself so you won’t forget. Make washing your face a part of your daily routine. Brush your teeth and then wash your face. Every day.

So, to recap, Always move in an upward motion, never touch your face, and be consistent. Take the advice of some youthful elderly women, and keep that skin of yours vibrant.

family

Time for Children

Andi

An important piece of the parenting we employ in our home is giving our children our time and attention for even just a few moments each day. Taking the time to focus on your kids builds the bond between you and fills the child’s need for affection and belonging. This helps in future instances when there is a trouble. Setting up this as normal when they are young sets up a better foundation for when they are teens and later adults. Now, I do not have first hand experience with teen or adult children as mine are still young, but I do trust the knowledge of those who have both studied brain development and raised children of their own. I also have seen the direct effects this has on my children when I make the effort to be with them compared to when I do not. 

This in theory is quite simple. Come home, sit down, play a card game with your child, eat dinner, go to bed. Easy right? Not always. We are wildly distracted in our modern lives. It is hard for some people to leave their phones in another room for 10 minutes. The dog decides that is the perfect time to barf in the living room. The next project needs to be done and work is demanding we finish it NOW. There are 10,000 other tasks that need to be finished. 

Probably the biggest obstacle is time. As parents we often feel like there is no time for all of the things we need to do. We have to work full time, keep the house orderly, keep the bills paid on time, keep the car maintenance up to date, make doctor appointments and get the kids there on time, make sure your partner is also getting regular checkups, get the kids into extracurriculars, keep them up to speed on their homework, cook healthy food, clean so many dishes you feel like you are drowning in cups and plates, take care of the pets too, keep a garden, grocery shop, plan parties, keep up with your friends, drive kids to their friends, wash yourself, be sure to keep up with your self care, try to teach your kids how to properly self care, attempt to read a leisurely book, don’t forget to cancel that free subscription before it charges you, manage your finances, nurture your relationship with your partner, buy more batteries, and on and on and on. It never stops. We get home from work and just want to stop thinking. Believe me, I understand. That’s why I say, I have to put forth the effort to make this a priority, because sometimes, it is an effort. I write it onto my daily planner so I cannot forget it. Eventually the act will become routine. 

I think another barrier for some people is they don’t have the money to be taking their kids out to places and buying them things. Doing a science experiment with your kid is a great way to spend time together, but what if you don’t have the money to buy the kit? The bills and rent or mortgage are more important than a game your kid wants to play. It’s better that they have food to eat and a place to sleep. You don’t have to spend any money or much to spend that few minutes with your child. They can help you cook dinner. You can color in a coloring book together. Walk to the local library and take a class there together. 

In our house, each parent gets an individual time out with each child at least once a month in addition to those little daily moments and a family outting. How exactly do we manage that? We don’t over do the event. It’s certainly special, but it doesn’t have to be elaborate either. Again, the fact that you are giving them your time and attention is what is vital here, not how much you spend or how fancy the event is. My Sister in Law has taken my niece to get pedicures together, but she has also taken her to get an ice cream and that was their Mom & Daughter time. 

On our recent Time Out, I took my son to the playground and we played together. Then we went to the International Market and he got to pick out the fruit he wanted to try, and we went home and ate our treats. How exactly is taking your child to the store with you a special event? Because it was just us together, having a good time and experiencing new fruits he hadn’t ever eaten before. The park isn’t fancy, but it was so awesome to him because I was there playing with him. My partner has taken the kids to the store to pick out a game and then came home and played it with them. With my other child, we went and ate the biggest cinnamon roll we’d ever seen, and then went to the library. It was a blast, and honestly so refreshing for both of us.

The important thing here is you spending uninterrupted time with your kids. They need this attention from you. By giving them yourself, they will have a stronger foundation to stand on when they go out. It will make them feel more secure and confident. You really are important to them. It truly is worth the effort it takes to build the relationship with them in small simple ways like giving them 10 minutes of your day or by taking one on one time out together.

family

The Octopus

Andi

Not long ago I saw several video clips divers had taken of Octopuses punching fish, for seemingly no reason. I thought “hey, sometimes I’d like to be able to punch someone that got too close to me too.” and I laughed about it. I love Octopuses and their odd, sometimes petty, intelligent behaviour. They are brightly colorful, and more clever than we had imagined. They are definitely my favourite creatures of the sea. 

If you have a child, you have probably seen Finding Dory, and probably already know that Octopuses have three hearts. Side Note: Hank is the best character Pixar has made, at least in a long time. It may have been a kids movie, but this fact is true. Two of the hearts move blood beyond the gills, while the third pumps blood to the organs. Their hearts also stop beating when they swim, which is probably why they are mostly seen crawling along the ocean floor. Which means having eight arms that can act independently comes in handy. The majority of octopus neurons reside in their arms, not their heads. This enables the animal to use one of its arms for one task while simultaneously using the others for something different. This has also been studied in regards to maneuverability and problem solving. Scientists have done experiments by giving octopuses various challenges to solve, time and again proving their intelligence. They are able to check all sides of an object at the same time to find an opening or latch instead of focusing on just one spot at a time. In the wild, they’ve been observed covering themselves with rocks and shells, rolling into a ball and laying still to hide from predators. 

Octopuses have blue blood. This is due to an adaptation of the cold deep ocean, evolving copper based blood instead of iron based blood, which appears blue. Since many cephalopods live deep in the ocean, they need to be able to transport oxygen throughout their bodies, and their blood makes it possible to do that. This however makes them incredibly sensitive to changes in acidity. If the water around them changes too much it could become fatal for them as it would make it impossible to breath. Considering how much our oceans are being harmed and polluted, the change in water acidity is a large concern. Of course, not only for the octopuses, but it poses a threat to them as well. 

Many have noted how weird cephalopods look. They’ve got these crazy tentacles and oddly shaped heads, and gigantic eyes. In fact, they’ve often been the inspiration for monsters or aliens in entertainment. Even Cthulhu has tentacles. But perhaps Octopuses look so zany because they haven’t changed very much at all for nearly 3 million years. Fossils have been found of creatures that look, basically the same way our modern octopuses do. And why would they need to evolve? They are perfect specimens the way they are. Despite having existed for millions of years, octopuses have a remarkably short life span. Most only live 10 years or so. They live and grow and then mate, and then they die. For such a fascinating and smart animal, it is not on this earth for very long sadly. If there were one thing I wish octopuses could evolve, it would be a longer life span. 

There are so many different kinds of Octopuses, and that isnt even touching on the other cephalopods like squid or cuttlefish. These weird boneless creatures are constantly amazing and confusing us. We still have not seen a squid fight a Sperm Whale for instance, but we know they do it, and that the squids win sometimes. We’ve barely even seen the giant squid that fights them. Every time we study the octopus, we learn something new. They can open child proof bottles for instance, with no fingers. Cephalopods are insane! They are the best sea creatures, I think because they are such a mystery still. So fascinating. 

family

Balancing 2021

Andi

The past month or so, I’ve been trying to establish a morning routine that wakes me up and prepares me for the day. Part of that, and a side quest i’ve been pursuing, is learning to read Tarot cards. So I do a reading every morning and then journal it as a way to process and lay out my thoughts and feelings. I like to think of the cards like an old sage you go to for advice. It’s not going to decide your life for you, but it will make you think and consider things you haven’t thought of before. Today is January 1st of 2021 and I did a normal daily reading this morning, but I feel that it is perfect for reflection and to hold in mind for the future. Today was Inner Strength and Balance, but I think it’s important to note that two of the three cards revolved around Balance. 

As I reflect back on the last year, I started with an overabundance of ambition and eagerness, followed by a deep pit of despair, and then what felt like an unending floating in nothing, ending with a full charge push forward. All intermixed with mild to severe panic attacks and at least two full breakdowns. 

Beginning with Strength, and not physical aptitude, although it wouldn’t be horrible if I started trying to do something about these flabby arms of mine, but Inner Strength. Even in this card, which depicts a woman sitting with a lion, there is a sense of not just power as a large cat like a lion would possess, but also compassion and grace, as the woman would possess. For Inner Strength comes from controlling the two in harmony. You know, that intuition to know when to be firm and when to be soft. Both are needed to successfully navigate life. 

One of the warnings that came with the cards today was to be cautious of the bright glittery promises for they may be just a mirage. As I look back at where I was last January 1st, I find this to be wildly applicable to my personal life. It’s good to be excited for the future, but it is unwise to throw caution to the wind. I thought I would be starting the New Year with a brand new job and more income, and I had bet so much on that that I forgot to consider, I might not get the job. What a blow that phone call was. Again, I find that it takes a healthy balance between thrill and deference to wisely move forward. One of my cards was the Queen of Cups. She is often depicted standing on a cliff or sitting on a throne holding a cup. She represents intuition and standing between our thoughts and our feelings. Considering the various angles and coming to a solid decision. Falling into line with the balance theme, She represents deference and perception. Understanding your thoughts and feelings and how they interact will help not to make foolish, emotion driven choices. 

We all had a rough year, some far worse than others. Most all of us entered 2020 thinking we were going to take on the world in the new decade. Instead we dragged ourselves through the year longing for it to end. Some lost income, financial stability, hope. Worse are the poor friends who have lost loved ones this year. I hit a low point in the Spring when the lockdowns were issued and my coping mechanism to regulate my anxiety was taken from me. I had to find other ways to manage that were still safe. I know others who toil with their mental health also struggled hard this year. I mentioned I started the year with high hopes and no sense of caution, which was then shattered. Followed by the beginning of the pandemic and the lockdowns. I had another job opportunity that was now in limbo because of the pandemic and I spent months feeling like I was floating in an intermediate space. Not going anywhere, just existing there. I felt that I should be grateful and forced myself to be content. Our income had been cut, but we still had one. I knew families that were having to move into parents’ basements because they had lost their jobs. I felt helpless in this because I couldn’t help them, nor could I make the virus go away so they could work again. 

In the Summer, the limbo ended however, and I began working. I was stoked. I had something to get up and do every day! My mental health was bound to improve. I’d be moving every day, and I figured that had to be ogod for my physical health, plus this meant my new income would fill up the loss we’d experienced earlier. Then I started online classes shortly after, and it was a full speed ahead to finish before the end of the year. In addition to the baseline stress of the pandemic and the multiple policy changes that it caused, throwing myself into something with no room for error or rest was not necessarily better for anything. I began to fall behind in personal relationships, in my writing, and in recreational activities I enjoy. 

Coming up to the last couple months of 2020, I began to focus on my inner peace, and to finally fully grapple with what I actually believed. I stopped speaking to my mother during this time so my mind could be clear. That set off an entire chain reaction that I am now going to have to stop ignoring and putting off. I began trying to meditate and journal again. Finding the balance, deference, and peace makes way for the strength and courage I need to go forward and accomplish the tasks I want to and need to. 

Opening my Tarot Reading app and seeing a splay of cards that all said Strength and Balance reaffirmed in me this desire to continue down this path I’m on. Like it was a tiny reminder that this was good and right for me. 

So to 2021, I hope you find the perfect Balance for a healthy and strong life, as I keep moving to find Balance in mine.

family

Happy Holidays

Andi

The holidays are upon us! When you hear “Happy Holidays” what do you think of? Most people probably think of Christmas and Hanukkah, maybe Kwanzaa. But did you know that there are many more holidays that fall in the month of December? I gathered up some info and crafts to do with my kids on the holidays and I thought it might be interesting to share some of those fascinating facts.

Starting on December 6, there is Saint Nicholas Day or the Feast of Saint Nicholas, preceeded by Krampusnacht on December 5. This is mostly celebrated throughout Europe in honor of the Saint that legendarily left money in people’s shoes to help them through hard times. Instead of keeping all his great wealth to himself, he gave to the less fortuanate. According to the story, he left the dowry for two girls too poor to pay any in their drying shoes by the fire in secrecy at night so that the girls were able to marry. Our tradition to hang stockings by the fireplace also stems from this legend. In some areas there is a legend that the day before Saint Nick’s Day a half goat half demon comes to punish bad children before Nicholas arrives. This demon goat is called Krampus. The night of the 5th children leave their shoes out, some with hay or carrots for Saint Nicholas’ horse. Then, the morning of the 6th, children awaken to find small gifts or poems in their shoes.

Bodhi Day falls on the 8th day of the 12th Lunar month, this year it fell on December 8. It is the date that Siddharta Guatama first experienced enlightenment sitting under a Bodhi tree. This day is not observed by all Buddhists however. Many celebrate a different holiday called Vesak which observes the birth, enlightment and passing of Guatama. Celebrations of this holiday include covering a Bodhi tree with lights and lanterns and meditating. The biggest celebration occurs in India where the Bodhi tree he sat under still lives nestled next to a Temple.

This year Hanukkah Begins on December 10th and last until the 18th. Also called the Festival of Lights, this is Jewish Holiday. Though not one of their most sacred holidays, Hanukkah has achieved cultural prominence, most likely due to its closeness to Christmas. Hanukah celebrates the succesful rebellion of the Macabees against Antiochus IV Epiphanes. The Talmud states that the Temple’s menorah burned for 8 days even though there was only oil enough for one day’s lighting. Celebrations include playing a game with dreidels, eating oil based foods, and lighting the Menorah each night. The dreidel game is played because of a legend that the Macabees used the tops to cover the fact they were studying their sacred texts, which was illegal at the time. The oil based foods are to signify the sacred oil that burned for so long, and the 8 candles signify the 8 days it burned. My favorite are the Latkes. I love Latkes.

December 13th marks the day of Saint Lucia. A Swedish Holiday that commemorates a martyr that legenadrily snuck food and water to early Christianas hiding from the Roman Emporer underground. She couldn’t carry candles to see as her hands were filled with provisions, so she crafted herself a crown of candles made from Holly and Ivy. St. Lucia’s Day is celebrated with sweets given out by the eldest girl dressed in white and donned with a candle crown. These sweets are often gingersnaps and washed down with coffee.

Multiple Holidays ancient and modern revolve around celebration of the Solstice. Many of these traditions were obsorbed into the traditions of Christmas, and so many probably couldn’t distinguish them as seperate holidays. Most prominent and still observed is the tradition of Yule. This has been celebrated since Pre-Roman times throughout ancient Germanic and Scandinavian Culture. It is traditionally tied to the Wild Hunt and the Norse God Odin. In Germanic tradition, a large feast was held, and a sacrifice was borught to the Gods. People, happy the long nights were getting shorter, would bring pine branches inside and make wreaths of them or deceorate their homes with them. They often built huge fires or placed candles in their windows. The Yule Log is another ancient tradition that revolves around burning an ash tree to honor Thor. Today, this holiday is observed by modern day Pagans and some Satanists. Many observe some version of both Yule and Christmas, while others adher as closely to the ancient tradtions as they can. Yule is significant becasue it preserves ancient tradition and culture and should not be washed away by the larger Christmas Celebration.

Christmas falls on December the 25th. There is some debate about the date and why its in December, but whatever the reason, modern celebrations fall in late December. This is a Christian Holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus. Modern tradtions include a candleight service the night before and what is called a Longest Night service to honor loved ones not able to celebrate with their families. Gifts are given and a large meal is usually made. Some more secular traditions involve writing letters to Santa and Hanging Stockings for him to fill for good boys and girls. This is by far the biggest December Holiday in the United States and it often dominates stores and media for an entire two month stretch between November and December. Christmas is special becasue it brings families together to make memories.

Boxing Day Falls on December 26th and is also Saint Stephen’s Day. It originated in the UK and is still observed in many places that were or are part of Britian. This was a day traditionally meant as a relaxing day for servants and when their masters or employers would give them a gift. Saint Stephen’s Day is a religious Holiday honoring the first Christian martyr, Stephen.

December 26 also begins the celebration of Kwanzaa, an African American Holiday as a celebration of life. It focuses on African Heritage, Unity and Culture. It is based on African Harvest festival traditions from various regions and was first celebrated in 1966. Many people don’t know much about Kwanzaa perhaps because its still relatively new. Its traditions include a large feast usually falling on the 6th day, lighting a candle in a special candle holder called a Kinara, and playing music.

Lastly, as it falls on the last day of the year, comes Omisoka. This is Japanese tradition for families to gather together and prepare for the coming year. They might purify their homes of bad spirits, repay debts, or bathe themsleves and then relax. Close to the end of the day they will eat long noodles as part of an old tradition to carry over to the next year. At midnight many visit a Temple or Shrine to bring the new year in with a clean, pure beginning.

So the next time somone tells you “Happy Holidays!” You will have a little more knowledge about what all those holidays are. I am of course no experts on World Cultures, these are just a tidbit of what holidays are observed around the world. If you have any additions or changes, let me know, I’d love to learn about them! And of course, Happy Holidays!!

family

Its the Little Moments

Andi

Right now your world may feel like it’s in a tailspin. You may still be going to work everyday and each day seems like there is a new policy in place and everything has to change again. You might have to be quarantined due to an exposure and you are stuck at home wondering what to do with your time, probably freaking out a little and calling to make a testing appointment. Perhaps you are fretting over your finances and wondering how to pay all the bills due to cut backs in hours or loss of work.

Right now is so hard. Parents are panicked trying to make this the best they can for their kids and ensure they still get an education. Employees are stressed over whether they will be able to keep their jobs. Business owners are sweating the possibility of closing for good. Everyone is in a hard place.

Every once in a while though, I turn it all off. I shut off my phone and leave it in another room. I shut off the TV for the day. I grab a ball and I sit down on the floor with my kids and we roll the ball back and forth and I let all my worries roll away for a moment.

You and I, we all need those little moments of peace. Where we aren’t thinking about our worries or struggles. Where the only thought in our heads is the sound of our child’s laughter. Those are the moments your children will remember when they are adults. When they can better understand the struggle we were going through and how precious it was that you stopped what you were doing to throw a ball back and forth. Those adorable little moments will be what you carry with you into your elderly years as well. You will remember forever that giggle and those chubby cheeks.

Its the little moments. Make them happen.

family, Positively Balanced

Utilizing Montessori at Home as published on Positively Balanced

Andi

My most recent article has been published on Positively Balanced Women’s Health Platform and it would be an honor if you’d take a look.

Thank you all for continuing to read my work. I appreciate it greatly.

Utilizing Montessori at Home

family

Doctor Who?

Andi

I was about 13 or so, living in the southern midwest, when someone first asked me if I’d ever seen Doctor Who. I had no idea what they were talking about, but they insisted I watch it, so I did. David Tennant was the Doctor at the time, and the first episode I ever saw was Series 3 Episode 10 “Blink”. I was enraptured. 

Doctor Who held all the markers of television I love; its quirky, funny, heartwarming, thrilling and exciting. Even though from the start I knew it was intended as a children’s show, I continued to watch it throughout highschool and college. When a friend of mine went to Ireland, she brought back a foot tall TARDIS for me that I still keep on my bookshelf. I’ve had friends gift me posters they bought at cons and blurry photographs of the actors. It was fairly common knowledge I was into this show. 

Why? You may ask, Where you so into a British Children’s show? I think its because of the Hope. There is always a solution, no matter how big the problem. No matter what happens, the Doctor never gives up on humanity. How resilient! How Brilliant! We always find a way. It didn’t matter if a massive armada was poised to attack, they always came up with a master plan, even if it was the last minute. There was always Hope. And I needed Hope. I needed to be told I was Strong and Resiliant. 

There are two episodes that made me weep. I know, I am emotional with movies and I do cry a lot, but not usually with shows intended for humor or drama. However, there are two that continue to stab me in the feels. 

The first is the episode when David Tennant regenrates. He was my first doctor and I had definitely formed a kind of attachment to his doctor. He is still my favorite (so sorry, Tom Baker). It was an emotionally charged episode anyway, and when he wimpered, “I don’t wanna go” I lost it. Knowing Tennant is the second longest running Doctor, right behind legend Tom Baker, his departure had to be an emotional event for everyone. 

The second was Series 5 Episode 10 “Vincent and the Doctor”. It still makes me cry every time I watch it. As someone who has struggled with their mental health and knows on a personal level what it feels like, this episode hits me in a very deep personal place. Maybe because I wish so badly someone were able to go back and do that for Vincent. Maybe because I know how much that would have meant. Maybe because to know I had made a difference, that I really was important, would turn me to mush. It is a very personally emotional epsiode for me. 

If you didn’t know, there is a ton of lore and fun facts about the Doctor Who universe. Its been on TV since 1963, with a brief hiatus and revival in 2005. Thats a long time to gather trivia. 

Some tidbits are those that have kind of gotten lost through time, like the fact that the show started as an educational children’s show about science and history. I’d have watched that, and probably enjoyed it based on how much I enjoyed The Magic School Bus as a kid. And some things that were literally lost. There are about 100 episodes of the original series that have been lost. Through the help of fan’s personal collections and some super lucky finds in mislabeled containers, the episode library is being rebuilt. 

The Doctor is firmly solidified in history and in space. In 1984 a new asteroid was discovered and named Asteroid 3325 TARDIS, which its discoverer Brian A. Skiff named for the Doctor’s Police Box. The fame of the Doctor reached great heights in the 70s and 80s. So much, that Paramount set on a mission to make a Doctor Who film starring Michael Jackson as a Time Lord. Unfortunately, this never came to pass, and we all lowered our heads in sadness. 

Both David Tennant and Peter Capaldi were big Whovians when they were children. Tennant citing his desire to be the Doctor as his reason for getting into acting. Capaldi made Who themed fan art and often bothered BBC to make him the fanclub president. The fans do make the best characters though, as both Tennant and Capaldi are two of my very favorites. The Doctor has been a rather gigantic part of Tennant’s life, both personally and professionally. David Tennant is married to a woman named Georgia, whom he met on the set of an episode entitled “The Doctor’s Daughter”. Except Georgia IS the Doctor’s Daughter. Her father is Peter Davison, the Fifth Doctor. Several years ago, Georgia interviewed their child on his favorite doctor. Its Tom Baker. Tennant later went on to revise the role of Scrooge McDuck in the new DuckTales (also made by now grown fans of the original) another character I love. I keep my Scrooge McDuck with my desk TARDIS for giggles. 

Doctor Who has meant a lot to me throughout my life. My favorite will always be Tennant, followed closely by Baker and Capaldi. The show gave me fun and humor when I needed it, but most of all, it showed me that Hope can always be found even in the most dismal of times.

family

The Only Celebrity Cookbook I will Ever Buy

Andi

If you’ve been missing my casual cooking and recipe posts, I apologize. I’ve been trying to cook and haven’t had much time to try new recipes. But, I did find a new cookbook and it triggered a need to cook.

Now, if you know, you know I do not like celebrity cookbooks. I am intrigued by them, so I pick them up, but end up just putting them back without even trying to make anything. The only exception was Chrissy Teigan’s Cravings Cookbook. I was able to make a few recipes and they were pretty good. The peanut cluster bites in there were to die for!! Having said that, I also returned it to the library and haven’t bought it or picked it up again. There never has been a celebrity cookbook I loved enough to actually purchase it.

UNTIL NOW

For some people, who knew Snoop Dogg back in the day, this may seem so odd. How could this guy, of all people, write a cookbook? I did not. I did not discover Snoop Dogg until I was an adult, where I’ve also realized I knew his songs but had no idea it was him or who any of these artists were. So when I heard about it, my first thought was, “well duh, he’s like BFFs with Martha Stewart”. Who by the way, did help him with this. But I realize how this may be odd. But I promise, this book is worth it.

I picked it up despite my general dislike of celebrity cookbooks because every time I’ve seen him, he’s always so chill and seems down to earth and genuine. This book reiterated that to me. It’s full of good meals, several of which has simple ingredients I use on the regular. Even the pictures of his pantry and kitchen look nice, but they aren’t over the top extravagant. It was so amazing.

But the real test came when I tried to make one of the recipes. I chose the Pork Chops and Mashed Sweet Potatoes. I expected it to both take me a long time and make a lot of dirty dishes, but I was surprised to be proven wrong on both. It only took me about an hour to make, and far fewer dishes than I thought. I was pleasantly surprised. The entire family loved it too, so it was delicious as well.

And if you still need convincing that this is the best cookbook on the shelf, then allow me to share his quote on Biscuits and Gravy.

“If you’ve been Down South, then you’ve eaten this on plenty of day breaks. This is that real soul food classic. The key here is to get those biscuits fluffy. And that gravy, well thats gotta be like that humid air of a Dirty South Summer- extra, super thick. But eat too much of this and you might as well just take your ass right back to bed. This ain’t for the meek. It’ll put your ass right back to sleep.”