Change is Good

I heard one of the best speeches of my life last night. I feel inspired to write, talk and think about it. I even have it on my DVR in case anyone missed it. I feel I am a good judge of character. Character is important to me. I BELIEVE in Obama. I BELIEVE he has the country's best interest at heart. I also know he has what it takes to lead us. I believe his message of change is not only a message, but a necessity. My soul aches at the bigotry some in this country hold. My brain aches for the minds that are sealed shut by spin masters. If you vote for McCain because you stand behind his philosophical beliefs and ideas about how to effectively run this country then vote McCain. If you feel like you want something different than the last eight years, vote Obama.

I feel Obama's message for change is more than a message. It is an action plan. An action plan that will allow this country to regain its footing in each individual home (even all seven of McCain's :)) and in the world. We can not underestimate the footprint that has been left on this country by the Bush administration. We have to listen, compromise, and change how we move forward. The financial hole we are in, I believe, will take more than 4 years to claw out of. But, we must start. The dreams I have for my daughter depend on it. The dreams I have for my later years in life depend on it. The care I want for my parents as they age depend on it. This is not an election that can be taken lightly. We must not stay the course, we must begin to correct the errors made in the past eight years.

What a beautiful family Obama has. I would be a proud, proud American with the Obama family being our first family. When I read Obama's first book I was moved to tears several times. Why? Because I could relate to his stories. Because I could hear and feel his development as a human being. All inclusive development that included the development of his intellect, soul, compassion and drive for a better tomorrow. Wouldn't it be nice if we could have someone leading us who represents and understands our real life challenges? I hope Americans listened last night. Although I am a huge Obama supporter this election is about us. US, the American people. I know what is right for me. I don't just feel it, I know it. We can make a change. Yes we can.

An Ode to Runs With Spatula (3 of 3)

I have a friend who has a fabulous blog, Runs With Spatula. She goes with her partner Corky, friends and family to some fabulous and some not so fabulous restaurants, food stands and fairs. Pretty much anywhere there is food to blog about, she goes. She gives great reviews and takes wonderful pictures. You should check out her blog. She also gives recipies and is herself a fabulous cook. There is a link to her blog on this page.

So, here is my attempt to do a foodie blog...An Ode to Runs With Spatula

Outside the Cheese Shop with my sandwich

Inside the cheese shop

Monday afternoon Anica and I went touring to fish town in Leland. I have heard about the famous Cheese Shop and it's magical sandwiches. Based on my flavor preferences Anica's recommendation to me was the Shipwreck. The Shipwreck is ham, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, cucumber and herb mayo on pretzel bread. A simple sandwich. A very tasty sandwich. Anica and I split the sandwich for a total of just over $5. The Cheese Shop also had a great variety of other sandwiches for any pallet as well as wine and cheese that went on and on. I would highly recommend taking a Cheese Shop sandwich and eat it right on the tables out on the water in Fish Town. My sources say, you must get the pretzel bread. It is what makes the sandwiches special. I thought the pretzel bread was great, I just took a small amount of the salt off of the top and then, perfection!

Half of a Shipwreck (minus a few bites...I almost forgot the picture!)

Onto dinner...

Monday night Anica treated me to one of our all time favorite dishes, pizza. We had a pizza topped with ham, pepperoni and mushrooms. It was from Dick's Pour House in Lake Lelanau. Dick's is one of those up north bars with dear heads and fish adorning the walls. The service was great. ESPECIALLY Adam and Keith. Sean, who was in the kitchen did a great job with the pizza. It was a great pizza and a large three topping pizza will run you $15 (14"). Dick's Pour House is a great place to grab a pizza (the best pizza in the county I hear) in Lelanau County and if Adam or Keith are working, make sure you tip them well.

There would be a picture of the pizza here...but well we ate it :)...use your imagination.

Tuesday after strolling the shops in Sutton's Bay we became hungry for lunch. We walked into Boone's Prime Time Pub where I had the most fabulous grilled chicken sandwich of my life. The chicken was moist and perfectly cooked. There was a small amount of teriyaki sauce on the breast which gave the chicken great flavor, it was served with chips-yet I chose to substitute fries. The fries were a great choice, because I would have been so jealous when Anica's came if I didn't order them! Anica ordered a burger topped with cheese, bacon and mushrooms. The coolest part of the burger is that it came with a full and fabulous condiment tray with mayonnaise, catsup, onions, regular and fancy mustard, some seasoning and something else that escapes me now. She said the burger was good. It was a large burger and they cooked it to her specifications. Our service was good and I would have gotten a great picture of the above mentioned fabulous condiment tray, but we were done with it and the tray was passed on...BUT, I did get this photo of me in the booth, if you look in the lower right hand corner you can see the tray. Very reasonable prices with lunch around $25.00 total.

I also got this picture...

Anica with her giant burger. My sandwich was gone already...but you can see how big her burger was as some of it fell out of the bun. She couldn't even finish it...I didn't have that problem with my chargrilled chicken sandwich.

After some time at another beach and some county touring, we were ready for dinner. We went to Northwest Grill in Sutton's Bay. It is a new restaurant owned by the same owner's as Boone's. The restaurants location is where Cafe' Bliss used to be if you know the area.

Northwest Grill was cute and cozy with an up north feel. A nice selection of favorites very reasonably priced. Anica had an organic peach daiquiri which was the most delicious drink I have tasted in quite some time. For dinner we both had dinner salads with mixed greens. Anica had prime rib, cooked rare to her specification with au jus accompanied by a baked potato with butter. It was so large she took some home for the next day. I had the fried prawns accompanied by a baked potato with butter and sour cream. The prawn's were cooked perfectly and accompanied by a Jagermeister barbecue sauce it sounds horrible, but was zippy and tasty. Although the prawn's were fried, the batter was light and not greasy. Both entrees were delicious and I would definitely recommend a stop by Northwest Grill. The entire meal was only $38.00 for the two of us.

Fried Prawns with baked potato


Anica with Kristen, our fabulous server who gave us A+ service even though we were at the end of her working a double shift. If you go in, ask for Kristen and tip this teacher-to-be well. She is from Flint and came to visit the county, fell in love with it an now calls it home.

PS note to: Runs with Spatula, what is a prawn? tasted like shrimp, what is the difference?

Who Needs a Wind Machine? (2 of 3)

(Cont. from I love NOT camping)

So, when I was reading the list of things Anica suggested I bring to Leelanau County I saw "Doo-rag, scarf or hat." I laughed and laughed at the vision of myself with a doo-rag. Anica has the greatest face for scarfs and hats and she will attest that I have never- in the 28 years she has known me- looked good in scarf's or hats. I do understand the need for me to wear one in the sun, etc. so I brought a visor and a hat.

This may be the best I ever looked in a hat! I think I was a Sophomore and Anica a Freshman in this photo shoot. LOL, Anica's hair was a bit too big to even rock that hat.

Here I am wearing one of Anica's scarfs...as you see, not much luck here either. I had just graduated high school, 1992.

OK, enough of the trip down memory lane and back to the trip to Leelanau County. I did bring a visor and a hat, but alas, the day we were at the beach and the wind was blowing...

I left my hat in the car. Anica, where are you? Oh, there you are under my hair!

We joked that my hair looked like it was stuck in a wind machine like the models use. However, as you see, it did not look flowing and beautiful like when the pros do it.

Here is what it should look like.

Brook Shields and Tyra have had decades to work that wind machine. In my case...

We had to do something about that hair in Anica's face! So, I decided to wear my sunglasses on my head like a headband. Surely that would work, right?

Note: my hair is still blowing directly in Anica's face. "I have a doo-rag in my backpack," said Anica. "Wow! This should be great, we have to get some pictures of THIS!" I replied.

Attempt number one.

First attempt...Hmmmmm...something is wrong. Someone already has this look. Yep, that's it. I totally look like Rosie O'Donnel! Nothing against Rosie, but uh, not my look! So, I think back to how Anica wore the scarf the day before.

It was pushed further back. Pretty as a picture. OK, maybe that will work. Let me try it...


Now I look like a house keeper-maybe a painter. I look like I am trying to hide a mullet or something! I have to try one more time. Maybe more like a headband.

Well, that is the best I got. Note to self: bring pony tail holder, barrette, or hat to the beach next time, or, just don't take pictures and hope no one notices. :)

Aside from Anica, here are some doo-rags that work:

Babies can pull anything off...

Performers...

And even animals...

Hey....does this one look familiar? Oh, I crack myself up! I think the time off has driven me to entertain myself. Hope someone out there shares my giggles. :)

I Love Not Camping (1 of 3)

We saw this bag at a shop in Sutton's Bay called The Happy Woman, and I knew it was a blog in the making! I LOVE NOT CAMPING!

My room with a view was perfect. I love NOT camping! I had a great time with my oldest friend (duration (28 years), not age), Anica on our NOT camping adventure. It was short, but it was sweet.

Anica and I in the lake at Van's Beach.

The Whaleback Inn


We stayed at the Whaleback Inn in Leland, MI. I have heard about "the county" for SO long. Like seven years long. I finally got to see what all the fuss was about. The water is beautiful. The beaches are killer, Sutton's Bay and Leland had great places to eat shop and wander. The landscape is fabulous, the sunsets are marvelous and the people were welcoming. Overall a beautiful experience. I got all of the great things about camping-like s'mores-without actually camping. PLUS, we had beds, air conditioning, a shower... :)


My favorite moment of not camping, was Anica singing by the campfire while I was roasting marshmallows for my patented "double" s'more. Two marshmallows, a full square of chocolate and two gram crackers. The stars were so bright, the weather was perfect and hearing her voice takes me to a place nothing else does.


I was thrilled to meet in person some of the fabulous characters I feel I know so much about...after all the stories and pictures over the years! I look forward to spending more time with them the next time I visit.


Since I hurt my back unpacking my van (I know, right?) we did the less strenuous outings. I look forward to hiking Whaleback and spending a day at Northbar on one of my next visits.

Cheers to the sun, the water, the waves and "the county."

The Responsible Runaway

I will start by saying I am very privileged in my life. I have a family that I love, a unique cast of characters that keep me smiling that I call friends, an eleven year marriage, a job that makes an impact on some of our most at risk teen community members, active involvement with community organizations...exactly. I am blessed. I am also exhausted.

I firmly believe that to take care of anyone, my husband, my clients, my child, my family, I must first take care of myself. Lately, I have had some stress in my life, health issues, family issues, relationship issues, job issues, etc. that have frankly, tested me. They have added up. So, I am running away, responsibly.

Top Five Signs I Want (and Need) To Runaway

5. I had the urge to bite the head off of someone at work who I let get under my skin with their issues. I am known as a positive, rapport building, team member. This urge, although I did not act on it, was a sign, a sign of stress.

4. Being overly tired no matter how much sleep I got. Calling in sick and sleeping until 1pm. Sign of stress.

3. Skipping water aerobics to sit. I have been actively going since January, and I blew it off. Sign of stress.

2. I could cry at the drop of a hat. Sign of stress, oooooooooooor watching too much Oprah, but, since they have all been reruns, I deducted it was a sign of stress.

1. Walking out of the restaurant when I was having lunch with my husband because he had the nerve to talk with his mouth full (I asked him not to once already), a sign of stress...it was just a little piece of tortilla. I didn't look back and left him sitting there.

SO, this is what brings me to blog today. I decided on Thursday that I needed a get away. Something without anyone expecting anything of me. No husband, no fabulous child, just me. So, I was feeling impulsive. I am not insane though, so I put out some feelers, made some phone calls and by the end of Thursday, my last scheduled working day for the week, I had gotten approval to take the following week off. By the end of Thursday night, I had a room with a view booked for myself in Northern MI to reset, relax and reflect the following Monday and Tuesday. I am now looking forward to a week off filled with a few road trips, the first by myself the second with my family. A few days to do nothing but a Dr.'s check up and uh, that is it. I am looking forward to what I will forever more call - wait for it - wait for it - (insert sound effect here) PLANNED SPONTANEITY.

Again, I feel blessed that my husband was in full support of whatever I felt would be beneficial...and if you reread my number one reason for the responsible running away, you might not blame the man.

Cheers to the water, the wind and all that I will encounter on my adventure. I feel pretty euphoric just getting all my ducks in a row at work, cancelling the few clients that did want to meet next week (as it is the week before school, my client's want a break too.). I asked for what I wanted and needed. My boss was in full support, my husband in full support, my daughter well cared for and for me...some me time. I really don't think you can underestimate your own piece of mind, mental health, stress level, or whatever you want to call it. As a mental health professional. I am following the advice I would give anyone else! What helped me get this me time?

There is this lady known around Donkey and Kart as "the short lady." She will probably never read this because she self reports that her she lives a blog free life, but if she does, I hope she knows how much her calm, sense of humor and compassion have helped me to feel connected and grounded. She has helped me to make sense of my life by relating. A soul mate of sorts, a connection for sure.

There is another lady, we will give her a Native American second name, she will be called: Hugs with Heart. Hugs with Heart has sent emails, given hugs and brought a connection to my life that was defiantly missing. I think she will read this blog. She is a confident and strong woman, I hope she knows how much I appreciate her support. She is beyond a fabulous friend. She has said words to me that mean more than I can say. Funny emails, allowing me to be real with her and providing so much laughter that I just could just squeal with glee. WOW, what a stress relief a good laugh can be.

The third weird appreciation shout out that I seem to be doing--random! Goes to my family. My husband particularly. Anything in life that is worth it - takes work. A marriage that has fulfillment, fun, support and duration also has crazy days. It is getting through the crazy days and looking back at them with a laugh or a smile, or a lesson learned that make this relationship work for the long haul. I am so glad we have each other. My life is simply better with you in it.

How lucky I am to have: Wayne, Haiden, Leisa, Carrie, Felicity, Amy, Mom, Dad, Anica, Chip, Sheryl, Erin, Matt, Sammy, Will, Jake, Desarae, Grandpa, Grandma, Great Uncle Wayne, Great Aunt Sally, Nick, John, Michelle, Mona, Mark, Abby, MJ, Dave, Heather, Justin, Ryan, Aunt Kathy, Uncle Steve, Laurie, Amanda, Melissa, Mark, Dawn, Charlie, Katie, Michelle, Alyssa, Mike, Jim, Kathy, Kathy, Orion, Blaine, Chris, Liz, Jordanna, Myrna, Linda, Marty...(I am being played off stage from this Oscar speech now...) and the list goes on...Thanks.

Olympic Sleep Deprivation

I admit it. I have Olympic Sleep Deprivation...I just can't help it. I stay up WAY too late watching the Olympics. I love the Olympics. I have so many vivid memories over the years. Some because they were great and some because they were embarrassing or funny. I remember Tonya Harding, not for the reasons that you may think...of course I remember the "hit man" style pipe swipe to Nancy Kerrigan's knee-but more memorable I recall her stopping her routine pointing at her skate with her leg held up, whining about her missed jump. Even more vividly, I remember my friend Chip reenacting the scene over and over as we laughed so hard we nearly wet ourselves...

I remember watching firsts, like Jamaica bobsledding and now, Michael Phelps! Can you believe that kid. How exciting! I was squeezing Wayne's hands last night chanting U-S-A, U-S-A as we watched the men's 4x100 relay! Watching history eight gold medals in one olympics!

Yes, I said it. I chant in my house. I find myself riveted by things I would never have thought I would watch, like archery, handball, rowing, badminton and table tennis. I may not understand the scoring to all the events, but that is part of the fun. Learning about these events and the people that devote thier lives to them. I don't know what it is. Is it the patriotism, the personal stories so well told, the fact that during a time our country is at war, I see the world coming together-showing how much more alike we all are than different? I many not understand what some of the other countries parents are saying when their child wins, but I understand what their face says. Pride, excitement, joy. I may be a sap, I may be an idealist, but watching the sportsmanship gives me hope for our world.

I hope you get to watch some diving, swimming, gymnastics or equestrian competitions. It is history being made. I know some of you are, because when I arrive at work glazed over I talk to other people who are also glazed over because they just couldn't tear themselves away from the TV set! I won't even TiVo it and go to bed, because I am afraid I will hear the outcome from someone chatting about it before I have a chance to watch it! So, if you see me glazed over in the next few weeks...you will know where the sleep deprivation is coming from!

One onehundreth of a second...it is worth it. Olympic sleep deprivation anyone?

An All American Weekend...

Haiden at the beach


I am so thrilled to have revisited some of my best childhood memories and have shared it with my family this weekend. My mom (Linda), myself, my husband (Wayne), his mother (Linda), our daughter (Haiden) and my niece (Desarae) went to Grand Haven for the weekend. The beach house we stayed in belongs to my Great Aunt Sally and Great Uncle Wayne. I was there as a child with Tina, one of their Grandchildren was exactly my age and we got along quite well. Many memories came flooding back. There are four bedrooms with thin walls an no ceilings. When my mom coughed in the bedroom next to us, I had to double check she was not in my bed. It is a very unique and homey experience--not unlike something you might see in the movies.


Great Uncle Wayne and Great Aunt Sally

Aunt Sally and Uncle Wayne are the type of couple that you see holding hands and walking on the beach-STILL at 79 and 80 years old. They have had this beach house since 1963. It has private beach access and beautiful views of Lake Michigan. It was built in the 1920's and they are the second owners. It came furnished...and still has some of the most unique pieces you can imagine. Then, add my Aunt's eclectic collection of antiques, knickknacks and beach themed paraphernalia....along with decades of children's, grand children's and great grand children's gifts and voila! Believe it or not, it is minimalistic and full all at once. My two year old daughter fell in love with an antique wood carving of an old sea captain that my Uncle says reminds us to respect the lake. She was also AMAZED with the singing fish on the wall that sang Don't Worry Be Happy and Take Me To the River! It did not have a volume control...I am sure my Great Aunt and Uncle were for once, thankful that their hearing isn't as good as it used to be.

Desarae on the end of the Pier at the public beach after a walk from Fortino's

(she got a dollar to spend on candy at the historic candy store from her Great Great Aunt Sally)

They are the ultimate hosts. Friday night we were joined by my fourth cousin, Justice. She is really one of the most exquisite 13 year olds I have ever met. She has a special quality that is just compelling. She met us at the bottom of the stairs when we arrived to greet us and help us carry our things up the seventy some steps, she read a 500 page book in one day, helped Aunt Sally and Uncle Wayne the whole day and joined us down the one hundred and one steps down the stairs to the lake, again carrying things to help us. She even admitted to "not even miss my myspace" when she was at the lake. She even stayed on an air mattress so the rest of us could have our own rooms...Did I mention she was 13? She already has college plans and speaks so eloquently. I am so proud of her. Last time I saw her she was 2 at our wedding-time flies.

Justice and I at the lake house

Back to Aunt Sally and Uncle Wayne, they prepared and cooked meals, provided fabulous and spirited discussions about the history of the lake and I was able to reminisce about my late Grandmother. My Grandma Warner was one of the most fabulous women you could imagine. I miss her every day. Sadly and suddenly, she left us in December 1997 at age 70 with no known previous health problems. My Great Aunt Sally was her sister and best friend. So, in spending time with her, I could not stop thinking of my Grandma and feeling her presence around me. We talked about her and remembered her in a way that I haven't done in a while. There were some tears and more insight from my Aunt than I can ever thank her for.

For all of their hospitality, Wayne and I insisted in taking them out to dinner, so they picked their favorite restaurant, the Billandmar Restaurant. Now, Aunt Sally and Uncle Wayne only go out to eat once a year, on their anniversary, so they were so thrilled. They are getting ready to celebrate their 57th wedding anniversary later this month. We all can't be as lucky as they are, but I am telling you, I am insanely respectful and I am feel truly blessed to have had the chance to spend some time with them. My Uncle Wayne said, "I can't believe this" as all eight of us were piled in our van on our way to dinner. "What?" I asked. "That someone is treating us!" This was hard for me to understand. I am sure they don't make it easy for others to treat them, they are the ultimate treaters. So, it was our pleasure to see them in this role. They ordered drinks, dinner and we sat at the window looking out at the lake and all the beauty and power it holds.

At the Billandmar for dinner

On Friday night, there we all were, huddled around an old TV set with rabbit ears, watching the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. Four generations of family up to 5th cousins, ranging from two to 80, watching in awe while listening to the waves crash in the background as the wind blew through the house. It was like stepping back in time to a simple and pure moment (vodka tonics and wine included).

There is something about the water and nature that resets your brain. This was the case for me. I look forward to next summer when I check their calendars to see if they have a free weekend for us to book at the lake.

Wayne and Haiden at Lake Michigan

I am exhausted from all the steps, but giddy from all the love. Among the most precious moments were my daughter doing everything she could to avoid putting her feet in the sand (quite some balance), my niece talking to the lake and playing as if she was a dog, fetching sticks and all, my mom relaxing and smiling at her Grandchildren and my husband taking four trips to the car this morning as we said our goodbyes (seventy some steps -- each way!). My Great Aunt Sally sharing recipes with my Mother in Law and the multiple in unison "What(s)?" that were heard with two Wayne's and two Linda's in the mix!

Haiden balancing on me so her feet don't touch the sand

Thank you to the sunsets, the waves, the old sea captain and to my Great Aunt Sally and Great Uncle Wayne who embody the best America has to offer in work ethic, hospitality, spirit, fun and courage.