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Spring break did not end up quite as planned. I was supposed to go to Scottsdale with Liz and Lance for a few days. They had never been there before, and I was going to show them all the hot spots I love. We were going to a baseball game, and hopefully play some golf. Well, the day I was supposed to leave I was sick, too sick to get on the plane, so I had to cancel. I spent the day watching movies-The Descendents and Young Adult-and eating the comforting soup mom and dad brought over. It was less than ideal, however, considering Liz and Lance were drinking beers at Salty's in downtown Scottsdale and I was sipping broth.

Yesterday, I was feeling pretty good so I decided to work around the house. I also decided that if I can't go to find R&R I would bring it to me. First, I ran to Target and bought a few things to lighten up my bedroom. It feels a little more breezier than it did before:

I changed out the curtains, lamps, and bought a few accessories to make it feel more spring-like:

I also puttered around the yard and did some much needed clean up. Needless to say, while I wish I had gone on vacation, it feels good to sometimes just stay home.

Chester, Mikey, and Spring Break

Sometimes I wish that things happen easy, naturally. But, I guess as they happen they do, despite how I view things. My spring break is this week and next, and of course during this time of much needed self-care I choose to have a growth removed from Chester's arm. I forgot what it would be like, him coming off the anesthesia, the fact that his arm is wrapped up like a mummy's, the fact that I can't take him for walks for 14 days, and all the other rules around his healing. Of course, I have broken every rule. Our walks last longer than just him going out to potty; he jumps up on the bed to sleep with me; I don't always employ the e-collar. But, all in all, he is healing just fine, and I realized that if I were to do this during school then I would be stressed out X2. Stanley and I had a nice time together when Ches was in surgery. Stan and I rarely spend one-on-one time together; Chester has taken to sleeping with me, so we get that time, but Stan and I are always a part of a pack. So, Monday I came home from class, took Stan for a walk, gave him a chew, and then walked him to Whole Foods where he waited outside for me, like a big boy. He was all Mr. Independent on Monday and had a new found sense of confidence when we were out and about. Of course he became a blubbering mess when Chester came home, but I will always remember those few hours that Stan could really just be himself.

Despite the stressful week, I had a lovely day today, celebrating Mikey's 39th birthday. I hit some golf balls with Liz, and then went to Target. I bought a few items and some lunch stuff-a sandwich from the deli, some chips and a cookie-and I headed to the cemetery. I hadn't been there since Christmas so I laid out a towel and had a picnic by Mike's grave. I came home, watered the lawn, and walked to Bonnie Brae Pizza for a birthday remembrance including Mike's dad and my family. It was laid back, relaxing, and the pizza was better than I remembered it. I am now laying in bed, early so I can read, and tomorrow I am walking with a friend, playing a Par 3 with dad, and having a sushi dinner.

I think I was in a funk at the beginning of my spring break, but I am realizing just how important it is to revel in these moments. Despite the stress that can occur, it is important to revel in every moment.

The Food Movement

Wednesday night I went to the Paramount Theater with my neighbors to see Michael Pollan speak about the "food movement". I had been excited to hear what he had to say, as well as be with other foodies who are a part of this movement. The conversation was great and the two hours flew by quickly. He talked about processed foods, supporting organic versus local farmers, eating meat versus vegetarianism, etc. All in all, it was an interesting conversation. However, I did look around the theater and noticed that the majority of the house were white people, early to mid-thirties on average, and I didn't see a lot of people of color. Which got me thinking...is the food movement a middle class white person's movement?

He did touch on the importance of making wholesome food available to the poor, but that was about the extent of how he addressed this issue. I started realizing that it isn't just about whether someone can afford fresh food versus processed food or that their food stamps are enough to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. It is about living in a neighborhood where there is a grocery store that carries fresh food, not just a 7-11. It is about having time to cook fresh food after the end of a long day when you are a single parent. It is about culture and the kinds of food historically and culturally one might cook.

So, perhaps the food movement has yet to uncover how to become culturally applicable and acceptable to all, which doesn't mean that is a bad thing...the movement is still in its infancy. Asking these questions shows that there are bigger questions on the table about how to support health and well-being in a complex and multicultural world.