Spaces in Between

RECENT NOTE TO MY GLAMOROUS FRIEND JILL:

So my dear...I wanted badly to see you over Christmas for lunch or something but I've been dealing with matters that are taking precedence, namely my health.

The protusion in my stomach is not just fat, but an ovarian cyst about 25 cm/10in. in size. I look 9 months preggo right now and my legs are swollen to capacity thanks to less circulation. How did I find out?

I was checking out *** and had a consult with a surgeon because of my burgeoning tummy. I was eating less but it was getting bigger so I thought I was just out of control somehow. I told him my stomach was distended more than it should be and was firm. He examined me and agreed and immediately ordered a CT scan and that's when he told me at our follow-up that it could be cancer and he made arrangements for an urgent appt with my gyno.

Met with gyno two days ago who has since scheduled me for a meeting with a gynecological oncologist at Moffitt for next Wednesday. The results for the blood drawn on Monday will be ready for that appt. We still don't know for sure but what I do know is that the size explains all the weird things happening to me and will be relieved once extracted through open surgery. I will be recovering at my aunt's in Brandon after.

To me, this is just another piece of news. I told my family we are approaching this with a project plan and with humor. Anything less is not acceptable. I have already lived through worse so this is nothing. Also, to put things in perspective, I am not a child burn victim or a dad who just lost his job and home while trying to figure out how to feed his wife and kids nor am I a mom with cancer figuring out how to take care of her kids.

The bad news is having to wear elastic waistband jeans. EWWW
The good news to me is that I finally have some answers and I am gonna lose some weight!

Just letting you know..

Hugs,
S

JILL'S RESPONSE:

I would start out with the OMG's and WTF's but we dont' have time for that....

I am here for you. I will call you after my lunch appointment so we can plan out the "divicious" plan of attack-that word is (Div ISH IS).

First and formost...fashion...what makeup will you wear in surgery....what lounguing outfits should we buy? Oh the details. I am not making light of this AT ALL...but we must handle this with our everlasting positive attitude and sense of humor, there is no other way to get through this. I love you very much my friend and I will call you in a few hours. Everything will be OK.

SPRINKLES RESPONSE:

You are my honey! I was thinking the same thing. Need to find some hot pink socks and I need to figure out my air fresheners for my room because I am not smelling hospital smells. Ick. xo

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This is the kind of friendship(s) I have in my life... Tawny has been with me at every appointment if she is able, being patient and supportive. My cousin Angie just bought me pink comfy and sensible slippers for the hospital (as opposed to the ones with maribou feathers I secretly like) -- as well as lots of other incredibly nice things she does everyday for me especially during her Christmas visit! My galpals at work have helped me re-tie my shoes and re-adjust my chairs for comfort. Kathy listens and offers words of encouragement that I've normally given her in the past. Kristey and Myrna are there, too, just waiting for me to say the word 'help'. I can't even begin to tell you about my family...

I just love everyone so much and want it all to be better. It is the spaces in between these appointments that try my patience and my independence. At least I have Las Vegas neon pink socks and vanilla air fresheners to look forward to when this alien juice is out of me. ;p

Joy and Magic to all of us in the New Year!

Love,
Sprinkles xxxoo
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Spaces in Between

Inside Look

Bile. It began to feel like bile if my imagination of what bile might really feel like when it was sloshing in my stomach. Within 12 hours, I had ingested four cups of berry-flavored contrast or iodine dye and one more generous cup of citrus-flavored contrast at the hospital this morning. It had the faintest lingering taste at the end that was not too pleasant. My stomach was protesting at the contents and at missing breakfast in order to complete my scheduled CT scan this morning.

What CT scan, AGOL?

While seeing a specialist for something else on Tuesday, he became alarmed at symptoms I was describing and began to examine my person with the requisite female nurse present. Several minutes later, he ordered a CT scan for my abdomen and pelvis at the hospital next door to his facility for today. The CT scan will allow him a "slice by slice" inside look of my organs to see if there is any obstruction or growth not belonging in a healthy human.

I recently found myself mysteriously able to eat half or a third less of what I normally consumed but my stomach had gained inches and parts were firmer than normal. The latter part had been happening gradually over the last couple of years. No, I was not in any danger of being pregnant -- my body was just starting to look like it. It was distorted to me. It had finally become embarrassing and uncomfortable enough to seek medical help. I am rarely ever sick, never had a broken bone or any kind of surgery in my life. For me to finally break down was difficult personally and emotionally.

During this morning's special x-ray, I was asked to lay down on top of a sheet covered slim platform. My feet were fed first inside a circular metal mouth housing the special instrument. The radiologist finished right below my breasts. Sometimes I had to hold my breath for 6 or 13 seconds during several passes back and forth. The strangest burning sensation of wanting urinate immediately also followed the additional IV of dye being forced through my body via the needle sticking out of my right arm.

The two good things of this experience were that I didn't have to take jewelry or clothing off and the whole thing lasted less than 30 minutes. Next to the imaginary bile was the surreal aloneness (if that makes sense) I felt while being in the room with the CT scan and the radiologist stationed in a different room to administer and adjust the machine. It was eerily quiet except for the hum of the giant x-ray and instructions being squawked through the microphone.

When I was finally released, I was able to escape the catacomb-like halls of the hospital with a patient wristband and a small bandage where my IV needle had been. I had valet parked my car so retrieving it in the rain was easy. The rainy weather was soothing...

I debated whether to write about this experience because for the many things I do share there are another set of events I do not. Tuesday seems like forever to discuss my results, but that is when my follow-up with my specialist is set. He is a surgeon specializing in laparoscopic surgery; his expertise gives me comfort and trust. In fact, he was the one who recently removed Tawny's husband's gallbladder.

Am I prepared for a diagnosis? Yes. I have already started to plan for different scenarios that included e-mails with HR on handling time-off for surgery should it come to that. I have also extrapolated for a more serious scenario. It is not that I am trying to "borrow trouble" or "write stories that aren't there", but I firmly believe you cannot have a Pollyanna mentality that everything is roses. How naive and stupid. One should always run different ideas in his/her head to not feel shock or hopelessness. I firmly believe in pre-planning which helps dispel the fear of what happens next.

My practicality shifts into overdrive in situations like this while my emotional considerations get pushed back until I allow it a voice or acknowledge its presence. It would be an unwanted nuisance until I find out more. Believe me it is fighting for a voice right now. I can feel pinpricks of tears at the oddest moments until I steel myself against them. There is no room right now. This new goddamn birth control I switched to makes it more difficult to squelch such a feminine response. Ugh.

There are events this weekend that will take my mind off things. Angie is flying in from Los Angeles for Christmas around 5am tomorrow. My aunt and uncle will retrieve her from the airport while I sleep under my new warm IKEA comforter. I will see her later when I meet up with Mi Familia for Kristen's dance recital -- I can't wait!
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Inside Look

Happy Thanksgiving

This week was my vacation week. It started off with a weekend trip to Jacksonville to visit Kathy with Tawny. Kathy surprised us with movie tickets to see New Moon which we all enjoyed immensely. Tawny and I have read all four books of the Twilight series while Kathy seems to have been motivated to read two more.

I was pretty much a slug on Monday while Tuesday was spent at a recommended follow-up check-up with my physician. The bloodwork taken at my cookie doctor last month revealed that I was anemic and unusually low on Vitamin D. It is official -- I am a vampire! My physician surprisingly wrote me a script for the vitamin deficiency.

The doctor also prescribed a mammogram since it has been years since I've had one. At (almost) 39 and with history of cancer in my family, I've had to endure the breast pancake machine earlier than normal. Coincidentally Tawny had to get one, too, with the same radiology company. A couple of phone calls secured us back-to-back appointments yesterday. We took the term Bosom Buddies to a whole new level!

Today is Thanksgiving Day...Turkey, gravy and rice -- could anything be more divine? My aunt made a legendary feast as she always does. This time I took home some leftovers to enjoy later.

I brought my aunt a big jar sampling of my Atchara (Filipino pickled papaya). Pic #1 is of the raw ingredients. The only things missing are the garlic and the sugar. Pic #2 is the finished product.




Yes, the decorative carrots are a rule. I didn't make the rule; I just followed it for fear of bringing a strange yet believable Filipino curse on me.




For part of dessert I made Cake Ball Truffles. It is made by blending spice cake (usually red velvet cake) and cream cheese frosting before rolling into balls. [Clearly not my original idea!] They were chilled and then dipped in chocolate coating. These crazy treats were a hit at my aunt's feast as well as Tawny's home. I stopped on the way to my aunt's to drop off a couple of containers.




Tomorrow is Black Friday. I have no desire to be in any retail store at any hour just to avoid the greedy crowds altogether. Some stores are opening at midnight tonight and others around 3am, 4am, etc. just to capture more sales with lures of unheard of deals. Big deal. Well then...Off to get some green tea.


PS I am thankful for my family and friends who continually support, encourage and love me. I am also very thankful that I don't have to go in the sun to increase my levels of Vitamin D. Taking a pill is worth every wrinkle not earned. Hee.
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Happy Thanksgiving

Tulip Temptation

Give me an occasion. Any occasion. My creative compulsion will answer the faintest siren's call. It has lain dormant for almost three years. Now it has been unleashed to frighten me with its power and (grudgingly) its magic. My recent posts have reflected my giving into the sweetest temptations. Today fared no better.

Kristey had invited Myrna and me for dinner so we could enjoy the outdoor tiki bar she and husband had built in their large backyard. The last time we visited, the rain had discouraged any stay outdoors. Like last time with the Brownie Beach Cake, I volunteered to bring dessert.

Years of knowing Kristey has allowed me the intimate knowledge of her favorite color - purple and her favorite flowers - tulips. When we worked together, I had the pleasure of seeing her enjoy the bouquets of tulips her husband would send her on several occasions. I thought I'd try my hand at it from a different angle, an edible one.

The following is from my youtube page. It was not my intention to create a video with the pictures, but the amount of photos left me no choice. The quality isn't what I would like as the videos you can upload are 2MB max unless you want to break it down which I did not. Enjoy!




Kristey was very pleasantly surprised and enjoyed the filled tulip cups. The doily tray and plated photos were taken at her home.

Tulip Collage


xo Sprinkles
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Tulip Temptation

Monogram Monday

My oven received a workout yesterday. First the scones, second the lasagne and third the birthday cake for one of my buddies at work, Michelle. I don't know what possessed me -- everything was made from scratch! The weekend started productive and continued until midnight last night when I put the finishing touches on the cake.

Creativity allows you flexibility to adapt quickly which makes me very thankful for mine. The cake was supposed to have zebra-like stripes on the edges, but I couldn't get the proper shade of black with the kind of icing I made. It required a special candy colorant to achieve the desired color. Out came the plain piping tip to drop white dots along the perimeter of the bottom and top of the cake. The top part was mainly to hide where the hot pink icing met the white color.

Without the zebra stripes, I couldn't do my original design on top. Armed with a piping bag filled with dark chocolate, I dropped a monogram design, frame and swirls onto acetate (clear plastic). A few drops of coloring in bowls of melted white candy coating produced the colors I filled the negative space created. Once all the chocolate hardened, I peeled the plaque off the acetate and flipped the whole thing flat side up on the cake.



A little vodka and gold petal dust allowed me to use a brush to paint golden accents on the plaque.



Here is the birthday girl indulging me in a pose with her cake!



The cake was enjoyed by many. Chocolate butter cake was filled with whipped heavy cream and crushed Oreo cookies. The whole thing was covered in a special buttercream frosting that was light and not too sweet. The cake, filling and frosting recipes came from The Whimsical Bakehouse.



Yum!

Monogram Monday

Scone Heaven

A proper scone is a dear friend of the Sprinkles' taste buds. The last time I was tantalized by a good scone was during my trip to England two and a half years ago. I fell in love with it again this morning after making my own.

Feast your eyes, my lovelies:

Fresh from the oven



Abundant scones in ceramic dish



Light and tiny pockets of air all over



No English cream or strawberry jam this morning. I think butter and my aunt's homemade mango jam are officially the Sprinkles Way. Damn, they were heavenly!





Richard Bertinet's Scone Recipe is from Gourmet magazine editor Ruth Reichl's PBS television series Adventures with Ruth. The episode was filmed in The Bertinet Kitchen in Bath, England... Scone food porn pictures were shamelessly and deliciously brought to you by Sarah Sprinkles.


Happy Sunday!
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Scone Heaven

Post Halloween

Just got home an hour ago from the other side of the apartment complex. I should be in bed now, but we have ended Daylight Savings Time and I had an extra hour. Might was well post while it is still fresh in my mind...

Tawny had an intimate evening of old horror flicks planned for her guests. Her apartment was dark, many candles were lit, had a bubbling cauldron by the dining area, snacks and sweets all over the table for us to nibble and plenty of good cheer.

I brought two dishes. Once was a plate of refrigerated croissant dough torn at random pieces to wrap around sliced smoked kielbasa sausage that were no bigger than two inches long. The nibbles were baked, speared with toothpicks before I arranged them around a ramekin of spicy mustard.

The other dish was a more spooky fare that tantalized my creativity...

BEFORE PICTURE




AFTER PICTURE



How? First I sliced the package of cream cheese into two equal parts and rolled them into a ball. They were placed together and mushed down a bit into the serving dish. I wasn't sure how it would work but I drew capillary-like furrows into the cream cheese before drizzling some barely warmed homemade red pepper jelly from my aunt over the mounds. I topped them with two small rounds of red pepper I cut to fit underneath the gummy eyeball candy. This was served with buttery crackers.

The craziest part of the evening was when I found myself unable to get out of Tawny's bathroom. I somehow managed to lock myself inside. Her husband and relatives were just in the bedroom next door looking at something on the Internet so I knocked, but no one answered. I didn't know they had left to go back into the living room where the TV was a bit loud. By this time I was giggling so hard I barely could talk on my cell phone. Tawny knew where I was and couldn't fathom why I was calling her from the bathroom. She was cracking up on the other line as she made her way to rescue me. It was several minutes before we could speak from laughing painfully. There is never a dull moment in Sprinklesville!
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Post Halloween

Happy Halloween

From my haunted palace to yours...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN




Tricks and Kisses,
Sprinkles
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Happy Halloween

Sweets with Sweets

I cannot recall the last time I decorated cookies. My rusty skills revealed themselves today during Bridget and her son Logan's visit to my place for Halloween-themed cupcakes and cookie decorating.

My visitors were so sweet! They brought me flowers. Bridget handed me a vibrant summer-like mix while Logan had to bring me his own separate single pink rose. I immediately prepared them in a large vase before we headed out for a quick Greek lunch down the road...

Disney's "Lilo and Stitch" played on the DVD while we decorated the cupcakes Bridget baked and the cookies I made. Logan did participate; however, it was Bridget who got more out of it by learning how to color buttercream and royal icing with the new electric gel colors I received in the mail earlier in the week. My memory was short on how involved the whole activity could become, but it was worth a creative afternoon.

In between decorating, Logan would show me his mini Legos shaped like helicopters and trucks. It was all very complicated and told him so. Bolstered with the fearless spirit of an eight-year old, he commanded his knowledge of building each bit. He proceeded to hand me five pieces to put together a miniature helicopter pilot: three black pieces for the body, one for the white helmet and a yellow tinted clear acrylic mask for the helmet. After I struggled a little with my long nails to put them all together, he rewarded me with a smile. What a ladykiller!

Here are some pics of their decorating. Luckily for me they took most everything home. My kitchen and dining room were decorating disaster areas. Ha! All cleaned up in over an hour thank goodness.



As a result of today, I am definitely going to bake again for Christmas with the 15-year old butter cookie recipe I've kept and never used until this afternoon. It was a recipe from a lady named Nancy I worked part-time at Williams-Sonoma back in Chicago. For years I saw it hidden in between other pages of my personal recipe treasure book, but never had the heart to throw it away. Delayed surprises can be best and sweet, too!
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Sweets with Sweets

Cookie Doctor

I know I am treading on dangerous ground as I discuss a visit to my new "cookie doctor" yesterday. As millions of women around the world know, it is not the most dignified exam whether is it given by a male or female doctor.

After years of dealing with a male, I decided to switch to a women's group five minutes from my apartment. From the first call to make the appointment to the end of the visit, it was the best experience. They managed your expectations and made you proud to have chosen them.

Hello Hollywood...The lobby reminded you of an upscale hotel with wood and cushioned furniture set in conversation groups surrounded by deep sand colored walls. This facility was packed with women waiting to be seen, mostly by pregnant women. Navy blue jackets adorned the ladies sitting behind the reception windows like tetras in a fishbowl and friendly nurses milled about in cheerful rose pink scrubs. Everyone welcomed you with a smile and addressed you formally by "Mrs --" or "Ms --". Later I found my exam room already prepared for my visit with vials marked with my name in bold letters.

My new doctor has a cozy office decorated with formal heavy furniture and one wall hung a big photo cloud sculpture of babies she had delivered. In front of her was a mini laptop where she made notes of some symptoms I had been experiencing. We talked in general, agreed to a battery of blood work to get a baseline and she hinted that part of my issue could be age (horror!) related. "Women in their late 30s...blah blah blah". Nice. Yes, even your AGOL suffers from human maladies.

I normally get anxious in any doctor's offices and was dumbstruck when the nurse told me my blood pressure reading was normal. The exam itself was uneventful thanks to smaller instruments and the butterfly gentle care of my doctor. My experience with male doctors for some reason tend to use bigger instruments in this case -- the speculum. It's not like they need to be spelunking in there. Contrary to scorned ex-husbands, no stalactites have ever been found in any woman's vagina, I'm sure.

Why post about such a routine event? Well, sometimes it is enriching to share what is right with the medical world when women run it. They run it with themselves in mind and the sensitivity with dignity women are entitled to have each and every day. Hell, I told my girlies that the experience was so freeing that I would go daily for fun and take it up as a hobby. Uhm...That is a joke my lovelies.
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Cookie Doctor

Dumpling Love

Jonesing for dumplings. Yeah, I know. "What happened to rice?" Ever since I've been exclusively eating brown rice (short grain and Jasmine long grain), I haven't been craving it as much. So now enter the dumplings or maybe is it the endless possibilities of the fillings?

Last weekend I made a seasoned pork and shrimp filling that I stuffed into square wonton skins. Several have been cooked in a chicken broth, ladled in a bowl and sprinkled with fresh chopped baby bok choy and several more steam-fried and finished with Indonesian soy sauce (thick and sweet).

Below are frozen rows still waiting to be cooked.



This evening had me making pumpkin dumpling raviolis. If I have to do this next time, I would just stuff one round skin and fold in half like the wontons. This was either too much dough or not enough filling in the dough for me.



Oooh. Pumpkin Ravioli Patch. Pillows and pillows.


I didn't feel like defrosting the red sauce from a previous batch in the freezer so I melted some butter with olive oil and added chopped spinach in a pan. When the pumpkin raviolis were done boiling, I quickly tossed them in the pan with spinach before plating them and sprinkled some Parmesan cheese on top. This would have been tastier with toasted pine nuts. Instead of a butter/olive oil mix, you could brown the butter and some sage together before incorporating the the dumplings with it.



Now to clean-up the dishes...


FYI & Warning - You will have loads to freeze of both these dumplings for future use:

Wonton Filling: fresh ground pork, fresh chopped peeled shrimp, finely chopped waterchestnuts, finely chopped shallots, sweet rice wine, ground ginger, pressed garlic, sesame oil, salt & pepper.

Dumpling Ravioli Filling: cooked squash, potato flakes, grated Parmesan, finely chopped shallot, pressed garlic, nutmeg, salt & pepper.
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Dumpling Love

Watching Wild Things

This long week deserved a nice feel-good ending. I was supposed to be hanging out with my old friend Jill, but I was afraid to drive home late from her home as tired as I have been. The evening may have involved some libations. You remember me and my night blindness? Anyhoo, Tawny asked me to see a later showing of "Where the Wild Things Are", an adaptation of the children's book by Maurice Sendak.

During Comic-Con* in July, I had the pleasure of seeing a preview of the movie. Clips shown to us included behind the scenes and some of Sendak. All of this will probably appear on the DVD later.

Representing his movie at Comic-Con was the child actor, Max Records, who portrays a child who basically has a tantrum. He leaves his home wearing a wolf costume and ends up sailing to, you guess it, where the wild things are.

Max Records below on two jumbo screens.


I felt the same sense of wonder tonight as I did in July. The cinematography was breathtaking with the tight shots -- Spike Jonze (director) did an amazing job. You can really get the sense from a child's point of view. The special effects didn't smack you over the head either; the story stayed center stage.

Your AGOL highly recommends seeing this movie. Its simplicity is beautiful and heart-warming. When was the last time a movie told you a story without engaging you in too many complicated subplots and distracting special effects? Exactly.


*Yes, I know I owe you pics of celebrities and events of this portion of my vacation. Still thinking about it.
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Watching Wild Things

Sunny Somewhere

Very beary delicious brownie! You can create this beach scene, too, if you're pressed for an idea to bring for dessert and if you have a dose of baking insanity (aka Sprinkles Magic).

I brought this to Kristey's house last Saturday for an evening with her and Myrna. We also got to see her backyard beach and the tiki bar upgrade her husband made. They are officially ready for serious entertaining in their big yard.

Wouldn't you know it? Rain. We had to enjoy everything from the confines of her living room instead as the dark sky and continued precipitation discouraged any outdoor appreciation.

Luckily, these bears were there to remind us that is was sunny somewhere:

The beach sand was made with processed mini graham bear cookies (eek!) and those that survived the food processor were allowed to bask the indoor sun and enjoy the water made of blue tinted sugar gel. (Hint: Spread gel first before the sand - you'll thank me for it!) Their towels were cut from the bottoms of cupcake liners. You know my drink parasols had to be included as their umbrellas! The sand barriers in the back were mini stick pretzels lined against the cake. Underneath is a vanilla frosted fudgey (dense not cakey!) brownie cake.



More details...Notice the green decorating sugar near the pretzel sticks -- I needed "grass". Basking bears were stuck to the paper with a dot of white vanilla frosting. The floating rings in the blue gel were made of oval dollops of shimmering pink gel with the bears plunged in.



The girls laughed, took pictures and later we all had a sampling. I made them transfer parts of it in separate containers for themselves so I wasn't tempted at home.




Bringing you a smile and scenes of the sun,
Sprinkles
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Sunny Somewhere

Date an Asian Man Video

I clicked. I watched. I was speechless...

...because I was laughing my ass off:

WARNING: Song contains some profanity.


XO,
Sprinkles
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Date an Asian Man Video

Soak Your Fallopian Tubes

Maybe it is good that I am not much of a drinker. With my brain cells taxed at work, I need to remember as much as I can. Ha! This weekend was the long-awaited "Soak Your Fallopian Tubes" weekend with Tawny and Kathy. Tawny was deserving of time away from everyone and Kathy needed some company while her man was in DC.

Friday...Got kicked out of work at 3pm so the movers could move our office with the rest of the clan in Tower Four. Drove home and did a few quick errands before picking up Tawny to make our way to Jacksonville while singing in the car. (Talk about dorks!) We arrived to wine and snackies before 9pm. The three of us polished off two bottles of wine before bedtime.

Saturday...Awoke early enough to enjoy delicious French Toast made by Kathy and jugs of coffee. Drove all over the city and ended up at Whole Foods where we had an incredible lunch. Shopping..More shopping which included a stop at an adult superstore for fun. We were home for a spell before heading back out to see "The Time Traveler's Wife". Tawny and I cried during the movie while Kathy endured. It was fun to watch a complete chick flick with my girlies. Eric Bana was hhhhhhhhhoooootttt !! Yowza. Stopped for veggie pizza and back for more wine and vodka.

This is what happened to the bottle of Riesling we were chilling on Friday night. We forgot about it and discovered a science experiment on Saturday. Pop! goes the freezer..


Yes, it was still drinkable. Hee.

Sunday...Late start. Kathy drove us to Cracker Barrel for a fortifying brunch. Around 3pm Tawny and I made our way back to Tampa. Getting back to a clean apartment and all the laundry done was great. It pays to scramble before a trip to get that all complete.

This is Kathy's dog Belka. She is attention seeking, loving and just adorable. I love her coloring. Her body is sleek. This is what she thought of us during the whole weekend when she'd tire of us. It is also what your AGOL did when she got home, only on the sofa.



Lessons Learned:

1. Don't underestimate the power of being with your girlfriends and keeping in touch no matter what else is going on in your lives.
2. Adult superstores have kinda lost their allure -- read as "Sprinkles is jaded".
3. Sprinkles still can't hold her liquor. .

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Soak Your Fallopian Tubes

Hot and Cold

Feeling the artificial breeze move across the top sheet covering my body reminded me that I had a mission this morning. The air conditioning had gone on the fritz again yesterday. It wasn't blowing any cold air and indoors registered 82 degrees when I got home. By 8am today, the humidity had thickened within Chez Sprinklesville. Oppressive! A small oscillating fan I kept in the storage room outside moved with me from room to room lessening my discomfort.

I rushed through breakfast scarfing down cold cantaloupe pieces and a stick of cheese. The cloying warmth didn't encourage any cooking. A quick shower followed but I stopped myself from the instinctual urge to shampoo my hair. The last thing I wanted was to use a hot hair dryer on it and I refuse to go out with wet hair.

An hour after I visited the main office, one of the maintenance guys came to investigate. He soon discovered the problem outside - a burnt wire! Thank goddess it was easily rectified to bring back the cool in Chez Sprinklesville. When it was chilled enough I trekked to the other side of town to spend the afternoon and early evening at my aunt's.

I gave my uncle his Father's Day gift one day early (a rare bottled six-pack of San Miguel beer imported from the Philippines) and a humorous card filled with heart Sprinkles he had to dump out from his netbook. They scattered all over as he opened to read the card. Whoops!


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Sharing some pics...

Stuffed Bell Pepper with Rice and Kale. Two of these were perfect for lunch during the week.



This was done for instructional purposes only. Zucchini ribbons are a great alternative to pasta. These were too thin really to blanch for a minute or two. I should have eaten it raw with the hot tomato sauce I made. If you were to use a mandolin slicer or a vegetable peeler, you can get thicker and more firm ribbons to blanch and hold their shape better. I used a saladacco (spiral slicer) which can also be used to do spaghetti-style noodles.


Yes, I used chopsticks. I included the pic of my personal stash. Round chopsticks not square, mind you, are my preference.

AND THEN....(There is always an AND THEN, right?)

My eyes bore into the title and picture of this DVD at the craft supercenter during a trip with my aunt to today. What was the author thinking? Why did the producers allow this? Egads!


Just sayin'.
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Hot and Cold

I Hate Popcorn...for Other Reasons

I actually love popcorn, but I can no longer eat more than 1/2 cup. To that end I avoid it completely. My body balks at its intrusion into my system. You may recall a trip to the emergency room and then doctor about a year ago. No repeats - no, thank you. Craving it when someone cooks a bag of it at work is no longer an issue. The shame of not being able to indulge in it during a movie theater outing has lessened, too.

This evening my enquiring mind led me to "How Stuff Works" website which is filled with fascinating information. It is pure joy to read their pages. Feels like drinking in words through my eyes and nourishing my mind. The added knowledge are like tiny electric flowers swaying and basking in the energy of my body. I love learning...until the small and galling hiccup in numbers 12 and 13 in Twenty Things You Didn't Know About Popcorn.

I recoiled and huffed when I read the following obscenities:

12. Unpopped kernels are called "old maids" or "spinsters."

13. There are two possible explanations for old maids. The first is that they didn't contain sufficient moisture to create an explosion; the second is that their outer coating (the hull) was damaged, so that steam escaped gradually, rather than with a pop. Good popcorn should produce less than 2 percent old maids.

Perhaps I am bristling too much. Still. Damn kernels.
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I Hate Popcorn...for Other Reasons

Still Sprinkles

While I enjoy living in Florida, there are two things you can count on during the summer, the rising heat from the blinding sun and the intense humidity that hangs around it like a lusty lover that cares for nothing else but merging with it. The product of that post coital bliss is left for us Floridians and visitors to bear from June to September.

Maybe it is the heat that has made my blogging sluggish? Truth be told -- I've started a few entries and never finished them. As you read I did keep some pics to remind me what I've been doing. Just about the time I get the inspiration to write again, a week has gone by and I decide to start over. After umpteenth attempt, let me catch up with you with some life lessons I've been reminded lately.

IKEA in Tampa opened the beginning of May. I was invited to go the first weekend it opened. The traffic was diverted and managed like that of a big sports event. The cult of IKEA was in full force. My pals and I survived the mad crush and later stopped at the art center and then for ice cream. The little girl [pictured below] ordered the most sugar laden ice cream and topping combination that was poured into this chocolate and sprinkle dipped waffle cone. Her enthusiasm reminded me the idealism of childhood and the joy that can be experienced when you allow yourself to live in the moment. Especially during the sweetest moments. (She is also going to be Tawny's future step granddaughter.)



A couple of weekends later had me attending my cousin Dave's kids' First Communion mass. My aunt and uncle had just arrived back the day before from their week-long cruise around the Caribbean and Virgin Islands. They remind me of what true love can be like as long as it is cherished and not taken for granted. Look how happy they are! While sitting one pew behind them, I noticed how they would find ways to touch each other and what made me really chuckle was when my aunt would sway her hips to left to lightly bump my uncle's right hip in a playful gesture during the hymns we sang standing up. I hope to rock like them in my 60s.



These custom made First Communion outfits came directly from the Philippines thanks to their mom's relatives still living there. I should have taken a picture of Kristen's hair from the back because it was really cute woven with silk ribbons and flowers. Carter in his traditional Filipino "Barong Tagalog" shirt was quite the little man. He read from scripture with a deliberate and thoughtful delivery. We all felt such pride in them both. I got to see them again the following weekend during Kristen's dance recital event at the performing arts center.



Two Fridays ago I took as a vacation day to just "chill" from the hectic work pace. Tawny and I hung out (rare moment!) most of the afternoon and joined me again later for dinner before we left to see her youngest son play at a bar several miles up the road. I hadn't seen the boys play in a couple of months. Their improvement was impressive. In fact, a touring band that played after them was horrible in comparison. Singing death metal incorrectly can make you sound like the Cookie Monster on meth. Really.

It was on to new worlds the next day. I drove 240 miles north to Jacksonville, Florida to visit Kathy and Jamie in their new home. Kathy advised me that it would take me about 3.5 hours to get there. Erm...uh...I made it in under 3 hours. My personal speed limit was mostly 80mph. I only slowed when I went through Orlando and a couple of rainy spots.

It was a fun change to get away from Tampa for a weekend and I missed Kathy a bunch. Within an hour of getting there, she took me to a tasty Filipino restaurant. With the exception of dessert items, there were only two things she could eat off the menu as a vegetarian. She still ate well and we went crazy on dessert. We worked it off by shopping a few hours.

In the evening we ended up at the movie theaters watching "Star Trek" with Jamie. He and I agreed ahead of time that I would explain things to Kathy during the movie if she had any questions. Kathy is not a trekkie even in the loose sense of the term. The movie was a lot of fun and the new Captain Kirk was rowrrr!

I drove back on Sunday afternoon accompanied by the Twilight series (vampire theme) audio books playing in my car. Listening to the first book made the drive back home pass magically. I am still listening to the first book to and from work creating a zen feeling. Being incredibly relaxed driving is a new sensation for sure.

Now to the present...This weekend was supposed to be my hermit weekend. Not so, said fate. Ant called me yesterday to invite me to lunch with his wife Becca and cutie pie son, Garrett at a German restaurant near me. He is such a good and flirty baby.



Tawny called me in the evening to go to the art center. They were hosting a small high school band that was going to do 80s covers. How could I say no? The band ended up being really entertaining. The kids were set up in the garage facing the street with amps, lighting and their instruments. The songs could be heard down the street and caused cars to pause as they drove by. When "What I Like About You" came on, I had no choice but to do an impromptu 80s style dance in the middle of the street in front of strangers. Tawny, my ultra cool pal, joined me while her husband embarrassed by our antics retreated back inside the art gallery. We laughed in response.

I am about to make some stuffed zucchini using seasoned vegetarian crumbles, brown rice, red dal and sweet potato. I will also make some stuffed red peppers with kale, brown rice and my special tomato sauce I have already cooked and reduced. These will be my lunches these week. Cooking and freezing whole foods versus paying more for processed junk or buying junk is more in line with what I am trying to achieve. My goals are of increasing fiber, nutritive values and lowering meat intake. It is a delicious time all the way!
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Still Sprinkles

Rediscovered...DISEDERATA

Happy Sunday, my lovelies! It is with great joy that I rediscovered Disederata* this morning. Reading it again with fresh eyes and a more experienced soul gives me a "soul hug" for my new appreciation. (My favorite part is in bold.)

Before you begin reading, I give you another pic from EPCOT for your visual "soul hug"...



DESIDERATA
by Max Ehrmann

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.


*Desiderata is Latin for "Things to be Desired."



XOXO,
Sprinkles
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Rediscovered...DISEDERATA

EPCOT Pictorial

Two days prior we were experiencing another reduction in force nationwide. I started to feel peculiar because my emotions were not tied to the people getting laid off, even the ones I knew. Some sadness was there, but mostly I felt numb. We've let go of hundreds of people nationwide in the last year and a half. What was another few hundred? I was thankful I could escape today to help celebrate my friend Myrna's 47th birthday at a Disney park: EPCOT.

Months ago we decided we would attend the Flower and Garden Festival at EPCOT. We would go on her birthday so she could get in free with advance registration. This has got to be one of the best thing's Disney has implemented. The celebrant also receives a giant pin with Happy Birthday and their name written on the pin. I would say that about 90% of the employees we encountered wished Myrna a happy birthday during our trek around the park.

Myrna was greeted at my the door with brownie cake I made sporting several lit candles. The running joke is that there were several years I was not advancing Myrna's age when her birthday came around. She was turning 42 when we met. Something like, "You're turning 42, right?" would escape me every year. This is the first year I am acknowledging that she is 47.



We had breakfast on the way to Orlando and after the 45-minute drive, we were soon ogling all the topiaries and bright colors offered for the festival.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs


The icon of EPCOT: Spaceship Earth which contains a ride that take you from the dinosaur age to computers, showing how technology has evolved in the world. I could've sworn it was Dame Judy Dench narrating the exhibit.


I love this pattern. Hmm..How many sides are there?


Three ostrich looking mighty fine.


Lady and the Tramp! So cute.


Bromeliad Dragon: This was in front of the China exhibit. The colors are stunning.


Just a view of the dozens of gardens showcased in the event.


Fleur-de-lys in the France exhibit.


Bulletins pasted on a column -- also in the France exhibit.


Sleeping Beauty (aka Princess Aurora) was one of the many characters walking around greeting guests and available for photo opportunities like this with a young visitor.


A scary troll topiary in front of the Norway exhibit.


If you've seen the movie Finding Nemo then you'll recognize these characters.


Beauty and the Beast


This is a great pic of Cinderella in front of Spaceship Earth.


I was teasing Myrna that Cinderella had been waiting for her prince so long that she grew moss.


We arrived at my apartment safe and sound not to mention tired! I had to work the next day and Myrna had to hurry home to her husband and celebrate what was left of her day. I went to bed dreaming of gardens and mossy princes. Ha.

EPCOT Pictorial

GIDDYAP...It's Exercise!

A man must have invented this contraption...


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GIDDYAP...It's Exercise!

Floaty and Fruity

My boss has been laughing at me. Every time he turns the corner of my cube wall to come to my desk, he never knows what kind of Asian freaky food or whatnot he will be greeted with each day. I like to keep him on his toes. What made him really investigate was a jug of flavored water I started bring in to take the place of my moratorium on coffee.

There was recent TV coverage on a college in Minnesota encouraging their students to drink more water in lieu of drinking colas in their lunchrooms. They introduced a colorful water bar of clear urns filled with filtered water, ice and sliced fruit. The students are now drinking 150 gallons of water a day.

The Inspiration...


Well, I remembered a similar thing in the Philippines where we would grate cantaloupe to mix with ice, water and sugar to make a flavored drink during the summers. I decided to take that happy memory and recreate it for work. My goal is to successfully drink 3 liters of water a day (via flavored filtered water and hot jasmine green tea). My increase in sleep precludes me from using coffee as a crutch to jumpstart me in the morning. Besides my coffee intake throughout the day was easily an extra 800 calories a day with the cream and table sugar. Now I don't have to add sugar to my drinks and if I do, a packet or two of Splenda is fine. Instead of grating the fruit, I am cutting them into chunks so I can have them for a snack when the water has run out. Clever, eh?

The Result...Cantaloupe and Watermelon Infused Waters



Two Fridays in a row I have gotten home very late from being at the art center after work. I worked as a bartender during the swing/jazz band concert last Friday and hung out with my buddies this Friday. Once I shower and ready for bed about 1.5 hours later, it is around 2:30am on Saturday. My bladder wakes me up around 6am and my body decides it doesn't have a care by going back to sleep until between 1-2pm. I KNOW! Crazy isn't it?

I shopped at the Asian store this afternoon for fresh produce which I've already prepared for my lettuce wraps tomorrow. I've sliced into thin strips cucumber, zucchini, carrots, broccoli, scallions and snowpeas. I will arrange some on a Boston or bibb lettuce leaf, top with bean sprouts and some hoisin sauce I watered down just a bit to drizzle easier. Roll everything up in the lettuce and you have my version of an Asian lettuce wrap. The hoisin sauce makes it extra yummy.

I will leave you my breakfast pear to ponder. This always happens when I use the apple slicer on my pears. It's like a flower with a...a..stem! Yes, that's it. Wink!

Fruit Bloom

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Floaty and Fruity