Beef stew recipe, Deva style

Mmm...I adore warm beef stew over white rice. There is a restaurant back home, Rambie's, that served a fantastic beef stew. When we went back in July 2007 the only Rambie's to be found was at the Micronesia Mall, and they did not have beef stew on the menu that day. It was a sad day to be sure. I wish I could have had a taste to see if I could dissect what it was exactly that made that particular stew so fantastic. Since I couldn't figure it out, I had to come up with something. I did some internet searches and located a recipe with an unusual ingredient, Lechon Sauce. So, here is the recipe that I can no longer find and has been adjusted to my way of cooking.

Beef Stew
1 package of brisket, trimmed and cubed
2 large potatoes
1 small package of baby carrots or 4 regular carrots peeled and sliced
1 can diced tomatoes (I use low sodium)
1 onion, diced
1 can of beef broth
1 can tomato sauce
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 c. soy sauce
1/2 c. lechon sauce
salt and pepper to taste

Brown beef in batches to achieve proper browning to all pieces. Remove from pan and set aside. Saute onions in salt and pepper until translucent, add beef back to pan. Add beef broth, tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook for 1 1/2 hours or until beef is tender. Add carrots and simmer for 10 minutes. Add potatoes and remaining ingredients, cook until vegetables are tender.
Serve over white rice.

I have done this recipe in a pressure cooker, adding all the ingredients at once except for the carrots and potatoes. Then, once the beef was tender, added the veggies and cooked through. Needless to say, that reduced the cooking time quite a bit.
You could also use a more tender cut of beef to cut the cooking time.

You can also add chili peppers or use the spicy lechon sauce instead to add a different dimension to the dish.

What? You're knitting again?!?!

Ophelia
Originally uploaded by empress_deva

It is very hard to read a book while reading a knitting pattern. I am struck with the impossible decision of which to do. So, I have put the books down for a couple of weeks (waiting for some to hit the shelves anyway) and have picked up the sticks.
I am working on Ophelia and hope to have my first completed knit since my first scarf. I can be honest - I am not a finisher. I am a starter. I have come quite far with this garment, though. I also love the yarn and the way it is looking, even though I am not too fond of the color.
I am knitting it up with Lion Brand Cotton-Ease in color pineapple (yellow). I bought the yarn at Tuesday morning a couple of years ago. I finally ripped open the package when I found the Ophelia pattern.

Total eclipse of the senses?

Somebody please explain the Bonnie Tyler "Total Eclipse of the Heart" video to me, please. Doors slamming open, men dancing around in loin cloths, choir boys with glowing eyes (taking bright eyes a little too literally perhaps?), biker guys clasping fists to their chests while prancing on steps, Bonnie Tyler in a white dress fleeing through long hallways with red curtains blowing in the wind? Okay, maybe I missed something. Always like the song, now I am sorry that I ever saw the video. Was it a horror movie gone wrong?

I'm 27 for a moment...

I turned 27 this week. Happy birthday to me.
I was struck at how old that is. I remember when I used to think that 30 was old and 50 was ancient. Life was going by so slow, time dragging while the world was spinning, waiting for me to take chances, to do fascinating and wonderful things. I couldn't wait for life to grab me and it seems as if it is going past me instead. I try to catch hold of moments, savor and store. Yet I catch myself wondering what I did each day, weeks and months go by faster. I wait for the weekends, rush dinners and phone calls, find myself catching up instead of keeping up with friends. It is the middle of March in 2008, where has the time gone?
I spoke with an old friend yesterday. I realized that I hadn't seen her since middle school. Middle school! Where has the time gone? She is married, I am married. We spoke of things we had been up to in the last 15 years, described our lives. We talked about people we knew back in the day, what everyone else was up to. We counted who had kids (and it seems like everyone does) and who is married, who turned out how we thought they would (nobody did) and who we still wonder about.
Life gets busy, people and places get away from you while you grow up and move on. Today I will try to remember to slow down a bit as life continues, to savor and store so that I can remember these days. The nights I spend talking with my husband, laughing and telling jokes. This quality time we have with just each other...before time slips away yet again.

Listening to: Five for Fighting - 100 years.

I'm fifteen for a moment
Caught in between ten and twenty
And I'm just dreaming
Counting the ways to where you are
I'm twenty two for a moment
And she feels better than ever
And we're on fire
Making our way back from Mars
Fifteen there's still time for you
Time to buy and time to lose
Fifteen, there's never a wish better than this
When you only got a hundred years to live
I'm thirty three for a moment
Still the man, but you see I'm a they
A kid on the way
A family on my mind
I'm forty five for a moment
The sea is high
And I'm heading into a crisis
Chasing the years of my life
Fifteen there's still time for you
Time to buy, Time to lose yourself
Within a morning star
Fifteen I'm all right with you
Fifteen, there's never a wish better than this
When you only got a hundred years to live
Half time goes by
Suddenly you’re wise
Another blink of an eye
Sixty seven is gone
The sun is getting high
We're moving on...
I'm ninety nine for a moment
Dying for just another moment
And I'm just dreaming
Counting the ways to where you are
Fifteen there's still time for you
Twenty two I feel her too
Thirty three you’re on your way
Every day's a new day...
Fifteen there's still time for you
Time to buy and time to choose
Hey fifteen, there's never a wish better than this
When you only got a hundred years to live

Another long pause...

Wow, I didn't realize it had been a month since my last post. I have been meaning to post for a little while now, especially after Ms. Walker posted a comment in regards to my post for the book "I'll Be Hunting You". Yes, for the record, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It was well written and satisfying. Tori and Declan are two of my favorite characters. I was so unsure about the story, I even reread all of the other Hunter books to see if there was any mention of the pair being together in later books to make sure they made it through together before reading this particular addition. I wasn't disappointed and I really felt for Tori throughout the whole of the story.
After I read the comment I told my husband that I felt like a movie star had taken a moment to say hi to me. I was thoroughly star struck, just as I am whenever Patricia Briggs answers a question I ask on her forum. Now, Ms. Walker, please come to Dallas for a book signing and I will be speechless.

I have been busy working through a newly acquired TBR pile that I picked up for $5 at a used book sale a couple of weekends ago. It is mostly all Silhouette books, so I am counting each 3 books read as one novel. I will work on updating the list once I figure out how to make it scroll and once I compile the list properly. I am saving the books until I jot down all the titles and authors then they are off to Half Price to be replaced by yet another TBR pile. The little voice in my head is insisting that I also polish off the TBR pile on the book shelf, but that voice is evil.

I attended my first "American" wedding this weekend. It was beautiful and sweet and, umm, short. Now, you have to understand that I have only ever been to Catholic weddings, which consist of a full mass in addition to the marriage ceremony. My wedding itself also included an exchange of coins, a candle lighting and some other tradition where a lace like shawl was pinned shoulder to shoulder joining myself to my husband. This, needless to say, took more than an hour. The wedding ceremony I went to this weekend, well including the entrance and vows, took the better part of about 10 minutes. It was refreshing and I enjoyed myself. I also enjoyed their music choices. The entrance song was Blue October's 18th Floor Balcony and their first dance was a Jibe song, but don't ask me for the title because I can't remember the title. The version in my iTunes is untitled, probably because I got the song from the bride and groom years ago. Anyways, correct me if I am wrong about the songs guys.

The DH and I post shawl linking.

In other news, I have been contemplating knitting again, but I don't know if that will pass. I can't read and knit at the same time so the feeling may just pass.

For the people curious about the talus fracture, the healing process and how I am doing nearly 2 years from the accident and surgery. My ankle has been giving me a spot of trouble these past few months. I am contemplating another steroid injection before the BIL and MIL come into town for a short visit. It isn't unbearable, I can still walk and run for the most part. Walking around the mall is taxing, to the point that I am slow and limping to finish the round and make it to the car. Then it is stiff and sore for a couple of days following. I will discuss the arthroscopy with the OS when I go in for the injection. I may go through with it in the middle of the year. It really depends on what is going on around that time.
I noticed that since I stopped working out that it has been causing me more trouble than when I was working out. It is definitely more stiff and sore more often. It also locks up on me at weird moments, like when I am lying in bed or sitting at my desk. Certain positions are more painful than others, but I do not live with constant pain. I will post more about it after I see the OS and have some new xrays taken.

One last thing, I voted for the very first time ever. I will be 27 in a couple of days and I have never voted before. So, very interested in the democratic race, I attended the Texas Primary election on March 4th along with millions of other people in Texas, thousands of which have never voted before. I cast my vote for who I want to represent the democratic party and crossed my fingers, waited up as long as I could only to fall asleep before the final tally was up, woke up in the middle of the night to ask who won Texas (to which my husband shrugged his answer), then logged on to CNN first thing in the morning to discover that Obama had not won the Texas popular vote but was projected to win the delegates. A loss and a win. I could settle for half.
Voting was an exciting experience, as corny as that sounds. Now I can hardly wait for the general election. Baby steps, I know, we still have the better part of the year to go before then.

Wendy and Jay are getting married soon. CONGRATS!!
And, well, I am a girl after all. Their upcoming nuptials have me reminiscing of my wedding. Since I got married before I started this blog, let me share my wedding invitation. It was designed by Star Press in Guam, though we printed it here in Dallas.




I did smudge the...uh...personal information.

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL!

Superbowl XLII...the GIANTS are in the game. My husband, having been a Giants fan since LT was playing, is obviously very excited. The game is underway, the Giants up by 3. Nowhere near the points spread predicted so far, but we will see.
I hope they win. It will definitely make my house a very happy place to be.

A picture of Guam from when we were there this past July. The view is of Puntan Dos Amantes (Two Lover's Point) from a PIC balcony.

Investment in Characters

Have you ever picked up a book where the characters pulled at you, your emotions getting the best of you while you read it. Then, all too soon, the story has ended and you are left with a strong desire for more. Then, you discover that there is a second book and, if you are lucky, a third. The more you read, the more the individual characters become people. Their lives are real for the time you are immersed in their lives. You pick up book four and learn more, then book five opens another door. Ah, suddenly you are on book 7 and you wonder where the time has gone.
What am I talking about, you ask? I am speaking of the darling Shiloh Walker. I first picked up Hunting the Hunter. It looked interesting. I found it at a bookstore I am sure, but who remembers where you pick up your books these days? I am nearly 100% sure that I purchased the volume new, which is rare for me. The cover struck me as interesting, the synopsis grabbed hold and I had to read the book. I was satisfied, but I wanted to know more. Who were these Hunters? What were they? What else could I learn about their universe?
After a brief google search I discovered that - gasp - Ms. Walker was an erotic romance writer. She, in fact, had numerous e-books to her credit. Many of those were of these Hunters that had captured my interest so thoroughly. Well, I decided to put my hangups aside and purchase the first book. A very erotic read, but I was hooked. I had to know more.
Ten books later, I discover that there is a second book to Declan and Tori's story. What? Declan dies in "I'll Be Hunting You"? Oh no, I could not read that book. I had invested so much time in these characters, they were important, they meant something to all the other Hunters. How could I enjoy the future knowing that the love that was Declan and Tori didn't survive? So, I searched online for a spoiler, something to give me hope before I invested in the book. I came up with teasers, "this is a romance and Tori couldn't be happy with anyone but Declan". (That is a loose quote) After reading Lover Unbound, I don't think I could handle another ghostly love story.
So, I decided to forgo the story. Then all day today I couldn't stop thinking about it, dammit! So, I bought it tonight. It is 65 pages short, which is good because I don't think I could have gotten through more pages of hurt. I was sure I would hate Shiloh Walker by the end. I don't. So if you want a spoiler, let me know and I will tell you the ending before you read the book. But, don't worry. The loose quote above is correct...and it isn't like LU at all.
So, take the trip into Ms. Walker's world, you will enjoy the ride. Oh, and because she doesn't like it, google her name in images. You will find one of the very few pics of her on the web. ;)

Okay, with that said.

Listening To: Garth Brooks "Live in L.A."
Reading: Nothing as I just finished I'll Be Hunting You - and rereading Mal and Leandra's stories.
Feeling: Content, relaxed, loved and warm.

The Edge...

Lex and Terry are off KDGE/The Edge! What? Are you saying that the couple of years they were on the station and "going strong" was long enough? I wouldn't know, I tuned off of 102.1 when Lex and Terry came on. I will stick with my original assessment that they SUCK DONKEYS! And, yes, you may leave your lovely comments about how that particular morning show was your favorite wet dream, causing you to have multiple cargasms on the way to work...then you can listen to my opinion. I am so very happy that they are gone (also happy that the Eagle is back, but I just won't listen to their morning show) because now I may add 102.1 back to my pre-programmed stations on my radio.

Anyone else think that they don't want a bull's eye on the top of their head while practicing shooting arrows? Anyone?
Archery Hat Knit Pattern

Working for the Devil

I am home today because I feel like crap. I guess I have been getting sick since last week Friday...should have known because I was asleep during the whole drive to the fair and barely ate anything there, even though it was my first State Fair trip and I was so looking forward to it. Then didn't get out of bed on Sunday. By Monday my stomach was proving that I was not its favorite person...two more days of that and I was ready to just crawl in bed and never see the sun again. Anyways, this evening I am feeling marginally better. Hope that was the worst of it.
I am reading Lilith Saintcrow's Working For The Devil. I read the first five chapters on Sunday night and have been slogging through it since then. I am only half way through, which is a bit unusual for me. I am interested in it, just can't sit still to read it because I haven't been feeling all that well. Definitely not on top of my game. The book was recommended to me via this thread. I bought one of each of the books recommended, but chose the "darker" one to start with. It is an interesting take on the devil and a different world most definitely worth the time learning. Quite a journey, a ride I am glad I didn't pass up on. Ms. Saintcrow does a great job describing her characters. More about it when I finish it...I also have the second book in the series, which I am sure I will pick up immediately after completing the first one. Another nice thing? The series has an end in sight. It is slated for 5 books, with 3 out already, the fourth out in a month and the final one out in January. This means no long, drawn out, damning, cursing years of waiting!
I finally googled the song in the Old Navy commercials...you know the one. "if you are chilly, here take my sweater 'cuz I love the way you call me baby and you take me the way I am" I love that song! So, I googled the lyrics and it is Ingrid Michaelson. A lovely song...in which she professes to buy you Rogaine when you start to lose your hair. And if that isn't love then what is? And he takes her the way she is...that is just beautiful. *sniffle*
I have been thinking about Lover Unbound for this past week and the more I do the more I realize that the book wasn't as bad as I made it out to be with my last post. Obviously it didn't end exactly as I would have thought, but surprise endings are what make a book interesting. It is what should keep you coming back for more. I am disappointed in some of the comments I read on JR's website by supposed fans. I, at least, kept my negative opinions to my little blog that nobody reads. So...I am sure she came out with this so damn quickly because there was mass disappointment when it came to her book, but here is the link to the slice of life. It may help you feel better about the V/Jane HAE. I have to admit that it made me feel better, though it just said the same thing her book said: Jane can solidify if she thinks about it and V can touch her all the time without concentration because of his gift...but it just, umm, drives home that the other option for Jane would have been to grow old and die. Let's face it, what kind of happy ever after is that? Oh, and if that Slice of Life link doesn't work (you may need to be a forum member), try this link instead. Slice Of Life on Lifetimetv.com

So...
Feeling Like: Crap
Reading: See above
Listening to: Ingrid Michaelson and A Fine Frenzy
Watching: Mm...'Til Death and Criminal Minds tonight. Still need to catch up on Grey's Anatomy.

Lover Unbound Spoiler, Review, Rant...

I had a patient come in on Monday and when I spotted what she was putting back in her purse I got all excited. I barely could contain myself.
"Is that the new J.R. Ward book?" I practically shouted, almost jumping across the counter to grab at it. Thank goodness for very recognizable book covers.
She said yes and I proceeded to bombard her with my trials of trying to locate that book (several Walmarts, calling all around the city to different bookstores). Turns out she found it at a Walmart that was going to take me a total of 45 minutes to get to and from. So, I had a hard time getting through the rest of the day, I was so anxious to get my hands on the book. It was the last one on the shelf. I want to jump up and down for finding it even a day early.
I stayed up until 3am to read it. I even put down another book that I was currently reading - which is something I NEVER do.
Okay, now that you know the back story let me tell you about the actual story.
Scroll Down a bit to see, just in case you don't really want to know my opinion or read any spoilers because I can't guarantee that there won't be any.




























The happily ever after left a bad taste in my mouth as well a sadness that cloaked the whole read. I felt like I wasted my time, money and gas. I should have waited until it was at Half Price Books. Then maybe I wouldn't have felt so cheated.
So, I did read spoilers. I knew Jane was a ghost, though I didn't know how or when or what. I thought maybe she was a ghost from the beginning, but no, much worse. I understand the angst, the torture, the sadness leading up to what should have been the traditional happy ending you expect from a romance novel. If that is what you are expecting then you will be sorely disappointed. First off, Jane dies. Yes, dies. Then, somehow, the author makes it so that Jane can come back. Hmm...but come back as what you ask? A damn ghost. You remember the movie Ghost with Demi Moore. Remember how when Patrick Swayze meets the other ghost in the subway and the other ghost can touch things? Okay, Jane is like that. She has to concentrate very hard in order to be able to pick something up, or even be seen by others. Though, how this works I am not quite sure, V can see her all the time. He is able to touch her all the time concentration or not because of his gift/curse.
This isn't a happy ever after to me. To be with someone who can't really be there? Geez, people walk right into her - another thing that doesn't make sense because if she is wearing clothing you should be able to see the clothing, right? I mean, I think the book even mentions how her clothing looks empty. So how does Rhage walk into her?
The best parts were the V and Butch exchanges. It was very sweet. I don't know if the author always meant for there to be this love interest on V's part, but for me it worked. I never wanted them to be together, but I loved how they are there for each other, watching each other's back. Butch surprised me, pleasantly, by being so understanding and even considerate of V's feelings. Another good thing is that there are no Lesser POVs. I never liked to read things from their point of view anyways.
Oh, and in regards to the bondage thing. It wasn't a turn off, but not a turn on either. It seemed forced. I didn't like it. It felt almost like "Oh, I haven't addressed V's fetish and need for S&M with the love of his life, so I need to throw something in there." Tie him up and whip him. But, as I understand S&M bondage stuff, isn't the real power with the person who can call a stop to the whole process? So how would that make V feel so powerful, to know that at any time his sex partner can call a halt to the festivities? So the control stands with whom? Definitely not the "Dominant" person because that person does not control how far or how long things go for.
I hope that when it comes time for Phury's book that I will want to read it...and don't even get me started on Phury. I was so anxious for this book, but now I am "eh" about the remaining portion of the series. And the next one is supposed to be in hardback?!? I won't buy it in hard back, but maybe I will probably read it because I am invested in the series as a whole.
If you have read Lover Unbound by J.R. Ward, let me know your opinions. Maybe you can shed some light on this particular novel for me and help me fall in love with it.


Okay, enough of that. On a happy note I finished reading the first 7 Sookie books. Can't wait for the next one. I look forward to more Eric-Sookie interaction. I liked Quinn. I went back and forth with Bill, and I am not quite sure now. I don't dislike him, but he isn't my fave either. Didn't like Alcide, no matter how hot he is. I am not really pulling for any one person for her to pick, I am happy with how the book reads. Yum. Can't wait for the next one - at least I hope there is a next one. Also can't wait for True Blood, even though I am usually unsure of books to TV or movies.

Sookie!!

I picked up the first two stories about Sookie Stackhouse, Charlaine Harris' Southern Vampire series. I only picked them up because the second story had a picture of the Dallas skyline on the front. I love stories set in places I am familiar with. It helps me feel part of the story instead of just a bystander watching the story pass me by.
I love the descriptions of University Park because it was exactly how I thought of it. I have also heard of a lot of the cities she mentions in Louisiana. I know a few people who are from Louisiana and talk about their home towns. Those hometowns are mentioned in her books. I also have been to Shreveport, though I did not see a Fangtasia nor any vampires hanging around (at least none who were openly advertising themselves as vampires), it was still nice to read the story and think to myself "hey, I've been there!"
I am planning to get to the bookstore tomorrow to pick up the rest of the series, or at least book 3 and 4 (I have 5, but I am holding off on reading it until I read 3 and 4).
Listening: To nothing because even my ears are too tired to listen to anything after the butt kicking workout tonight.
Reading: nothing because I just finished the last page of Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris. I will wait until tomorrow to start a new read.
Knitting: umm, I seem to have misplaced Sheldon. I will look for him tomorrow morning so that I may continue to knit him. I want to finish him this weekend.

EDIT: I also meant to say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading the 2 stories that I have read so far and I can't wait to read the rest!! =)

For the person who left a comment about Dr. Heier

Dr. Heier is great! He is honest, straight forward and very competent. He fixed my ankle, an injury that should not have healed considering the damage and the way I did not listen to medical advice. I have a great relationship with him and have no regrets about choosing him as my orthopedic surgeon. I suggest that you at least make an appointment and see him. You will see how great he is. He will answer all of your questions and take time with you. He is young, but don't let that dissuade you...he is very intelligent and keeps up with the new technologies in his field. In fact, he fixed my ankle with a new technique using different hardware. I know he practiced in Florida before moving to Texas. He started with Metrocrest in 1999 and has been their sole (no pun intended) foot and ankle surgeon since then. I guess all of that might be on their website.
When you do go to see him, tell him Deva (pronounced with a long E, like Diva) referred you. He will get a kick out of that. I'm not some random patient, he will know exactly who you are talking about (his staff may not know who I am, but he definitely does). =)
If you have any specific questions, email me at deva at gumaperez dot com I will be more than happy to answer any of your questions.

After reading that I wasn't knitting much I decided to pick up something. So, behind everyone else in the times, I decided to knit Sheldon. I am 3/4 through the body knitting. I am using Caron Simply Soft in a beige color named Bone. Stash busting. =) I will post pics later. Maybe once I have the body completed.
Made chicken kelaguen last night and leche flan. yum. We are going to see a friend of the DH tonight for dinner, someone he knew from high school. He wanted me to make something to bring with us so he selected leche flan because he likes it so much and kelaguen because it is a taste of home. It is a far drive...hope I don't eat all the food before we get there.
I finished reading Nalini Singh's first Psy/Changeling book. I went through to 3 different Half Price Book stores this past weekend during their 20% off sale. Bought the first three of the Southern Vampire series by Charlaine Harris. Have yet to start it. I need to get to a real bookstore to get the other released books from the Psy/Changeling series. Hmm...and I can't wait for the end of the month. The newest addition to the Black Dagger Brotherhood hits the shelves on 9/25. Yay Vishous! I am excited. I want to know his story.
More later...listening to Hawaiian music...Kalapana, Ka'Au Crater Boys, Kapena.

What does an ankle fracture feel like?

Well, this was a question that my tracker tells me brought someone to this blog. So, here is your answer. When the fracture first happened, I didn't think it was broken. I could still move my toes and I always thought if you couldn't move your toes then you had a break and if you could move your toes then it wasn't broken. WRONG! My ankle hurt only when I tried to move my foot, but there was no constant pain or anything. It was swollen like I did not know possible.
Then they splinted it in the hospital. By this time I was given pain relievers so maybe my memories of this are a little different than the actual event, but I don't remember it being too awful. It hurt, but not pull your hair, punch the guy splinting you kind of hurt. Just a normal hurt.
The pain started after surgery.
Anyways, if your ankle hurts and you think it could be broken then get it checked. I have heard horror stories about people who were diagnosed with sprains and told to weight bear as tolerated only to later find out that they had a talus fracture (part of the ankle) that was now irrepairable. Don't let that happen. I was lucky and the ER doc thought he saw something on the xray even though there wasn't an obvious break. The CT told the story of a shattered talus that is not visible on a regular xray because other bones obscure the interior bone structures. So, whether it hurts or not and whether you can wiggle your toes or not, if you think there is a possiblity it could be broken get it checked out. ;)

Is summer really almost over?

Is it possible that I haven't posted since April? I guess it is. The summer has just flown by, probably because it rained so much in the beginning that it did not really feel like summer until August 1. Then the heat rolled in. So we haven't had the hellish summer we had last year, which was a nice reprieve.
The DH and I went to Guam this summer as well. It was fantastic albeit a bit short. We did not do nearly as much as we had hoped to do, but there will always be a next time. We hope. Considering this was my first time home since 1999, it was especially good for me. I guess it is always a nice when you go home and you realize almost everything is how you left it. That is the feeling I had in Guam. Like time froze until I got back and everything was peaceful, beautiful, and how it should be. We are all a bit older, all a bit wiser and all a bit more stressed out, but we are all the same. Friends and family just clicked right back into place as if we had never left. And, what a relief to know you can go home again.
I spent the rest of the summer reading books that I am sure most think will deteriorate the mind. I discovered paranormal romance/urban fantasy and have submerged myself into other worlds on a regular basis. I think I have read close to a hundred stories this summer, and have not finished. There are about 5 books in my TBR pile, but there were 9 on Friday night. As you can see, I am just plowing through them. I have never been one to pick up a series that had not been completed, I am not a patient person. Without thoroughly researching a series, I started reading at least 4 different ones...all of which have left me hanging with open ends that will not be closed in the near future. Some of them do not even have new books coming out until 2008! (damn you) But, to assuage some of the coursing want, some of the books I am waiting for come out this month and next month. (cheering inside)
A frugal person from necessity I have never had the habit of buying books new, but some of these series books have me hooked and I find myself haunting Barnes and Noble waiting, watching, ready to pounce on a new release. Unable to wait until a copy hits Half Price Books. *sigh*
On another note, I have been contemplating knitting and sewing, though have not actually done anything about it.
Another thing I picked up this summer is working out. I started in May. I go to an actual gym and I always have a goal of 5 days a week, but I am usually closer to 3 regularly. It still kicks my butt, but I pray that said butt will stop getting larger if I continue to make it to the godawful torture facility. My ankle screams at some of the torture I put it through, and the OS insists that I am healed, but sometimes I wonder if the pain will ever go away. I have asked and been told that I will need at least arthroscopic surgery and possible hardware removal. Though, the OS is hesitant about the hardware removal as am I. I had a steroid injection before the trip to Guam, and that helped immensely on the trip there. The trip back, however, caused my ankle to swell to double it's size and caused some mighty discomfort the whole 30 some odd hours home.
And finally, I will rant about television. Everyone who knows (and loves) me knows that I have a heavy addiction to the wonderful world of television. This summer has sucked because there have not been any new shows I have been particularly interested in. I am not a big reality watcher and it seems that the summer has been littered with reality show after reality show. I find it extra aggravating that the new seasons do not start until the end of summer. Do you remember the days when the summer hiatus ended at the end of August and started in June? Why do series end so early (in May these days) and start so late? You might as well not start until October. Geez! And then you take a winter hiatus as well!
Ahh...I can't wait for the office to start back up. I know that, even if you are a Pam/Jim fan, some people do not want them to get together as they believe it will affect the general integrity of the show. I, on the other hand, would like to see a season or two with them together, then a nice break up, then maybe even a series ending reconciliation. I could live with that. I know it sounds much like Ross/Rachel, but that was a good ride for a few seasons anyways. Plus it was just too painful watching Pam and Jim in the beginning of last season. I missed their easy banter and one minded foolishness. To me, that is part of the show and is hard to swallow without it.
Ok, I leave you with this. I am listening to A Fine Frenzy, One Cell In The Sea. I am reading nothing because I just finished a book. I have reread both Moon Called and Blood Bound by Patricia Briggs this week (don't torture yourself because Iron Kissed doesn't come out until January, dammit) GO ADAM! And the TV is off for once because the DH is sleeping quite peacefully. All in all, a good Sunday morning.

All the fractures are now officially healed. The talus took the longest, a total of 7 full months before I was given the all clear, five of those months were spent in a cast.
A little bit about the whole experience since my last post was in October when I was first given clearance to walk. That was not a fun experience. For the first couple of weeks or so I was very unsure about placing any weight on the bad foot. I used a cane for those weeks. Eventually I was able to progress to walking without the cane, but I was only able to do it with a cast on. So, because I did not feel secure in the boot, my OS placed me in a removable cast. That worked out very well. I was up an walking within a week of receiving the removable cast. In December, he let me take the cast off completely and gave me a small ankle brace (like the type pro athletes use when they sprain an ankle). On 12/13/06 was the first time I was able to walk without any external bracing of any sort - and it was a short trip from my bed to the bathroom. I walked barefoot, something that I had not been able to do since July 14, 06! A whole five months! Let me tell you, it was not easy convincing my surgeon to let me out of the cast either. He kept saying, "Deva, I just don't think you understand the severity of this type of fracture." But I felt good, and he told me that after 6 months from the surgery I would be back to normal. How could I be back to normal if five months in I was still in a cast. So, a visit in December which involved x-rays and then I was on my feet without a boot or a cast. WooHoo!

The x-rays from the visit showed possible avascular necrosis. This saddened me because who wants to know that they are going to have arthritis in their ankle no matter what.

So, 2 months passed and I went in for a check up. In February I was given the all clear. And, great news, new x-rays were more promising. These showed no real sign of AVN. My OS told me to take it easy for another couple of months. No running, no kickboxing. Give it some time. And I have been. I still have a bit of a limp on long shopping trips. My ankle still gets sore first thing in the morning, but it loosens up throughout the day. The swelling is much better, only swelling very marginally. No real pain to speak of. I was warned that I may need a cortisone injection after a couple of months if I did have pain in the joint, but so far I have not had any symptoms to indicate that I will need that.

And, to answer a comment question, my pins are internal all 6 of them and the plate. The bone was in fragments, so my OS put it back together using the plate (a technique he had learned only 2 days before the accident). He used an ankle model prior to the surgery to bend the plate into the shape he wanted, and it turned out to be pretty close. He then used that along with pins to hold everything together.

I was in a fiberglass cast for the first 6 weeks - maybe 8 - weeks. When that was removed I was placed into a removable boot and remained in that until October. Then I was placed back into a cast, though this on was removable for showers and bed time. Then, in December I was taken out of the cast altogether. I have pictures, which I will post when I get home, as I am at work right now and don't have access to them. If you have any other questions, feel free to leave another comment.

On the knitting front - I know, it seems like I am a non-knitter these days. In my defense, I haven't blogged about anything. The knitting hasn't been neglected, just neglected being blogged about. I am joining the craftster knitting challenge this time around with the Summer Knitting Challenge. So I have been working up some designs, swatching like crazy. I have a perfect silk blend for this project and an idea working itself out. Maybe I will post some pics that don't show too much of what is going on.

More later kids.

STOP BREED SPECIFIC LEGISLATION - STOP BSL

If you haven't heard of it before, then please take a moment to read about it. Breed specific legislation is what your government is spending its money on. It is your government trying to tell you what type of dog you are allowed to own. What type of dog it thinks is safe. Today it is the American Pit Bull Terrier that is at risk. And it is at risk in your backyard. Even if you do not own an American Pit Bull Terrier, please do not support BSL. If this is successful with the American Pit Bull Terrier it will be successful with other breeds. One day the German Shepard, Akita, Doberman, Wolf breeds, Rottweiler and any other breed deemed "dangerous" or "vicious" will be on the chopping block. People who are ignorant on the subject of how dogs react to different methods of training. Your dog could be next.
Please support the punishment of the deed and not the breed. We all know that breeding is not the only factor in an animal's behavior. The owner, yes, you and I, are what make our dogs strong or weak. Fierce or docile. Treacherous or loyal. We make our dogs who they are, we make them act the way we do. It is our training, our treatment of them, our energy that makes them the great dogs that they are. Unfortunately, there are people out there who think about themselves only and not about how their individual actions will affect the people who live nearby. And your city, county, and state reps do not understand. They want to keep the people who are scared and ignorant of the breed happy without doing the proper research.
Punish the people who teach their dogs to attack. Punish the people who do not love their dogs, who put their personal wants above the needs of their dogs. Punish the people who abuse their dogs. Do not punish the owners who take care of their animals. Who treat them as part of the family. Who protect their animals as well as the people who may come in contact with them. Do not punish us, the owners who care and do not want to lose our beloved dogs. We keep them because they are strong, loyal, and caring animals.
So, fight BSL. Even if you do not have a dog, do not have an American Pit Bull Terrier, fight BSL. Register to vote, write to your reps, sign the petitions. Get your voice heard. Before it is too late and your dog is taken away from you as well.

If you live in the Dallas area, especially DeSoto, please note that your city is trying to pass a breed specific ban targeting the American Pit Bull Terrier. Please go to your city's meeting as they will be trying to do this on 12/7. Sign the petitions. Let your voice be heard!

Do not let them take away your dogs because of one person's stupid acts.

Helpful links filled with educational information
Diane Jessup's Working Pit Bull
American Dog Breeders Association
PETA Kills Animals
Punish the Deed, Not the Breed!
Stand United - Support the Fight

In Your Eyes - Rogue Wave

Quick post about Rogue Wave. I was watching Just Friends and the song that plays towards the end of the movie. You know the part, where Chris is flying back to Jersey and searching for Jaime. Anyways, I kept thinking how that song is so very familiar. It was bugging me, so I did a google search for the lyrics. I didn't know the title or artist when I did the search, so I just typed in the lyrics as I heard it. I came across this blog, which put my mind at ease. The song's title is Eyes and artist is Rogue Wave. You see, the song plays on an episode of Heroes. So, listen to the song, watch Heroes because it rocks, and go ahead and watch Just Friends if you need something to fill a void on a Sunday night when you do not want to go to sleep because then Monday will come that much sooner. Just have the TiVo tuner set to some comedy rerun so you can toggle during boring or just embarrassingly painful moments.
Oh, in case anyone is wondering. I had a good Thanksgiving. We had ham, chicken kelaguen, bbq chicken Guam style, rice, and some other things. Aaron's mom came in for a short visit. Her first chance since the accident. She wanted to come and put her mind at ease I guess. And it was a short notice visit...meaning she called us on Monday to let us know she arrived on Wednesday. We did a lot of shopping while she was here. Result? Mailing a whole bunch of stuff back to Guam. =)
Have a good night folks.

Deva