Well, looks like it's been 10 years since I last posted. Why? Life happened. Disability happened. Nerve pain happened. 

I'd like to document now some of the nature and other happenings that are positive in my life to offset the challenges-a phenology calendar of sorts.

Yesterday, we finally had a good rain after severe drought. My zinnias are starting to bloom! I planted whirligigs (love that name), Benary's giant, short stuff mix hybrid, persian carpet. I also for the first time planted cactus and scabiosa seeds my great friend Vanessa gave me.

                                                        Whirligig

                                                       Scabiosa

                                                        Cactus

Women Don't Ask

Decided to use my time when I take a bath to read Money magazine instead of People.  Money magazine's March issue highlighted 100 things a person can do for their finances.  One of the references was a book called Women Don't Ask.  I checked it out from the library and it is eye opening in that men negotiate much more than women, whether it is salaries, cars, or housework.  Women often do not negotiate their salaries and therefore, make less money than men do.  Women take the first offer where men often ask for more money.  I spoke to some women at work about this and they said females are not raised to do this and do not even know they can/should ask for more.  Apparently, this applies to buying cars too!  Women are quoted a higher cost for a car than men.  Luckily Mark was with me to negotiate the lease.

Leased a Honda CRV Today

Brought home a 2013 Honda CRV today from Honda Zimbrick.  I was a little nervous about leasing a car (never have done this) but they did stick with the pricing they had quoted.  The only thing I didn't like was when we went in on Saturday and filled out the form to check our credit, they also had us sign an agreement form.  The form was not explained to us.  Later, I realized we committed to buy the car and if we rescinded, then we owed 5% of the car.  Luckily, all the numbers were what they quoted.

I am most excited about the heated seats and having a car that doesn't smoke and has an speedometer that works.

The Right Things to Do to Be Healthy

Words of wisdom from my chiropractor David Heitmann's bathroom wall: 
Think Right, Eat Right, Drink Right, Move Right, Talk Right, Poop Right, Sleep Right

4 Ingredient Chicken Chili Gluten-Free Crockpot Dish

I found this recipe for Mexican Chicken Chili on the food network website.  It only takes four ingredients: chicken, can of black beans, frozen corn, and jar of salsa.  I think the secret is using a really good salsa.  I used Trader Joe's Cowboy Caviar Salsa.  In addition to the recipe, I heated up some brown rice and topped the dish off with avocado and sour cream.  I love the brown rice in a bag because it is already cooked, so you just heat it on the stove for five minutes or in the microwave.

Car Hunting: To Lease or Buy? Toyota Rav4 or Honda CRV?

My husband and I have been looking for a new car.  Our 2000 Suburu Legacy is on its last leg.  Going between the Honda CRV and the Toyota Rav4.  We want an all-wheel drive SUV.  I have never leased before but I have read that the lease deals are better now as long as you get ALL the information.

Toyota Rav4

Honda CRV

Great Massage at East-West Healing Arts

I had a student massage from East-West Massage school on the westside.  After my concussion, I have been sore in places that usually I am not sore--like my elbows.  Alex, the student, did a wonderful job.  He mixed accupressure, Swedish massage, and Chinese massage.  I plan to make another appointment with him and it only costs $35.00.