Renovation

photo taken October 2009

Hello Dear Readers,
Did you know I am a school librarian?
One little perk of being a librarian is having lots of time at my computer. I used to enjoy blogging and tweeting from the comfort of my desk (I know that sounds so cheesy).
But I will not be able to enjoy that little perk until January because my library is closed for renovation.
Until then, I am super busy (ack) co-teaching with classroom instruction.
No time to blog and tweet.
Thanks for visiting!

Lemons and lemonade

Dear Readers,
As you can see, I have time-management issues. My Virtual Life has taken a back seat to my Real Life.
My Partner and I must raise his 4 year-old grandson.

photo by L2A October 2009

We are both young 51 year-old Baby Boomers. We both work full-time.

And because I still have to go to physical therapy for my shoulder, I never have time to go the the gym.

My only exercise is taking Coco Chanel out for her nightly walks (by the way, if you STILL haven't met Coco, just click on her name and you will see she has her own dog-blog).

Sometimes I get upset because I don't have any time for myself.

But most of the time (99%) I have loads of fun with this adorable little boy.

He is the child I never had.

Thanks for visiting.

Birthday Thoughts

source: travelphoto.net

Today is my birthday. I am 51.

My twin brother would have turned 51 too, but he died at the young age of 32 years. My brother's life was senselessly snuffed out by an armed robber who has yet to be apprehended.

He left behind a very young wife and and 10 month-old son.

My twin brother was a fearless mountain climber and spelunker. He was also a body-builder. People often compared him to a young Arnold Schwarzenegger.

His son (my nephew) is now a sophmore at the University of Virginia. He looks just like the father he never knew.

Listen 2 Auntie:

Always tell your family how much you love them.

Always kiss your children before leaving the house.

Treat each day as a gift.

RIP Frank 1958-1990

Summer Vacation Series: Physcial Therapy

Hello Dear Readers,
I am enjoying physical therapy for my shoulder. The therapist is top-notch.
Honest.
But a little grim humor goes a long way....
Thanks for visiting!

Summer Vacation Series: Surgery + Recovery

source: The Runaways

Hello Dear Readers,

Sorry for this long absence. I am recovering from shoulder surgery. It's been a lot more challenging than I had previously thought.

Listen2Auntie:

Don't over-do it after surgery. I learned (the hard way) that trimming the hedges is NOT a good idea!!! I also learned to NOT buy a whole watermelon at the supermarket, even if on sale. Ugh. I couldn't carry it into the house. My Partner got angry because he says I'm doing too much.

Thanks for visiting my (much neglected) blog.

Summer Vacation Series: Battle of the Bulge

source: blogs.usatoday.com

Good afternoon Dear Readers,
This summer I've been trying my best to lose these extra 15 pounds that have been sticking to me since Thanksgiving 2008.

My BF adores this extra weight, but I don't share his enthusiasm.

I've been watching my diet and working out at the gym like a fiend. But for the first time in my life I've been unsuccessful.

Okay, maybe turning 50 has a lot to do with it. The old metabolism just isn't what it used to be.
But really, this is serious.


And I know my exercise regimen is limited with my pending shoulder surgery, but something isn't quite right...

So today I did a bit of research and was SHOCKED to discover my medication might be the culprit!!!!
You see, I've started to take a prescription drug just last year. And studies show that this particular drug has been linked to weight gain.

Next week I get to see my doctor for my annual visit. I am going to change my meds and get back to my normal weight.
Please Listen 2 Auntie: Always read the fine print before taking any medication. Always discuss with your doctor all the side effects.

Thank you for visiting my blog!

Summer Vacation Series: How to eat Chicharrón

Hello Dear Readers,
Every summer my BF and I visit The Dominican Republic for 2 weeks. He has family there, so it’s always lots of fun.
We have sooooo much fun that I return home about 5 pounds heavier.

One of my favorite foods in Santo Domingo is called chicharrón. It is pieces of fried pork rinds.
No, I'm not referring to that horrible American version that is sold in small plastic bags.
I'm talking about the "freshly" deep-fried pork.
The best part of this pork has all that nasty (yummy) fat still intact.
It’s crunchy on the outside and moist (greasy) on the inside.

Needless to say it’s very bad for you.
It’s a delicious cholesterol bombshell. But hey, I visit DR only once a year. So I indulge.

A tasty feast that is home-delivered!

The vendor cuts up the chicharrone.

Adios señor! See you next year!

all photos by L2A July 2009

Listen 2 Auntie:
This is how to eat chicharron.
Buy it “freshly” fried from a reputable vendor.
(In our case, the vendor comes to the house).

You can serve the meat at room temperature, or heat it in an ungreased skillet.
Serve it as a snack or as a meal.
We like to squirt a bit of fresh lime juice on it.
Wash it down with ice-cold Dominican Presidente beer.
Bon apetit.

And thank you for visiting my blog!