October 5: International Dave Gardner Day!

This is one of my all-time favorite pictures of Dave. I'm guessing he's in high school here, but I don't know for sure. It was taken by his friend Maura Ardam and used with permission.

Thirty-seven years ago today, my parents gave me the greatest gift in the world. They gave me a little brother named Dave.

Now, although I wanted a puppy or a Barbie doll and, at first, I wasn't exactly fond of him (there's the whole alleged Thanksgiving Incident of 1974, but we don't talk about that), I came to discover that his value far exceeds that of a puppy and Barbie doll combined.

Dave is my biggest cheerleader and I am his. He's usually my first phone call when I have good news and he's my rock when things aren't so good. He's adventurous and fun and challenges me to be better. And even though there are times he continues to push when I'm happy with the status quo, I've come to realize that he only does it because he can often see bigger and better for me than I can in the moment.

Simply put, Dave is the greatest brother in the world and for his birthday, I declare it International Dave Gardner Day! Everyone should be so blessed to have a brother like him. Not him (he's mine), but like him.

Please join me in celebrating my brother Dave. You can wish him Happy Birthday in the comments.

Happy Happy Birthday Dave! Happy International Dave Gardner Day! I love you!

Happy 15th Birthday Betsey & Ross!

Betsey and Ross, May 26, 2011, when we still thought they were both healthy

15! Betsey and Ross are 15 today. Wow.

In cat years, that makes them either 77 or 82, depending on which cat years calculator you believe. Either way, they're no spring chickens, as we've discovered in the past 12 months.

12 months ago, Betsey was diagnosed with Hyperthroidism, which has been surprisingly easy to manage with Methimazole, a transdermal drug that I rub into her ear. We've been really fortunate that Betsey's had almost no side effects. Almost a year later, Betsey if pretty much back to her prissy, loving self.

Ross was diagnosed this past Tuesday with a urinary tract infection, Diabetes, and Cancer, after having lost over 25% of his body weight and developing a Mast Cell Tumor on his front left paw. He's now receiving two insulin shots per day and I'm overcoming my fear of needles. Because of his age, the location of the tumor, and after wonderfully thoughtful counsel from my cousin Andrea, a vet tech for almost 20 years, and my incredible vets, Dr. Kinnavy and Dr. Guedet who have treated Betsey and Ross for close to 10 years, and Dr. Feucht, who had to deliver the news of Ross's cancer and answer my questions through my tears, from March Animal Hospital, I've decided that we're not going to attempt to remove the tumor and will simply monitor him and keep him comfortable. Don't tell Ross he's so sick though. Aside from not having much appetite, he's acting pretty normally.

But today isn't about them being sick, it's about their birthday! And we all know how I feel about birthdays!

Betsey and Ross needed a new kitty condo, so for a mere $956 (plus shipping & handling), I purchased the Fantasia Condo below.

From PamperedPawGifts.com

They also received some cat caviar from AffordableCaviar.com. At only $250 (including shipping) for nine 4oz jars, that's quite affordable.

Cat caviar. Doesn't it look yummy?

I don't know how much longer Betsey and Ross will be around, but each day they bring me oodles and oodles of joy and I'm honored to have been their mom for 15 years.

Enjoy your 4th of July and remember why we're all celebrating today: Betsey and Ross.*

Happy Birthday 15th Betsey and Ross!

*Okay, that's not true, but don't tell Betsey and Ross. They honestly believe all the fireworks, parades, picnics, etc. are all about them. Did I mention they're cats and a little self-centered? Also, to be sure, Betsey and Ross did not receive the crazy gifts above. After all the money I've willingly given to the vet in the last six weeks, there are no birthday presents this year. They both received huge hugs and kisses as I told them I loved them.

I'm 40 Today!

I know I've posted this twice before, but don't you think it's the cutest picture ever?

I'm 40. I'm in my 40s. For-ty.

I'm getting used to saying it. I can't say "I'm in my 30s" anymore.

But WOW! I'm 40! Wahoo! It's MY birthday! This is my favorite day of the year! My birthday is better than Christmas because it's MY birthday! And I'm so excited about MY birthday!

Yes, I know I'm like a little kid about it, but seriously...it's MY birthday!!!! And what's not to love about that? It's a day dedicated to ME!

And in the tradition of years past, this is my special birthday blog post. Last year, you will recall, I shared all my birthday horoscopes along with that super cute picture of my on my 4th birthday. In 2009, I discussed all the famous people who shared my special day, along with my first picture ever. I also showed off the most beautiful flowers in the world that I was surprised with by someone special. Finally, in 2008, I shared all the cool world events that happened on my birthday and shared the story of how I came into the world.

As I turn the page on this new chapter in my life, I thought I'd give a State of My Life update by checking in with my Bucket List.

This past year I . . .

1. Stopped biting my nails, have pretty nails I'm proud of and have started wearing rings. Item #42.
2. Paid off 100% of my debt. I achieved this Tuesday night. Whew! Just in time. You should have seen me doing the Happy Dance in my kitchen after I clicked the button on that online payment. This is a really big deal to me. It doesn't matter how much debt I had. In my opinion, any consumer debt is too much. I will tell you that the average U.S. household has $14,473 in credit card debt. I had significantly less than that, but enough that it took a plan. I followed my plan and achieved my goal. Item #44. Now I can turn my attention to item #67. (You'll have to go check it out, I'm not telling you what it is.)
   
3. Ride the Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier. While you may think that's nothing to brag about, I'm really afraid of heights (and it's 150 feet in height!) and I overcame my fear to do this. Item #60.
4. Swam from the Watervale dock to BooHoo. Item #61.
5. Learned to love sushi. I accomplished this in January with a friend from high school that I hadn't seen since high school. Not only was it a great meal, but we had a wonderful, laughter-filled trip down memory lane. Item #62.
6. Applied for my passport. It hasn't arrived yet, but that's okay. I've applied for it and it should be here any day, based on their 4-week estimated arrival time. Item #63.
7. Lost 40 pounds. Okay, it wasn't the original 100 pounds that I wanted to lose this year and I also didn't reach my revised goal of 50 pounds, but I'm 40 pounds lighter than I was a year ago. I've lost 2 dress sizes and even a shoe size! Item #22.

I've also bought a new car (well, new to me), changed careers, gone to work at a company I love in a position that challenges me daily and brings me lots of personal fulfillment, and Little Merry Sunshine hit 50,000 visitors.

If I do say so myself, that's quite the list. I've actually achieved many of my personal goals and dreams in the past 40 years (see the bottom of my Bucket List for items I accomplished previously).

So what's up for the next 40 years? I don't have a crystal ball, but I do have my Bucket List and while I can't tell you with certainty that I'll achieve all of it, I do have a few items I plan to tick off in the next one to two years.

1. Buy a house (a condo counts too). Item #67.
   
2. Run a 5K. I'll do this by Thanksgiving. Item #21.
3. Finish losing those 50 pounds and add another 30 to the tally by Christmas. Items #22 and 22A.
4. Learn to play tennis. Item #33.
5. Donate blood. I swear I'll do this by Christmas. Item #36.
6. Dress in super sexy lingerie and feel confident about it. Item #53.
7. Bike the Drive. Item #65.
8. Travel to Paris. Item #68.
9. Create a scholarship at my alma mater by the time I'm 42. Item #10.
10. Learn to shoot a gun. Item #26.
11. Visit New York City. Item #6.
    

So that's it. I've got a lot to be proud of, but I've still got a lot to accomplish.

Although this isn't quite front row seats at a U2 concert (item #29), Bono and The Edge had a special birthday message for me:

Happy 94th Birthday Nana!

Sunday would be Nana's 94th birthday.

If everything had gone as planned, I would be sitting in her pew at Crystal Beach Community Church feeling her presence next to me and remembering her reaching over to hold my hand as we sang hymns. Then I'd be enjoying lunch at Sam's Fresh Seafood with Mom. We'd end the day standing on the Crystal Beach Pier watching the sunset into the Gulf of Mexico.

Unfortunately, nothing went as planned this week and I'm in Arlington Heights.

So I'll be celebrating Nana's birthday by sitting in a pew in the church I grew up attending, the First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights. I don't know what else I'll do tomorrow, but I'm going to enjoy the dessert I remember Nana making more often than any other: Vanilla bean ice Cream and fresh peaches.

I remember cutting up peaches with her, scooping ice cream into the little Blue Willow china dessert bowls and sitting around the big dining room table while we all enjoyed the refreshing treat. After dinner, we'd wash and put away the dishes together and then walk down to the pier to watch the sunset.

Such a simple wonderful way to end the day. Just like Nana. Simple and wonderful.

In honor of Nana, here's her favorite hymn. We sang it at her Celebration of Life service on her birthday last year. It's hard to believe that a year ago I saw her for the last time. She looked so peaceful in her casket, although it was truly almost more than I could do to look at her. I just didn't want her to be gone. The truth is I still don't want her to be gone, but I'm doing better this year.

Happy 14th Birthday to Betsey & Ross!

Betsey (l) and Ross (r) in 2006 when they were 10.

As difficult as it is to believe, Betsey and Ross turn 14 on Sunday. That's right, they were born on the 4th of July and (for those of you who are new here) were born in Washington DC, which, of course, is how they got their names. Anyway, they're turning 14!

I say it's difficult to believe they're 14 because they still act like they're about 5. They run around the house chasing each other, fight with the feral cat outside (while remaining safely on this side of the sliding glass door), groom each other, love each other, jump all around playing with their toys, and with the exception of the last month, have had no major health problems. As you can see below, they're also both into politics and are big fans of President Obama. In fact, they Super Dele-CATS for (then candidate) Barack Obama and were featured on Cats for Obama.

The last month has been a bit traumatic with Betsey and worrying that she had cancer, but as of today, we know she's cancer free, has a beautiful clean bladder and excellent kidney and liver functioning. Her final diagnosis is cystitis and hyperthyroidism, both chronic and inexpensively treatable. The truth is that she's probably had both of these issues for years, but we just didn't know it because the cystitis sat dormant and we had no reason to run blood tests.

Betsey, Ross, and I have a lot of people to thank for their kindness over the last month including the great doctors at Animal ER and Veterinary Specialty Center, Dr. Jennifer Kinnavy at March Animal Hospital for never giving up on Betsey and keeping me (relatively) calm, vet tech extraordinaire (and my cousin) Andrea for dealing with my panic so well, Keefer's Pharmacy in Mt. Prospect for making up all the fabulous drug cocktails for Betsey, Dr. Donna Krochak at Alexandria Animal Hospital in Alexandria, VA for giving Betsey and Ross such outstanding care in Virginia to ensure their continued good health in Illinois, and our family and friends who have continually asked about how Betsey is doing.

Betsey and Ross appreciate that everyone takes the weekend to celebrate them by attending parades, festivals, backyard BBQs, fireworks, etc. They only ask that you act responsibly by not drinking and driving and also take a moment to remember that it's also our country's 234th birthday. The rest of the weekend you can celebrate Betsey and Ross.

Here's a great soundtrack for the weekend thanks to NPR.

You probably also want to listen to the Declaration of Independence as read by the broadcasters at NPR. When was the last time you listened?

Birthday Horoscopes

This is my absolute favorite birthday picture ever. Love that my pj's match the wall paper and birthday cake, the grin on my face, and that it's obvious I'm gonna be bossy and sassy in just a few years. I'm 4 in this pic.

One of my silly birthday obsessions is that I read every possible "If today is your birthday" horoscope on my birthday so I can get a feel for what the year is going to bring. Of course, they're almost never accurate, but it's my thing.

Don't judge. You have your things and I don't judge. Plus, it's my birthday and I'm invoking the "it's my birthday, so you can't give me any grief" rule. Yes, it exists. In my head.

So let's start with Holiday Mathis of philstar.com.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (June 16). It is your year to let go of past limitations and soar. This begins with a cycle of playfulness and leisure. Get in touch with your soul’s wants through July. You are motivated by passion through August and will accomplish important personal work. Others on the same wavelength contribute to your project in November. Gemini and Cancer people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 20, 4, 39, 25 and 40.

This is interesting because I've been feeling very playful and fun lately. In fact, I was just saying that to my friend Tony. I'm concerned though by the statement that "Gemini and Cancer people adore you." Why don't ALL people adore me???

Moving onto Georgia Nichols. She probably has something useful for me.

If today is your birthday . . . Actor John Cho (1972) shares your birthday today. It's important for you to succeed because you have goals you intend to achieve. You're patient about working and building toward those goals. You plan ahead, and you make your choices carefully and wisely. (This includes how you choose to include people in your life or not.) Your timing generally pays off. In this year ahead, you will learn something very valuable.

Okay, wait, this is the best she can do? She can see into my future and all she knows is that I'll learn something valuable? She can't get any more specific than that? Ugh. She is right about that planning ahead thing. I mean, who do you know that likes a plan more than I do? No one. Maybe what I'll learn this year is how to be spontaneous. THAT would be valuable.

Let's take a look at my Love and Sex Horoscope.

If your birthday is on June 16th your sun sign is Gemini. Dear Gemini, you've got a love style that's timeless. In other words, you always make time for love and sex! You have a variety of interests and tend to subscribe to the motto "Variety is the spice of life".

This is especially true in your love and sex life. You tend to get bored easily and if your lover can't hold your attention in the bedroom and in your mind then you'll be looking in a new direction in no time.

I can't possibly comment on that. My mom reads this blog. Next.

I love the Washington Post. Maybe they've got some good predictions.

For Wednesday, June 16 -On today's agenda, you need to add mending fences, loving your neighbor and all the rest of that caring, sharing business. Think of yourself as a karmic diplomat, spreading good energy and love among the rest of the world. You don't have to lay it on with a trowel or break your back to spread the love -- just let your soul shine through in everything you do right now. You're an ambassador of goodwill without even trying!

Well, that's chipper. Really. I can handle that. Although I'm not really sure how "mending fences" works with "letting go of past limitations" (which I read as "let go of the PAST you're hanging onto"). I'm not sure I want to go revisit some of that. I'm going to have to think on that. Actually, maybe this is the best time to mend a fence. I have a phone call to make.

What about my hometown paper the Chicago Tribune? What does it have to say about my future?

Today's birthday (6/16/10). You gain crystal clarity this year about how you approach your work. Immerse yourself in the details of any educational process. Start from the ground up, and you feel fortunate because you become a teacher as well as student. A little danger offers greater power.

So this year is all about work. Well, that's good, frankly. But all work and no play makes me kinda dull. I'm going to keep looking.

I think Sydney Omarr is fairly respected in the world of astrology. Well, I've seen his name before. I bet he's on top of my next year.

IF JUNE 16 IS YOUR BIRTHDAY: The Force isn't with you in any area that has to do with work, investments, career or business now so concentrate on having a good time with loved ones during the next several weeks. August could be a perfect time for travel, as your desire to explore new vistas and have adventures is in full flower, but you might choose to begin a new study or educational project. Steer clear of signing business agreements or making financial decisions in September when the universe seems to oppose your best interests. October and November are excellent months for travel, romantic excursions, or for just feeling good about your progress with mental pursuits.

Huh. I'm going to take that first sentence to mean I ought to spend the next few weeks at the beach. Thanks Sydney! I didn't read past that.

The Star has some interesting thought . . .

IF TODAY IS YOUR BIRTHDAY: This year, count on your communication skills. You will enjoy touching base with others more often as well. However, you might long to stretch your mind or grow in new ways. Some of you will travel, others might look at school, and yet, for many, a foreigner or someone quite different could knock on your door. If you are single, you might choose someone who is unusual or artistic. You could meet this person in an odd way. If you are attached, the two of you will become closer if you plan a trip together or take a seminar. Leo always appreciates you.

Now who in my life is a Leo? Hmmmmm . . . Oh, my cousin Andrea. Yes, she always appreciates me. That's all I can think of at the moment, although I'm sure more will come to me.

Oh my God. CafeAstrology.com has the best birthday horoscope ever. The first part describes me to a T.

The Year Ahead
Forecast for June 2010 to June 2011

If You Were Born Today, June 16: Your imagination is boundless and you are a true visionary. You possess an endearing youthful quality throughout life, and can be quite persuasive when you want to be. You are given to daydreaming and require frequent periods of rest and solitude in order to renew your spirit. You do thrive on sharing your ideas with others, but you need time alone to refresh. You can be quite ambitious, and at times critical and impatient when feeling restless or unfocused. Famous people born today: Erich Segal, Tupac Shakur, Ian Buchanan, Wally Joyner, Joyce Carol Oates.

Your Birthday Year Forecast: The Sun in harmonious aspect to the Moon in your Solar Return chart is a pleasant aspect, suggesting that your domestic and career needs are not in competition with one another this year. Your inner needs tend to be mirrored by external events, and vice versa. You are likely to be on top of your game this year for the most part, and positive connections with others can be made fairly easily. A comfortable level of personal popularity helps keep conflict to a minimum. With the ability to handle your emotions successfully, there will be less stress on both your mind and body. Your self-confidence and positive attitude will reward you!

You can truly forge ahead and tackle problems with gusto when you focus your energies. With the determination to meet or exceed your goals, your ambition is stimulated and you can move mountains. You might find that you become more goal-oriented this year, as superficial goals no longer satisfy you. You want your objectives to reflect what you're really about, and you are likely to rid yourself of unsatisfying goals this year. You benefit from being more decisive than usual, and your ability to concentrate and focus helps you to achieve what you set out to do. A new project or goal begun this year has a good chance of being successful and long-lasting. Your sexual and physical activities tend to be more intense, passionate, and focused. It's an excellent year in which to make a lifestyle change.

Pleasing circumstances surrounding your love life, finances, and creative pursuits are in store this year. Others are looking on you favorably, particularly friends and lovers (or potential lovers). You are more generous, and others return the favor. You might receive financial backing or special gifts in the period ahead. You seek a little more from your love life and you are likely to receive it. Some of you could fall in love this year, or existing relationships are enhanced. You may lose your fear of taking risks this year on a social level, and happily embrace all that is new, unusual, and out-of-the-ordinary with regards to romantic involvements as well as financial undertakings. You are ready to experiment, and not necessarily ready to commit. This could be a good year for financial undertakings involving electronics, technology, the internet, metaphysics, and the arts, as well as group activities. You have a taste for the offbeat this year, and this energy can bring sudden or unexpected romance into your life. Adventure-seeking is a theme.

Saturn in opposition to Uranus around the time of your birthday suggests some restlessness. Attempts to assert your individuality, freedom, and originality undermine your feelings of groundedness and security. Yet, you are not satisfied when you conform. There may be sudden and unexpected twists that force you to do something different or that help free yourself from old habits. Adjusting your plans is in order, and striking a balance between convention and innovation is the challenge. Setbacks tend to be temporary and often lead to new, more creative paths or solutions. Ambivalence is likely and could color many of your interactions.

Jupiter joined with Uranus is also found in your Solar Return chart, and this suggests the need for progressive change in your life. You might take risks (perhaps, but not necessarily, foolish ones) for the sake of freedom. You are open to new energies, approaches, and attitudes. Fortunate events occur as a direct result of your willingness to entertain the unusual and to think outside of the box. Enthusiasm runs high, the desire for freedom from restrictions is strong, and thirst for adventure is with you.

This is an excellent year for close relationships, romance, and your social life. Your energy and stamina are also increased. You are especially ambitious and driven, and more able to focus on important goals. Positive lifestyle changes can be made in the year ahead.

2010 is a Number Seven year for you. Ruled by Neptune. This is a year of preparation, chance, and refinement. It is not a time of dramatic changes. Instead, it's a year when reflection on the past is helpful, and when refinements to your life path should be made. It's a good year to study and analyze. Unexpected twists to your life story and "chance" meetings are probable. Advice - take stock of your life in order to prepare for more exciting years to come, examine the past and plan for the future, get in touch with your deepest needs and uncover your personal power, don't strain yourself or actively try to expand.

2011 will be a Number Eight year for you. Ruled by Saturn. This is a year of power and accomplishment. Actively seeking to expand, taking educated risks, and moving forward are highlighted. This is a year of opportunity, particularly in the material and business world, and opportunities need to be seized. It's generally not a year to find a new love partner, simply because the focus is on the material world and your place in the world. This is a problem-solving year in which you can expect real, tangible results. Advice - take action, plan ahead, seize opportunities.

What's Cooking at Little Merry Sunshine?

One of my favorite pastimes is cooking. I love trying new recipes and seeing what works and what doesn't. I enjoy learning new things in the kitchen.

I have to be honest, it's not clear where this love of cooking comes from. I recall that my mom was a pretty good cook when we were kids, but it was never something she truly loved, so she didn't spend time trying new things like I do. My dad's idea of cooking is opening up a can, tossing a frozen dinner in the microwave, or if he's being fancy, cracking the lid on the jar of Prego.

Wait, I do know where my love of cooking came from. Like so much else in my life, it came from Watervale. The summer after my sophomore year at Lake Forest College, I spent the summer working at Watervale. I worked in the kitchen, which didn't thrill me at the time because I had wanted to be a waitress (that's where the real money was and wait staff spent their days at the beach while I spent most of mine in the kitchen). On a daily basis, I made all the bread, all the salads, and all the salad dressings from scratch. I also made Creme Brulee every week, which may explain my snobbery about it now. While I didn't really appreciate it then, the culinary skills I learned that summer have really served me ever since.

Because I love to cook, I thought I'd start a new feature on Little Merry Sunshine called "What's Cooking at Little Merry Sunshine?" featuring some of the meals I've cooked or creations I've baked recently. If things turn out, I'll even share the recipes.

This week, I have been busy in the kitchen. I made Chicken Pot Pie, Spaghetti and Beef Stew, all from scratch.

Chicken Pot Pie
3 cups mixed frozen vegetables
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked & cut-up
2 cans Cream of Chicken soup
1 cup Bisquick mix
1/2 cup milk
1 egg

1. Pre-heat oven to 400.
2. Mix first 3 ingredients in a greased glass pie plate.
3. In a separate bowl, mix last 3 ingredients together. Pour over chicken mixture in pie plate.
4. Bake about 30 minutes.

All together this took about 35 minutes to make including cooking time. I served it with a salad. It easily would have fed a family a four. Mom and I had tons of leftovers. I think we got 3 meals for two out of it. This wasn't the best Chicken Pot Pie I've ever had because it was a bit bland, but it was quick and easy and hit the spot on a freezing cold January night.

The beef stew and spaghetti were outstanding as well. I'll share those recipes later.

Finally, I can't finish today's blog post without wishing a very happy birthday to a dear friend of mine. Words can't describe how much I treasure our friendship.

Happy Birthday Sesame Street!

Forty years ago today, Sesame Street first premiered on PBS. Four decades of children have grown up with Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, Bert & Ernie, the Cookie Monster, Grover, and many other Sesame Street friends.

But not me. Sesame Street was not allowed in my house. I don't know why. I also wasn't allowed to watch The Electric Company, but Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood and Captain Kangaroo were okay, in limited amounts.

Anyway, happy birthday to Sesame Street!