Om Mani Padme Hum

Ten years ago, I was in New York City, very shortly after the Twin Towers fell. It was a prearranged trip to Broadway and shopping with my favorite aunt--scratch that, dear friend. Sadly, she passed away two years ago this month from pancreatic cancer.

I always had attributed Mike and my 2002 trip to Asia as the impetus for my Buddhist belief system, but as I thought harder, I realized this just couldn't be so. With all the 10 year anniversary coverage of 9/11, it brought back memories of my trip there, witnessing all the devastation firsthand. In the midst of it all I recall visiting the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art. So clearly, something compelled me across the Hudson River to Staten Island, long before I stepped foot in Asia. While there, I purchased a card of the Buddhist Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, who embodies compassion, a card I still cherish today. The title here, Om Mani Padme Hum, is that mantra I repeat almost daily. I mean is there anything better to strive for than having compassion for all sentient beings? (note, I have a long way to go :)

This past August into September also marked my first ever Summer Retreat at Jewel Heart. It was the most intense 10 days of my life. Retreat is rather a misnomer, as I think I needed a month to recover from the wealth of information garnered from Gelek Rimpoche reading Pabongka Rinpoche's book Liberation in the Palm of your Hand.
At the end of the 10 days, there was an Amityus long life empowerment given by Rimpoche, and a Lama Chopa Tsoh. Both of these are, well, "above my pay grade," to explain, so see the links of my Google search.

Pabongka's book is amazing, I mean there it is, right there, a text to, well, give you liberation. I was so thrilled reading this tome, step by step instructions, if you will, of Buddha's teachings to help me on my path to spiritual enlightment. Read this, and I'm done! Whoa, slow down there, cowboy. My brain literally ached after each evening, trying to absorb it all.

But what is so satisfying, despite the overwhelming nature of it all, is that it's truly all in my hands, not some external source to save me from damnation.

I think--no, I know it will take me more than this lifetime to grasp the dharma, but I continue to meditate on the Buddha's teachings, knowing each day I am changed from the one that has passed.

Peace in Ann Arbor

It's cliche, I know, to say how time slips away, but here I am, day after day, roboting through the mundanity of life, only to see that the calendar says August!

During my morning walk in the woods with Max this morning I am struck yet again, at the good fortune I have to be so close to nature's wonders here in Ann Arbor. Today's journey was to the 160 acre Bird Hills recreation area near M-14 and Huron River Drive. This wooded area is one of Max's favorite spots, as he can run free, alongside other hikers, runners, and dog walkers, who don't mind off leash dogs, especially well-behaved ones!
I could spend quite a long time traipsing through the trails here, but I take the main thoroughfare trail out to Bird Road and cross Huron River Drive and head over to the Barton Park area. To my left, there is the Barton Dam and a water treatment plant. However, as soon as you walk the bridge, you follow the river and end up in the middle of secluded trails, amongst shrubby meadows, flowers, following along the river. I'm always astounded on my walks here at the rarity of any other people, in this city of about 115,000.




The most fun Max has walking along the river of course is being able to plunge in and cool off. What with the searing temps, and his luscious fur coat, it's been a difficult summer for him. He is a goof in the water!

I can't think of a more delightful and peaceful way to start my morning, and neither can Max! However, the aftermath of Max's exuberant run through the woods adds another 45 minutes to my repertoire as I pick out all the burrs that have accumulated in his fur.

Man vs. Squirrel

It was a morning like any other -- the only difference is I was trying to cram a Max walk in before another busy day at work, so I leashed him up to take a spin through the neighborhood. I use a harness and a retractable leash so Max can explore a little without being confined to the regular six-foot leash.

The inherent problem in the Burns Park neighborhood is it's replete with squirrels --one of whom even took up residence in our attic. (A story for another day!)

As we rounded the corner onto Granger, I spotted a couple of the furry little beasts and we skipped into a jog to play our game of let's pretend to go catch the squirrel. I'm usually pretty good about paying attention, but in some sort of karmic revenge of the squirrels for our torment, Max ran much much quicker than the retractable leash and my short legs could keep up, and I was soon face first on the cement.


Picture, if you will, the kids' summer game of Slip-n-Slide, but it all taking place on a sidewalk, me dragged a few feet. At some point I must have had the brilliant idea to finally let go of the leash -- that or my weakness, and Max continued to race after the squirrels until they ended up in a tree.

After about 30 stunned seconds, I collected myself, only to find Max calmly sitting under the tree as if to say "Uh, can we get going on this walk?" One kind soul walking her dog asked if I was okay, which for the most part I was. I picked up the leash as best I could, despite the profusion of blood in the palms of my hands, and headed home. Luckily I was only a few short blocks away.
And lucky for you, my initial instinct to photograph the injury was overcome by my rush to get to work -- that and the fact our minimalist household was ill equipped to care for my wounds, so my prework routine also necessitated a stop at the pharmacy!

When I got home, I discovered a horrible bruise to my hip, that my shorts had been terribly ripped and my phone, that was in a solid leather case, had broken!


After the adrenaline of the whole ordeal wore off, the pain started to kick in, and a gracious colleague offered me her Tylenol. Of course, my line of work isn't exactly conducive to recuperating the injury either. By the end of a morning of rapid fire court testimony, the hand that was holding the leash was aching. I soon worried perhaps I had broken my wrist and it was off to the urgent care clinic to verify whether this was the case. Thankfully this was not so, but they did equip me with a fancy brace for the sprain.

Now I know you're thinking "Why didn't you let go of the leash?" Or "You know Max pulls on the leash when he sees squirrels." To which I've replied to all, "It's called an accident for a reason." LOL. Anyway, it's back to off leash in the woods with that boy!

Needless to say, in this saga of man vs. squirrel, the squirrel won!

Whirlwind

Could it be this hiatus has been because of a tsunami of events? Why yes. Seems my initial fretting over selling our Livonia home was all for naught, as shortly thereafter we received an offer! Not that that process wasn't fraught with the usual back and forth shell game. But, alas, the paperwork is signed, sealed, delivered!

More importantly what's consumed our lives over the last weeks has been our new home in the panacea of Michigan: Ann Arbor!













This little bank owned gem in Burns Park was a rental home in pretty good shape. We closed mid March, and of course the "pretty good shape" has turned into more work than anticipated, but nothing like our former home. It all has been a bit overwhelming but soon it will all be a distant memory.

The absolute best part of the story is my 1.4 mile commute to the office! After Mother Nature dumped a fresh layer of snow the day after our "official" move, not having to get in the car and drive was the sweetest delight, even if the sewer was backing up from my morning shower.

Going Vegan

So March 9th ushers in Lent for practicing Catholics. So yeah, I know Buddhists don't "do" Lent but well, somehow I got talked into going Vegan "for Lent." And well, as a former Catholic I could embrace the timeframe, and seemed like a way to try it out for a defined period of time.

I'd been thinking of the Vegan way of life for awhile after a friend "went Vegan." Granted she's a crazy college kid, and why I should even listen to anyone under the age of 30 is beyond me, right? But she's an amazing young woman, well-reasoned and made a good argument for giving up animal product.

And then another colleague suggested, "Hey! Wanna go vegan for Lent." And shore as I was sitting there, I said, "Why not?"

What is IT with these persuasive under 30s????

Well, besides, I almost never eat meat anyway. But cheese. Oh, glorious cheese. Goat cheese. Gouda cheese. Romano cheese. Parmesan cheese. Pecorino cheese. The list goes on. I'm drooling now at the very thought. However, my proclivity for migraine headaches, and an increasingly touchy gut has given me pause for my ingestion of dairy.

And let's talk about the impact on our environment. I know, a lot of vegetarians/vegans are crazed animal lovers, but to me it's environmental.

So I will begin this 40 day journey and see how it goes. Of course I will be living at Trader Joe's and Plum Market. An easy goody is here:

One of my easy "cheat" meals I've discovered is combining these two:

It's so easy, heat each bag for 90 seconds, no preservatives, protein and fiber up the ying-yang. The Seeds of Change is a multi-pack from Costco of all places!

So here we go. In advance I've sworn off the "fake" stuff. I mean why go vegan if you're just gonna do fake meat, fake cheese, etc.? I'm going to venture into the full realm of vegan and look for alternative ways of eating healthy without relying on our overburdened animal industry.

Buy My House!

Selling our home has turned into an interesting experience. And, well, living with a realtor adds to the nuances of it all. Before we even listed our home, Mike had everything planned to "T" on the best way to stage our home. Being it's just the two of us makes it easy to keep it in tip-top shape day in/day out.

As soon as it hit the MLS, that evening we got our first showing. Whoo-hoo. The next day, two showings. The next day four showings. And the next, and next and next.

Now hold on just a minute. Two and a half weeks elapse and we're up to 35 showings, a couple of do-overs, one who overstayed their welcome and NO OFFER!! I know, you say, the market is crummy, we shouldn't expect anything so soon, but even my realtor husband is surprised by the number of showings / feedback.

Having access to Mike's "Showing Desk" I can read all the Feedback that's received. The most interesting reveal is the agents get it, but so far no one's biting. Almost all the Feedback for "How well does the house show?" is "Excellent." Next question, "Is client interested in property?" It varies from "Not at all" to "Maybe." Then there's a free-form comment section. We've had a number of "I can't believe you don't have an offer" and several agents who've said "Home shows great, I'm going to bring another client."

I think it's indicative of today's society. We live in a world now where no one can make up their mind, everyone wants something for nothing, and more importantly, perfection for nothing. The comments related by the agents from their clients just has us shaking our head. Did anyone look at the photos online? What did you think would look different from the pictures? Um, you DO realize this home is used, right? It was built in 1958.

I know eventually it will happen, but hiding the good jewelry, and packing up the
d-o-g is growing old. Ugh, I can't imagine if I had kids, too!

Agility Fun!

We're on our fourth week of Intro to Agility at the Ann Arbor Dog Training Club. There's about 10 folks in the class and we're split into two groups. This way we're afforded ample opportunity to teach the dogs the obtacles. The only downfall of this class is that it's so late, 7:45, which makes it tough to head out the door. But once there, it is quite enjoyable.

It's interesting there are so many obstacles and the way they're set up, and the proper way to maneuver through them. It gives me a new appreciation for observing the rallies I see on TV. Of course, they make it look so easy! Max is making progress, and is soooo pooped when he leaves. Once in the backseat of the car, he plops down and it's snoozeville.

I don't know I'll get to the point where I want to "compete" with the Maxster, but surely is a fun component to his exercise regime.

An Evening to Savor

The trio arrived at the table, and what a surprise. The first oozing fiery sensuality, the second neatly attired, and the third coyly perched off to the side, its leg jutting out, hinting at its delciousness. Girls night out speed dating? A Match dot com success?

No! Even better!! It was dinner out at Atlas Global Bistro in Detroit. I will forever regret not photographing our entrees as they arrived at the table. Their magnificence is unparalleled in my recent dining career. (see below my dining disappointment at Coach Insignia)

The first dilemma of the evening presented when I perused the wine list. I am always in a connundrum here, but eventually settling on a Snoqualmie chardonnay. I think I just liked the name Snoqualmie, LOL. Despite my haphazard way of selecting, it was quite tasty and complimented my meal nicely.

I became completely stymied when I read the menu. For a foodie like myself, how on earth was I to choose. I suppose if I was already into my month-long vegan commitment it might have been easier, but this was just a panoply of mouth-watering choices!

I certainly couldn't pass up the Roasted Beets and Goat Cheese salad, with baby greens, spinach, garlic croute, herbed goat cheese, spiced walnuts and saffron vinaigrette

All of the entrees tormented me with their luscious words. I relented and called for our waiter's assistance. He urged the Five Spice Escolar, and I happily acquiesced to his suggestion. How could I not when it is described as follows: Pan Roasted. Orange Ginger Sauce. Red Pepper. Leeks. Bok Choy. Sesame Seeds.

Mike chose the Pancetta Wrapped Korabuta Pork Tenderloin: Butter Poached Fingerling Potatoes. Brussels Sprouts. Bosch Pear. Granny Smith Apple. Fig. Michigan Cherries. Spiced Brandy Buerre Fondue.

Sue decided on the Cardamom Dusted Veal Chop: Bone-in Chop. Spiced Glace. Sweet Potato. Parsnip. Rapini. Citrus Garlic Butter.

As mentioned above, when they arrived at the table, they were pictures of perfection, pure artistry on a plate!

As soon as the fork hit my mouth, it was divine. Normally not one for sharing, it was so outstanding, I had to have Mike and Sue taste the savory goodness. We all began spooning off pieces of our entrees for the others to try, each exhaling with satisfaction, our collective taste buds alive with delight.

When it was over, there was no longing for more; it was satiety at its best. It's a shame no one ordered dessert, if only to appreciate this chef's talent.

I now have a reason to go back and visit the city of Detroit!

It's a Snow Day!

Well, a pathetic one at that. A measly seven inches fell, but for the first time in 16 years, they actually closed the federal courthouse. I'll take it! I vowed to really savor the day. Wow, that worked out well -- er not so much. I woke up at 4:30, and watched the news, but promptly turned around and caught a few more Zzzzs.

Rewarded the hubster with a hot cooked breakfast for clearing the walk and drive, and then it was off to romp with the pupster in the snow. He was SO excited. I fear for spring, he just loves it so much. You can see he's up to his haunches in the snow-- but you can't even see the snow, LOL, he just looks legless!!! You can kind of see a leaf on the right side of his back leg, which is the top of the snow!

Back at the ranch, a soak in a tub, followed by more tedious organizational tasks to tackle.

But, all the while, gnawing away at me is a review of the last 30 days. I know, you can't move a mountain in a month. The damage that's been done to Valerie and Sean is so monumental that I feel weary that my involvement will have any effect. I've seen a rare glimmer or two that I am having an effect but it is increasingly frustrating.

My initial enthusiasm has now become tempered with anger at her parents -- a desire to lash out at them (I know, with no reasonable result) as well as wanting to throw in the towel due to Valerie's snottiness. I don't know if she's "testing" me, is a typical teenager or truly is beyond hope, the constant battering at her to do her homework, to be responsible.

WHERE ARE THESE PARENTS? Doesn't anyone care what these children are doing???? Oh, wait, I'm childless, I am clueless about proper care of children, right? Yes, I'm back on my political rant that procreation needs to be regulated and licensed.

Phew, I think having snow days might not be such a good thing. Too much time to think, LOL.

To Save a 14 Year Old

Late last year it came to light that my brother is a raging alcoholic. Yeah, I know, what do you mean late last year? I guess we knew off and on over the years he "drank" as they say, but it was the best kept secret from our side of the family. And frankly, his family went along with the charade, I suppose secretly hoping we'd just figure it out?

In December, when he was in jail, I suppose this is when the family purging began and I was told myriad of stories. The daughter just broke my heart, the seeming target for a heap of verbal abuse by a drunk father.

I should backtrack. It was the daughter's abhorrent grades for her first term in 9th grade that made me sit up and take notice. As a rabid proponent of education, the Ds and Es reported made my blood boil! Just what were these parents doing? Or NOT doing? In my naivete, I did not realize the effects an alcoholic has on one's family.

Coupled with extensive discussion with the enabling mother, and the history of the women on her side of the family of a long line of marriage to alcoholics, the hair on the back of my neck pricked up with worry that this would be the path my niece would soon take.

So this is when my mission for 2011 (and beyond) began. I know, the younger son will be next, but one project at a time, because the girl is in crisis.

So since January 1 we started a mission to improve her grades by having her come to my house after school most days -- conveniently located 3 blocks from the high school. Her incomplete homework was a byproduct of avoiding going home, IMHO, coupled with no supervision of same.

The end result is a modest improvement but also one tired 47 y/0. I know in the end it will be worth it, but going from childless to having a teenager is exhausting, especially when I didn't train her from the get go :-)

The mystery of my brother's alcholism --and addiction--will have to remain just that. My parents are wonderful; were social to non drinkers growing up. He's been a troubled soul from the time he was a small child. I know I cannot change people and will never change him.

But I can help to empower a young woman to make her life beautiful.

Do you know your CongressPerson?

But I bet you know who Gabby Giffords is by now. Caution, a bit of self-indulgence that might seem harsh.....or not.

Dear TV: Please stop the constant updating of the Tucson shooting. Frankly I'm tired of it, and getting a bit, yes, dare I say it, nauseated.

When I heard of the event, my stomach dropped, I was sickened, crying tears for those who'd lost loved ones. And the death of Federal District Judge John Roll hit chillingly close to home for me, a federal official court reporter.

But the continued minute-by-minute coverage is exhausting. I began flashbacking to my uncle's murder in the summer of '08. NBC interviewed poor little Christina Green's classmates and friends, but I thought of ALL of the youngsters who actually witnessed the lunatic who shot up the church my uncle was in, what trauma they witnessed and still harbor today.

The President never made his way to my uncle's memorial service -- no less a hero than anyone in Tucson by using his body to block the door to the sanctuary so the shooter could do no more harm. The President never went to Linda Kraeger's funeral, the other victim in that church shooting.

There have been so many mass shootings that are a momentary glimpse on the news. In the spring of '08, my brother's colleague's daugther died here. I know that the families of Catalina Garcia, Julianna Gehant, Ryanne Mace (my brother's friend's daughter), Gayle Dubowski and Daniel Parmenter mourn till this day.

Or what about this shooting?

While the President's words were inspiring, the whole "pep rally" like atomosphere and all the political wrangling going on is just too much for me to take. All the talking heads spending hours opining about our gun laws, what caused the shooting, and every nuance of Ms.Giffords medical progress is wearisome.

All you really need to know is there are family and friends of the victims out there that have had their hearts ripped from their chest. They will begin doubting whether they will ever feel joy ever again in their life. And from the moment they heard the news, going forward, there will be times jumping off a cliff will seem preferable to the wrenching pain of grief.

The media and lookie-loos, the hangers on, need to step away and let the real participants in this tragedy heal.

A Lost Love

No, not some slacka$s I dated years ago, but Yoga! I've been practicing yoga off and on for the last 10 years -- lately more off. I'm not sure why it took me so long to do something so satisfying. As 2010 closed out, I finally signed up for a new session of Flow Yoga which started yesterday.



Despite the intrepid travel conditions, I made my way to the class, and was rewarded with peace and relaxation. The best thing about yoga is I always feel like I look like this:
But I know I have the balance of an 87 y/0. (No offense to 87 y/0's) I can barely stand on one leg for more than 30 seconds, and my flexibilty is nonexistent. Regaining what I've lost after my hiatus from yoga is going to be a challenge.


And as all yoga-philes know, the best part of yoga is Savasana, that 5-10 minutes at the end of class, where I'm briefly transported miles from reality. I leave feeling remarkably rejuvenated and energized. How could I have waited so long to return?

Maxwell Smart

So not as in the Agent 99 and TV show fame, but the nickname for the smartest dog in the whole world, our Max.


I want to cut to the chase and just say it really is all about the dog in my life! Mom went to the hospital this week (a story for another day & she is OK). Sitting in a hospital isn't exactly a thrill, UNTIL in walks a four-legged creature, and Ken, founder of Dr. Paws. Being a therapy dog is something I have planned for Max's life-- something his father did, and his temperment seems just right for the job.


Yes, I/we have anthropomorphized him far too much, but with that sweet face, who wouldn't?

After several months last year of puppy/obedience classes, it was time for a break. Now that the new year is here, I've added to my burgeoning list, getting Max into agility training.

But let's get this clear, Max is a family dog. Have you seen Best in Show? Not really my speed.

We arrive at the facility and as we head in the door, Max finds a white French poodle enticing. He goes right for the butt sniff. I mean, wouldn't you? Its owner, however, was none too pleased and barked -- heh heh, barked -- "Please don't let your dog do that."

What??? Dogs sniff other dog butts! It's in their nature. Come to find out in this new, much more serious class, the dogs are not here for fun! We are here to teach your dog an agility course. "Keep them separated and away from the other dogs!"

Oh boy. What have I gotten myself into? I suppose not much can go wrong in the seven weeks the course lasts. (I mutter to myself optimistically)

A Fortuitous Day

It was exactly 10 years ago today I met my husband, Mike. Karma? Just luck and chance? Or some would say divine intervention?

Ironically, I'd returned from one of my many, many trips to visit Uncle Greg & Aunt Barbara in Tennessee and had used a rental car.

I remember thinking, after spending a year alone, not dating, that while being single the rest of my life would really be OK, I would like to find someone.

Approaching the airport to return the car, I vascillated between calling a friend to pick me up, or being a recluse and just calling Metro Car Service. In a split second decision, one that has forever changed my life, I called Metro Car as I exited onto I-94.

Lo and behold, the driver that day was none other than Mike.

The journey we've taken over these 10 years - well, Wow. I joke our year+ abroad gives us marriage enhancement -- I mean who spends 24/7 with their spouse, let alone for 372 days. (but that's a story for another day) So really even though we've been married 7 years, it should be more like 15.

Last night, he surprised me and just told me to be ready to go out to dinner. He'd apparently made reservations six weeks ago at Coach Insignia. Fancy! And he had a really sweet card to boot.

So just as in 2001 I truly felt a new beginning, more than other New Years, January 1, 2011 feels like another new chapter in my life.

[Editorial note: I was disappointed in the entree at CI. Service was fab, ambience was fab. The lobster corn dogs were fab. But the venison, veal chop & sauteed mushrooms were just "ehn." Don't know if it was an over burdened kitchen b/c of NYE or not but I likely won't be choosing it again for a meal.]