Better

I've been through some tough times this past year which left me not wanting to post at all -- namely I didn't want to have a pity party on here so I've kept my lip buttoned. Before this blog started out as a MLIS class assignment and now I enjoy having it and the opportunity it gives me to share what's going on in my life. I honestly doubt that anyone reads these, but they're there if some does come across them.
Health problems have been diagnosed after many months, I was hired for a new job last January and living with my wonderful sister since last September has been wonderful. I'm not saying that life is perfect but its wonderfully enjoyable and I wouldn't dare complain. :)
With winter on retreat in Utah I think I'll start up sidewalk chalk again and gardening is definitely on the horizon (I just bought three little herb plants -- lemon balm, spearmint, and rosemary) and with it fresh cooking and baking.
So yes: I'd be very ungrateful to say that life is not better if not indeed best.

Greening Up

So after some painful and extensive health problems last year I learned to eat a lot better -- namely trying to avoid processed flour in all of its forms and adding more fruits and veggies than before. My mom had taught me how to make bread as a child but I never felt the need since I usually bought wheat from the store. Last year I met someone who due to financial reasons made all of his own bread -- even grinding the wheat grains himself -- so that he could have not only affordable but delicious and healthy grains. Once hearing this I wanted to try (not grinding grains yet, maybe one day) and it started.
Before now I had been a part of the Green Team at my workplace and this only focused on the office but I've wanted to have it sustainable materials be more a part of my life. Also when I joined a dinner group with a bunch of college friends they would compliment my cooking because I used so many vegetables -- something I'd learned from the summer that my body liked.
The picture here is my monster zucchini plant from last summer. I swear that thing kept me alive. It produced beautifully and if I wasn't careful it brought out such great specimens as the one above (I gave away two giant ones longer than my forearm and hand).
I love the idea of being self sufficient. I've never forgotten my grandparents garden in the back of their tiny Ridgecrest Ca. home and if they could do it in a desert why can't I give it a try. Recently I picked up a book entitled "The Naturally Clean Home" and I want to try them. I'll keep you posted! :)