Lunch Time at the Blackwell / 10.12

[Entry #2 of the day. See #1 below]    The James Breast Cancer Survivorship conference - which by the way is free - includes lunch. The appetizer: a fontina cheese, shallot, mushroom, and heirloom tomato tart, arugula salad, and fresh red and yellow cherry tomatoes with a miso-based sauce. Lunch: grilled chicken breast atop a bed of soba noodles and dressed out with steamed and seasoned vegetables accented with a sweet miso sauce; also two triangles of grilled tofu. Dessert: a honey mascarpone and berry filling between layers of fried wontons.

Now, as we enjoy this healthy and tasty meal, Chef Jim Warner is providing a cooking demonstration.

Have I said how incredible the support is through the James Cancer Center?

Isn't It Always That Way?! / 10.12

Regina Brett

Choosing to get up early on the weekend is always easier than having to get up during the week for work. Such was the case this morning when my alarm went off at 6:20 so that I could arrive at OSU by 7:30 to register for the Breast Cancer Survivorship Conference at the Blackwell Center. I was drawn to attend because of the topic, but found the added bonus to be that Regina Brett was going to be the keynote speaker. Regina, a long-time columnist for the Plain Dealer, has written two books, both of which I have read and both of which I recommend. While her journey as a breast cancer survivor is woven into both books, the message she has to share is cultivated from her whole life experience -- and would insightful all.

Regina has already spoken (inspiring, great job) and nutrition is now the topic - probably something I should be paying attention to. I find myself, however, mulling over Regina's three walk-off challenges:
1) choose one thing to say "no" to today - a negative that's causing stress or dragging down enjoyment of life
2) choose one thing to say "yes" to today - a positive action (big or small) that makes life better for me.
3) tell someone today what I said "no" and "yes" to.

So many options...

Time Most Precious

My parents got into town last Tuesday and will leave this coming Tuesday. What a gift to have them stay with me. We certainly got to spend some great time together, but not nearly enough. Makes me more convicted to redirect my energies from work to family.

There were 30 people in my house yesterday, that is 30 family members including me, gathered together around my parents visit from FL. I don't think we've all been together like that in more than four years -- since Ron. Good to all be together visiting on a happy note and with so many new "Schneiders" in tow. Little Audrey, my niece Amy's oldest at age 3, fell in love with my teardrop camper. I think the two of us have a camp night in the near future, even if the camper never leaves the garage.

I spent most of today with my dad while my mom and oldest brother were up at Muirfield to enjoy the last day of the President's Cup. After a leisurely morning, my dad and I headed down to Brothers Drake in the Short North where my niece works. I took the long way there so that we would pass some of his old haunts and check out all of the changes that have occurred over the last several years. This included a stop by good old King Gambrinus. We ended the day at Plank's at Whittier and High streets where my mom and brother later met us. Brought back lots of memories for my dad, for me, for each of us.

I recount all of this because I am so grateful to have the time with my folks. To have time, period. Each day is a gift and I am thankful to God that he has given me these days.