Love-cation

Lately it has proved to be a little hard to get up to the beloved cabin as much as we'd like with all the other event obligations that summer brings and the one-man-show nature of Will's business. So when one afternoon we felt like we could sneak away for a day or 2, we took advantage of it and drove up to the lake for a romantic get-a-way. Yes, 24 hours later we were back in the car, but we had ourselves a short, sweet little love-cation. Will and I are pretty great entertainers for each other, but being up at the cabin with just us we discovered, was a little different. Isn't it supposed to be noisy and borderline chaotic at the lake? We definitely missed this aspect of cabin life, but did enjoy the romance that an empty cabin and lake front can bring. However, I think my little nephews and company add a little more to the cabin thrill than the walls and beams do.

Some of you may think 24 hours at the cabin is nothing. However, I am married to Will and my busy bee husband can fit a lot into those short hours. We managed a ride into town, a nice spaghetti dinner, darts in the garage, wine on the beach, and a couple pontoon rides. We are pretty efficient vacationers.

Yummy Veggie Dip

I love veggies with veggie dip, but know how nasty and mysterious most veggie dips are at the store. I made this one I found online today and it's DELICIOUS and takes 2 seconds to make. I suggest a try.

P.S. While preparing to blend it, I broke the blender (which was extra frustrating since a few hours earlier we broke the DVD player), so I just chopped everything which turned out fine.

12 oz non-fat plain Chobani Greek Yogurt (2 small containers)
1 handful fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 handful fresh cilantro
1 green onion, top green part roughly chopped
1/2 tsp minced garlic
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp salt, or to taste
pepper to taste
Assorted vegetables for serving.

Add everything to a food processor or blender, and process until smooth. Taste and adjust for ingredients to suit your taste. Serve immediately with prepared vegetables, or refrigerate until use. Refrigerated, will keep for 1 week.

The 30 Day Challenge for Dads

My summer routine, though rigorous and demanding, has brought me back to The Today Show every morning. It's good to be back with my friends Hoda and Kathie Lee and I believe they must have missed me too.  I can always count on them being festive, with their topics highlighting most recent events and holidays.  As Father's Day quickly approaches, the ladies were on top of things as they have had guest dads, gifts for dads, stories about dads, style for dads, etc., etc. Of course, Kathie Lee and Hoda do their part to better our lives between the sips of their 7 am cocktails and on this particular "Winesday" they delivered a self-help segment titled something along the lines of "The 30 Day Challenge for Dads". Viewer discretion is well advised when producers assign self-help topics to the likes of Kathie Lee and Hoda, however, I being my tried and true self, stayed with the program.  I listened to some kind of "expert" list the ways to improve fatherhood and relationships, particularly between father and daughter.  Then, I decided there is just something I must say about this.  My dad not only completed the "30 Day Challenge for Dads" long ago, but he did it with:
A) no list
B) for 30 years, not 30 days.
C) has exceeded the list (as the list seemed to cover the minimum of what he's done as a dad.) 

I haven't been able to get my hands on that list to prove to everyone how my dad has covered all of these things time and time again and because I do not have America's list, I have made my own.
Please feel free to use it has a checklist, as it has gotten my dad the highest of marks.  Do keep note, the list includes the top favorite things my dad has done, but not all he has done.  I need a book for that, not a blog.  Also, these things have been written and experienced by a loving daughter that thinks her dad is the tops.  This means, it's a fool proof list and I may just be qualified to be Kathie Lee and Hoda's next expert.  I can free my schedule in June 2013 if need be; emergency bookings for yet this year, will come with increased pricing.

"Mae's 36 Day Challenge for Dads of Daughters", as inspired by Kent Jorgensen: 

1. Even when she is grown and married still love her like she was the 4 year old in ruffles.
2. Call her "just to hear her voice".
3. Take her shopping and tell her which outfit looks best.
4. Love her mother.
5. Leave encouragement notes on the bathroom mirror when she has a big day at school.
6. Get to know her friends and recognize how special they are to her.
7. Stand up for her when she is just learning how to do it on her own.
8. Keep her favorite ice cream in stock.
9. Drive 3 hours there and back just to have dinner with her.
10. E-mail her just to tell her how much you enjoyed her blog.
11. Step out of a meeting to take her call.
12.Nurture not only your relationship with her, but her relationship with her siblings.
13.Take her on trips.
14. Listen.
15. Be slow to offer advice, but always willing and ready.
16. Be her social group when friends are scarce.
17. Be silly.
18. Tell her she's pretty, smart, and kind.
19. Go to all three showings of her first play.
20. Build a relationship with her husband and treat him like a son.
21. Do her hair for school when her mom is gone.  Claim pigtails as your absolute favorite.
22. Treat your kids as individuals who have unique needs and talents.  Support their aspirations.
23. Tell stories.  Made-up ones and real ones.
24. Buy her flowers on Valentine's Day.
25. Paint her room 87 times when she either needs a change or is embracing her short-lived interest in interior design.
26. Pray for her multiple times a day.
27. Respect her and treat her like a lady.
28. Question her ideas without being condescending.
29. Be honest all the time. Even when it's hard and may make her sad.
30. Get her pets. 
31. Tuck her in every night.
32. If she is late for dinner, sit with her while she eats.
33. Be real with her and keep promises.
34. Paint her nails
35. Cry with her when her heart is broken.
36. Model qualities you will want her to marry.


This list doesn't even touch the tippy top point of the surface.  I think if you dads do a few,  you are in pretty good shape.  My dad has set up a challenge that cannot often be met.  Don't feel bad.

Best Dad in the WWW, love you SO much and you mean everything to me!

Pia Marilim, M.S.

Although Pia has already acquired her B.F. degree (Best Friend, get it? ha), this weekend we celebrated the achievement of her Masters in Respiratory Therapy.  In addition, she walked with Academic Excellence and was awarded the Superlatives, "Most likely to Correct a Physician and Be Right" and something along the lines of best dressed.  All of which, did not surprise me since she has been acing tests in style for the past two years.  In honor of such an achievement, Pia's parents took us on a dinner boat that cruised Lake Michigan, complete with fireworks, dancing, and excellent company. Will and I got to meet Mark's parents and I'm sure it will not be the last meeting as they made for a great crowd. 
The past two years for Peas have not been easy, but I think this weekend made it worth it. She has  kept a loving long-distance relationship, made great friends, conquered a big city, and became a part of the small percentage of Americans who hold a Master's. I know she will continue to do great things as her gift of intelligence is paired with a contagious smile and charming, kind personality.  Congrats, Grad.! Love you!

There are many, many pictures.  Between me pretending to be a photographer and Mel actually being  photo savvy-we were lovin' the camera.

Giggling: What we do best.

Navy Pier:

Margaritaville

Dinner cruise, "Spirit of Chicago".  

Tapas Bar, "Baba Reeba's"

(You eat a variety of appetizers and snacks as the meal, as accustomed in Spain.  Maybe I'm the only one who is new to this and needs this explanation. What can I say, I'm an American; I eat/order one large entree for myself).

When you put a med. student, entrepreneur, respiratory therapist, and teacher together you simply get good friends.

 .

Wanted: Miles the Cat

A cathunt is underway in the northeast part of Iowa for a feline who goes by the name of Miles. Miles is wanted for the crime of kidnapping, as he has now abducted both a baby bunny and baby bird from their homes. The baby bunny has been returned safely however, news reports conclude the state of the baby bird is unknown and may be critical. We cannot assume his snatching spree is done. His parents are quoted stating, "We did not see this coming."

It's amazing what you learn about a person when your cat sneaks home a bunny in the middle of the night. Seeing my husband in a time of crisis was certainly a surprise. Although a baby bunny running around the house at 12:30 may seem like a very minor crisis, it has shown me that perhaps we need to drill so Will can practice for things that might REALLY freak us out. When Miles refused to come home the other night, we left the window slightly open and he apparently thought it was meant to welcome anyone. As soon as we saw the unwelcome guest hopping about, Will went into panic mode and my uncontrollable giggle fit was aimed at both the situation and Will's hysteria. He is usually such a logical "fix it" type of person that it was simply funny (not to him) to see him as a spaz. After securing our toes' protection with slippers and the aid of a broom, cooler and fly swatter, we returned the confused bunny safely outside. Miles apparently did not get the hint that all birdies are not welcome when he proudly brought home a second guest yesterday. Again, Will was in a panic but I lost all sympathy when he claimed we must raise the baby bird. Call me heartless, but N.O. Will's big heart with animals in endearing, but my health is already in jeopardy scooping the liter box.

After sanitizing the whole house twice, increased blood pressure, and nearly becoming bird people, the window will no longer be cracked for the cat.


Miles is actually really adorable- and yes, I am positing multiple pictures of my cat on a blog.  I'm that cool.

Let Freedom Ring!

Graduation was all really just a dirty trick as I had one class left during May term. Being June 2nd, I am completely, officially, finally, and thankfully done with my undergrad! I'm breathing a few sighs of relief.

Looking back, I started to think about advice I would offer incoming freshman.  I also asked my best friend Pia what she would suggest. Here's what we came up with: -Dress up on test days.  It helps you take the test seriously and approach it with just the slightest bit more confidence.  -Pack your lunch and eat in class: It's healthier, cheaper, and munching makes the time go by faster.  -Volunteer to answer the questions you know so you are less likely to be called on randomly when you are unprepared. -Do more than your part with group work. The extra work is worth knowing what you are turning in. -Say good morning with a smile to your professors. It goes a long way.  -Don't act like you read the chapter when you didn't. Professors know, your peers know, and you will look stupid. -Get a least one classmates phone number the first week of class. In those frantic moments when your confused or forgot something it is very helpful. -Go to class. The extra 40 min. of sleep or what have you is not worth stressing out over what you missed.    -Do not raise your hand to elaborate on/question the lecture 2 minutes before class gets out.  People will hate you.  -Don't take the elevator down. You look ridiculous.  -Get out of your comfort zone. Try new things. Make friends. -Don't wear pajamas to class. You are going to college to be a professional.  -Have a staple "interesting fact about yourself".  Every professor uses this on the first day of class which equals roughly 36 times you have to freak out in your chair until it's your turn and then see what comes out of your mouth.  Having a standard "interesting fact" is helpful. Exaggerations are acceptable.  -Some professors will be nut cases.  Just take the easy A.   -Stand up for yourself. It gets easier the more you do it.  -YOU are your own advisor. Expect nothing from that office.  -Try really, really hard not to transfer.  -Leave your dorm room door open as much as possible.  -Befriend your R.A.  -Don't be too cool for a backpack. Your overflowing purse and trips over dropped books doesn't look so cute either (personal experience).  -Sit in the front.  You get so much more out of the class and don't "check out" as much.  -50 percent of the class didn't try as hard on the paper. So stop analyzing it.  -Jump through the hoops of college with poise and understanding.  It's easy to get bitter about the silly run-a-rounds you get and worthless requirements. Stay above it.   -Don't dwell over things and take has many opportunities as you can because they do only come once. -Pia Lastly, I came upon a journal entry that portrays what one may feel like once in a while during college.  Although I do not condone skipping class, apparently I felt like it was very necessary on this day:  There is at least one day during the semester that the thought of sitting through class physically hurts. It's the day when you spend more time thinking of reasons you should NOT go to class than just going to class. After reasoning during the entire drive on why class was not a good idea today, I pulled into a jam-packed parking lot. I knew I would get a ticket if I made up my own spot and the parking office lady has proved time and time again that she has no sympathy for my parking complaints. Then, suddenly I remembered how large, open, and car-free Hobby Lobby's parking lot is. So I decided I should probably just go there instead. I was also late for class so going to Hobs Lobs would save me from having to partake in the late rule for this particular class, which is standing in the doorway upon late arrival and saying no more than "I'm incompetent" to the entire class. So from skipping class I accomplished several things: I saved 10 dollars (ticket), dodged embarrassment, and indulged in Hobby Lobby therapy. If this isn't success, I don't know what is.