Giving at Year-End

Dear Friends & Family,

The past year has been one of tremendous challenge. Economic conditions have made it necessary for most to make careful choices about how to spend, save, and give their resources. That is why YAV especially appreciates those who have chosen to continue their support.

Those who make charitable gifts may wish to structure the amount and timing of their gifts to make the best use of tax incentives available this year. Remember, gifts made by December 31 can help reduce the amount of taxes you owe next April.

Act Today! You can donate online by clicking here, or through the mail at the address listed below.

Your tax-deductible contribution will help us advance our mission to enhance the lives of children in and through the arts. The need for you to help is great and the opportunities are plenty. Please give as generously as you can.

Mailing Address:
Young Audiences - Arts for Learning - Virginia
420 North Center Drive, Ste. 239
Norfolk, VA 23502

Best Wishes,
Anna

Bento-ish Bento 12.14.09

Mixed Green Salad w/ Balsamic Vinaigrette, 1 Cup Butternut Squash Soup, 2oz beef, 1/2 cup potatoes, a few croutons (yes, I had to eat them).

I Shouldn't Be At Work Bento... Bento 12.13.09

But I am.

...Merry Christmas, To Me...

Not a great picture but it certainly highlights the new glasses. Being practical for the holidays makes me feel smart.

Update: Momma & Baby Green

This morning I headed out to my nutrition class for the gestational diabetes. I had a quick eval and then was in a class with two other women. During the evaluation I was able to have another ultrasound of the baby. It was great and made my morning. La Petite Bebe Green was tucked all up on its belly which meant we were not able to see any gender bits. However, it kicked towards the ultrasound wand and made everything go all fuzzy for a minute which made me laugh! Say it with me now - "Mooom, get out my room!"

I'm excited to get these blood sugars under control. Thankfully from doing weight watchers in the past I already have a good start on counting and measuring foods. Now, I just have to subscribe to their way of doing it. Also, I have to remember to take my blood sugar readings 4 times a day. So, starting tomorrow I'm going to make it my number one priority. I'll keep you posted on my progress. My follow-up in on 12/31 and at that time they will evaluate if I will be able to do this with diet or if I'll need oral medication or insulin.

On a very good front, my awesome husband is willing and eager to go on the diabetic diet with me. He's already been working hard to change his perception of portion sizes so this will be another great step in the right direction for all of us.

Keep your fingers crossed it will all work out!

PS. I did forget to mention that I only gained 2 pounds since my last doctor's visit, but I was wearing lots of layers including a vest. I'm not sure all those pounds belonged to my body.

...Merry Christmas, My Sweet...

This Christmas Tiste and I are being VERY practical. We bought glasses. :)
Tiste is really excitable because his prescription had changed a lot since his last visit. He's seeing the world very differently as of this evening. And, I will tell you that I rocked picking out the frames!

...Higlight THIS...

They say it's a 'card holder'...



















I like it for other things...

Longtime no bento... Bento 12.10.09

Sometimes you just have to have Chinese vegetables, 2 dumplings, yogurt, tomatoes and carrots.

Goof.

He's a goof but I love him.

Longtime no Bento... Bento 12.09.09

4oz. of chicken, 2oz. of carrots, 4 grape tomatoes, sugar free mousse, sugar free applesauce (and peaches for later)

Longtime no Bento... Bento 12.03.09

Shrimp Thai Curry, Carrots, Trail Mix and Yogurt

Post #305: Mommy's First Rant

Why the HELL does everything have to be super baby covered in sugar peas and bright pink cute? There has to be a market for the mom-to-be like me that can't actually stand this crap. You can't join a forum, look at a website or even go shopping without being assaulted by shining happy cheerleaders that just can't wait for you to pop out your own pixie dust spreading and unicorn riding child!

Boo.

I just want something plain, not really frilly --- wait, why do I have to buy pink, blue, green, yellow or brown? What do you mean you don't offer a receiving blanket with tribal patterns?

*sigh*

Longtime no Bento... Snack Bento 12.01.09

The discoloration of the peaches I blame on it being previously frozen. It tasted fine.

...Gone...

At lunch with co-workers on 10/06/09. Who knew that two of them would be gone less than two months later. Best of luck to them in their search for work!

Left to Right: Tom, Toni and Rob

PS. Everyone should go to C-ville and have lunch outside in the historic district on a beautiful fall day. I had the best sammie of mango chutney, herb Havarti and smoked turkey from The Nook. It sounded terrible to my normal palate but now I think it was the pregnancy taste buds that loved it so! :)

...Last Meals...

This last meal was consumed on October 9th... Almost two months ago. I found out I was pregnant 2 days after this meal...






















If I had known this would be my last meal of raw fish for months to come I think I would have ordered differently. Maybe salmon sashimi, spicy salmon roll and a dragon roll?

I miss sushi. I had a veggie roll a few weeks ago but it's just not the same. *sigh*

Longtime no Bento... Bento 12.01.09

Leftover onions, peppers and chicken from last night's fajitas tossed with couscous. Carrots & tomatoes with some salsa and sour cream on the side.