Daily Archives: June 16, 2011

eat me

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line muffin pan with liners.
2. Whisk together milk and vinegar, set aside to curdle.
3. Add agave, oil, vanilla and almond extract to milk mixture and beat till foamy.
4. In another bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
5. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients in two batches.
6. Beat till no large bumps are visible.
7. Fill liners 3/4 of the way.
8. Bake 18 to 20 min.
9. Let cool on rack before icing.

1. With hand-held mixer, cream together margarine and shortening.
2. Add almond butter and vanilla. Beat till very smooth.
3. Beat in sugar, a little at a time. TASTE TEST
4. Frost when cupcakes are cooled.

delightful

love.my.family.

So, my family has been going through some rough times in the last month. The woman with the dark hair pictured above is my Aunt Cheryl. She is one of my dad’s sisters; he has two. I know this blog is supposed to portray a positive light on my life, but if that was always the case, I would be lying in saying nothing negative ever happens to me. We all know that’s NOT true.

Here’s a brief synopsis of what is going on…

My Aunt Cheryl was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer about two weeks ago. She started chemo and unfortunately had a severe allergic reaction. After things calmed down with the first round, the docs attempted a second round (scary, I know). Things went better the second time, but the dosage was decreased significantly. She will go through a number of rounds of chemo and we will take things from there.

My family is AMAZING. Simply put. I know most people feel that way, but I mean it with all my heart. My aunts, uncles, cousins and I try to see each other once a week (those who live close). We have dinner together, drinks together, lots of laughs together and much, much more. We hug and kiss and never say good-bye without “I love you.” 

Aunt Cheryl has been there for all of us through thick n’ thin. She has listened to many of my “oh so tragic stories” and reminded me, “People make mistakes. That’s why there are erasers on top of pencils.” My Aunt Cheryl is the glue that has kept us all together. She has been there for me and now it is time for me to be there for her. I am leaving for NJ today to visit her for the weekend (she is receiving treatment in NYC). I know we all want our loved ones to live forever, but Aunt Cheryl has so much left to live for. Her two grandchildren, ages 2 and 4, must have the opportunity to grow up with the ”babbling brook” in their lives.

*the babbling brook = Aunt Cheryl would gently touch your face and calmly whisper angelic words into your ears about  a soothing and peaceful stream*

This unfortunate situation reminds me to never take things for granted. If you are having a crappy day, remember things could be a lot worse. I am so thankful for my health and everything I am capable of doing to stay healthy. It’s amazing how things in your life can change dramatically in the blink of an eye. Cherish every minute you have and DON’T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF. I know it’s easier said than done, but boy I have to live by that motto. I am going to focus my energy on today and only today.

With all that being said, please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.