Graduation and Walk Down Memory Lane in Greensboro

As usual, I am behind on my blogging. I have many blogs to get too, but this one seems to jump to the front of the stack. I am sure you will agree.

On December 17th, John (my husband), me, my parents, his parents, his sister and family, and his other sister and husband all met in Greensboro to celebrate John's graduation. This was not just any graduation, this was the day he was officially awarded his PhD in Clinical Psychology. This was a special day because it has taken much time, dedication, and hard work. John is the hardest working person I have ever met. He also loves what he does more than anyone I know, and that deserved a celebration.

(John and Rosemary)

John has been finished with classes for more than a year now. His last couple steps included finishing his dissertation, getting licensed as a Psychologist, and finally his residency/internship at Duke University Medial Center. He finished this all in June, but had to wait until December to actually walk. Since June he has been in a post doctoral position at Duke in their medical center, specifically in their ADHD clinic (and no it is not ADD any longer. It has not been called ADD since the 80's).

This is a major accomplishment and needed to be celebrated. After graduation, we headed out to lunch with the family and John's adviser, Dr. Rosemary Nelson-Gray. It was a nice way to celebrate John because he so rarely takes any credit. After lunch, he made a small request to go to his favorite coffee house to have a celebratory cup of coffee. So, we headed Tate Street Coffee House.


So, what is it about Tate Street Coffee that is so special? Is it the amazing cup of coffee or the eclectic decor? Yes, and so much more. This place holds significance for John because he spent many afternoons studying, writing papers, and doing research in this particular coffee house. It is located near the UNCG Psychology building and it was a way to get in a short walk and his caffeine fix each day. John stopped here almost every day to get a cup of coffee in his reusable Tate Street mug. He claims it has the best coffee he has ever had.


Normally, I would disagree with buying something every day that you could make or bring from home. This was different, I never said a word. I understood how important a trip to the coffee shop was for him. Sometimes he worked over twelve our days in the psychology clinic and doing research and he had an hour drive too and from work. This was his only break and only sanity in a long and hectic day. How could I be against that? And besides, we could handle this small expense.

(John and Me)

John is a determined and intelligent person. Since I met him, I knew I wanted to be like him. His dedicated example turned me from a C student to a A student and motivated me to go to graduate school. In his short time in Psychology he has accomplished so much. He has a publication and research list that is impressive. His credentials and hard work have landed him a position at Duke University.

He should be proud. His family is proud of him and I am proud of him. John does not like to talk about or make a big deal about himself. In fact, I wanted to hold a party with family and friends and he just wanted his family to come to graduation and go to lunch. If it was me, I would want a big bash and would make everyone call me "Dr. Newman."

We all deserve a little celebration and I am going to call him Dr. Mitchell at least for the next couple of weeks.

Congratulations, Dr. Mitchell!

(John's vegan celebratory cake from Dharma Bakery in Durham, NC)

Vintage Aprons on Etsy

On a recent trip to Buffalo, my mother acquired some vintage aprons from my grandmother. They are all from the 1950's and all homemade. I was so excited when I saw them because I knew they they would be a great addition to my Etsy store. I invited several friends over and we spent the afternoon taking pictures of ourselves in the aprons. We had a blast posing in the kitchen and with different cleaning devices.

I have started adding them to my site slowly. One of the first aprons that I added to the store was a smock made from colorful tree and stream pattern. The fabric was in good conditions and only had a few small stains. It sold soon after I put it on the site.




Since the first apron, I have only added two other aprons to my store. They are both aprons that tie at the waist.

The second apron is also from the 1950's and is made from a delicate cotton fabric. The fabric and stitching is in excellent condition and the apron is not worn or faded. The front pocket contains lace and small blue flowers. This apron would be great for anyone who wants to add some delicacy and fun to cooking or cleaning.

The third apron is also from the 1950's and is made from a fun patterned fabric of windmills, a dancing couple, flowers, and hearts. This apron was never used and is in excellent condition. The apron does not look worn or faded and has held up well. This apron would be a great addition for anyone who wants to add a little pizazz and color to cooking and cleaning.

I have several other aprons that I have not listed as well as some vintage clothing. I plan to list even more after the holidays. When I started my store, I did not expect to also sell vintage pieces. I am glad that in addition to remade and recycled products that I am also selling vintage pieces. After all, purchasing a vintage piece instead of something new is a GREAT way to recycle and remember the past!

Happy recycle-shopping!

Technology Dark Ages?

I have, yet again, got behind on blogging. So many things to blog about, so little time to blog. My hope is to catch up soon. Maybe not.

One of my co-workers suggested that it was because I have to sign on to a computer to blog, instead of a phone. I will admit it.... I am in the dark ages still. My phone is for calls only. I have text messaging turned off (yes, I do mean turned off. If one is sent to me it goes into the land of lost texts.). I also cannot access the internet from my phone. The only purpose my phone has is receiving and making calls and voice mail. Like I said, I am in the dark ages.

Maybe if I had the internet on my phone, and a decent keyboard, I would be compelled to blog more. Probably not. There is too much to do most days and I would never get around to it.

My parents recently got iPhones and my Dad is convinced that we need them as well. I am just not sure I want to be that connected. I do have an iPod and that is almost too much technology for me. We do not have video gaming systems either (besides a PSP) and I cannot see us getting them anytime soon. The Wii is loads of fun, but I do not want one. I love playing the Wii when at someone's home, but I only like it in group settings. Playing with friends or family is a blast and I look forward to game nights including a Wii (or board games). I would not play with a gaming system on a daily, or even weekly basis, by myself and John does not have time for videogames. I know a lot of people that have them and most play them often. That is pretty cool, it is just not us right now.

Even the computer that I type on is from the early 2000's. For some reason, technoloy stresses me out. I am cool with other people enjoying it and I am glad they do because they can help me out when I get something new.

I might have to eat my words, but presently I am going to remain a technodinosour.

SALE At My Etsy Store!!

In the spirit of the holidays, I decided to put some of my products on sale in my Etsy store. I took of at least a dollar off of most of my products! Happy shopping and Happy Holidays!

Please visit my store at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/VeggieAmanda