In Recent Days

In recent days, I have been reading......

I just finished this book not too long ago. It was an interesting, true look at the life of a woman most of us have never heard of, yet have probably benefited from. Henrietta Lacks, otherwise known as HeLa, was a very poor African American woman who was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cervical cancer in the 1950's. Her cells-- taken without her permission-- were the first immortal cells ever grown in culture. They have been used throughout history to make major medical advances, namely in the making of a polio vaccine and in many cancer treatment drugs. Yet, Henrietta lies in an unmarked grave. She never knew about her amazing contribution to the world of science and neither did her family. They did not find out until decades later. In the book, the author does a great job of uncovering the life of a woman who gave greatly, yet very little is known about her. The book brought up many interesting issues regarding medical ethics. It was quite thought provoking!

I have been watching......

I have been pretty much obsessed with this show since Christmas when Mike and I started watching season one on Netflix. Actually, Mike had already watched it, but wanted me to join in on the fun. I don't think I have been this into a drama since ER back in the 90's. The characters are just so wonderful (even the ones you love to hate!), and all the story lines keep you on the edge of your seat. It doesn't hurt that it takes place in a gorgeous British castle and that all the ladies wear amazingly beautiful dresses. And the dialogue is smart and fast paced too. The show basically follows a high society, aristocratic British family beginning in 1912 and continuing on into the 1920's. There is plenty of drama on the main floor of Downton and even more drama downstairs amongst the many servants who work there. Mike and I breezed through seasons one and two and are finally caught up. Season three is on now. It airs Sunday nights on PBS at 8:00 (central time). This Sunday will be episode #5, but if you want to start watching, I suggest getting caught up from the beginning. I promise you will be hooked. And you might just start talking with a British accent too!

I have been eating.....

Does salad dressing count as a food? If not, it should be. My friend introduced me to Annie's Goddess Dressing a few years ago, and I have been pouring it on salads ever since. Lately, I have been having extra cravings for it, so it has also made its way into my sandwiches and wraps. It is an all-natural, vegan dressing with yummy stuff like tahini and garlic and lemon juice and soy sauce. It's goooood.  I've also been making these pumpkin chocolate chip muffins like there's no tomorrow. We eat them for breakfast, snacks and even dessert. Yum!

I have been listening to.......

I put this album on the other day when I had a few hours all to myself at home. All three kids were in school and what did I decide to do with my free time? 

Why, clean my house, of course!

There is something incredibly therapeutic about cleaning when I can crank up some music and scrub the sink or mop the floor without being interrupted. 

Anyone else find that particularly thrilling? 

Hello? Is this thing on?

Anyway, I had forgotten how much I really do love John Mark McMillan's music. It is deep and soulfully haunting and uplifting all at the same time.

What about you? What have you been reading, watching, eating or listening to in recent days?