Half way into removing our asian jasmine

The completed project

slowly invading beyond the fence into the grass

If your sins are like asian jasmine, repent now...

About five years ago, our back fence neighbor planted asian jasmine along his back fence. This is the indestructible vine/hedge that they plant around the greenbelt entrances here in Kingwood. It wasn't long before the vine was creeping through into our yard. So, for five years one of the things on my "to do" list was to get rid of the vine. I made several "round up" attempts over the years. I just could not understand why it did not die.

Well...after a visit to the nursery I discovered that round up does not phrase this plant. It may weaken it if you spray on a really hot day and add dish detergent. But the only way to really get rid of it is to pull it out, then cover the area with black plastic for a length of time.

My neighbor who originally planted it has done the "pull out and cover it thing" about a year ago. But of course, by now, it had intruded into our yard and the other neighbor next to him and also behind us. Nevertheless, this month has been kill the vine time. Finally today, I was able to finish pulling out the vine and covering the ground with plastic. It has not been terribly fun. Thus...if your sins are like asian jasmine....don't procrastinate...getting rid of them is only going to be more laboureous the longer you wait.

Dupuytren's Contracture

Carl (January 22, 2010). It is one week after surgery, and he is just heading in to see the doctor and have the bandaging removed. Bandaging was partially a hard cast and was to remain on undisturbed for one week.




Just leaving the doctor's office after the bandaging has been removed. Dissolving stitches still in place.










Both hands together. Left hand was the recent surgery










This is Carl's right hand. You can see where he has had surgery before.






Here is Carl trying to lay his right hand flat on the table. Notice the "pinky" finger does not go flat. This is due to scar tissue in the joint from previous surguries and some newly forming dupuytrens.

Here is Carl's (newly operated) left hand. Look how flat he can get it on the table.

At night, Carl is suppose to wear this partial hard cast to keep scar tissue from forming in the joint while the fingers heal and causing the problem he has in his right hand. It is NOT comfortable apparently.

There is lots of information on the net about Dupuytren's. It is a genetic disorder that impacts the hand, mostly in men.

Are you up for a Challenge?

Everyone can use some motivation to get fit, I know I do. I found my motivation by being a Beachbody Coach and I love it! I have come up with an idea that might help you get motivated. I am starting a Biggest Loser Challenge that will start on January 18th 2010 and run through February 25th 2010 (30 days). I am personally doing ChaLEAN Extreme and I am LOVING it! If you need help picking out a workout program or deciding what flavor of Shakeology you want let me know and I will help you out. We can all get in shape this year so let's start 2010 out right and stick to it!

The person who has highest percentage of weight loss will win a prize.

The goal of this is challenge is to get you motivated to get active and help you continue to stay motivated with the prize you will win.

What you need to do:
1. Be a TeamBeachBody Member (free or paid doesn't matter). If you already are one cool, just make sure I'm set up as your coach. Send an email to coachrelations@teambeachbody.com and tell them you want Caryn Rasmussen (my screen name is CoachCaryn) as your coach. If you are not a member already go to www.beachbodycoach.com/CoachCaryn click “join” and decided which type of member you would like to be and sign up.
2. You will NEED to purchase a workout program (at over a $30 value or more), or one month of Shakeology, from me at my site click shop OR pay $30 to join the challenge.
3. Starting January 18th 2010, just like The Biggest Loser you will need to "weigh in" and send me your weight before midnight on 1/25/10. I will need your weight in pounds.
4. If you miss more than one weigh in you will be disqualified.
5. This contest is depending heavily on the honor system, since most of you I won't see on a daily basis I'm taking your word for it. Remember this is to help YOU to get motivated and start changing your life.

WINNER will get one of the following Workout Programs free (Turbo Jam Maximum Results or Turbo Jam Fat Burning Elite package, Hip Hop Abs, Yoga Booty Ballet, Slim in 6, Rockin' Body, Power 90) or a free month of Shakeology.

Now that you know what you need to do and what the prizes are,
Please place your order at my site with enough time to get
Your program before January 25th 2010 (we do offer 2 day shipping)
And send me an email at carynrasmussen@gmail.com by
January 25th with your starting weight so let me know you are interested
and I will send you the game plan and tools to use!

LETS GET FIT TOGETHER
To purchase products view online catalog at www.beachbodycoach.com/CoachCaryn

Kitchen essentials: Microplanes & Rice cookers

Tonight I made Beef Vegetable Stirfry (see family recipe below) and used two of my new Christmas gifts...a microplane from Helen and a new rice cooker from Sarah. I have concluded that both are essential Kitchen tools. I used to think that the Pampered Chef zester was essential...it does zest well. But I think the microplaner is destined to replace it. The only problem with the microplane is that it does such an efficient job that you end up with a big pile of your ingredient instead of just 1/4tsp (thus we had a very gingery dinner). So all you hubbys, if your wife doesn't already have one...forget the flowers for Valentine's Day, get her a microplane or rice cooker instead. Well...maybe you had better check in on that, not everyone finds a microplane as romantic as I do.

Beef Vegetable Stir Fry
Sauce:
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup water
1tsp sesame oil
2 gloves minced garlic
1/4 tsp ginger (fresh or powder)
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 cup sliced green onions
1 Tb sugar
2 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp sesame seeds

8 ounces beef sirloin, cut in thin slices
Vegetables, a big bowl full, maybe about 4 cups or so. Examples: cabbage sliced into thin strips, onion, carrots, celery, broccoli, snow peas, mushrooms, green pepper, etc. etc.

Stir fry vegetables, remove and set aside. Stir fry meat. Add sauce and cook until bubbly and thick. Readd vegetables. Serve over rice or chow mein noodles.