The Lemon Tree

My beautiful lemon tree has had some ups and downs. But with some serious nurturing I am happy to share with you these beautiful blossoms that smell incredible. I am just hoping that we get a lemon someday. Soon.

A Puppy in the House--Almost

Iggy actually lives at Jillian's house but came for a visit and a reminder of how adorable puppies are.

Clear Memory

Tonight, while Tony and I were changing/preparing to go out for dinner and the basketball game, PJ came in and sat on our bed. She's fifteen and a half now, and I don't think she's come in and sat on our bed like that since she was a little girl.

It took me back to memories of sitting in my dad's and mom's room while they got ready to go out for the night. I'm not sure it was the anticipation and excitement of having them gone for the evening or the magic that happens when mom transforms from a mom to a woman who goes out for fun. A woman with a different life. Mom would put on make-up and a fur trimmed outfit and high-heeled, even slingback shoes. Dad put on a tie, some cologne and re-combed his hair.

Even as kids, we pause for the ritual or maybe we're drawn into our parent's subtle anticipation. It's just a memory that is so clear and dear-from two angles.

Be All That You Can Be

Tonight we went to dinner and I met three women-a molecular biologist whose interest lies in gene therapy, -a computer scientist with a master's degree who was one of the first women in the field in 1971 and -a woman who is a mother of seven children. They were all equally vital, intelligent women. We've come a long way baby. (A rather famous jingle for a Virginia Slims cigarette commercial that espoused the advancement of women. The cigarettes of course don't work, but the jingle does).

I Much Rather Write Than Be Written About

I have never been described as an athlete. At 48 years old I am honored. I also want you to know that I laughed rather hysterically at this. I threw in a picture to show my amusing athleticism. Enjoy. Recipe not included.

Daily Herald 1-13-09
Karen Hoag-Lifestyle Editor

Besides being a wife, mom and grandma, Orem's Pat Martinez is a student teacher, writer and athlete.
Presently, Pat is focusing on student teaching because she's so impressed with the students at Spanish Fork High School. She has five classes there. "The kids are wonderful, intelligent and dedicated to their education," says Pat. "I am very impressed with the feeling at Spanish Fork High. ...



"I recently sat poolside with a woman who said teenagers no longer had respect for education, but I was able to tell her my experience was different. Kids are still great in 2009."

She said substituting for a friend at Timpanogos High School a few years ago gave her the same great experience and "in part was what inspired me to go into education."

With English degree in hand, Pat returned to Brigham Young University for her teaching certification. "I will be 49 when I have my own classes," she says. "I would encourage women like myself, who have raised a family and have great experience with their children and other children, to consider this mid-life career change."

Pat and her husband, Tony, have four children and two grandchildren. One daughter, Paloma, age 15, is still at home. "Deciding to teach was, in part, to prepare me for when everyone leaves home," says Pat.

In addition to all these roles, Pat writes historical fiction. And Pat's personality really comes out when she talks about her passions: ocean and surf kayaking.

And yes, she cooks for her family. The basis for the dish she shares is quinoa (pronounced keen-wa), a high-protein grain available at health food stores or health food sections of most supermarkets.

"This is a tremendously healthy meal and can be made with any variety of vegetables," Pat says. "For the kind of demands and the kind of lifestyle I want to live, I want optimum nutrition.

"I like to make food that allows for flexibility and spontaneity -- what happens to be in the fridge or what is fresh from the market.

"My daughter requested this recipe just yesterday!"

The Bribe

Praxis Slam Dunk

Here's to old women (one in particular) who keep on trying.
Praxis: 186 =when the mean 50% average is 165-187. Just for the record.