Handbook 2009

A friend sent me this list and I found it to have a lot of valuable advice. Enjoy.

Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.
5. Make time to practice meditation, yoga, and prayer.
6. Play more games.
7. Read more books than you did in 2008.
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10.Take a 10-30 minutes walk every day. And while you walk, smile.

Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts about things you cannot control. Instead, invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake.
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class, but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. GOD heals everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come.
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

Ode to Nigella

One of my friends, W., has recently discovered the talented and lovely Nigella. He heard her voice one afternoon on NPR and was drowned in its robust Britishness. As a neigh-sayer he figured that she was probably all voice, but after a gander on the Internet he found her to be the new object of his fantasy affections.

The next day when he confessed his indecent ideas to me (he had already told his wife who balked and kept on cooking her beans and rice) I told him I knew all about Nigella. Someone said that she is an object of desire for both men and women; men want to be with her while women want to be her. I know R. even had a teeny crush on her, though she is a bit chunky for his tastes. Never one to shrug off a gift, I would love to be her, I admit it. At least to have just a dash of her personality and rounded figure.

A recurring daydream of mine is to have my own cooking show on the Food Network. Not a chef or really even a cook, I love to cook and find it all so Zen. Even when I am stressed out, sad or just plain frustrated, I find cooking calms my soul. When I mentioned this in Weight Watchers the leader scoffed saying that “food is not the answer when you are upset.” I agreed, but added, “Eating your feelings isn’t the answer, but sautéing, roasting or chopping them away is, for me.” I think only those who love to dabble in the kitchen can understand.

Another article I saw referred to Ms. L as the ‘Queen of Food Porn” I love it. Food, cookbooks, cooking shows, talking about food, cooking are all so sensual to me that even making my shopping list can be considered orgasmic. One of my favorite past times is to get a load of cookbooks from the library, a bottle of wine and a free Friday or Saturday night and peruse. God it is heaven.

And what I love about this British biscuit bombshell is that she makes no apologies for her curvy figure and voluptuous assets. Though quite a few heads taller than me, she handles body well and emphasizes her sensuality in each movement, caress of the food, smile and wink at the camera, and sexy enunciation of the edible words. It’s like the foreplay. Unfortunately most men I have dated only care about the main event and skip the fondling, sweet nothings and sizzle that revs it up. But Ms. L would never allow that in her kitchen.

Oh to be Nigella; beautiful, smart, sexy and all with a sweet smile. That is who I want to be. Until then, I will just have to be a cheap copy.

With that, here is a recipe I made the other night and loved. Enjoy!

Rainbow Salad
This was concocted on a night when I was really hungry and didn’t want to go off plan so I only had about 4 points to use. I made a huge batch and ate it the next day, a surefire way to stay on track.

Lettuce (I used one bag of iceberg jazzed with carrots and one romaine heart)
Tomatoes
Cucumbers (I like the pickling and hot house kinds since they aren’t waxed)
Red and green Cubanelle peppers
Shredded carrots
Sliced celery
About 3 medium pickles
10 or so Kalamata olives
Half a jar of pickled beets (sliced)
Half a jar of vinegar-marinated mushrooms (chopped)
1 can or artichoke hearts (chopped)
1 can of hearts of palm (cut)
1 can of sliced green beans
3TBSP of grated parmesan

I mixed it all together in a big bowl and seasoned with salt and pepper. Then came the dressing.

1 part grapefruit juice
1 part lime juice
3 parts olive oil
Salt and pepper
Dash of cumin

I find it easiest to make my dressing in a jar and shake away. The I put a light coat on the salad, tossed with my hands and voila! A fantastic salad with lots of textures, tastes and only 2 points. For lunch the next day, I spruced it up with a chicken breast and the next day I put in some feta. Use any vegetables you like (but I must admit I am hooked on pickled beets ever since North Carolina.)

January 28 - in 1,000 words or less

My first foray onto the Internet this morning brought me to Google and a tribute to Pollock. As a fan of the mixed-up masterpiece artist, I loved the rendition they used on the Web site. It spurred me on to investigate what else significant happened on this day, January 28.

Death of Henry VIII in 1547. I recall spending days learning about Henry and his liasons and frequent alternatives to divorce. Never having been married and subsequently divorced, I really don’t understand the need, but my Catholic-school upbringing made me truly dislike this man who seemed to have a greater desire for turkey legs than human rights. But that said, his name did make a great tune for Herman’s Hermits and inspiration for such movies as “Lady Jane.” That was my initiation into lust for Cary Elwes and the beauty of Helena Bonham Carter.

An along those English period-piece lines, “Pride and Prejudice” was first published on this day in 1813. I have yet to read this Austen novel, but I have attempted to put in on my book club list twice, to no avail. I guess I will just have to read it on my own.

In 1985, the U.S. rode the red coat tails of the British once again with USA for Africa’s “We Are The World” a not quite as hip version of “Feed the World” (my fave), but their heart was in the right place. Michael Jackson, when he was normal, Lionel Ritchie, Cyndi Lauper, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder and many others lent their voices to this one-hit wonder and raised funds to help the starving in Africa. I just don’t get why Dan Akroyd was there.

A year later, I was sitting in my Home Economics Cooking class when my teacher with tear-stained eyes told us that the space shuttle, Challenger, had exploded on take-off. Death wasn’t something new to me, but this really stunned me since I still was unaware of true mortality. We kept the lights off, all 30 of us sitting heads down at tables listening to the radio announcer tell us that all the astronauts and one teacher had been killed in the blast. When I left class, I bumped into a friend who had been at lunch and hadn’t heard. “The space shuttle blew up.” I said. “No way.” She doubted. In anger I repeated myself, “No it blew up, they all died.” My voice stunned me. Why did I care so much? What really drew me to this sorrow? A group of friends and I converged at Stephanie’s house and watched the accounts over and over again. CNN was new and they milked it for all they could. I recall that there was an After School Special I was supposed to watch that day for my Child Development class about teenage pregnancy staring Renee Estevez, but it was postponed do to the tragedy. Nothing stirred me like this until September 11, 2001, but then I realized there was a true threat and my fear was justified.

Let’s move on to something more uplifting: Birthdays.
Today is the birthday of the French writer, Colette. One of my favorite writers, Colette was more woman than most could handle, at the time. Sexually free, she loved the vigor of life and seemed to live each day fully. Artist, actress, performer, writer and ahead of her time, Colette penned the classic “Gigi.” I visited her grave at Le Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris and even have a picture of the site in my den.

A few years later came Pollock. I don’t know much about him, but I did like Ed Harris in the movie, plus I have a puzzle of his work and I have yet to attempt that feat.

Other notables: Barbi Benton, Playboy Bunnie, Hugh’s GF back in the 70s and lingerie model and sales person on the Home Shopping Network; Dave Sharp from the Alarm, which used to be one of my favorite bands in that whole New Romantic phase in the 80s and opening act to the first concert I went to headlined by The Pretenders; Mo Rocca, satirist and “Wait, Wait Don’t Tell Me” personality, I just love his wit; Chris Carter, member of the bands Throbbing Gristle (very industrial), and Chris and Cosey (very ethereal), worth a listen if your haven’t already; and Henry Mortensen, son of actor Viggo Mortensen and X singer Exene Cervanka who was rumored to have a sister living here in St. Pete, but when I asked Nancy Cervenka if she was related she laughed and denied it, though I wasn’t the first to inquire.

Lastly back to those who left us and who still hold a place in my heart, in one regards or another. Head of the Holy Roman Empire, as well as France and Germany, Charlemagne is one of those leaders you hear about repeatedly in school and can never get the full scope of until later in life. My fascination with him erupted as I pondered his statue outside of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. The morning was rainy and I had the day to myself. I followed the nuns in for mass and gave in to my Catholic upbringing even accepting communion. After the service, with the rain still spitting down, I paced in circles around the kings statue and let the true feeling of history enwrap me. Being American, our sense of history is pretty short, unless you bring into account all the non-whites that have a lingering history of a few thousand years or so (this is something I have been looking to more and it is truly fascinating.) My hour spent at his statue seemed probably like a crazy persons as I talked to myself about the realm of his might. But then again, Paris, like other big cities I have come to discover, didn’t seem to notice me or find me crazy since there are always those a lot more loony than moi. I got a children’s book about Charlemagne at one of the book stalls along the Seine, along with “Cinderella”, both in French, so I could learn the language and have yet to put my nose in either one. (This is one of my goals for the new year, improve my French and learn Spanish.)

This was also the day the world lost a great poet, William Butler Yeats. I had my Yeats phase in college when I came across a drawing of him from the early 1900s. He seemed thin and sad, the perfect person to adore for a goth kid like me. I read all of his works that I could find and longed to be the cute young thing that he adored enough to marry. I was a heart-felt romantic, as was he and his Shelley style of slow poetry touched me deeply. This period only lasted about 3 months when I moved on to stalk other dead romantics. Yet writing this, I long to read some more of his words and ponder his life, perhaps when I am done penning this piece.

Lastly another writer of note to honor in this long babble, though she used her words perfectly, Zora Neale Hurston. “There Eyes Were Watching God” is one of my favorite books (and another on my list for a second read). Being from Florida, she is also a local icon with her place in the Harlem Renaissance. She is buried in Fort Pierce on the east coast and that makes me think that a good day trip is in order. Maybe Renee will want to join me for Zora Fest in early April, sounds like a plan.

Well this really filled a need for the history buff inside of me. It’s interesting when all these thoughts and things collide. I hope no one got hurt.

Baying Blues

Some days are just days to keep the world out and sadness in. There is no explanation, but today is one of those days. During such occurrences, I like to pull myself out by doing all those things I have been procrastinating about so that my mind can have something other than sorrow to think about.

Firstly though I always try to figure it out. That missing link that dropped my mood. Yesterday was great. I worked from home which is always nice doing travel packets for trips, writing promo copy for big deal Web sites and getting a bit creative in 8 words or less for an ad campaign. I took 15 minute breaks, something I rarely if ever take at work, to rake a couple trash cans full of leaves, do the dishes, laundry and finally put away the Christmas stuff (it was packed, just not put back on the high shelf in the garage.) In the evening I did two of my favorite things – sat on the porch watching Heroes on the laptop and knitting.

So there isn’t a lead there. It must just be something going around, inside my head. I used to get really upset with being blue, but now I just let it do its thing keeping to myself a touch and reaching out when I need to. Years ago when I reached out it was to bring people into my gray scene, now I let them pull me out not sharing my feelings and letting the good stuff flow. It usually works.

And it did this time. I organized all the photos from last week and got my blog updated. I went for a short bike ride to get those endorphins running, I planned my weekly menu and even did all the shopping and I treated myself to a nice sushi dinner of tuna and salmon.

Now I am settling down to watch “My Cousin Vinny” which I have never seen and was picked on at work since I never saw it. I need some good laughs.

House of Horrors

Well I am really getting over this house. June will be 10 years and there is still so much too do. Yes it is my fault all of this was put off, but experience beat out practicality. I want to tackle the bathroom first. My original plan was to tear out a wall and extend it into the back room of the house, but I think that may be way too big a task for little ol’ me. So I am having my neighbor Jeff come over and take a look at the mess and give me some ideas. He is a craftsman carpenter. Yet, I am divided with doing it all now bit by bit or just making do with the space I have and repainting, removing the wood and retiling with new fixtures to spark it up. He will know and I can figure out the cash later. Plus I want to get a new fence for my yard so Finn can run around on his own (not right now since he is so small and hawks and osprey will see him as lunch.)

I’m really not against my house. It is a quaint little hole that I appreciate with red oak floors, lots of light, a kitchen that though small still has space for me to cook and entertain, a bedroom that brings me sweet dreams and a working shower. I guess I am just anxious since Ronn is redoing his house and I see how far he has come (and know how much he has spent) and I am envious. This is when I wish I was married so I could have some help with getting all this done (or at least cohabitating in a loving relationship), but for now it is just me.

The house itself is sturdy and though old and things will happen, but at the time it was all I could afford and I have come to call it home. I looked for homes for about six months visiting empty shells four or five times a week and finding nothing that suited me. I came across this place and I was a bit over it, but the price dropped, the plants called to me and I hoped it had potential. In fact, when I walked around the perimeter I touched a gardenia bush that was in full bloom and felt something magical go through me. My mother loved gardenias and whenever I catch their fragrance I think of her. So I took that to mean that this was my home. So I can’t leave it, at least not yet, and since I am staying I might as well get moving on remodeling. Let’s hope these garage sales hold out – I may have nothing left in the house to pay for the new design.

So for now I stand it and make do, wearing my rose-colored glasses and keeping an eye on the potential each piece holds.

Doubting Patricia

My Finn, He's such a brute - look at the carnage he leaves behind!
I doubted I would feel as good as I do today. I was so achy yesterday from my workout that I was sure it would last for another day or two, but I was wrong, thankfully. As the pounds drop from all this moaning and groaning, lifting and squatting, and spinning and curling, I am pleased with my stamina. Put all my woes in one bucket and it isn’t even half full. Working a half day with the garage sale yesterday made me want to relax today.

I’ve found that if I plan out my menu for the week on Sunday, I am more likely to stick to it, therefore saving time, money and losing weight. The weight loss has been slow since there has been so much going on, but my routine is always going to be challenging. I need some semblance of a mindless path, and making little chores for me helps. Of course when Finn gets here, it will all change.

Speaking of Finn, only 11 more days. I am so excited. I still need to get a kennel, a bed, doggie dishes (need food dishes for Lassie too), food and treats. I have plenty of stuffed toys (I need to take the plastic eyes off and sew up the holes a la dead cartoon characters) and I am knitting him a blanket for his bed. I think I may make him a bed at some point, or a pillow or something along those lines. When he gets bigger I can make him a collar and some clothes that he will hate me for.

Polly wants out of her bath!

We gave the puppies their first bath today at Patty’s and working in assembly-line fashion we really got it grooving. They looked so cute water logged and wondering what else we had in store for them. In the evening Patty and Jim came over to Ronn’s for dinner. I felt like the cool mom at the kool-aid house with Ronn, Jim and Patty all rocking out to a Godsmack video while I labored in the kitchen cooking steaks, roasting potatoes, sautéing mushrooms and tossing salad. I really wouldn’t have it any other way.

Tomorrow I hope for less leg pain and maybe a bike ride.

Sell Sell Sell

The day started early for us as Guy, Ronn and I forced ourselves from slumber at around 6 a.m. so we could get the plethora of crap (treasures) assembled for the masses. We hung signs and clothes, organized knick-knacks and drank coffee to keep us warm.

It started out slow, but picked up immediately, I think that may have been do to the signs we made and hung in the gayborhood next door. It was a blessing is disguise since the Manhattan from the night before was still making my brain damp. That soon cleared and I was ready to wheel and deal for a few hours.

We stayed open a little later than we planned, but it was worth it. Most of my stuff is now in other people’s hands and I say “Good riddance.” My pockets, though not bulging with money, hang low do to the weight of all the quarters I collected (I may be able to fill up my coin jar with this adventure.)

Afterward we cleaned up and feeling a bit tired and weak (that was from the hard-core Body Sculpt class I took yesterday) I started collecting more things from the house to sell for the next time. I had a pretty big chip on my shoulder sustained by my success with this sale, but I just count my blessings and see how lucky I am.

I think this may be a new hobby for me. I really enjoyed the characters that came to my sale from the Asian man who wanted everything for $2 that was priced $10, to the couple of ladies who came in their pajamas and bickered about who was a bigger pack rat, to the cool goth mom who enjoyed all my Death stuff and lace gloves.

I enjoyed every second except for the set up and sign making. Guy was in a mood and I just couldn’t deal with it. He was bored and isn’t really the garage selling kind of guy since he doesn’t interact with the customers and wants to make a profit on everything. The reason behind garage sales is to get rid of your junk and make some cash, not making a profit.

In any case, it went well. I was so tired by the end that I put it all away, asked my neighbor for some whiskey and relaxed the rest of the evening.

A New Day Dawns

My week has been reeling with the unprecedented exposure Americans have received do to the inauguration of our new president, President Obama that is. I just love saying that and get teary-eyed each time.

I had a bird’s-eye view from the multitude of television stations broadcasting the festivities. Starting out with NBC in the morning, testing Fox (they went to commercial of course), then to CNN and MSNB on separate TVs. You’ve got to hand it to our liberal media, they really know how to cover an event. That evening, I joined many like-minded people at the Gulfport Inaugural Ball. A bit for the oldish sensibilities with the closest song to my era being “What I Like About You” by the Romantics, the ball was a nice place to celebrate such a fabulous day. Renee, Guy and a worthwhile group of know-it-alls joined me in the festivities as we oohed and aahed over Michelle’s gown (quite tasteful) and the new president’s fancy footwork (nice!)
Bush was gone and all was well, even though people are still losing their homes and their jobs, but we finally have hope again!!!!
And finally I am proud to be American!

But the rest of the week carried on with only the feeling of the new regime in my heart and head, but still no change in my general day-to-day tasks. Saturday I am having a garage sale (the next step at decluttering.) Guy and Ronn are joining me and we have a crap load of stuff for those with eclectic tastes. From mannequins (mine), to vinyl records (Guy) and stylish home décor (Ronn) we are sure to at least make some cash. I need it too. With my new addition, Finn, I need funds for the vet, food and other puppy accessories.

This will not be the last of my garage sales, but only the first as I am already planning on having a table at the Crescent Lake Sale. I think with that one I will include some knitted items like scarves, dog collars and other simple accoutrements that people appreciate. If I had scarves this time, I would sell them, but I gave my stash away at Christmas.

After that, I figure once a season I will encourage strangers to come to my home and finger all my treasures selling them to the highest bidder and donating other specks for a tax write off. What’s a girl to do??

Let There Be Lights

Saturday night was the kick-off for the Lights on Tampa event. It’s a pretty cool experience, but 2009’s rendition left me un-enlightened while the 2006 show brightened my imagination.

In 2006, Guy and I ventured to the normally dead downtown of Tampa. In its defense, only parts of Tampa are usually empty on a Saturday night. There is Channelside and Ybor, both club and restaurant havens, but the actual downtown seems to shut down at 5 p.m. on Friday. The Performing Arts Center and Tampa Theatre are just about the only places to hang, but there is always the Hub for those die-hards who like a real drink without the celebrity-watching benefit.

On that chilly night in January, we felt almost like we were in a city again (we had just come back from NYC and were missing the energy.) There were, I think, six or seven displays of lights from films projected on windows to lights dancing to music. We had a blast wandering around the streets and warming ourselves in the smoky essence of the crowded bar.

Fast-forward to 2009. The displays had been moved to Channelside near the Marriot and Embassy Suites to be positioned for the tourists visiting for the Super Bowl. Disco balls strung on light posts, glittered to the house music sounds coming from the Convention Center while an interesting, though slightly depressing, animated film about people stranded in the water, was displayed on the walls of the Forum, right next to video ads for upcoming shows featuring Celine Dion and Britney. There was the touch of kitsche that transcended into just bad since it seems art was not at the forefront of this event, but more as a tourist attraction of fake culture.

Ascending above the madness of this disillusioned display was the giant mood ring created by Will Pappenheimer rising up along the river behind the forum. Simply pleasurable, the metal structure changed hues from the inside out to catch the oohs and ahhs of the crowd. It was pretty cool too. You can even change the color of the ring to fit your mood by visiting http://www.tampapublicmoodring.com/.

Walking through the band of the ring, your runway out to the river was lined with football art that actually was pretty cool as well. Pappenheimer’s interpretation of the names of the NFL Playoff Teams is crafted from recycled metal bits and surprised me in their detail and structure. This was where the cliché of the experience is what made it art to me.

My other favorite was the light display by Casa Magica (http://www.casamagica.de/) on the concrete walls of the Fort Brooke Garage. Accompanied by a live swinging band, images were a tapestry of Asian inspirations to Victorian postcard designs.

Yet, my favorite sight of the night, wasn’t a display of light at all. In fact, it was quite heavy. The Barnum and Bailey Circus is in town and showing at the Forum. When we were crossing the street to trudge back to the truck we were stopped at an elephant crossing. These large mammals looked so innocent and playful as they strode along trunk to tail in their sequined garb. It was my favorite experience of the whole night.

All in all, it was a nice night out, but I wish it would have been more local-centric instead of just fodder for tourists. But that is how a lot of things are here. It’s what you get for living in almost paradise.

Chicken Soup for the Wondering Soul

Last week I visited with a life coach. It wasn’t my first experience, but it was one I will not repeat. His approach didn’t appeal to me so I am taking the map of my life plan and going it alone. But lost in the tall grass of the plan, I begin to dream and wonder about where I am going.

In the first place, the premise of going to said coach was to try to take more action in my life. I have been skirting by the past couple years and really not putting a whole lot of thought or emphasis into what happens. I am just going with the flow, which is so not me since I am classified as an INFJ and don’t like to have things out of control or unscheduled. But nonetheless, it happened and I wanted to get back into my personality profile so I took the first step.

The concept for the rest of my existence, at least up to 20 years from now is to do what I love. What I really love and get paid for it. Not a money seeker, I prefer the green for what it can get for me, not for what it is on its own. So yesterday, when I was working from home, my thoughts turned to how I could become accustom to this lifestyle with ease. I did have the unique freedom of being without a job for several months a couple years ago, but the worry of become broke damned my serenity.

Yesterday I enjoyed the grayness of winter, with a temp of about 65 degrees F, the nits and nats of work to be done and the joy of it being on my own schedule. My purging desire left me to want to clean out the freezer and I came across a few chicken and one turkey carcass. Simmering them with rosemary, thyme and an orange gave me such a fabulous broth. I picked the bones clean and strained the golden concoction adding carrots, celery and onion for a great cool weather soup. And of course I added a lemon for a tinge of freshness at the end.

This all transpired while I wrote articles, answered e-mails, edited photos, did the laundry and worked on my next knitting adventure. All a perfect day to me. This was something I could not translate to the life coach. I can be happy and full of joy doing something so simple as making soup. Now I just need to get paid for it.

Of course, I do have some coaches that are not so presumptuous to call themselves so. Renee and Wayne were sharing with me their ideas of a new life making purses and afghans, cooking, writing, taking pictures and massaging for a living. Sounds great, but then comes the dreaded “How?”

So I left that to linger and went on crafting more treats. Being on Weight Watchers and trying to be as healthy as I comfortably can, has lead me to construct dishes that will fill me up, satisfy my taste buds and of course provide healthful sustenance. Taking a hint from one of my cook books, I came across a recipe for stuffed eggplant rolls. I know, they don’t sound super appealing, but with a little help from me, they rock.

You slice the eggplant lengthwise and spray the grill or grill pan with Pam and let them get a little soft and marked up. I made a filling of ¼ cup reduced-fat feta cheese, diced tomatoes, diced scallion, and chopped capers, parsley, basil and oregano. I added a couple dashes of hot sauce too. When the eggplant slices are cool to the touch, I put a dollop of the filling on the wide end and rolled. Then I make a dressing of lemon zest, lemon juice, a hint of cumin, chopped parsley, and salt and pepper. These make a great snack or an accompaniment for soup (say fresh-made chicken soup for example.)

So what’s next? I gravitate towards recipe sites and food stuff blogs collecting about 20 new adventures a week and there is not enough time to make it all. I love the thought of having the funds, time and hungry mouths to feed so that I could make so many dishes, but alas, that is not to be right now. But I still ask, how can I make it real?

Fini and Begin Again

My stained glass angel ornament on my pink tree - that's Christmas to me

Life is what happens when you’re trying to write a blog. So instead of writing, I was living, but now I am back and happy to have some semblance of routine and normalcy. Nothing bad kept me from this personal task, all good with holidays to boot, but it did leave me snackered. Here are the top ten things that have transpired over the past 4 weeks. (In no particular order)

O Tannebaum

My perfect pink tree. Kitsche, I know, but aren't you jealous?

I just love my Christmas tree. It is pink with white lights and stands only about 6 feet tall (on a crate.) I have all kinds of ornaments on it even one that was crafted with my own wee hands when I was 3. I got the tree last year for $30 and the guy at the store said, “You’re goin’ to be the only person in Pinellas County with a pink tree.” My response, “I hope so,” even though I knew that there would be many folks in the gayborhood that would adore some pink plastic perfection. Even Guy was jealous. I wrap the bottom and its pedestal wine crate in a Santa-inspired, red and white faux fur skirt and even sans gifts it is a sight to behold. I hate the thought of taking it down and packing it away for another full year.

All the little children

Leilani having a blast at her recital. Her enthusiam was contagious!

It wouldn’t be a holiday without a children’s recital. I was invited to Leilani’s class’ Christmas program and had the honor of listening to three-year-olds massacre the old Christmas standards. It’s sort of like watching the auditions for American Idol, but not sad at all with kids forgetting their lines and waving to mommy in the front row, or those standing fear-struck as dad coerces them to look at the video camera. I just loved it. And of course Leilani stayed on cue and didn’t pick her nose nor lift her dress even once to the relief of her mother.

Noah, not to be outdone, does his famous rolling eyes routine. He's such a comedian.

I’ll be home for ChristmasA quick shot of my family during the gift exchange.

Since my family has developed into quite an extended posse, we try to make it for at least one day a year to be together, including spouses, mates, in-laws and kids. This year my niece Amanda hosted at her posh house. The food was divine with deep-fried turkey, pole beans cooked with bacon, Greek salad, butternut squash casserole and apple cobbler (my addition.) Plus it was great seeing the clan. My nieces and nephews are all grown with the youngest in his second year of college. Brian brought the girlies (his two divine daughters Madison and Sailor) and they are what really make the season bright. Even Laura, the actress, made it home all the way from LA and her Orange County-lifestyle. I miss the lot of them, but we just don’t seem to be able to hook-up much. Plus it is a nice time to catch up and do a simple gift exchange. This year was pretty weak though since my niece Erin left early and no one stole from anyone else, except me to try to get the ball rolling. Plus for me it’s all about giving so I was so pleased to see that Holley, Brian’s wife, got the afghan I made. She is so sweet and really appreciates things like that. My brother never makes it to these things since he lives in Michigan or something and I guess it is better to be there than with us.

Madison and Sailor Grace having a blast on Christmas Eve. They really make the holiday for me.

Sailor helping her mom with her new afghan. It was my first big project and turned out so sweet.

Feliz Navidad

You can't have black beans and rice without red wine vinegar!

And to balance out all the stress from driving to the family Christmas, I spent Christmas Day at Michelle’s and enjoyed my favorite meal of all time – Cuban roast pork, black beans and rice and baked ziti. Last year, she went to Ohio to visit family (why else would someone go to Ohio) and this left me beanless for the first Christmas in more than 10 years. It was painful. But I made up for it this year with double plates of food and a very sick belly that evening. Her family had done the Christmas Eve too so it was just us, Vivi, Ronn and her mom lounging around watching the Food Network and drinking wine. Mich and I recycle presents (meaning we usually take something we have and give that as a gift instead of buying something impersonal – except wine, that is good for all occasions.) This year I gave Vivi a Mary Poppins Barbie I had gotten about 12 years ago from an ex-boyfriend. It was still in the box with most of the accessories. I also shared with her half of my Hello Kitty collection (the other half goes to Leilani with her brother Noah gets my X-Men comic collection.) There was only a touch of drama, but it wouldn’t be a holiday without someone drinking too much and being all passive aggressive. (Vivi took the picture of her mom to the left, not too bad I thought. )
Vivi has already learned-leave the gun, take the cannoli!






Cause I’m a loser baby
Weight Watchers is a godsend. I am doing pretty well though I have fallen off the wagon a couple times. It’s the holidays and I let myself falter from time to time, but try to keep up with the exercising. I know that this is my time, and 2009 is all about me. I no longer want to think about my weight or convince myself that one day I will be thin. I am working towards my goal and I plan to be the hottest beatch at next year’s New Year’s Eve celebration. Now, I just need a hot guy to show me off. So far I have found a bunch of new recipes, including a vegetarian chili that so rocks, I just love a cup of it in the afternoon when I get ready to work out. I feel more alive than before and even when I am naughty (which I love being naughty) I can still be on track, a touch. I have vowed to not buy any new clothes until I get to the halfway point (which I am shooting for the end of April) and will be treating myself to exercise toys, accessories for my bike and cookbooks instead. I just love deciphering recipes, deconstructing them and making them more healthy. And that is what this is all about – it’s not a diet, it’s a healthy way to live.

I want to ride my bicycle
I just love, love, love my bike. I really do. I like to ride to the beach on Saturday morning, ride my bike to my friends’ homes, ride to the store and the library, and ride around just for fun. The weather has been great here and that only inspires me to get out and ride even more. My morning rides are the hardest to convince myself of, but when I do get peddling, the music in my ears and a fresh cup of juice or a smoothie when I get back really bring it all together. I feel so much better about myself when I ride. Since I can’t walk much, it is one of the only ways I can get mobile. My boss even gave me a harnessed pouch for Finnegan to ride in when I go out riding. I’ve thought about riding up to Georgie’s in the evening for cocktails since I will have to stick to one and not feel too guilty about the calories. We’ll see about that later. Future adventures include: the Saturday Morning Market downtown, visiting Michelle and Renee (both are just a few miles more) and maybe one day go all the way to Guy’s.
Santa baby

Made this when I was three - aren't you impressed???

Christmas was simple this year. I wasn’t able to give very much, if anything since money is pretty tight, but I was blessed with several treats. Ronn gave me a bottle of vodka accompanied by a bottle of deliciously spiced olives. That was my Christmas morning treat – a spicy martini to go with the healthy egg white omelet and tomatoes. Michelle shared with me a set of espresso cups and saucers from her grandmother and homemade marinara and cranberry sauce that she canned. Guy made it a Warholiday with a money tray in Andy style and a pink martini ornament for my pink Christmas tree. Heidi shared her generosity with my kids by getting the kitties some cat nip balls and Finnegan a squeaky toy. I just love how she always thinks of the pets during the holidays. Patty gave me a flask, though it only holds six ounces (HA) because she knows me so well. I know that will definitely get a lot of use. I always feel blessed when people share gifts with me, even if it is stuff that I never considered, I still am grateful since no one really has to do it. Plus, my friends are the same way since they appreciate anything that is given to them and they teach their kids this too, since just being kin is a gift.

Finnegan Begin Again
I waited 35 years to get a puppy for Christmas and it finally happened. Finn is still with his mommy and grandma since he isn’t weaned. It will be about 4 more weeks until he comes home to me. I have been visiting him at least once a week and even held him all night on New Year’s Eve. It was a quiet end to the year. Ronn joined me over at Patty and Jim’s where we sat out back, drank champagne and held puppies – what could be more magical? My first kiss of the new year was Finn with his sour puppy breath and newly opened eyes to see how much I love him. I am so excited to be a new mommy.

Kids in America

Dancing to "They Don't Know About Us" by Tracey Ullman

I ended the year dancing with my dear friends Patty and Tuttie to old 80s tunes and began 2009 dancing with Renee and Malika to reggae/hip hop favorites. I just love to dance, but don’t get the chance much. Being a goth kid in high school and college limited my dance moves though I have always loved dancing around the house. That is where it ended since I felt clumsy with my weight and lost with all the choreography. But that is all changing. Malika was showing me how to belly dance and Renee shared some of her Jamaican moves getting me up and running and I didn’t care how I looked, as long as I was having fun. So that is one of my new year’s goals – to dance more just for fun. Plus it is great exercise. Dexy's Dancing!!

Hot Hot Hot
For my new adventure in 2009 I got a new haircut. It isn’t too different from before and is even a recollection of a few years ago with short curls framing my face. I love it an am so excited with my new look. 2009 has so much possibility! Plus I have the perfect accessory for my new look - FINN!

And one sad note. On December 20, Jerry Taylor was murdered. Jerry and I worked together for several years. Though not close, we shared many laughs in boring meetings. As circumstances would have it, I spotted him a few months ago at my new place of business and found it a touch comforting to see someone from the old stomping grounds. He was an innocent victim of a deranged psychopath who also murdered Beth Evans, his ex-wife and a friend of Jerry’s. We weren’t close, but it still keeps me struck with sadness to think how this vibrant man and loving father will not longer be there to bring light into his daughter’s eyes.