As if I didn't already write enough about food...
This morning I made the perfect egg sandwich or "egg sammich perfecto." There's more than making the perfect egg sandwich than the actual act of making the perfect egg sandwich. This is something I've done for years. I've been a kid and made an egg sandwich. Technique, ingredients, and panache have evolved, thankfully... and I've learned from my experiences, and this is why I'm writing about it.
Everything has changed about the egg sandwich without the essential purpose of the egg sandwich changing. I promise you it makes sense (or at least it does to me, regardless of the silly metaphors).. The bread is now 12-grain, the eggs are 2, non-broken yolks and basted, which requires ice cubes, a cover for the pan, and lots of patience in order to get the yolk semi-hard and well, perfecto... Cheddar cheese is added but to one side of the bread that is toasted in the toaster over to make the bread crispy and the cheese melty. Things I've owned for the first time = toaster oven, I've had one for a year now. Also, I learned the method of basting or glazing eggs about 5 years ago. Another, very key, ingredient that wasn't there before... kosher salt, sea salt would also work just fine. The texture of this salt adds a bolder taste that compliments the egg, cheese, and bread just right.
This egg sandwich was so good I wanted to eat it in slow motion. It was better than anything you could order out (because it wouldn't meet your specifications AND, more importantly, you didn't make it!) That stuff matters... to me. I don't want to have to be able to make or re-create dishes I love. I also don't have to be able to answer every question everyone has for me...but, I do like to feel successful at something that I've been working on for a very long time. Actually, I don't really ever have to make that version of the egg sandwich again because I know if was done, accomplished, and appreciated.
So, this is the part when I include more silly metaphors about how the egg sandwich assembly is like life. Yes and no. For the most part, the egg sandwich is an egg sandwich. I haven't had one in a long time and I must've filled some craving for it...not yet falling into the law of diminishing returns category, etc. There is that. Secondly, however, I do think there is the building of maturing, intuition, and best use of resources, frame of reference that one only builds over time. It also answer the 'age old' question...Why did my egg sandwich change? Alright, that's probably enough of that.
It was a really fantastic egg sandwich...
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Holiday Foods Triumphant
I've been happy with my culinary attempts lately... Part of the reason I am so happy about it is because the cooking adventures haven't always been as successful. I feel as if, finally, I am able to choose recipes that suit my skills and I'm able to execute them and/or have minor adjustments.
Christmas weekend I decided on the following menu:Cornish Hens (brined and roasted)
New Potatoes w/Dill Sauce
Procscuitto Wrapped Asparagus
I've never made a brine before and this one was easy enough to try. Water, honey, sea salt, pepper, and a bay leaf... bring to a boil and let cool. The hens soak in the brine for at least 8 hours or overnight. So, some planning but it worked out so nicely. The outside of the hens needed dried thyme, salt, and pepper. The inside was stuffed with cilantro. I like how simple this dish was and the brine, quite frankly, does all the work for you. It makes the dish what it is... everything else is garnish, for the most part. The hens roast for an hour and a turned halfway through... When in doubt, brine!
I faux pas'd the potatoes... I bought the right amount of new reds, I didn't, however, buy enough chive cream cheese. So, the good news is I made half the potatoes and used the cream cheese, half a green pepper and about the same amount of dill. The potatoes were perfect... just less and, for the amount of people eating them, it worked out for the best... I just have left over potatoes which will be a lovely lunch of dinner at a later time.
The procscuitto wrapped asparagus, for some reason, made me extremely happy. I think, it is because, I never really made asparagus before and I tend to over cook veggies (and pasta)... So, again, simple recipe, the asaparus just needed to be groomed. Taking 12 of them and making sure they are the same length. A vegetable peeler used on the ends of the asparagus making them asthetically pleasing and probably more palatable, I'm assuming. The salty water is brought to a boil and the asparagus is in it for about 3 minutes. The recipe required I tie the bunch together and lower them in the boiling water... this didn't happen. My asparagus weren't treated quite as gingerly... still, it worked out. I prepared an ice bath for them for the post-3 minute boiling process to stop the cooking. This is key. It keeps the veggie from getting limpy. Next, the asparagus are wrapped with procscuitto and salted. Something these three dishes had in common...salt. This was a salty dinner...however, delicious. There was a balsamic vinegar glaze that was to be drizzled on top along with olive oil. I don't reduce balsamic vinegar very often and, a lesson learned for me, is to do this ahead of time. I should've worked on this early on in the dinner process, rather than later as the recipe called for the vinegar to cool and thicken. Still, it was pourable and worked out just fine.
All the while I drank Frexienet, which is a bubbly from Spain...another nice compliment to cooking anything... It is relaxing and just a happy additive.
I'm just happy everything turned out so yummy... especially when you aren't exactly sure what is going to happen. I like taken the risk and finding out it was so worthwhile. The bad news is, I don't like making the same thing more than once or twice so...might not have it again in a while. Still, confidence raised and I feel I am able to continue trying to make fun, new things...
Christmas weekend I decided on the following menu:Cornish Hens (brined and roasted)
New Potatoes w/Dill Sauce
Procscuitto Wrapped Asparagus
I've never made a brine before and this one was easy enough to try. Water, honey, sea salt, pepper, and a bay leaf... bring to a boil and let cool. The hens soak in the brine for at least 8 hours or overnight. So, some planning but it worked out so nicely. The outside of the hens needed dried thyme, salt, and pepper. The inside was stuffed with cilantro. I like how simple this dish was and the brine, quite frankly, does all the work for you. It makes the dish what it is... everything else is garnish, for the most part. The hens roast for an hour and a turned halfway through... When in doubt, brine!
I faux pas'd the potatoes... I bought the right amount of new reds, I didn't, however, buy enough chive cream cheese. So, the good news is I made half the potatoes and used the cream cheese, half a green pepper and about the same amount of dill. The potatoes were perfect... just less and, for the amount of people eating them, it worked out for the best... I just have left over potatoes which will be a lovely lunch of dinner at a later time.
The procscuitto wrapped asparagus, for some reason, made me extremely happy. I think, it is because, I never really made asparagus before and I tend to over cook veggies (and pasta)... So, again, simple recipe, the asaparus just needed to be groomed. Taking 12 of them and making sure they are the same length. A vegetable peeler used on the ends of the asparagus making them asthetically pleasing and probably more palatable, I'm assuming. The salty water is brought to a boil and the asparagus is in it for about 3 minutes. The recipe required I tie the bunch together and lower them in the boiling water... this didn't happen. My asparagus weren't treated quite as gingerly... still, it worked out. I prepared an ice bath for them for the post-3 minute boiling process to stop the cooking. This is key. It keeps the veggie from getting limpy. Next, the asparagus are wrapped with procscuitto and salted. Something these three dishes had in common...salt. This was a salty dinner...however, delicious. There was a balsamic vinegar glaze that was to be drizzled on top along with olive oil. I don't reduce balsamic vinegar very often and, a lesson learned for me, is to do this ahead of time. I should've worked on this early on in the dinner process, rather than later as the recipe called for the vinegar to cool and thicken. Still, it was pourable and worked out just fine.
All the while I drank Frexienet, which is a bubbly from Spain...another nice compliment to cooking anything... It is relaxing and just a happy additive.
I'm just happy everything turned out so yummy... especially when you aren't exactly sure what is going to happen. I like taken the risk and finding out it was so worthwhile. The bad news is, I don't like making the same thing more than once or twice so...might not have it again in a while. Still, confidence raised and I feel I am able to continue trying to make fun, new things...
Monday, November 22, 2010
The Art of Art
I've tried several times to write this month and have been unable to do so...I think, for the most part, it is due to this month feeling like one big virus. While getting over this cold for the past two to three weeks...the best of thoughts and most busy of hands don't see to come to be quite as frequently.
Thankfully, some inspiration over the weekend is compelling me to write and take note and stop being so lazy...I saw the play, 'ART' on Saturday night. I was visiting London when this play premiered. I remember seeing the marquee and wondering about it...but I knew, basically, nothing except the title per the marquee. Looking back, I would have liked to take the risk to see it.
I feel that, like many forms of art we attend, cinematic, in play form, music, or otherwise, we tend to take something from it. It may be a new dance or a funny quote. For this play, for me, I saw a few things...some were more tangible than others. I suppose, on a personal note, I tended to be guided toward the play as a whole...what live theatre is and how it is, indeed, an art. Many times, throughout the many years I've been a songwriter and had a band...I question why I am doing what I am doing. Why do you take the time to compose a song, perform it in front of others, record, bare soul, etc. I need reminders as to why we do the things we do. Money, quite certainly, isn't the answer, because if it was I would'nt have to think about this nearly this much and/or have to dedicate a paragraph or two about the subject. Still, I think I do it for the love of the art. It is self-satisfying and, really, others appreciating that and being supportive is a huge plus. I don't think I would be the same without it. And, to me, there is more to it that constant recognition. I believe I thrive on the recognition and it doesn't hurt to have it but it should'nt be expected.
I'm not sure if the play wanted the audience to come away with any of that...but it did for me. On a more concrete level...there was a theme of friendship throughout the play. Why our friends are so important to us and how, often, we don't acknowledge that or share our feelings about it with our friends at all. Our judgements may be, for whatever reason... I think, especially in times that aren't common and everyday...we tend to find the best in our friends and our friends find the best in us. The past several months have been rather so-so for me and I've been in this flux of not-so-sure-I-am-where-I-want-to-be and, I feel, my true friends have shown through everything to show me how much they just care about me...which is nice to know. I think the play focuses on three such friends. Also, as difficult as it can be to reveal our vulnerabilities and weaknesses, at times, we don't have a choice and the choice we make can prove to be so much more helpful. I enjoyed the dialouge filled with laughs, bickering, pleasant chat, disagreements, and admirable descent... There was a lot of humanity in the script and the three actors worked so well together to clearly portray and adapt this to the stage. I was happy to be able to see it. It isn't always that art feels transcendent and maybe it is my high expectations to make it so...however, fantastic when it does...
Thankfully, some inspiration over the weekend is compelling me to write and take note and stop being so lazy...I saw the play, 'ART' on Saturday night. I was visiting London when this play premiered. I remember seeing the marquee and wondering about it...but I knew, basically, nothing except the title per the marquee. Looking back, I would have liked to take the risk to see it.
I feel that, like many forms of art we attend, cinematic, in play form, music, or otherwise, we tend to take something from it. It may be a new dance or a funny quote. For this play, for me, I saw a few things...some were more tangible than others. I suppose, on a personal note, I tended to be guided toward the play as a whole...what live theatre is and how it is, indeed, an art. Many times, throughout the many years I've been a songwriter and had a band...I question why I am doing what I am doing. Why do you take the time to compose a song, perform it in front of others, record, bare soul, etc. I need reminders as to why we do the things we do. Money, quite certainly, isn't the answer, because if it was I would'nt have to think about this nearly this much and/or have to dedicate a paragraph or two about the subject. Still, I think I do it for the love of the art. It is self-satisfying and, really, others appreciating that and being supportive is a huge plus. I don't think I would be the same without it. And, to me, there is more to it that constant recognition. I believe I thrive on the recognition and it doesn't hurt to have it but it should'nt be expected.
I'm not sure if the play wanted the audience to come away with any of that...but it did for me. On a more concrete level...there was a theme of friendship throughout the play. Why our friends are so important to us and how, often, we don't acknowledge that or share our feelings about it with our friends at all. Our judgements may be, for whatever reason... I think, especially in times that aren't common and everyday...we tend to find the best in our friends and our friends find the best in us. The past several months have been rather so-so for me and I've been in this flux of not-so-sure-I-am-where-I-want-to-be and, I feel, my true friends have shown through everything to show me how much they just care about me...which is nice to know. I think the play focuses on three such friends. Also, as difficult as it can be to reveal our vulnerabilities and weaknesses, at times, we don't have a choice and the choice we make can prove to be so much more helpful. I enjoyed the dialouge filled with laughs, bickering, pleasant chat, disagreements, and admirable descent... There was a lot of humanity in the script and the three actors worked so well together to clearly portray and adapt this to the stage. I was happy to be able to see it. It isn't always that art feels transcendent and maybe it is my high expectations to make it so...however, fantastic when it does...
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Oh, Alchemy on WESN
Thursday night was Oh, Alchemy live in the WESN studios. As before any OA event, there was lots of fun anticipation and excitement about playing. The radio is such a nebulous forum for playing live, in some ways, just due to the ambiguity of the situation. You don't know how many people are listening or how you sound...if you can even be heard. We did begin with lots of sound issues. It was a struggle to hear vocals and we tried several things to make the vocals louder. David was able to find a way to make it happen. I'm not sure what he did. I think he moved the monitor closer to Ben and Jason and managed to hook up cables in some way to make vocals louder. To me, it is an amazing thing and I am thankful it worked out so well. Due to this issue, we started about 30-45 minutes later than we would've liked to begin.
Since we started late, we also decided to just play through the show and had a small interview after the performance. I have the best time playing with my bandmates. I have to remind myself how much I love playing with them and just enjoy the opportunity for what it is. I often get tied up with thinking more about who listened and who asks about the show post-performance and what comments are made to me or others after...I think I want everyone to be as excited about everything Oh, Alchemy does as I am...and that just isn't the case.
Either way, the feelings of sad or feeling any sort of down seem to disappear as we begin to move on to the next performance and don't worry about it any longer.
The performance was good. Aside from the sound issues. We got through all the songs...new ones and some songs we have played for years. It was very worthwhile and I hope we play there again soon.
Since we started late, we also decided to just play through the show and had a small interview after the performance. I have the best time playing with my bandmates. I have to remind myself how much I love playing with them and just enjoy the opportunity for what it is. I often get tied up with thinking more about who listened and who asks about the show post-performance and what comments are made to me or others after...I think I want everyone to be as excited about everything Oh, Alchemy does as I am...and that just isn't the case.
Either way, the feelings of sad or feeling any sort of down seem to disappear as we begin to move on to the next performance and don't worry about it any longer.
The performance was good. Aside from the sound issues. We got through all the songs...new ones and some songs we have played for years. It was very worthwhile and I hope we play there again soon.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Pup Penny
So, I got pup Penny the weekend my mom died. It was this moment when you figure out that you need to stop waiting for the right time to make a decision. There never seemed to be the right time for a puppy. I lived in an apartment, I couldn't afford to take care of a puppy, I didn't have the time...whatever the excuses used in the past were thrown out the window. I have referred to her in the past as, 'the right dog at the right time.' This is true. She was quite a distraction and really just what I needed, at the time...then and for many other reasons.
And, it is this time I year I think about my mom's passing because it was this time of year when it happened. I'm not able to not think about it but, at the same time, I don't think I should not think about it and remember her. Something more difficult is remembering her condition at this time because she was certainly not herself. She was in hospice care and confined to a hospital bed in my parent's house.
I had this dog. She had to be financed. She was an expensive dog. She was worth every penny, somewhat where the name came from...although her middle name being "Lane" reflective of the Beatles song seems somewhat more cool. Either way, she was going to be pup Penny.
She is 10 years old now, which is also a reminder of how long my mom has been gone. Penny still an amazing dog who has a spunky spirit and this human-like nature...it is almost surreal. She is the smartest dog I've ever had...and, I know, I've cried with her and it was like she totally understood. Dogs are so wonderful that way...what they can sense and how they know just the right time to come by and lay down in your lap (which, coincidentally or not, is what she is doing right now...)
This is for pup Penny.
And, it is this time I year I think about my mom's passing because it was this time of year when it happened. I'm not able to not think about it but, at the same time, I don't think I should not think about it and remember her. Something more difficult is remembering her condition at this time because she was certainly not herself. She was in hospice care and confined to a hospital bed in my parent's house.
I had this dog. She had to be financed. She was an expensive dog. She was worth every penny, somewhat where the name came from...although her middle name being "Lane" reflective of the Beatles song seems somewhat more cool. Either way, she was going to be pup Penny.
She is 10 years old now, which is also a reminder of how long my mom has been gone. Penny still an amazing dog who has a spunky spirit and this human-like nature...it is almost surreal. She is the smartest dog I've ever had...and, I know, I've cried with her and it was like she totally understood. Dogs are so wonderful that way...what they can sense and how they know just the right time to come by and lay down in your lap (which, coincidentally or not, is what she is doing right now...)
This is for pup Penny.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
My Eternal Pursuit of Awkwardicity
Still trying to kick this cold. I haven't been able to sleep, very solidly, for at least 2 days. Last night was worse...tonight/this morning just a reminder of the previous night and seems almost expected. This cold very much makes me want to move to a warmer climate. I get frustrated and grumpy when I feel this way...I also, or so it seems, get downright giddy with cold med..something that is amusing and annoying all at the same time.
Friday I went back into work. The day started with a case of the giggles and the early morning radio show was cracking me up with silly jokes about daylight savings time. Later, while flipping through the stations, the Hootie and the Blowfish song, "Only Want to Be with You" is on and that alone makes me actually laugh out loud. Maybe an indicator of how the day would go. I had a nice time talking with Pam and Sharon, who sit near me...we had stories about growing up and other random things that helped me to wake up a little bit...I also had a few inquiries about how I was feeling from a few people who work near me...which is very kind and comforting. It is nice to know people care about how you. The day itself really flew by. I had meetings and good discussions. I was able to accomplish a good amount of work left over from the two days I missed. The last meeting of the day, also fine, but then I started to feel horrible. The congestion seemed at an all time high. I was getting a headache...and borrowed some Mucinex. I drank some Snapple called Mango Madness...which I would've liked to rename Mango Mediocre, or as David called it when I told him the story, Mango Meh...which I think I prefer...Nothing was feeling so good. It was difficult to concentrate. Someone mentioned having "no one to hold it" and I immediately think of the Kenny Roger's song, "The Gambler" "They'll be time enough for countin' when the dealin's done." I was obviously, at that point, done with my work day and ready for sleep or some sort of relaxing time in an attempt to feel better. It wasn't an easy night.
Saturday, even though it started out rather sleepy and rough, turned out fine, for the most part. I had an early morning haircut at a new salon. I wanted to try Jenni's Salon and Spa, one because it was located close to where I live and two it was recommended. I have been looking for a new stylist now for months. In keeping with my eternal pursuit of awkwardicity I started to become chatty with the stylist during the hairwashing experience. I also am a fan of the hairwashing experience. I am very much fine with keeping things quiet and nixing the talking during it. Quite frankly, I am very much fine nixing the talking during a lot of things that I won't take the name to right now but...I'm just saying I'm pro 'not talking' in order to enjoy something enjoyable. I didn't realize keeping things quiet and not talking during the hairwashing experience was protocol. I should've picked up on that, considering no one else was talking...however, I didn't and instead I looked like a jerkface. Ha. Well, I didn't say that much but I was asking questions and being a little bit of a conversationalist when it really isn't supposed to be allowed. Post-hair washing I was told they follow the 'silent sanctuary' philosophy there during the hairwashing experience. Ahhh...and that makes perfect sense. I think I am used to going to places where things are rather busy and even somewhat chaotic at the communal sinks and didn't expect this. I was made to feel somewhat classless but instead, I just chalk it up to a learning experience.
The haircut itself was fine. I like how she cut the length. I don't love the shorter bangs. I almost doesn't matter if I say, "don't cut my bangs" someone always cuts my bangs. I like them at a ridiculously long length. I use them as shelter, my security blanket, home... SO, she cut them and cut them shorter than I would've liked. I should've rephrased, "don't touch the bangs" to make that more clear. I am probably the worst client ever because I say such things and keep such a close eye on what the stylist is doing. This time, however, I didn't watch her close enough. It looked like she was 'shaping them up' but instead, she cut them shorter. Eehhh, anyway, not terrible and I can actually see now, which is also not terrible and some would say a benefit.
David and I had lunch soon after that...I had the roasted red pepper and eggplant soup with a half Vermont grilled cheese sandwich. Both of these things are worth writing about...wonderfulstuff. I think it was practically perfect for the way I was feeling. I felt a little buzzy still on a 7 out of 12 hour high on Sudafed, at that point. I had stories and perspective for everything. Probably things I really didn't need to voice an opinion on...voiced and comments made and shared. Thankfully, David is kind enough to humor me and possibly not care.
Band practice was fun. We traveled out to Ben's house in Hudson. I thought about 'rocking Hudson' which made me thing of Rock Hudson, who I know very little about...and this was proven to be true the more bandmates and I discussed the former actor and the movies he has been in...we had a difficult time coming up with what the movies might be and further no one was able to dissern if he was or was not "foxy." It was just too hard to tell. He fell somewhere in the "movie actor for a specific era" category which I don't think lends itself to the term one way or another.
Good practice, I sang "Billie Jean" and we went through 3 new songs. I was happy about that and also happy to be able to add percussion to the new songs, decide what we like in which song and just practice the songs for me to learn the lyrics. We talked about our Thursday radio appearance and some details behind that...we also have a potential show that we have been invited to play on December 10th which may or may not be difficult to swing. I don't know. I had the opportunity to get behind a really huge drum set and make lots of racket...something I love doing. I could never be a drummer ever but I do like playing with musical instruments of all kinds...especially when I don't own them. So, good time...and hopefully we are ready for Thursday.
Friday I went back into work. The day started with a case of the giggles and the early morning radio show was cracking me up with silly jokes about daylight savings time. Later, while flipping through the stations, the Hootie and the Blowfish song, "Only Want to Be with You" is on and that alone makes me actually laugh out loud. Maybe an indicator of how the day would go. I had a nice time talking with Pam and Sharon, who sit near me...we had stories about growing up and other random things that helped me to wake up a little bit...I also had a few inquiries about how I was feeling from a few people who work near me...which is very kind and comforting. It is nice to know people care about how you. The day itself really flew by. I had meetings and good discussions. I was able to accomplish a good amount of work left over from the two days I missed. The last meeting of the day, also fine, but then I started to feel horrible. The congestion seemed at an all time high. I was getting a headache...and borrowed some Mucinex. I drank some Snapple called Mango Madness...which I would've liked to rename Mango Mediocre, or as David called it when I told him the story, Mango Meh...which I think I prefer...Nothing was feeling so good. It was difficult to concentrate. Someone mentioned having "no one to hold it" and I immediately think of the Kenny Roger's song, "The Gambler" "They'll be time enough for countin' when the dealin's done." I was obviously, at that point, done with my work day and ready for sleep or some sort of relaxing time in an attempt to feel better. It wasn't an easy night.
Saturday, even though it started out rather sleepy and rough, turned out fine, for the most part. I had an early morning haircut at a new salon. I wanted to try Jenni's Salon and Spa, one because it was located close to where I live and two it was recommended. I have been looking for a new stylist now for months. In keeping with my eternal pursuit of awkwardicity I started to become chatty with the stylist during the hairwashing experience. I also am a fan of the hairwashing experience. I am very much fine with keeping things quiet and nixing the talking during it. Quite frankly, I am very much fine nixing the talking during a lot of things that I won't take the name to right now but...I'm just saying I'm pro 'not talking' in order to enjoy something enjoyable. I didn't realize keeping things quiet and not talking during the hairwashing experience was protocol. I should've picked up on that, considering no one else was talking...however, I didn't and instead I looked like a jerkface. Ha. Well, I didn't say that much but I was asking questions and being a little bit of a conversationalist when it really isn't supposed to be allowed. Post-hair washing I was told they follow the 'silent sanctuary' philosophy there during the hairwashing experience. Ahhh...and that makes perfect sense. I think I am used to going to places where things are rather busy and even somewhat chaotic at the communal sinks and didn't expect this. I was made to feel somewhat classless but instead, I just chalk it up to a learning experience.
The haircut itself was fine. I like how she cut the length. I don't love the shorter bangs. I almost doesn't matter if I say, "don't cut my bangs" someone always cuts my bangs. I like them at a ridiculously long length. I use them as shelter, my security blanket, home... SO, she cut them and cut them shorter than I would've liked. I should've rephrased, "don't touch the bangs" to make that more clear. I am probably the worst client ever because I say such things and keep such a close eye on what the stylist is doing. This time, however, I didn't watch her close enough. It looked like she was 'shaping them up' but instead, she cut them shorter. Eehhh, anyway, not terrible and I can actually see now, which is also not terrible and some would say a benefit.
David and I had lunch soon after that...I had the roasted red pepper and eggplant soup with a half Vermont grilled cheese sandwich. Both of these things are worth writing about...wonderfulstuff. I think it was practically perfect for the way I was feeling. I felt a little buzzy still on a 7 out of 12 hour high on Sudafed, at that point. I had stories and perspective for everything. Probably things I really didn't need to voice an opinion on...voiced and comments made and shared. Thankfully, David is kind enough to humor me and possibly not care.
Band practice was fun. We traveled out to Ben's house in Hudson. I thought about 'rocking Hudson' which made me thing of Rock Hudson, who I know very little about...and this was proven to be true the more bandmates and I discussed the former actor and the movies he has been in...we had a difficult time coming up with what the movies might be and further no one was able to dissern if he was or was not "foxy." It was just too hard to tell. He fell somewhere in the "movie actor for a specific era" category which I don't think lends itself to the term one way or another.
Good practice, I sang "Billie Jean" and we went through 3 new songs. I was happy about that and also happy to be able to add percussion to the new songs, decide what we like in which song and just practice the songs for me to learn the lyrics. We talked about our Thursday radio appearance and some details behind that...we also have a potential show that we have been invited to play on December 10th which may or may not be difficult to swing. I don't know. I had the opportunity to get behind a really huge drum set and make lots of racket...something I love doing. I could never be a drummer ever but I do like playing with musical instruments of all kinds...especially when I don't own them. So, good time...and hopefully we are ready for Thursday.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
And now...The Laughing Cow
And now it is November...
I can almost promise you...as in, I swear on this rutabaga...etc. that I get sick early to mid-November every year. If this is the case and my memory serves me correctly, I would then, again, be correct. I would like to blame Halloween, in that, you do just about anything to be outside, perhaps, wearing a costume that may or may not be conducive to the weather taking place at said time.
Still, I'm not sure the exact reason. Still, I have been in and out of what one would consider to be 'healthy' since Wednesday of this week. I also learned, perhaps, that dressing warmer would be a good thing for me to do. I like to hold on to the warm weather way into the fall season...and sometimes into winter. I love wearing open toed shoes and short sleeve tops...So, I am convincing myself now, after a bout of the virus kind...that I really need to just succumb to the colder temperatures, embrace random cold rain and wind, and give in to the frosty early mornings I am facing day after day after day. It isn't going to get warmer...and if it does, it is a freakish event that I will celebrate when and if the time comes...
In the meantime, there will be band practice on Saturday, hooray. Oh, Alchemy took the month of October off, minus October 1st Friday Friday performance, and I've missed it lots. I wrote two new songs, which are still being worked...but are assembled and might be ready for scratch vocals, at least. I like having the balance, actually, of live performances/practice and time for writing and recording... that creative part which can vary so much for what it is like to perform. So, practice Saturday and then we will be appearing on the local show on WESN 88.1 FM Thursday...I'm certain I'll blog about it.
Weird where and when inspiration strikes and for what reason... I've seen many a Laughing Cow cheese wedge commercial over the past couple of days. I suppose daytime food TV will attest to this...and, besides kind of loving the cute little song that is played during the commercial. All of the people eating the cheese, are of course, appearing incredibly happy...So, because I am a sucker for good marketing...and good cheese and I've never tried the Laughing Cow wedges...I had to get out and find these things. Easy enough, and yes it was everything I ever hoped for...lovely and yummy and perfect for me on a day like today when my blahs have hit an all time blah. Wonderful little snack that I spread on flatbread crackers, sprinkled some dill, and added tiny sliced cherry tomatoes. I'm falling hard for the Laughing Cow...but I did eat 2 wedges. Now I want to be a complete nerd and search for more snacky recipes for these cheese wedges. I'm weirdly motivated.
Hoping to feel better...tired of being home and in the house all day...even if that means zero to little schedule and lots of sleep...both of which I am a huge fan of. It is still much better to get out into the world and do things. I think I miss out on good stories, awkward situations, and fantastic coffee. I need more of that now.
I can almost promise you...as in, I swear on this rutabaga...etc. that I get sick early to mid-November every year. If this is the case and my memory serves me correctly, I would then, again, be correct. I would like to blame Halloween, in that, you do just about anything to be outside, perhaps, wearing a costume that may or may not be conducive to the weather taking place at said time.
Still, I'm not sure the exact reason. Still, I have been in and out of what one would consider to be 'healthy' since Wednesday of this week. I also learned, perhaps, that dressing warmer would be a good thing for me to do. I like to hold on to the warm weather way into the fall season...and sometimes into winter. I love wearing open toed shoes and short sleeve tops...So, I am convincing myself now, after a bout of the virus kind...that I really need to just succumb to the colder temperatures, embrace random cold rain and wind, and give in to the frosty early mornings I am facing day after day after day. It isn't going to get warmer...and if it does, it is a freakish event that I will celebrate when and if the time comes...
In the meantime, there will be band practice on Saturday, hooray. Oh, Alchemy took the month of October off, minus October 1st Friday Friday performance, and I've missed it lots. I wrote two new songs, which are still being worked...but are assembled and might be ready for scratch vocals, at least. I like having the balance, actually, of live performances/practice and time for writing and recording... that creative part which can vary so much for what it is like to perform. So, practice Saturday and then we will be appearing on the local show on WESN 88.1 FM Thursday...I'm certain I'll blog about it.
Weird where and when inspiration strikes and for what reason... I've seen many a Laughing Cow cheese wedge commercial over the past couple of days. I suppose daytime food TV will attest to this...and, besides kind of loving the cute little song that is played during the commercial. All of the people eating the cheese, are of course, appearing incredibly happy...So, because I am a sucker for good marketing...and good cheese and I've never tried the Laughing Cow wedges...I had to get out and find these things. Easy enough, and yes it was everything I ever hoped for...lovely and yummy and perfect for me on a day like today when my blahs have hit an all time blah. Wonderful little snack that I spread on flatbread crackers, sprinkled some dill, and added tiny sliced cherry tomatoes. I'm falling hard for the Laughing Cow...but I did eat 2 wedges. Now I want to be a complete nerd and search for more snacky recipes for these cheese wedges. I'm weirdly motivated.
Hoping to feel better...tired of being home and in the house all day...even if that means zero to little schedule and lots of sleep...both of which I am a huge fan of. It is still much better to get out into the world and do things. I think I miss out on good stories, awkward situations, and fantastic coffee. I need more of that now.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Take These Broken Wings
This week truly flew by, I wasn't able to keep up with it. In fact, on Wednesday morning, I overslept. I didn't set the alarm and my internal clock, which normally is obnoxiously prompt, malfunctioned. I quickly found something to wear, put a headband around the hair, and went out the door, minus coffee a shower and a wallet, in order to make it to work on time.
The minus a shower and coffee was purposeful, I knew I had to cut corners to be punctual. Not having the wallet with me, however, was not something I intended. I walked in to get coffee once arriving at work, went up to the counter, looked into my purse and said, "I don't have any money." The cashier was very kind and said 'that has happened to me before' which is code for 'that has never really happened to be ever, still showing empathy for your situation would be the nicer thing to do considering the embarrased look you have on your face.' She wrote me a good old fashioned 'IOU' and let me go with my coffee.. As I walked away some woman behind me says loudly, 'is something wrong with the cash register? Why did you write her an IOU, what happened?' The cashier repeats our incident and they both laugh. Ugh, thinking a PA announcement throughout the company would have been just as suiting. I left without any stop for coffee cream and just chalked it up to an average mistake I would correct over lunch.
The evening before was the Halloween tweetup at Medici. It was fun and I even shopped for a costume ahead of time. This would be the barfly/Drinkerbell costume mentioned in earlier blog entries... I thought it went over well. I loved the wings but they are difficult to manuever in most situations proving why, most certainly, humans, should not have wings...or do we deserver them. I came to the conclusion, if you want to make any activity more challenging...put on wings. Basically, since these wings are for aesthetic purposes and have zero function otherwise, they are just an extra appendange that are just slightly bothersome...and even moreso bothersome to others who encounter them, ie. passers by. So, standing and talking with the group, I noticed, over and over, the wings were being run into by people moving throughout the bar. Sometimes laughing and sometimes apologizing, it was clear I should've moved to find a safer location. Instead I stayed and, sure enoughm a server with a tray of drinking glasses came by and connected with a curvy part of the left wing. It was hooked and shifted as he walked further away. It felt like I was going with him and the wing gave way before I stumbled down to the floor..thankfully. The wing broke off right from the center. It was a clean brake, but I could tell from the levity of the wings something was wrong and it was possible they were indeed broken. I don't think I was even there for an hour when this happened therefore making the wings a quick and delicate prop. Still, the wings then sat on a stool at a table and conversations went in and out of my broken wings. The Mr. Mister song from the 80's with similar title was even brought into the picture (no surprise, actually I would have been surprised more if I didn't reference the song...and disappointed quite frankly...)
The Halloween tweetup was very much fun, broken wings and all. I met several new people. I was able to talk to people I've met before but don't see very often...I was able to meet people that I should have met a long time ago due to our correspondences and the fact that I feel as if I know them very well already without having officially met. So, very fun group and I'm glad I was able to go. There was pizza, there was beer, and there was a cool announcement which sounds like it will involve Oh, Alchemy...which always brings a smile to my face.
So, going back in the week to Monday, I received an email about the School of Seven Bells CD coming in. I ordered this CD several months ago and, at this point, I was certain Jared forgot about it and moved on to other things his life, however, not the case. He told me band switched labels and a reprinting was happening. He decided to wait on the order until the new label situation was taken care of and that is what was taking so long. Regardless, I picked up "Alpinisms" on Monday afternoon and immediately fell in love with it. SO, very good...the harmonies were gut wrenchingly beautiful and the music seemed like it was in total syncopation with the falling leaves and rushing Autumn winds. Happy with this, I wanted to do more driving around just to provide more natural backdrop to such a lovely soundtrack. More on School of Seven Bells, I wound up choosing the song "Windstorm" as Tuesday's anthem and ordering the new CD, by the same band, on Thursday.
Saturday was trick or treating night in uptown normal. I indulged by attempting to dress up, again, minus the wings. I met up with Rachel, however, and she was able to bring safety pins to help me fix them. It was an easy interim fix but, it worked. The wings stayed on. I didn't wear the dress, due to the cold temperatures, but I was able to wear them again and this made me very happy. Already thinking about next year's costume. I have never been a zombie...hmmm
Happy Halloween!
The minus a shower and coffee was purposeful, I knew I had to cut corners to be punctual. Not having the wallet with me, however, was not something I intended. I walked in to get coffee once arriving at work, went up to the counter, looked into my purse and said, "I don't have any money." The cashier was very kind and said 'that has happened to me before' which is code for 'that has never really happened to be ever, still showing empathy for your situation would be the nicer thing to do considering the embarrased look you have on your face.' She wrote me a good old fashioned 'IOU' and let me go with my coffee.. As I walked away some woman behind me says loudly, 'is something wrong with the cash register? Why did you write her an IOU, what happened?' The cashier repeats our incident and they both laugh. Ugh, thinking a PA announcement throughout the company would have been just as suiting. I left without any stop for coffee cream and just chalked it up to an average mistake I would correct over lunch.
The evening before was the Halloween tweetup at Medici. It was fun and I even shopped for a costume ahead of time. This would be the barfly/Drinkerbell costume mentioned in earlier blog entries... I thought it went over well. I loved the wings but they are difficult to manuever in most situations proving why, most certainly, humans, should not have wings...or do we deserver them. I came to the conclusion, if you want to make any activity more challenging...put on wings. Basically, since these wings are for aesthetic purposes and have zero function otherwise, they are just an extra appendange that are just slightly bothersome...and even moreso bothersome to others who encounter them, ie. passers by. So, standing and talking with the group, I noticed, over and over, the wings were being run into by people moving throughout the bar. Sometimes laughing and sometimes apologizing, it was clear I should've moved to find a safer location. Instead I stayed and, sure enoughm a server with a tray of drinking glasses came by and connected with a curvy part of the left wing. It was hooked and shifted as he walked further away. It felt like I was going with him and the wing gave way before I stumbled down to the floor..thankfully. The wing broke off right from the center. It was a clean brake, but I could tell from the levity of the wings something was wrong and it was possible they were indeed broken. I don't think I was even there for an hour when this happened therefore making the wings a quick and delicate prop. Still, the wings then sat on a stool at a table and conversations went in and out of my broken wings. The Mr. Mister song from the 80's with similar title was even brought into the picture (no surprise, actually I would have been surprised more if I didn't reference the song...and disappointed quite frankly...)
The Halloween tweetup was very much fun, broken wings and all. I met several new people. I was able to talk to people I've met before but don't see very often...I was able to meet people that I should have met a long time ago due to our correspondences and the fact that I feel as if I know them very well already without having officially met. So, very fun group and I'm glad I was able to go. There was pizza, there was beer, and there was a cool announcement which sounds like it will involve Oh, Alchemy...which always brings a smile to my face.
So, going back in the week to Monday, I received an email about the School of Seven Bells CD coming in. I ordered this CD several months ago and, at this point, I was certain Jared forgot about it and moved on to other things his life, however, not the case. He told me band switched labels and a reprinting was happening. He decided to wait on the order until the new label situation was taken care of and that is what was taking so long. Regardless, I picked up "Alpinisms" on Monday afternoon and immediately fell in love with it. SO, very good...the harmonies were gut wrenchingly beautiful and the music seemed like it was in total syncopation with the falling leaves and rushing Autumn winds. Happy with this, I wanted to do more driving around just to provide more natural backdrop to such a lovely soundtrack. More on School of Seven Bells, I wound up choosing the song "Windstorm" as Tuesday's anthem and ordering the new CD, by the same band, on Thursday.
Saturday was trick or treating night in uptown normal. I indulged by attempting to dress up, again, minus the wings. I met up with Rachel, however, and she was able to bring safety pins to help me fix them. It was an easy interim fix but, it worked. The wings stayed on. I didn't wear the dress, due to the cold temperatures, but I was able to wear them again and this made me very happy. Already thinking about next year's costume. I have never been a zombie...hmmm
Happy Halloween!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
"Spelling Alicia"
I had too many potential expectations for today. I thought I would go skating and/or hula hoop with the hula hoop group and/or get sushi out...I didn't plan anything very well today and it all evaporated. I was able, however, to get out and have an overly complicated iced caramel macchiato skinny and upside-down during the mid-afternoon to help quell my mid-afternoon headache. My caffeine addiction confirmed. The headache disappeared and I enjoyed a very yummy beverage. I also spent some time being several types of leisurely at Target. I tend to purchase a sampling of items from each section within the store around payday time, not always a great idea. I did, however, purchase gummi vitamins, just because they exist...and well, I've never liked vitamins as much as I do now.
Had a great time at the Lebowski Fest party last night. I didn't do too much for dressing up but I wore green nailpolish and that was my contribution. I thought about bringing a rug to 'tie the room together' but backed off of that too...much due to lazyness. I tend to fall in and out of excitement with motivation. Those two things are really meant for each other. Still, I had a great time bowling and hanging with good friends. I did decide I tend to appear more awkward than cool in a bowling alley, very fish out of water. I forgot my socks, I asked the guy at the snack counter about a pitcher of beer, I chose a ball by wondering around and if I didn't shout out an expletive, the ball wasn't too heavy. I'm not a horrible bowler but I certainly could've used improvement. I wound up buying socks (very neatly folded and wrapped in a rubber band) to use in order to play a couple of games. I picked up the 7 1/2 shoe size as well, which I learned, was men sizes. I didn't realize this and the shoes were a little floppy and cumbersome. I realize this sounds like a lot of excuses for my game...my shoes were too big, I didn't have my own socks, the ball was too heavy, etc. but, yea I could've tried harder. Either way, I did have fried pickles, which I kinda love.
I had my first White Russian, which was very good. I had one and only one but it was great. Zee Pigs in Blankets, were very slidey but pretty yummy. The company, however, was by far, the best thing about the party. Meghan had a list of achievement which included various tasks and things that could be included/suggested by others and, if completed, the person would then get a gold star. It was pretty adorable. "Spelling Alicia" actually made the list, which made me laugh lots. I didn't realize it was that difficult and/or would qualify as an item to be accomplished on the list. The good thing about it though, for me, it is an automatic star. It is kinda nice to be successful without really trying. Fun group and watching the movie with everyone was a blast.
Had a great time at the Lebowski Fest party last night. I didn't do too much for dressing up but I wore green nailpolish and that was my contribution. I thought about bringing a rug to 'tie the room together' but backed off of that too...much due to lazyness. I tend to fall in and out of excitement with motivation. Those two things are really meant for each other. Still, I had a great time bowling and hanging with good friends. I did decide I tend to appear more awkward than cool in a bowling alley, very fish out of water. I forgot my socks, I asked the guy at the snack counter about a pitcher of beer, I chose a ball by wondering around and if I didn't shout out an expletive, the ball wasn't too heavy. I'm not a horrible bowler but I certainly could've used improvement. I wound up buying socks (very neatly folded and wrapped in a rubber band) to use in order to play a couple of games. I picked up the 7 1/2 shoe size as well, which I learned, was men sizes. I didn't realize this and the shoes were a little floppy and cumbersome. I realize this sounds like a lot of excuses for my game...my shoes were too big, I didn't have my own socks, the ball was too heavy, etc. but, yea I could've tried harder. Either way, I did have fried pickles, which I kinda love.
I had my first White Russian, which was very good. I had one and only one but it was great. Zee Pigs in Blankets, were very slidey but pretty yummy. The company, however, was by far, the best thing about the party. Meghan had a list of achievement which included various tasks and things that could be included/suggested by others and, if completed, the person would then get a gold star. It was pretty adorable. "Spelling Alicia" actually made the list, which made me laugh lots. I didn't realize it was that difficult and/or would qualify as an item to be accomplished on the list. The good thing about it though, for me, it is an automatic star. It is kinda nice to be successful without really trying. Fun group and watching the movie with everyone was a blast.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Post-Reaction-Comment Received-Reply to Reponse-Smiley Face-Done
Inspiration is very energizing... This is inspiring others and/or being inspired. In some cases, I would go as far as saying being inspired by someone else's inspiration.
I woke up thinking: So, I have to write, sing, pick up the guitar or grocery shop today. The reasons behind this all stem from being inspired. The motivation and the uplift that helps me to write songs, dance in the kitchen, and let Yorkies chase me and nip at my heels.
Aimee let me know my post about cinnamon raisin English muffins and vanilla chai inspired her to make the same combination hers and then dedicated this morning's breakfast to me. I can't say I've ever had someone dedicate his/her breakfast to me before...of course, very smiley and heartwarming. I have so many food-related posts and though I am a journal junkie and foodie fan, it is lovely to see a similar happiness.
Maybe I'm wrong in assuming this about myself but I feel very motivated by the senses. Perhaps because I am a musician or I could just be hyperactive...which I never completely rule out ever. Seems like many factors contribute...including liking the things you like and basic DNA, which I adore using as the scapegoat. The somewhat sad part is that this piece isn't often discovered until you grow up and find out. So, basically, having the ability to wake up and be able to list the things I should do in order to make the day a good one, for example. I think this is as, if not more important, as a career fair.
I used to spend time on a website called 42 Things. I found this very motivating. You made lists of goals and the goals could be as big or small as you'd like. I would make lists of lists and, being a listmaker, found it very encouraging. I found if I would write down my goal, for the world to see and receive "cheers" then I would more than likely be more apt to follow through. The following through part being the most difficult. I didn't outgrown 42 Things, I think I just moved on to other social media and became caught up in posting elsewhere. My attention span, short...reinforcing the difficult nature of the 'follow through.' Starting is really very fun and finishing is also pretty awesome but the middle part when you actually have to do things to accomplish what you need to accomplish...slightly more taxing. I think that is why Facebook and Twitter have become so popular. It is: Post-Reaction-Comment Received-Reply to Reponse-Smiley Face-Done..
Oooh back to inspiration... The love for food things has been a part of my life for a long time. I grew up being the luckiest girl in the world with my dad making pancakes, see previous entry, and making lobster thermidor a New Year's Eve family tradition. I didn't always know what cumin and corriander should be combined with but I knew how to pronounce them and I knew they were in my kitchen cabinets as a kid. Preparing food and eating with my family was an event. It wasn't a time when you ate to be sustained (well, once in a while maybe) but, for the most part...it was my dad starting on Sunday dinner at 1pm and everyone being at the table at 5pm to sit together, eat, laugh, and try something new that my dad has been working on because he was tired of making the same thing. He bought corn, in season, from the roadside stand and included a vegetable with every dinner menu. My parents had "appetizer dinner night" where my dad would make empanadas and crab rangoons...just changing the possibilities for what dinner can be. My mom made the best chocolate chip cookies that existed. The cookie jar was always full, or half full depending on how many friends my brother and I would happen to have over. My mom made my birthday cakes (for as long as I would allow her to) and make homemade treats to bring into school for each and every holiday. This was before Food Network.
So, the many things that motivate me. I often wonder if, after my mom died, there are things about her that became more me...or if I have just held onto them. One being her love of food, cooking, and talking about it. The same for my dad, as he is far away. I have really fantastic memories of them and of being a family. I feel fortunate, as well, when I think back about it. I think, as a kid and growing up, you think that your story is everyone's story and this just isn't the case. ...btw, I had Pop Tarts too.
I woke up thinking: So, I have to write, sing, pick up the guitar or grocery shop today. The reasons behind this all stem from being inspired. The motivation and the uplift that helps me to write songs, dance in the kitchen, and let Yorkies chase me and nip at my heels.
Aimee let me know my post about cinnamon raisin English muffins and vanilla chai inspired her to make the same combination hers and then dedicated this morning's breakfast to me. I can't say I've ever had someone dedicate his/her breakfast to me before...of course, very smiley and heartwarming. I have so many food-related posts and though I am a journal junkie and foodie fan, it is lovely to see a similar happiness.
Maybe I'm wrong in assuming this about myself but I feel very motivated by the senses. Perhaps because I am a musician or I could just be hyperactive...which I never completely rule out ever. Seems like many factors contribute...including liking the things you like and basic DNA, which I adore using as the scapegoat. The somewhat sad part is that this piece isn't often discovered until you grow up and find out. So, basically, having the ability to wake up and be able to list the things I should do in order to make the day a good one, for example. I think this is as, if not more important, as a career fair.
I used to spend time on a website called 42 Things. I found this very motivating. You made lists of goals and the goals could be as big or small as you'd like. I would make lists of lists and, being a listmaker, found it very encouraging. I found if I would write down my goal, for the world to see and receive "cheers" then I would more than likely be more apt to follow through. The following through part being the most difficult. I didn't outgrown 42 Things, I think I just moved on to other social media and became caught up in posting elsewhere. My attention span, short...reinforcing the difficult nature of the 'follow through.' Starting is really very fun and finishing is also pretty awesome but the middle part when you actually have to do things to accomplish what you need to accomplish...slightly more taxing. I think that is why Facebook and Twitter have become so popular. It is: Post-Reaction-Comment Received-Reply to Reponse-Smiley Face-Done..
Oooh back to inspiration... The love for food things has been a part of my life for a long time. I grew up being the luckiest girl in the world with my dad making pancakes, see previous entry, and making lobster thermidor a New Year's Eve family tradition. I didn't always know what cumin and corriander should be combined with but I knew how to pronounce them and I knew they were in my kitchen cabinets as a kid. Preparing food and eating with my family was an event. It wasn't a time when you ate to be sustained (well, once in a while maybe) but, for the most part...it was my dad starting on Sunday dinner at 1pm and everyone being at the table at 5pm to sit together, eat, laugh, and try something new that my dad has been working on because he was tired of making the same thing. He bought corn, in season, from the roadside stand and included a vegetable with every dinner menu. My parents had "appetizer dinner night" where my dad would make empanadas and crab rangoons...just changing the possibilities for what dinner can be. My mom made the best chocolate chip cookies that existed. The cookie jar was always full, or half full depending on how many friends my brother and I would happen to have over. My mom made my birthday cakes (for as long as I would allow her to) and make homemade treats to bring into school for each and every holiday. This was before Food Network.
So, the many things that motivate me. I often wonder if, after my mom died, there are things about her that became more me...or if I have just held onto them. One being her love of food, cooking, and talking about it. The same for my dad, as he is far away. I have really fantastic memories of them and of being a family. I feel fortunate, as well, when I think back about it. I think, as a kid and growing up, you think that your story is everyone's story and this just isn't the case. ...btw, I had Pop Tarts too.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Pancakes and Pop Songs
Systematically waking up at 5am, even on sleep-in days. I envy those who can sleep-in all the time, any time. Getting up early, however, back when I was younger and lived with my parents, meant getting a yummy breakfast. That was very worthwhile. The house where I grew up had a screened in porch and, I would say, my parents spent the most time there. The early mornings, meal times, and at night right before bed...In the winter, my dad would install these plastic screens to keep the patio warmer and therefore maintain the ability to dwell in the winter. I remember being so sleepy, in high school or whenever I got a little older and wanted to sleep-in, and waking myself up to hang out with mom and dad and have pancakes. Also, btw, my dad's pancakes were the best ever. I still have a difficult time ordering pancakes because of the awesomeness of my dad's pancakes and how no other pancakes will be able to come close to them. I have settled for others but, begrudgingly...I still think about them, on an early Sunday morning...He made them tinysmall (Aliciasized) and put the actual plate they were on in the oven at a warming temperature to gently melt the butter and keep all the pancakes warm as he would make 6-8 at a time. I was very spoiled and thought that would just last forever. Hint: It doesn't so eat the pancakes your dad makes for as long as you are able...that is all.
This weekend turned out fairly good. It felt low-key and casual, in a good way. I needed a rest with the traveling and other excitement that went on in September, it would nice to have this time to relax, a little, and simplify some things. I started off Friday with big Halloween ideas. I really wanted to make silly Halloween-themed food. Often, I have more fun researching the food than actually making it. I wound up making Mini Mummy Pizzas, Monster Brain Dip, and a non-alcholic drink called Blood Bath. I also wanted to get a pumpkin and attenpt to place the Monster Brain Dip inside the head...this all happened. The ideas were simple and fun to make. I had help from the kiddo too and he seemed all types of happy to be a part of the sillyness. This was the first time I carved a pumpkin. Maybe, possibly...I did it when I was younger with my mom but...I'm sure she did most of the work. My memories of it include me scooping out pumpkin guts and drawing the face but I don't remember doing much of the actual carving. This time, I did the carving and the gut removal....the gut removal, still kind of disgusting. However, the pumpkin carving was very much fun. I also liked having one on the table, candle inside, and glowing as the night came through the windows. It felt like Octobers of the past.
Yesterday was a day I spent feverishly cleaning. I was getting tired of the laundry mess upstairs in the bedroom and in the hallway. I decided to just put away clothes and vaccum and whatever else needed to happen. I don't love cleaning but I do feel better once it is done. I hung out my dresses and counted how many I put away. I counted 29, which is a lot of dresses. I realized I was 2 over a movie title and then felt bummed I was no longer ironic. Sad. Maybe I should give 2 away...That was finished. I ate the left over Monster Brain Dip (Avocado, Cilantro, Salsa, Lemon Juice) making sure not to get any of it on the bedspread, eek...no one wants that. Took a heavy duty afternoon nap and then got ready to head to Rachel's showcase at Entourage.
Good time there...I was slightly early but was able to, somewhat, help with the show. I am more of an obstacle, I'm sure, when I am there rather than a helper. I look at all the jewlery and things...try things on and move things around...probably not what is wanted. I did find out Deanna works there, which is lovely because she is such a sweet, nice person and I'm happy to know her. She helped with getting food and beverages out for everyone. She called my band "amazing" which was unecessary but very cool and appreciated. I enjoyed talking with her and I want to frequent the place more often now that I know she works there. I had a great time talking with Phil, Renee, Mark, Sarah, and a few others as well. I worried about Phil, at the beginning, as he seemed so quiet and not in a social mood...but the martinis changed things soon after. I even remember getting several high-fives from Phil as the night went on. One was for mentioning I'm in the process of writing two new songs, one was for telling him I wasn't in the mood to hang out with a big crowd of people (which he called antisocial-ism) and one for comparing Jared's arm warmers to "Dickies." I had an accidental encounter with Tammy as well. She was at the bar and maybe talking to Phil when I saw her and thought she looked very familiar. We chatted for a while and it was nice and unexpected. The Twitter folks are so much fun because, for one reason, I feel as if I know them better than those I might have met another way. So, very much a fun chat. Jared and Kim came in soon after that and I was able to say hello to both of them as well. I asked Jared about the new Belle & Sebastian CD, which I was told, he only had one copy...so I know where I will be around 12 today. I hope it is still in...that would make me very happy. If it isn't still around, he said I can be in on the next shipment.
We talked about the promotion Belle & Sebastian are doing. I suppose there is a code on the CD you place on their website and write why you like the band. There is a word limit and such...Stuart Murdoch will fly out to meet up with the winner, spend the day with the winner and then write a song about the winner. This is both a pretty incredible promotion as well as something I'm not sure I would want to win. Basicallly, I'm not sure I could deal...I would be very nervous and probably not myself. However, I love the idea and I would love to hear the song (about me or someone I know)
I made sure everyone was able to safely get home and I then I went out the door for the night...with daydreamy thoughts of wanting to be the subject of Stuart Murdoch's song...
This weekend turned out fairly good. It felt low-key and casual, in a good way. I needed a rest with the traveling and other excitement that went on in September, it would nice to have this time to relax, a little, and simplify some things. I started off Friday with big Halloween ideas. I really wanted to make silly Halloween-themed food. Often, I have more fun researching the food than actually making it. I wound up making Mini Mummy Pizzas, Monster Brain Dip, and a non-alcholic drink called Blood Bath. I also wanted to get a pumpkin and attenpt to place the Monster Brain Dip inside the head...this all happened. The ideas were simple and fun to make. I had help from the kiddo too and he seemed all types of happy to be a part of the sillyness. This was the first time I carved a pumpkin. Maybe, possibly...I did it when I was younger with my mom but...I'm sure she did most of the work. My memories of it include me scooping out pumpkin guts and drawing the face but I don't remember doing much of the actual carving. This time, I did the carving and the gut removal....the gut removal, still kind of disgusting. However, the pumpkin carving was very much fun. I also liked having one on the table, candle inside, and glowing as the night came through the windows. It felt like Octobers of the past.
Yesterday was a day I spent feverishly cleaning. I was getting tired of the laundry mess upstairs in the bedroom and in the hallway. I decided to just put away clothes and vaccum and whatever else needed to happen. I don't love cleaning but I do feel better once it is done. I hung out my dresses and counted how many I put away. I counted 29, which is a lot of dresses. I realized I was 2 over a movie title and then felt bummed I was no longer ironic. Sad. Maybe I should give 2 away...That was finished. I ate the left over Monster Brain Dip (Avocado, Cilantro, Salsa, Lemon Juice) making sure not to get any of it on the bedspread, eek...no one wants that. Took a heavy duty afternoon nap and then got ready to head to Rachel's showcase at Entourage.
Good time there...I was slightly early but was able to, somewhat, help with the show. I am more of an obstacle, I'm sure, when I am there rather than a helper. I look at all the jewlery and things...try things on and move things around...probably not what is wanted. I did find out Deanna works there, which is lovely because she is such a sweet, nice person and I'm happy to know her. She helped with getting food and beverages out for everyone. She called my band "amazing" which was unecessary but very cool and appreciated. I enjoyed talking with her and I want to frequent the place more often now that I know she works there. I had a great time talking with Phil, Renee, Mark, Sarah, and a few others as well. I worried about Phil, at the beginning, as he seemed so quiet and not in a social mood...but the martinis changed things soon after. I even remember getting several high-fives from Phil as the night went on. One was for mentioning I'm in the process of writing two new songs, one was for telling him I wasn't in the mood to hang out with a big crowd of people (which he called antisocial-ism) and one for comparing Jared's arm warmers to "Dickies." I had an accidental encounter with Tammy as well. She was at the bar and maybe talking to Phil when I saw her and thought she looked very familiar. We chatted for a while and it was nice and unexpected. The Twitter folks are so much fun because, for one reason, I feel as if I know them better than those I might have met another way. So, very much a fun chat. Jared and Kim came in soon after that and I was able to say hello to both of them as well. I asked Jared about the new Belle & Sebastian CD, which I was told, he only had one copy...so I know where I will be around 12 today. I hope it is still in...that would make me very happy. If it isn't still around, he said I can be in on the next shipment.
We talked about the promotion Belle & Sebastian are doing. I suppose there is a code on the CD you place on their website and write why you like the band. There is a word limit and such...Stuart Murdoch will fly out to meet up with the winner, spend the day with the winner and then write a song about the winner. This is both a pretty incredible promotion as well as something I'm not sure I would want to win. Basicallly, I'm not sure I could deal...I would be very nervous and probably not myself. However, I love the idea and I would love to hear the song (about me or someone I know)
I made sure everyone was able to safely get home and I then I went out the door for the night...with daydreamy thoughts of wanting to be the subject of Stuart Murdoch's song...
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
The Scrapey Thing, The Fluoridey Thing, and the Flossy Thing
These were my first two thoughts of the day, in this order:
1. Eric Clapton wasn't in the band, Bread...but rather in the band, Cream
1. Eric Clapton wasn't in the band, Bread...but rather in the band, Cream
2. Oh...I have a dentist appointment today
I promise you when I blurt, blog, status update, speak, tweet things that are supposed to be true and there is any inkling that I may be incorrect...my brain agonized over it overnight and the answer is revealed in the morning. This holds true for thought number 1 on the list above. I had sourdough toast with my dinner, last night, and thought about how much I love bread and decided to rank various types of "bread," references of all sorts, via Twitter. I mentioned the band, which was correct...but associated Eric Clapton, which is incorrect.
Caring about this sort of thing is dumb, however, I think I must've grown up around people correcting me and/or having some hangup about being right. I'm going with a hybrid of both. When it comes to music, especially, I feel very vulnerable because I sing in a band, for one, and I love music, for another. I used to recommend bands, much more than I do now, and be able to recognize the record label and/or resume per musician. I'm slacking a little bit there but, for the most part, it is because my interests and priorities have shifted (somewhat) I don't expect to ever truly give up my love for music because it is in my DNA and denying that is just...well I'm sure it violates my genetic code. I think I'm getting better, however, about being wrong. Not that I would be the best person to validate that...Not every word has to be spelled correctly (in fact, all the hipster kids spell things all sorts of messed up purposely anyway...and pluralize things for no reason, and I'm supporting this movement and also participating....) I'm into making up my own words anyway because I do believe that, often, real words found in the English dictionary don't always perfectly describe thoughts, feelings, music...or food. I usually care about correctly defining a word as well. The reason for this is just being able to know and to be smarter. It is a way to learn and another form of validation. When I write songs and the word comes across my mind, I write it down and/or look up the word to make sure I know what I'm singing about...Not that I would get called out for that but, I would call out myself...later, down the road, when the album is out and think...ooh golly, not only does it not make sense in this context but its not even supposed to rhyme like that...
The dentist appointment thing is one of those fleeting thoughts that may or may not arrive on schedule. When you do something once every 6 months, why would it? Also, the office I go to calls the day before to remind you of your appointment the next day. To me, this isn't enough of an advanced warning. I'm usually very shocked each and every day-before warning. Lately, as well, the receptions is pushing the limits of casual with her reminders. I think, this time, she said, "Dr. Blahschma's Office, tomorrow, 2pm" ((click.)) Surprised she didn't end with "Be there or be square" and/or "Smell you later!" (for some reason the signoffs must be retro, no idea why...must be more comedic.)
I did remember, upon stepping into the shower, it was a Dentist day, indeed. I was able to send all the necessary notifications (call Scotland Yard, etc.) and make this thing happen. Extra forms to fill out upon arrival, dislike...this greatly detracts me from playing with my iPhone and making obtuse remarks about waiting for the dentist, plan foiled. Still, I did wait for a few minutes and during that time a lady walks in...she has many, many chairs and couches to choose from as to where to sit, however, she choses the one seat next to me, personal space violated, dislike. And, I was called in, at the precipice of getting miffed and wasn't able to post it anywhere...hence including it in today's blog entry. Yes! So, I was called in and went through the regular teeth cleaning ritual: 1. Scrapy thing 2. Fluoridey thing 3. Flossy thing (with the occasional rinse and suck thing that happens in between each of the aforementioned steps...) All is clear, I'm leaning back in the chair wishing I could nap and hear the awesome sound of a new toothbrush. I am, however, a little disappointed that, as an "adult," I don't get to choose what kind of toothbrush I want...but, over that. My dentist comes in, he's really very awesome and I like chatting with him, however brief our chats are...still enjoyable. He and I have the same alma mater...which I think about each visit (which equals every six months and why not it isn't something I share with just anyone ...or many other people, really...) He tells me I'm looking great and I make my appointment for the next six months, which I will likely forget and get the day-before apathetic reminder that makes me slightly grumpy.
And, yes, I have made it a post-medical profession appointment situation ...for me to treat myself when all is said and done. Not having cavities is motivation, however, I don't think it would matter and either way, I would get something yummy. This time I noticed the Baskin-Robbins across the street and decided to try something new...they had this picture of the flavor-of-the-month which happens to be Chocolate Caramel Malt. I pointed to the picture and said, "I want that." It was really very good and, even though the medium size could probably feed a small family, I went with it anyway and justified this visit as being commemorative of an event that only happens every 6 months. I like this logic.
So, now I'm here. my new hula hoop is bruising me all around my waist. I'm thinking of calling it a stay-in kind of evening...
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Halloween City ((Beep Beep!))
I like Halloween. I don't love it but I do like it a lot and I do mean on the strong side of "like." I don't go overboard with it but I think it is still fun to dress up and eat candy and live do as we do to be festive. I like the holiday better than some of its more popular, more reputable cousins, for example, like Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is a silly holiday and a time to just have fun.
I spent this afternoon on a costume shopping spree. The spree lasted for 2 Halloween stores. Amazing, because, I don't remember entire stores being dedicated to Halloween until, maybe, a few years ago. This Halloween thing has really taken off! Actually, I think it has morphed into something adults indulge in more than before or maybe there are more opportunities to partake or...maybe I'm looking for excuses. Basically, its a racket. When I was checking out at one Halloween store and I noticed my total on the receipt was $45, I wasn't amused. In fact, I made a little "Hrmmm" sound when the total was read to me per Halloween cashier. We spent some time collectively itemizing the list and attempting to make math make sense (btw, that is why I don't like math because it always makes sense and there are very few ways to skew facts. Words are far more easy to manipulate therefore making math frustrating and not at all poetic.) So, there we were making sense of every penny of the $45 spent at the Halloween store.
Wings, check
Eyelashes, check
Bug-eyed sunglasses, check (hey, I might use these later for real life too, totally cute)
Press-on black fingernails, check
Fake cigarettes, check
Pink flapper beads, check
I think that was it. That isn't a lot. It adds up. The thing is, as much as I do "like" Halloween, I don't love the scary aspect. Okay, I like the scary aspect to a very manageable degree. I walked around the Halloween store a little afraid something was going to jump out at me. Still, we should all be more scared, as consumers, at the way the Halloween stores come in and out of town like a carnival. Where's the Tilt-A-Whirl?
I decided, this year, I wanted to be something with wings. I wasn't sure what type of thing with wings but just something that required wings. After some talk at work, it was determined I would be a Barfly. This would be a spin on the Barfly as it is fusing the literal with the figurative, etc. This should explain everything on the list above. The flapper beads, for twirling around and the fake cigarette, of course, for smoking. I'm not really good at smoking for real so...this is better and healthier.
I went across the street to another Halloween store. This was Halloween City. I feel like someone should say "Beep Beep!" after saying Halloween City...There is one Halloween store that faces another, this is very Starbuckian, if you will. I went to the second Halloween store and glanced over the wing selection. My wings look very much "fairy" and not so much "fly." Still, the wing selection at Halloween City ((Beep Beep)) wasn't better. I did, however, find antennae...it was a steal at $1.07 and my favorite Halloween-related purchase of the day. I bought the antennae and the cashier complimented me on my skirt. Awwwe. Flattery gets you everywhere and I therefore dub Halloween City as the best Halloween store in town.
Later, speaking of Starbuckian, I meet up with Stephanie at Starbucks for something cold, iced, and chocolately. When ordering the cashier compliments me on my skirt. That's two times in one day (and potentially two times in the same hour at 2 separate establishments, I like this town.) The Starbucks cashier, however, throws in a high-five with his compliment as soon as I thank him and mention it was a 2-fer. He's impressed and we suddenly high-five'd mid-Sunday afternoon while the rest of Starbucks briefly looks up from whatever electronic device he/she was previously staring at...it was a nice moment.
I'm still considering names for whatever it is I am going to be for Halloween. I am taking suggestions. Currently, I have collected the following:
Drinkerbell
Tinkerbar
Bar Fairy
I spent this afternoon on a costume shopping spree. The spree lasted for 2 Halloween stores. Amazing, because, I don't remember entire stores being dedicated to Halloween until, maybe, a few years ago. This Halloween thing has really taken off! Actually, I think it has morphed into something adults indulge in more than before or maybe there are more opportunities to partake or...maybe I'm looking for excuses. Basically, its a racket. When I was checking out at one Halloween store and I noticed my total on the receipt was $45, I wasn't amused. In fact, I made a little "Hrmmm" sound when the total was read to me per Halloween cashier. We spent some time collectively itemizing the list and attempting to make math make sense (btw, that is why I don't like math because it always makes sense and there are very few ways to skew facts. Words are far more easy to manipulate therefore making math frustrating and not at all poetic.) So, there we were making sense of every penny of the $45 spent at the Halloween store.
Wings, check
Eyelashes, check
Bug-eyed sunglasses, check (hey, I might use these later for real life too, totally cute)
Press-on black fingernails, check
Fake cigarettes, check
Pink flapper beads, check
I think that was it. That isn't a lot. It adds up. The thing is, as much as I do "like" Halloween, I don't love the scary aspect. Okay, I like the scary aspect to a very manageable degree. I walked around the Halloween store a little afraid something was going to jump out at me. Still, we should all be more scared, as consumers, at the way the Halloween stores come in and out of town like a carnival. Where's the Tilt-A-Whirl?
I decided, this year, I wanted to be something with wings. I wasn't sure what type of thing with wings but just something that required wings. After some talk at work, it was determined I would be a Barfly. This would be a spin on the Barfly as it is fusing the literal with the figurative, etc. This should explain everything on the list above. The flapper beads, for twirling around and the fake cigarette, of course, for smoking. I'm not really good at smoking for real so...this is better and healthier.
I went across the street to another Halloween store. This was Halloween City. I feel like someone should say "Beep Beep!" after saying Halloween City...There is one Halloween store that faces another, this is very Starbuckian, if you will. I went to the second Halloween store and glanced over the wing selection. My wings look very much "fairy" and not so much "fly." Still, the wing selection at Halloween City ((Beep Beep)) wasn't better. I did, however, find antennae...it was a steal at $1.07 and my favorite Halloween-related purchase of the day. I bought the antennae and the cashier complimented me on my skirt. Awwwe. Flattery gets you everywhere and I therefore dub Halloween City as the best Halloween store in town.
Later, speaking of Starbuckian, I meet up with Stephanie at Starbucks for something cold, iced, and chocolately. When ordering the cashier compliments me on my skirt. That's two times in one day (and potentially two times in the same hour at 2 separate establishments, I like this town.) The Starbucks cashier, however, throws in a high-five with his compliment as soon as I thank him and mention it was a 2-fer. He's impressed and we suddenly high-five'd mid-Sunday afternoon while the rest of Starbucks briefly looks up from whatever electronic device he/she was previously staring at...it was a nice moment.
I'm still considering names for whatever it is I am going to be for Halloween. I am taking suggestions. Currently, I have collected the following:
Drinkerbell
Tinkerbar
Bar Fairy
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Something So Grey
So, I spent some of the evening writing and recording a new song. I broke up the song into "A" "B" "C" and "D" sections...even thought there is likely an "E" section at the end I'm not counting. I wrote the verse-like parts first and sat on the rest for a day or two. Driving to work I thought about the song and the sections missing words and thought about what melody and/or lyrics to add or if it should go without. I decided to include words for the "C" section that I originally left void of words. I used the word "enzyme" and some symbols of luck. This would be the methodology for this new song anyway...it is mercurial...grey
Something I do like very much about new songs is being a part of the evolution it. We have one song that sounds one way per the demo and the same song changes completely playing it with a four piece band, live. There are the new songs that you love practicing over and over again. Also, the songs you write, play a few times and shelf. Some of the new songs, you never play at all. Still, it is part of the grey, unwritten, always changing process. The process which I have borrowed unused lyrics from to create a different song all together.
I am still surprised by songs and how intimately I remember them. I can remember what time of year it was when I wrote it...what I ate that day, strange details. I see the light shining in the window or the snow on the ground outside when I think about the song and when it was new. I ate a plate of tiny pancakes before writing "Capsized" and I still wonder how sadly inspiring that must've been...hmmm Or a song like "Trade Me Places" which David and I performed for the first time at the CD release party for "Diplomat" in January of 2009. We finished writing the song that same month and decided to try playing it live. As I recall, it remains my favorite performance of the song. It will likely be on the new album and it is over a year and a half old. It takes a long time to finish an album. In December of last year I made a comment, on WESN, we would have the second album finished by the end of 2010. Here it is, fall of 2010. We aren't going to have the album finished by 2010. I didn't consider life, and weather conditions, work, sleep, etc...before making that bold statement. It was my birthday when I said that anyway and you feel as if anything is possible on your birthday so...that's my excuse anyway. I think it is safe to say we will be able to complete the album before the end of 2011...and it's not my birthday so...highly likely to be true.
No Rain
I'm driving home today and heard Blind Melon's "No Rain" on the radio. Of course, music is one of the chronological memory mental scrap books of all time and I recall working at my first job. At least, I think it was my first job. I didn't have to work until college and, even then, I tried to choose the most cushy and convenient thing I could do. My mom was somewhat against me getting a job in high school. She would often tell my dad that 'just getting through high school was hard enough.' How true and, really, carrying a B-ish average AND having time to socialize with friends? This is asking a lot ;) Actually, I feel fortunate to have been so lucky, in some ways...and in other ways I feel like I missed some opportunities to grow up a little bit faster (this is likely the crux of my mom's reasoning, truth be told...)
So, my first job was delivering the university newspaper as a college freshman. I am still not sure how I got this job. From what I remember, I was friends with a girl who was totally into the guy who was totally into me. The three of us decided to pursue this newspaper delivering gig. (sidenote: the guy who was totally into me wound up being my boyfriend several days, maybe hours, after the three of us got this job....no wonder friends get mad at me...) We delivered the school paper all around campus and then off campus, depending on who was assigned what route. Ryan and I would try to take the same route so we could hang out and listen to the radio in the campus car and deliver papers, of course. I don't actually remember physically delivering the papers either...hmmm I think I went along for the car ride...and now, while reflecting, thinking it may have been the best job ever.
Back to the song. I remember driving around campus and "No Rain" was on the radio. We both sang it and Ryan did the shaky hands thing that Shannon Hoon did in the video. I hear the song and think of this moment. It isn't a fondness for a former boyfriend (who I, perhaps, swiped from my friend who got me my first job, eek) but, moreso just the moment of driving and "working" and the experience.
This differs, however, from my other Blind Melon memory where I stood outside Mississippi Nights waiting to see them play. This was an invitation from the girl who was totally into the guy I was dating (see, it wasn't that bad she got over it) and we waited and waited and waited outside the venue to get in. I remember just standing in line and talking to everyone in our little group, other people in line, cars stopping by to see who was playing...that sort of thing. I remember hearing the opening riff to "No Rain"...from outside the building and knowing...we were never getting in. Yea, being under 21 means you get in last...if at all. We never got in. But...I still like the song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYJxiGiZfYA
So, my first job was delivering the university newspaper as a college freshman. I am still not sure how I got this job. From what I remember, I was friends with a girl who was totally into the guy who was totally into me. The three of us decided to pursue this newspaper delivering gig. (sidenote: the guy who was totally into me wound up being my boyfriend several days, maybe hours, after the three of us got this job....no wonder friends get mad at me...) We delivered the school paper all around campus and then off campus, depending on who was assigned what route. Ryan and I would try to take the same route so we could hang out and listen to the radio in the campus car and deliver papers, of course. I don't actually remember physically delivering the papers either...hmmm I think I went along for the car ride...and now, while reflecting, thinking it may have been the best job ever.
Back to the song. I remember driving around campus and "No Rain" was on the radio. We both sang it and Ryan did the shaky hands thing that Shannon Hoon did in the video. I hear the song and think of this moment. It isn't a fondness for a former boyfriend (who I, perhaps, swiped from my friend who got me my first job, eek) but, moreso just the moment of driving and "working" and the experience.
This differs, however, from my other Blind Melon memory where I stood outside Mississippi Nights waiting to see them play. This was an invitation from the girl who was totally into the guy I was dating (see, it wasn't that bad she got over it) and we waited and waited and waited outside the venue to get in. I remember just standing in line and talking to everyone in our little group, other people in line, cars stopping by to see who was playing...that sort of thing. I remember hearing the opening riff to "No Rain"...from outside the building and knowing...we were never getting in. Yea, being under 21 means you get in last...if at all. We never got in. But...I still like the song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYJxiGiZfYA
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Unexpected Cookie
So, my new blog is here...all names subject to change...title, images, thoughts, comments, emotions...I hold zero accountability for consistency. Thoughts are usually random and tend to arrive without warning or consideration for anything other than a moment or reflection. I errr and umm and ohhh. I'm consistently inconsistent.
Because the intro here was written with a frustrated hand and wounded ego...I'm going to backtrack to earlier today and all signs pointed to awesome...
I take on whatever challenge is thrown at me...good, bad, indifferent...take aim and catapult. The worry about what approach to take and/or how to actually take on the challenge is what comes later. Monday came on like a Monday proving true its namesake and reputation to lend me some work-related pressure. This continued until mid-week...
Waking up at 5am helps nothing, no one, and doesn't make anything better ever. It isn't better when I leave an hour earlier than before or when I am trying to get to sleep one hour earlier at night. However, griping about it and not being able to find any sort of joy doesn't suit me very well either. So, anything that helps makes things less hypnotic...is good. Today, it was my Americana, cream no sugar and the ultra-peppy barista who forced me to smile and wake up as she brilliantly recited associated commentary as it related to the scone assortment available at Sbux. With panache, finesse, flair, and feeling downright giddy after the introductions I gladly ordered the warmed blueberry scone...thought of a ridiculous name for a place that would never exist "Scone Zone: The Pastry Sports Bar (there's pastries, there's sports!) Yea I know it doesn't make any sense...but it makes me smile. These are the things that make 5am...okay.
There's more: day is wearing on and I am making the assignment seem quite workable...less of a challenge and more of an obstruction by design. Talking with people I like a lot and just being able to focus...helped. Going through the day and noticed a bag of cookies...not just any bag but the generic white 'someone went to a bakery' bag. Inside...cookies, unsupervised cookies. Well, I did wait until the cookies were spoken for to find out they were brought in by someone to share with all of us. Hoo-ray! I love unexpected cookies. Unexpected cookies are better than expected cookies...hands down, no contest, it's just the truth. Julie called me a "smart cookie" the other day and I would still make the argument that the "unexpected cookie" is far more appealing...
And the day became that much more unexpected... Afternoon hula hooping, which I am coming to find, is a great stress reliever as well as good way to make the best out of my new handmade hula hoop that cost me a decent amount of bucks in the 'what would you pay for a hula hoop?' category. I'm really very good at it and I don't feel bad about saying that...here's why: when you are good at something I believe one should shout it from the rooftops...you don't have to spend hours practicing, you don't have to work on improvement, you don't have to second guess yourself...ever, you are good at it and that is bonafide. SO, here ye here ye, etc.
Now, I'll just skip to the Tilt-A-Whirl: I don't know if there is ever truly a time when you wake up in the morning and think "I'm going to hit the Tilt-A-Whirl today (especially mid week at a random carival that makes sense only in your dreams)...So, Karen and I went on the Tilt-A-Whirl. The Tilt-A-Whirl is not to be confused with the Rock-O-Plane. The spellings may look similar and the inferences you could make from the name alone, could make the ride very well seem one in the same. Not true. The Tilt-A-Whirl doesn't go upside-down (thankfully, otherwise I might have another story to tell related to "cookies" and the potential for "tossing" them...) The Tilt-A-Whirl does just that...it tilts and whirls. You think you are in control of the amount of tilting and whirling, however...I'm suddently thinking this is false. There was way too much satisfaction on the ride operator's face during my moments of spinny agony. Still, whatever the case, whoever was in control, and despite the fact that I thought I might be tilting and whirling until the sun came up tomorrow morning...the ride ended and everything was okay. In fact, I laughed A LOT and screamed even more and had a fun time. Still, I won't say the Tilt-A-Whirl and I will be sharing laughs again any time soon. It was this day...
Because the intro here was written with a frustrated hand and wounded ego...I'm going to backtrack to earlier today and all signs pointed to awesome...
I take on whatever challenge is thrown at me...good, bad, indifferent...take aim and catapult. The worry about what approach to take and/or how to actually take on the challenge is what comes later. Monday came on like a Monday proving true its namesake and reputation to lend me some work-related pressure. This continued until mid-week...
Waking up at 5am helps nothing, no one, and doesn't make anything better ever. It isn't better when I leave an hour earlier than before or when I am trying to get to sleep one hour earlier at night. However, griping about it and not being able to find any sort of joy doesn't suit me very well either. So, anything that helps makes things less hypnotic...is good. Today, it was my Americana, cream no sugar and the ultra-peppy barista who forced me to smile and wake up as she brilliantly recited associated commentary as it related to the scone assortment available at Sbux. With panache, finesse, flair, and feeling downright giddy after the introductions I gladly ordered the warmed blueberry scone...thought of a ridiculous name for a place that would never exist "Scone Zone: The Pastry Sports Bar (there's pastries, there's sports!) Yea I know it doesn't make any sense...but it makes me smile. These are the things that make 5am...okay.
There's more: day is wearing on and I am making the assignment seem quite workable...less of a challenge and more of an obstruction by design. Talking with people I like a lot and just being able to focus...helped. Going through the day and noticed a bag of cookies...not just any bag but the generic white 'someone went to a bakery' bag. Inside...cookies, unsupervised cookies. Well, I did wait until the cookies were spoken for to find out they were brought in by someone to share with all of us. Hoo-ray! I love unexpected cookies. Unexpected cookies are better than expected cookies...hands down, no contest, it's just the truth. Julie called me a "smart cookie" the other day and I would still make the argument that the "unexpected cookie" is far more appealing...
And the day became that much more unexpected... Afternoon hula hooping, which I am coming to find, is a great stress reliever as well as good way to make the best out of my new handmade hula hoop that cost me a decent amount of bucks in the 'what would you pay for a hula hoop?' category. I'm really very good at it and I don't feel bad about saying that...here's why: when you are good at something I believe one should shout it from the rooftops...you don't have to spend hours practicing, you don't have to work on improvement, you don't have to second guess yourself...ever, you are good at it and that is bonafide. SO, here ye here ye, etc.
Now, I'll just skip to the Tilt-A-Whirl: I don't know if there is ever truly a time when you wake up in the morning and think "I'm going to hit the Tilt-A-Whirl today (especially mid week at a random carival that makes sense only in your dreams)...So, Karen and I went on the Tilt-A-Whirl. The Tilt-A-Whirl is not to be confused with the Rock-O-Plane. The spellings may look similar and the inferences you could make from the name alone, could make the ride very well seem one in the same. Not true. The Tilt-A-Whirl doesn't go upside-down (thankfully, otherwise I might have another story to tell related to "cookies" and the potential for "tossing" them...) The Tilt-A-Whirl does just that...it tilts and whirls. You think you are in control of the amount of tilting and whirling, however...I'm suddently thinking this is false. There was way too much satisfaction on the ride operator's face during my moments of spinny agony. Still, whatever the case, whoever was in control, and despite the fact that I thought I might be tilting and whirling until the sun came up tomorrow morning...the ride ended and everything was okay. In fact, I laughed A LOT and screamed even more and had a fun time. Still, I won't say the Tilt-A-Whirl and I will be sharing laughs again any time soon. It was this day...
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