So you all know I like to cook. I come from a family that loves food and has about a million wonderful recipes all year long -- so as you can imagine, the holidays are a pretty good time of year. Well, not really for my waistline, but hey that's not the point right now, is it? My family has always served some pretty traditional dishes for Thanksgiving, and whether my mom was cooking, or one of my aunts, or grandmas -- it didn't matter, I always knew I could count on Thanksgiving to be amazing.
One year while living in Los Angeles I cooked Thanksgiving dinner for some friends by myself (OK full disclosure: I let Whole Foods cook the turkey and stuffing, but dammit, I made all the side dishes) and it was really quite comforting to be able to recreate some of the tastes of home, even though I wasn't. Food definitely is a powerful emotional currency -- ask any toddler who has been threatened with 'No Dessert' -- and although I did miss having my family sitting there with me wearing our special "stretch as you grow pants" and complaining that Lordy, we could not eat another bite if you paid us -- oh but wait, there's pie? -- OK, well maybe just a little slice, I mean it's Thanksgiving after all -- I felt lucky that I could create that same environment for my friends with just a few strategically prepared things. If you can't have your whole family together at home to celebrate, it's at least comforting to have a special meal.
So what about all those who don't have that good food and family, or hell, even a selection of the "stretch as you grow" pants of which I am so fond? What are their options on Thanksgiving -- the most comforting and gluttonous day of the year? (Also the 2nd most effluent if you want to know the truth. Only Super Bowl Sunday is worse, but you know, that's neither here nor there right now. I'm sorry, poop talk makes me laugh. I have the sense of humor of a 12 year old boy and I can't make it stop.)
ANYWAY. Back to the subject at hand.
As you probably know, homelessness is a big problem in Sacramento. You may recall hearing about all the tent cities on this little show called Oprah a while back, and there is no time that I feel a more pressing urge to Do Something, than during the holidays. What is hard for me is to see beyond the enormous big picture. I know that I can't solve the problem of homelessness. I know that I can't find all these people homes. That I can't find them safe places, warm beds, or good hospitals, if that is what they need. And it's heart breaking to me that those problems are too big for me to solve. But I'll tell you what I can do -- I can cook a mean a dinner -- and this Thanksgiving, that is just what I am planning on doing. For over a hundred people. Holy moses, what have I gotten myself into?
This Thanksgiving, my family, my boyfriend, and my friend Courtney are cooking what should be an amazing dinner for St. John's Shelter here in Sacramento. St John's Shelter is a homeless shelter for women and children whose sole purpose is to help women go from a state of crisis to self sufficiency by partnering with community resources that help reintegrate them into society in under 90 days. It is a wonderful program, and serving dinner there as a part of my involvement with Junior League of Sacramento has been a moving experience for me, so this year I thought -- why the heck not do Thanksgiving Dinner, since it is one of the most treasured meals that I am lucky enough to have each year.
Now I know not everyone can run out and ditch their families on Thanksgiving -- even though some of you might want to. Dysfunctional Families For The Win? I dunno. However, there are plenty of things you can do from that cozy little chair where you are sitting right this second. For example, if you are feeling generous, St. John's has an Amazon Wish List that automatically sends your purchase right to their door, or if you are local, maybe you'd consider volunteering to serve lunch or dinner? I can tell you from experience that doing this is so much more rewarding than you would even think. And it already sounds pretty rewarding! St. John's also happily accept monetary donations, and seriously every little bit helps. Just as a side note, St John's has a budget of 25 cents per person per meal without the help of others (Holy Budget Batman, did your brain just explode trying to plan a 25 cent meal? Because mine totally did.)-- so just think how far your $5 or $10 or $20 could go? I spent $4 on a peppermint mocha yesterday (which doesn't include the $40 parking ticket that I received along with it in the process -- ARGH), and boy do I feel like kind of a dork when I think of how many warm meals that could have provided to women and children in crisis.
So here's the deal -- I'm not trying to get preachy on you and tell you to go out and support my cause just because I support it (Next I'll be telling you to jump off a bridge just because I'm jumping off of it!) But I guess what I am saying, (a point! I do have one!) is that in the spirit of the holidays -- maybe just take a moment to think about areas in your life where you have abundance, and then figure out how you can share that abundance in your own community. Often times it doesn't take much but a little forethought to make a big impact. I provided those links above, because if you are anything like you me you are willing to Do Something, but often just don't know how to make it happen. So, you know, to my fellow overwhelmed friends with good hearts -- here are a few opportunity with St. John's to make a differences. But if that doesn't speak to you -- that's cool too -- I mean we all have our own priorities and causes that are near and dear to our hearts. So today, do a little internet research (if you are at work -- they typing will make you sound busy, right?) and check out your local resources today.
After all, 'tis the season, right?
November 20, 2009
November 17, 2009
Do You Know What Today Is? I'll give you a hint, and it involves Tony Toni Tone....
From our humble beginings slinging mochas side by side at Peet's Coffee & Tea...
...my life has definitely been more fun with you around, Garrett!
You are my absolute favorite person to be silly with, and sometimes it blows my mind that you see me at my craziest and still love me.
You always remind me not take life too seriously, and keep me grounded when I get a little too high strung.
Whenever I think of my happiest times, your face is the face I see beside mine.
I know it's only been 4 years, Garrett, but in some ways it feels like a lifetime. I hardly remember what my life was like without you in it.
I can't wait to spend the rest of it exploring this crazy world with you because there is no one I'd rather have by my side.
Happy Fourth Anniversary, Baby!
...my life has definitely been more fun with you around, Garrett!
You are my absolute favorite person to be silly with, and sometimes it blows my mind that you see me at my craziest and still love me.
You always remind me not take life too seriously, and keep me grounded when I get a little too high strung.
Whenever I think of my happiest times, your face is the face I see beside mine.
I know it's only been 4 years, Garrett, but in some ways it feels like a lifetime. I hardly remember what my life was like without you in it.
I can't wait to spend the rest of it exploring this crazy world with you because there is no one I'd rather have by my side.
Happy Fourth Anniversary, Baby!
November 10, 2009
A Completely Unorganized List About Organization
Last night my cousin Kelly tweeted that she needed to be more organized in her life and wanted some time management skills. Oddly enough I tweeted at THE EXACT SAME TIME that I needed some blog inspiration. Ok if I'm being honest, I was far too lazy last night to get up and tweet and besides Garrett was commandeering the computer and my cell phone is totally from like 1997 so that wasn't even an option , but I was totally THINKING about tweeting "I need some blog inspiration" which is almost like actually tweeting it, right? Right.
Anyway, I fancy myself fairly organized and I'm pretty OCD with some of the Standard Operation Procedures around our house. Granted, that doesn't mean I don't know how to procrastinate and avoid like it's going out of style, but the foundation is there, you know. Part of the reason I am so crazy for being organized is that I think it simplifies my life which in return makes me sooo much less stressed. With that in mind, I thought I would throw out some of my own philosophies and link to a few fun resources about organization for Kelly, and well, for you if you are looking for some inspiration. Come join my crazy organized world, friends! There is a place for everything and everything has a place!
*So, first and foremost, declare your intentions, and mean it. I find this is by far the most overlooked part of any life change that you are embarking on. So in this instance, think about WHY you want to get organized -- what improvements are going to come about because you are choosing to get organized? Is the clutter detracting from your quality of life? Are you finding you forget things or pay bills late? Think about how much better it would feel if you didn't have stress from (insert stumbling block here). Bottle that intention. This is so important is because in times of trial, you will be tempted to not stay on track so I find it helps to have a mantra or intention to keep you focused.
*Find some visual inspiration. Whether it is something like the Pretty Organized Flickr Pool that will inspire how a room looks, or a fun Mantra Poster to hang in your office or otherwise unorganized area, or a gorgeous, but functional weekly planner that actually makes you WANT to use it -- whatever it is, find a token or a tool that makes being organized fun, pretty or stimulating. You will have a better chance of sticking to it and staying on track.
Simplify! This is one of the easiest ways to have an organized life in my opinion is to simplify at all times. Whenever you are doing something, planning something, or scheduling something, ask yourself -- is this making my life simpler or more complicated? Is this necessary, or could I do it another way? A few Food For Thought resources on simplifying are: This list 27 Simple Ways to Simplify Your Life and this collection of quick tips100 Tips to Simplify Your Life
*Control Your Clutter. Unfortunately, in my opinion, clutter and organization are mutually exclusive. I am a recovering piler. I used to have very nice, neatly stacked piles of things all around my house that I rationalized were acceptable because, of course, I knew exactly what was in them! And I had put them in that very specific pile on purpose. But honestly, piles are just a euphemism for clutter, and clutter is oh so energy sucking! This article on clutter control is pretty enlightening, I think. And I especially love that this article calls out the "It's fine. I can always use another (insert item here)..." philosophy. To me, wrapping your arms around that idea -- that you don't need 500 of a certain item (thank you cards, notepads, pens, pencils, books, rolls of toilet paper, whatever your items are) no matter how useful they are -- is paramount when it comes to effective clutter control. Too many items leave you scrambling for space, and juggling that space management does NOT simplify life.
*Last but not least, I'm including a link on Scrapbook Organization because as you can imaging Scrap_girl77 does enjoy the scrapping once in a while, so Kelly, here is a quick link that not only tells you how to organize your oodles of supplies, but how to find more time to actually scrapbook. I thought the last part was sort of universally useful, I mean, even if you don't scrapbook, who doesn't want more time for...well, anything, right?
Anyway, I fancy myself fairly organized and I'm pretty OCD with some of the Standard Operation Procedures around our house. Granted, that doesn't mean I don't know how to procrastinate and avoid like it's going out of style, but the foundation is there, you know. Part of the reason I am so crazy for being organized is that I think it simplifies my life which in return makes me sooo much less stressed. With that in mind, I thought I would throw out some of my own philosophies and link to a few fun resources about organization for Kelly, and well, for you if you are looking for some inspiration. Come join my crazy organized world, friends! There is a place for everything and everything has a place!
*So, first and foremost, declare your intentions, and mean it. I find this is by far the most overlooked part of any life change that you are embarking on. So in this instance, think about WHY you want to get organized -- what improvements are going to come about because you are choosing to get organized? Is the clutter detracting from your quality of life? Are you finding you forget things or pay bills late? Think about how much better it would feel if you didn't have stress from (insert stumbling block here). Bottle that intention. This is so important is because in times of trial, you will be tempted to not stay on track so I find it helps to have a mantra or intention to keep you focused.
*Find some visual inspiration. Whether it is something like the Pretty Organized Flickr Pool that will inspire how a room looks, or a fun Mantra Poster to hang in your office or otherwise unorganized area, or a gorgeous, but functional weekly planner that actually makes you WANT to use it -- whatever it is, find a token or a tool that makes being organized fun, pretty or stimulating. You will have a better chance of sticking to it and staying on track.
Simplify! This is one of the easiest ways to have an organized life in my opinion is to simplify at all times. Whenever you are doing something, planning something, or scheduling something, ask yourself -- is this making my life simpler or more complicated? Is this necessary, or could I do it another way? A few Food For Thought resources on simplifying are: This list 27 Simple Ways to Simplify Your Life and this collection of quick tips100 Tips to Simplify Your Life
*Control Your Clutter. Unfortunately, in my opinion, clutter and organization are mutually exclusive. I am a recovering piler. I used to have very nice, neatly stacked piles of things all around my house that I rationalized were acceptable because, of course, I knew exactly what was in them! And I had put them in that very specific pile on purpose. But honestly, piles are just a euphemism for clutter, and clutter is oh so energy sucking! This article on clutter control is pretty enlightening, I think. And I especially love that this article calls out the "It's fine. I can always use another (insert item here)..." philosophy. To me, wrapping your arms around that idea -- that you don't need 500 of a certain item (thank you cards, notepads, pens, pencils, books, rolls of toilet paper, whatever your items are) no matter how useful they are -- is paramount when it comes to effective clutter control. Too many items leave you scrambling for space, and juggling that space management does NOT simplify life.
*Last but not least, I'm including a link on Scrapbook Organization because as you can imaging Scrap_girl77 does enjoy the scrapping once in a while, so Kelly, here is a quick link that not only tells you how to organize your oodles of supplies, but how to find more time to actually scrapbook. I thought the last part was sort of universally useful, I mean, even if you don't scrapbook, who doesn't want more time for...well, anything, right?
November 06, 2009
Recipe Roundup: Orange and Yellow Food Edition
When I lived in Los Angeles, my adorable old roommate Fredo worked quite a bit and was also a full time student. (By the way, do yourself a favor and click that link. His adorableness is palpable!) Anyway, he lived a rather harried life as one is wont to when juggling multiple priorities and rarely did normal things like, you know, grocery shop. But somehow he would always manage to bring home arbitrary hand me down food items -- from his mother, from a professor, from a restaurant, who knows -- and it was a common subject of amusement among our other roommate Kelly and I. He was very good natured about our ribbing, but the random morsels were always an easy target -- in fact, there was even a lovely John Mayer cover tune about an Economy Sized tub of Soft Spread that showed up in our fridge one day and seriously, almost 10 years later when I even think about margarine I still get a bit of a chuckle!
So one week, he brought home an entire bowl of persimmons. I woke up one morning and our empty fruit bowl was overflowing with exotic orange fruit and of course, mostly because we were jerks, we turned our up noses just like we did when we brewed a smoky, hot pot of Lapsang Souchong. To this day I have not acquired a taste for Lapsang (or any China Black teas, really) but oh my god -- persimmons? I take back every bad word I ever said. I can't imagine a time when I didn't love them, and the following are two fun recipes featuring persimmons courtesy of Garrett over at Vanilla Garlic (who by the way is from Sacramento -- Can I get a little love for the local food bloggers? whoop whoop!):
Persimmon Chips -- I haven't made these but they look like an awesome alternative to the Office Candy Bowl, which, where I work is like Post-Halloween-Diabetic-Apocalypse waiting to happen. yargh!
Persimmon Bread - I am pretty much enamored with any kind of baked bread, so I'm fairly sure this recipe is a fail safe.
Now, besides the elegant persimmon, the other delight that pretty much wholly represents Fall to me is the butternut squash. If it wasn't such a pain to get my knife through, we might have it with every meal during the autumnal months. Instead I usually reserve it for days when I want to make my dishes with care, and the following are fun ways to incorporate it into your dinnertime routine on perhaps a cold weekend coming up.
Butternut Squash Crumble -- First of all, they had me at crumble, OK. Cheesy, crusty goodness on one of my favorite vegetables? How can you go wrong?
Guatemalan Chicken Stew - Making the same old stew can get a bit boring. I thought this looked like a fun alternative to the traditional meat and potato stew. I haven't tried it, but I just may whip up a batch this weekend.
Butternut Squash and Sage Lasagna - First let me tell you that the idea of lasagna does not romance me. It's alright, but never my first choice. But this lasagna -- THIS LASAGNA -- has changed my life. The white sauce, the sage, the bite from the balsamic, the asiago crusted noodles mixing with the tender sweet squash -- if it doesn't change your life I will offer you a money back guarantee. Hands down, the best lasagna I have ever had. It may take every dish in your house to make it (or maybe I'm just betraying our lack of cookware) but it will be worth every delectable bit.
Happy cooking this weekend if you are doing any! After a long week I am looking forward to be a total netflix obsessed, down blanket wrapped, curled up with a good book shut in, but I just may not be able to resist the Farmer's Market tomorrow. Fall won't be around for long, you know.
So one week, he brought home an entire bowl of persimmons. I woke up one morning and our empty fruit bowl was overflowing with exotic orange fruit and of course, mostly because we were jerks, we turned our up noses just like we did when we brewed a smoky, hot pot of Lapsang Souchong. To this day I have not acquired a taste for Lapsang (or any China Black teas, really) but oh my god -- persimmons? I take back every bad word I ever said. I can't imagine a time when I didn't love them, and the following are two fun recipes featuring persimmons courtesy of Garrett over at Vanilla Garlic (who by the way is from Sacramento -- Can I get a little love for the local food bloggers? whoop whoop!):
Persimmon Chips -- I haven't made these but they look like an awesome alternative to the Office Candy Bowl, which, where I work is like Post-Halloween-Diabetic-Apocalypse waiting to happen. yargh!
Persimmon Bread - I am pretty much enamored with any kind of baked bread, so I'm fairly sure this recipe is a fail safe.
Now, besides the elegant persimmon, the other delight that pretty much wholly represents Fall to me is the butternut squash. If it wasn't such a pain to get my knife through, we might have it with every meal during the autumnal months. Instead I usually reserve it for days when I want to make my dishes with care, and the following are fun ways to incorporate it into your dinnertime routine on perhaps a cold weekend coming up.
Butternut Squash Crumble -- First of all, they had me at crumble, OK. Cheesy, crusty goodness on one of my favorite vegetables? How can you go wrong?
Guatemalan Chicken Stew - Making the same old stew can get a bit boring. I thought this looked like a fun alternative to the traditional meat and potato stew. I haven't tried it, but I just may whip up a batch this weekend.
Butternut Squash and Sage Lasagna - First let me tell you that the idea of lasagna does not romance me. It's alright, but never my first choice. But this lasagna -- THIS LASAGNA -- has changed my life. The white sauce, the sage, the bite from the balsamic, the asiago crusted noodles mixing with the tender sweet squash -- if it doesn't change your life I will offer you a money back guarantee. Hands down, the best lasagna I have ever had. It may take every dish in your house to make it (or maybe I'm just betraying our lack of cookware) but it will be worth every delectable bit.
Happy cooking this weekend if you are doing any! After a long week I am looking forward to be a total netflix obsessed, down blanket wrapped, curled up with a good book shut in, but I just may not be able to resist the Farmer's Market tomorrow. Fall won't be around for long, you know.
November 04, 2009
Different Strokes
Garrett and I have a lot of things in common. In fact, part of why I found myself so attracted to him when we first met was because it seemed like he enjoyed so many of my favorite things. We loved a lot of the type of music (including a borderline obsessive love for Radiohead), had very similarly aligned morals, we enjoyed the same types of nerdy activities (pub trivia anyone?), and most importantly we had (and still do have) the absolute same weird sense of humor and I can honestly say there is nothing as comforting than saying something off the wall that amuses you and having your partner absolutely know where you are coming from and laugh hysterically right along with you. He makes my life so much more enjoyable in a million different ways.
But even though we have alot in common, we have more than once compared our relationship to a venn diagram (of course we both agree that it's the Best Venn Diagram Ever!) but it is nonetheless quite amusing how we are absolute opposites in so many ways. This morning Jess's post got me thinking about some of the bigger ways that Garrett and I are nowhere near alike.
Thinking vs. Feeling Brains -- Garrett is a thinker. He was an Econ major in college, has a very analytical brain, and always approaches every situation first silently and with rational thought. I, on the other hand, was an English major in college, and was raised in a household where it was very important to articulate feelings and opinions. I am very in touch with my emotions, and can talk about them endlessly. Also, I make many of my decisions on how I feel at the moment. Garrett loves nothing more than marinating on an idea or decision -- He loves to turn things over and over in his head and think about every possible angle. I, however, am way too impatient for that.
Friends/Socializing Philosophies -- I definitely need my alone time, but I also LOVE LOVE LOVE meeting new people, talking to strangers, throwing parties, and having people over. I could probably do it 3 or 4 nights a week. Garrett doesn't necessarily socialize regularly. He loves all of our friends and hanging out with them, but he is far more likely to want to have a quiet night and home and less likely to be a social organizer. Interestingly though, Garrett has the same core group of close friends that he had in high school. Those boys are tight, and I find it very admirable. I'm kind of the opposite though -- I keep in touch with a few close friends from high school (and even some not so close friends on Facebook, of course), but my social network is wide and I enjoy acquaintences from all facets of my life -- work, hometown, high school, Junior League, the internet, etc. As a result I have fewer "best friends" than Garrett (actually I would really only call members of my family best friends), but oddly enough I end up doing more socializing.
Household Disagreements -- Both Garrett and I enjoy a very tidy house. Our house is very modern, minimalist, and everything has a place. I'm not going to say we're anal, but, well...ok we're anal. (Reason #572 why I love him -- when I first saw his "bachelor pad" you could practically eat off the floor). HOWEVER, Garrett has a tendency to open cabinet doors (ours slide left to right, they don't open like a door) and then just walk away, which OMG drives me bananas! It doesn't seem to bother him when random doors are open in the kitchen, in the laundry, wherever. What does bother Garrett though, is that he has a practically origami-like formula for all the trash bags in our house, and I clearly do not have the understanding nor the dexterity to ever do it "correctly." Our disagreements in these areas, though a total non-issue, do offer lots of pot-calling-kettle debates about anal retentiveness and who is right in our house -- which almost always end up in mutual hysterics over how ridiculous our preferences are so I don't really mind that we disagree about these things.
Computer Usage -- Both of us are avid computer users, but the similarity really ends there. Garrett has this behemoth gaming computer which he uses primarily for the purposes of..uh, gaming (obvs). My computer, on the other hand, is a bit smaller and most notably, a Mac. We don't have a lot of Mac vs. PC disagreements (we are fans of both depending on the application) though the fact that mine doesn't have a mouse prompted Garrett to go out and purchase one solely for the times when he uses it. But it is more in the way we use computers. Garrett uses his computer for alone time (games, usually) whereas I generally use it to connect. If I bother to get on the computer it is basically for a steady stream of twittering, facebooking, blogging, shopping etc. Garrett is pretty much uninterested in social media in general and I'm pretty much uninterested in games, so we are happy with our two computer office arrangement which allows us the simultaneous ability to tune-in/tune-out.
Movie Preferences -- So yes, we both like movies. However, I like going to the movies, and really, to get Garrett to go to the theater to see something, takes like months of planning and coercing and usually by the time I get an affirmative, the movie I wanted to see has gone straight to DVD. Which I'm sure says more about my movie taste than it does about Garrett's preferences regarding entertainment. Mostly, I'm not discriminating. I'll see just about anything, although my preference is usually for small indie flicks, typical chick flicks, or awful Nicolas Cage type blockbusters. (Your respect for me just diminished right there, I know, but what can I say, I'm just being honest). I enjoy the experience of going to the theater more than I really care about the movie. I like to pack a lunch and hit an early show, and just relax. Garrett really likes watching movies at home though, and we can rarely can find something we both want to watch that makes me want to sit on the couch for 2 hours. I usually get restless and end up doing something else or falling asleep. Not to mention, whenever Garrett picks a movie those movies are usually of the TCM variety, which means he and my grandma have a lot in common when it comes to movie stuff, but me...um, not so much. Also he really loves classic horror films, which are fine and all, but just not really my cup of tea.
Handling Stress -- Last but not least, might I remind you that Garrett is one who stress eats a salad???? I think that one item alone really just says it all -- we have so much in common, which is what makes me love him so much, but holy moly when we differ, we reeeeeeeeeally differ.
But even though we have alot in common, we have more than once compared our relationship to a venn diagram (of course we both agree that it's the Best Venn Diagram Ever!) but it is nonetheless quite amusing how we are absolute opposites in so many ways. This morning Jess's post got me thinking about some of the bigger ways that Garrett and I are nowhere near alike.
Thinking vs. Feeling Brains -- Garrett is a thinker. He was an Econ major in college, has a very analytical brain, and always approaches every situation first silently and with rational thought. I, on the other hand, was an English major in college, and was raised in a household where it was very important to articulate feelings and opinions. I am very in touch with my emotions, and can talk about them endlessly. Also, I make many of my decisions on how I feel at the moment. Garrett loves nothing more than marinating on an idea or decision -- He loves to turn things over and over in his head and think about every possible angle. I, however, am way too impatient for that.
Friends/Socializing Philosophies -- I definitely need my alone time, but I also LOVE LOVE LOVE meeting new people, talking to strangers, throwing parties, and having people over. I could probably do it 3 or 4 nights a week. Garrett doesn't necessarily socialize regularly. He loves all of our friends and hanging out with them, but he is far more likely to want to have a quiet night and home and less likely to be a social organizer. Interestingly though, Garrett has the same core group of close friends that he had in high school. Those boys are tight, and I find it very admirable. I'm kind of the opposite though -- I keep in touch with a few close friends from high school (and even some not so close friends on Facebook, of course), but my social network is wide and I enjoy acquaintences from all facets of my life -- work, hometown, high school, Junior League, the internet, etc. As a result I have fewer "best friends" than Garrett (actually I would really only call members of my family best friends), but oddly enough I end up doing more socializing.
Household Disagreements -- Both Garrett and I enjoy a very tidy house. Our house is very modern, minimalist, and everything has a place. I'm not going to say we're anal, but, well...ok we're anal. (Reason #572 why I love him -- when I first saw his "bachelor pad" you could practically eat off the floor). HOWEVER, Garrett has a tendency to open cabinet doors (ours slide left to right, they don't open like a door) and then just walk away, which OMG drives me bananas! It doesn't seem to bother him when random doors are open in the kitchen, in the laundry, wherever. What does bother Garrett though, is that he has a practically origami-like formula for all the trash bags in our house, and I clearly do not have the understanding nor the dexterity to ever do it "correctly." Our disagreements in these areas, though a total non-issue, do offer lots of pot-calling-kettle debates about anal retentiveness and who is right in our house -- which almost always end up in mutual hysterics over how ridiculous our preferences are so I don't really mind that we disagree about these things.
Computer Usage -- Both of us are avid computer users, but the similarity really ends there. Garrett has this behemoth gaming computer which he uses primarily for the purposes of..uh, gaming (obvs). My computer, on the other hand, is a bit smaller and most notably, a Mac. We don't have a lot of Mac vs. PC disagreements (we are fans of both depending on the application) though the fact that mine doesn't have a mouse prompted Garrett to go out and purchase one solely for the times when he uses it. But it is more in the way we use computers. Garrett uses his computer for alone time (games, usually) whereas I generally use it to connect. If I bother to get on the computer it is basically for a steady stream of twittering, facebooking, blogging, shopping etc. Garrett is pretty much uninterested in social media in general and I'm pretty much uninterested in games, so we are happy with our two computer office arrangement which allows us the simultaneous ability to tune-in/tune-out.
Movie Preferences -- So yes, we both like movies. However, I like going to the movies, and really, to get Garrett to go to the theater to see something, takes like months of planning and coercing and usually by the time I get an affirmative, the movie I wanted to see has gone straight to DVD. Which I'm sure says more about my movie taste than it does about Garrett's preferences regarding entertainment. Mostly, I'm not discriminating. I'll see just about anything, although my preference is usually for small indie flicks, typical chick flicks, or awful Nicolas Cage type blockbusters. (Your respect for me just diminished right there, I know, but what can I say, I'm just being honest). I enjoy the experience of going to the theater more than I really care about the movie. I like to pack a lunch and hit an early show, and just relax. Garrett really likes watching movies at home though, and we can rarely can find something we both want to watch that makes me want to sit on the couch for 2 hours. I usually get restless and end up doing something else or falling asleep. Not to mention, whenever Garrett picks a movie those movies are usually of the TCM variety, which means he and my grandma have a lot in common when it comes to movie stuff, but me...um, not so much. Also he really loves classic horror films, which are fine and all, but just not really my cup of tea.
Handling Stress -- Last but not least, might I remind you that Garrett is one who stress eats a salad???? I think that one item alone really just says it all -- we have so much in common, which is what makes me love him so much, but holy moly when we differ, we reeeeeeeeeally differ.
November 02, 2009
Tidbits
You know what is a challenge for me -- writing about something as I'm going through it. I mean, yeah I can sit down and pen a number of complaints or talk about my favorite things at a moments notice, but to actually gain some perspective, corral a feeling into an bigger purpose idea, identify it and make sense of it -- like with words -- can be a real struggle. And there is a lot going in my head right now, things related to work, health, geography, scary next steps (Hi, have I mentioned I'm writing a book. There I'm just throwing that out there because OH MY GOD, it's just scary to say)...and I just don't have the perspective to get them down right this second. But I'm working on it, I promise.
Today, though, you get only tidbits.
1. I need some new clothes. We've had this "Casual Dress" thing going on at work as a part of a United Way fundraiser where you could purchase dress down days. So basically for about 3 months now, I've been wearing jeans everyday to work and it was AWESOME! Today was the first day back to business casual and golly gosh darn it, I hate everything in my closet. Also, I need to purchase some warmer things. But not warmer things like this, even though, hi I want to drop like $100 on cute fleeces and pj bottoms right now. Why can't we wear those to work?
2. My allergies have been something fierce lately and I'm starting to think it might be food related. Or the seasons changing? I don't know what it is but can I just tell you....The sneezing...is NOT glamorous. And it happens everywhere: at home, grocery shopping, at work, running errands. My allergies know no boundaries and it has been embarrassing on more than one occasion as of late.
3. My Netflix queue is kind of empty...what have you watched lately that is worthy of a rental? We are currently making our way through The Wire, which is enjoyable. But I'm thinking more along the lines of crisp Fall/Winter evening movies. Ideas?
4. We had a little get together this weekend to watch some football and I had so much fun cooking for it. I made Mexican Chicken Soup, Shepherd's Pie, Red Velvet Cupcakes, Banana Chocolate Bundt Cake and a bunch of other simple appetizers. I think we had a metric ton of food, but it was such a fun time, and now we have LEFTOVERS! And tasty ones to boot.
5. I'm going to go to the gym 5 times this week, dammit. Oh, hey -- I guess that little tidbit was more for me than for you. Wish me luck?
Hope you all have fabulous weeks also!
Today, though, you get only tidbits.
1. I need some new clothes. We've had this "Casual Dress" thing going on at work as a part of a United Way fundraiser where you could purchase dress down days. So basically for about 3 months now, I've been wearing jeans everyday to work and it was AWESOME! Today was the first day back to business casual and golly gosh darn it, I hate everything in my closet. Also, I need to purchase some warmer things. But not warmer things like this, even though, hi I want to drop like $100 on cute fleeces and pj bottoms right now. Why can't we wear those to work?
2. My allergies have been something fierce lately and I'm starting to think it might be food related. Or the seasons changing? I don't know what it is but can I just tell you....The sneezing...is NOT glamorous. And it happens everywhere: at home, grocery shopping, at work, running errands. My allergies know no boundaries and it has been embarrassing on more than one occasion as of late.
3. My Netflix queue is kind of empty...what have you watched lately that is worthy of a rental? We are currently making our way through The Wire, which is enjoyable. But I'm thinking more along the lines of crisp Fall/Winter evening movies. Ideas?
4. We had a little get together this weekend to watch some football and I had so much fun cooking for it. I made Mexican Chicken Soup, Shepherd's Pie, Red Velvet Cupcakes, Banana Chocolate Bundt Cake and a bunch of other simple appetizers. I think we had a metric ton of food, but it was such a fun time, and now we have LEFTOVERS! And tasty ones to boot.
5. I'm going to go to the gym 5 times this week, dammit. Oh, hey -- I guess that little tidbit was more for me than for you. Wish me luck?
Hope you all have fabulous weeks also!
October 23, 2009
Recipe Roundup
Here's a few links to satiate you over the weekend if you are feeling like having a little cooking extravaganza.
Some Recipes That Have Rocked My World This Week:
Chana Masala (via Orangette) - A spicy tomato and chickpea stew. Sounds a little left of center; however, is totally easy and will absolutely rock your mouth. I think Garrett's response was along the lines of "OMG can we eat this everyday?"
Quinoa with Butternut Squash, Bacon, and Walnuts - As if I needed more confirmation that the magic ingredients in any recipe are bacon and walnuts. Delish. Oddly this recipe came from the free Raley's Something Extra magazine. Who knew a free supermarket marketing magazine could provide such culinary delicacies?
Oven Roasted Vegetables with Crispy Parmesan Topping - Again with the Raleys recipes? I know! But this was a delight. I used a combo of the last squash from our garden, an eggplant that needed to be used, and zucchini in lieu of Winter Squash, but it that crusty topping was magic!
Some Recipes I Am Thinking Of Tackling This Weekend:
Easy Homemade Cheese Bread - I'm sorry, did you say easy, cheese, and bread? I'm in.
Steamy Kitchen's Swiss Onion Soup - Again, it's really all about the bread and the cheese, isn't it?
Zucchini and Goat Cheese Pizza - This is kind of a Summery recipe but I picked this mostly becauseI've had it bookmarked for so long and everytime I look at the picture, my mouth waters -- and, ya know, that usually bodes well when recipe browsing.
Clearly, I am craving some cheese, people. Frankly it is the main thing from keeping me going vegan. Well, cheese and butter. Okay and bacon. Oh jeez, this is not looking good for me. Let's change the subject, shall we?
So what are you cooking this weekend?
Some Recipes That Have Rocked My World This Week:
Chana Masala (via Orangette) - A spicy tomato and chickpea stew. Sounds a little left of center; however, is totally easy and will absolutely rock your mouth. I think Garrett's response was along the lines of "OMG can we eat this everyday?"
Quinoa with Butternut Squash, Bacon, and Walnuts - As if I needed more confirmation that the magic ingredients in any recipe are bacon and walnuts. Delish. Oddly this recipe came from the free Raley's Something Extra magazine. Who knew a free supermarket marketing magazine could provide such culinary delicacies?
Oven Roasted Vegetables with Crispy Parmesan Topping - Again with the Raleys recipes? I know! But this was a delight. I used a combo of the last squash from our garden, an eggplant that needed to be used, and zucchini in lieu of Winter Squash, but it that crusty topping was magic!
Some Recipes I Am Thinking Of Tackling This Weekend:
Easy Homemade Cheese Bread - I'm sorry, did you say easy, cheese, and bread? I'm in.
Steamy Kitchen's Swiss Onion Soup - Again, it's really all about the bread and the cheese, isn't it?
Zucchini and Goat Cheese Pizza - This is kind of a Summery recipe but I picked this mostly becauseI've had it bookmarked for so long and everytime I look at the picture, my mouth waters -- and, ya know, that usually bodes well when recipe browsing.
Clearly, I am craving some cheese, people. Frankly it is the main thing from keeping me going vegan. Well, cheese and butter. Okay and bacon. Oh jeez, this is not looking good for me. Let's change the subject, shall we?
So what are you cooking this weekend?
October 22, 2009
Where to go? What to do?
Sadly, this morning I got out the white out to update our home calendar where we post all of our comings and goings. We had purchased tickets to head up to Portland for a long weekend in a few weeks for our Anniversary, but with all the instability surrounding Garrett's job and just the general funk that we have both been in, neither of us really felt like travelling, so we cancelled them. Kind of a bummer, but definitely indicative of my mood as of late. It is crazy when you think about it, because generally there is not much that can quell my wanderlust, but something about a trip in a couple weeks just doesn't feel right.
But all is not lost, and I actually don't mean this to be a whiny post at all so don't fret. What this means is that between the credit we now have for our Portland tickets, another $100 Southwest credit that I had lying around, and the $200 Southwest credit I got for recently getting off a too-full flight down to Anaheim -- we basically have to figure out where the hell we are going to go because this Southwest money isn't going to just spend itself. And that, my friends perks that wanderlust right back up.
So...where do we go?
Well, first of all we aren't planning to go anywhere until probably February or March. Hopefully things will calm down and get a bit normalized by then, so we are looking to do some late Winter/early Spring travel. Topping the list is perhaps a weeklong trip to Seattle and then maybe up to Canada. But also, I can't forget that Portland still excites me so I want to make that trip happen at some point. Oooh, but what about Chicago? That is one of Garrett's favorite places, so it is definitely on the list (though I am guessing it will be cold as all get out!) Austin, TX? How fun! Boston? So much to see! Georgia? Southern Comfort! New Orleans? Denver? New York? Do we wait until Summer and rent a cabin by a lake up in Wyoming or Montana?
WE COULD GO ANYWHERE....ack! The decision sort of paralyzes my little Libra brain.
So what do you think, peeps? My favorite thing in the world is to research potential vacation destinations. Where do you think I should start looking?
But all is not lost, and I actually don't mean this to be a whiny post at all so don't fret. What this means is that between the credit we now have for our Portland tickets, another $100 Southwest credit that I had lying around, and the $200 Southwest credit I got for recently getting off a too-full flight down to Anaheim -- we basically have to figure out where the hell we are going to go because this Southwest money isn't going to just spend itself. And that, my friends perks that wanderlust right back up.
So...where do we go?
Well, first of all we aren't planning to go anywhere until probably February or March. Hopefully things will calm down and get a bit normalized by then, so we are looking to do some late Winter/early Spring travel. Topping the list is perhaps a weeklong trip to Seattle and then maybe up to Canada. But also, I can't forget that Portland still excites me so I want to make that trip happen at some point. Oooh, but what about Chicago? That is one of Garrett's favorite places, so it is definitely on the list (though I am guessing it will be cold as all get out!) Austin, TX? How fun! Boston? So much to see! Georgia? Southern Comfort! New Orleans? Denver? New York? Do we wait until Summer and rent a cabin by a lake up in Wyoming or Montana?
WE COULD GO ANYWHERE....ack! The decision sort of paralyzes my little Libra brain.
So what do you think, peeps? My favorite thing in the world is to research potential vacation destinations. Where do you think I should start looking?
October 19, 2009
The Banana Bread to End All Banana Breads
Generally I am not a picky eater although I do have a few food opinions about ingredients that just shouldn't go together. For example, in my opinion, chicken on pizza is criminal. Cheese with fish? Disgusting. And surprisingly, fruit with chocolate (except maybe strawberries) just doesn't really do it for me. I don't really have OCD tendencies where I feel that my food shouldn't touch or anything like that, but some things are just not meant to be mixed.
All this is to say that when I initially read this recipe for banana bread with chocolate chunks, I furrowed my brow a bit. It seemed like two great tastes that should taste great together, but I just wasn't sure, you know?
That is until I tried it!
This is the most moist and flavorful banana bread with a crispy outer crust and a soft, tender middle. The chocolate chips sprinkled throughout only increase the decadence, and made me forever a believer in the combination of chocolate and banana! It freezes nicely wrapped in foil, but if you are anything like me, I doubt it will even last that long.
*Baker's Note*
Though I chose to go the chocolate chip route, I am sure that you could omit those and you may still have the best banana bread ever. If you try it sans chocolate, let me know!
Banana Bread with Chocolate Chunks
adapted from rachaelray.com
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
2 eggs, lightly beaten
3 bananas, mashed (1 cup mashed banana)
1 cup chocolate chunks (I just used semi-sweet chocolate chips because that's what I had around)
Pre-heat the oven to 350°F .
Grease and flour a 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 inch loaf pan (or use baking spray, such as Baker's Joy brand).
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, sugar, baking soda and salt.
Mix in oil, bananas and eggs.
Stir in chocolate chips (do not overmix!) and pour into prepared pan.
Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean about 70 minutes.
Cool loaf in pan.
All this is to say that when I initially read this recipe for banana bread with chocolate chunks, I furrowed my brow a bit. It seemed like two great tastes that should taste great together, but I just wasn't sure, you know?
That is until I tried it!
This is the most moist and flavorful banana bread with a crispy outer crust and a soft, tender middle. The chocolate chips sprinkled throughout only increase the decadence, and made me forever a believer in the combination of chocolate and banana! It freezes nicely wrapped in foil, but if you are anything like me, I doubt it will even last that long.
*Baker's Note*
Though I chose to go the chocolate chip route, I am sure that you could omit those and you may still have the best banana bread ever. If you try it sans chocolate, let me know!
Banana Bread with Chocolate Chunks
adapted from rachaelray.com
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
2 eggs, lightly beaten
3 bananas, mashed (1 cup mashed banana)
1 cup chocolate chunks (I just used semi-sweet chocolate chips because that's what I had around)
Pre-heat the oven to 350°F .
Grease and flour a 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 inch loaf pan (or use baking spray, such as Baker's Joy brand).
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, sugar, baking soda and salt.
Mix in oil, bananas and eggs.
Stir in chocolate chips (do not overmix!) and pour into prepared pan.
Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean about 70 minutes.
Cool loaf in pan.
October 16, 2009
Football is Life
For those of you who don't know, my father passed away in 1998 very suddenly of a heart attack. He was very well known in the town I grew up in, partly because he was a chatterbox (in the best way!) and partly because he ended up playing football in the NFL. He was a real hometown hero in that sense, and even though he has been gone a decade, I still have strangers (when they realize who my father was) share the craziest memories they have about what a great man he was.
This weekend my dad's high school football coach is being recognized and a fundraiser is being held to raise money to build a bust of him in the local stadium. He is a bit of a legend in Fremont, and was a very influential person in my father's life and I wrote this letter in tribute for the ceremony this weekend.
*****************************************************
Growing up, everyone in Fremont seemed to know my father, John Woodcock. When I was young, I didn’t think anything of it, it was just the norm. As a teenager it annoyed me because, well, let’s be honest, what doesn’t annoy a teenager? But as an adult, now that he is no longer here, I am grateful for the memories that others choose to share with me. Professional football made my father well-known, but it was his heart, his drive, and his dedication that made him a success. And these weren’t just qualities he was born with.
When I think of my dad I feel incredibly fortunate. Even though he was only in my life a short time, he had a tremendous impact on the way I see the world. Growing up he was not as lucky to have such an influential father in his life. Raised by his mother in a house with three sisters, he certainly knew more than most about what it was like to be a woman. This of course worked out well for my mother in the end, but ask anyone who knew him and they would certainly tell you that he was also an incredible man. Much of that has to do with his involvement with the Washington High football program, and more importantly Coach Ingram.
My mom said, Coach Ingram was not only a mentor to my dad, but he was a father figure in a way that is so uncommon today. She said Coach was like E.F. Hutton, and when E.F. Hutton spoke, everyone listened. During her years at Washington High School when she dated my dad she said Coach must have had eyes in the back of his head as he seemed to know all and see all. He always had the scoop on every guy that ever played for him and knew their strengths and weaknesses. He taught them to strive, to be something more then they were. Whether it was to be quicker, stronger, faster, or smarter he pushed them to be focused on their game.
Back in the day, my dad would tell me, football ruled at Washington High School and it was a great time to be a Husky. He loved playing in the “old stadium” to a capacity crowd, and hearing the marching band at halftime. It was a legendary time and they had a legendary coach. His players were as disciplined as they were tough. There was no “jaking” – a term used to call out someone who wasn’t giving it their all – and there was no room for quitting. You can bet there was no sugar coating on Coach I’s team. If you weren’t performing, you weren’t playing, and he held everyone to the same standard. It was all about the team and there was no individual showboating allowed. Terrell Owens wouldn’t have made it a day playing for Coach Ingram.
Even after my father graduated and was no longer playing for Coach Ingram, he still came back to train with him in the off seasons of his professional career. It wasn’t easy for my dad to come back to Fremont after a long season and start the rigorous training all over again, but it was this that my dad always appreciated and credited Coach Ingram for -- he kept him in shape, grounded and focused year after year. His expertise and advice went way beyond the high school years and extended into his adult life where they formed a friendship. Coach I became someone my dad wanted to succeed for.
Today I know that feeling well. In my own life, I often think of my father and hope that he would think of me as a success. He taught me well and I know that some of my father’s most valuable lessons came straight from the Coach’s mouth:
• Always give 100%. The minute you don’t someone else will come along who is better, faster, or stronger than you. Always be humble and always be learning.
• Be Coachable, not defensive. There is nothing worse than someone who can’t accept constructive criticism. Take feedback with gratitude because it only makes you better if you listen to it.
• But most notably – Always do what you said you were going to do. Personal integrity isn’t just important, it’s all you have.
They are rules to live by, and I am proof that they don’t just apply in football but also in life. I am the product of my father, but so much of who he was and how he was shaped is all Coach Ingram, and for that influence, my whole family is grateful.
I was a cheerleader at Mission San Jose in the 90s and although we loved to show our school spirit, our football team was never what you would call dominant --but my dad never missed a game. He couldn’t have been more supportive. In his heart he was a Husky through and through, but he also knew that he had to do what was best for his team -- and at that time “his team” was my mom and I -- and that meant showing his MSJ pride. I think sometimes it must have pained him to have to sit on the sidelines and root for the Warriors, but true to form he always did what he said he was going to do – and I don’t even think Coach Ingram could fault him for that.
Sincerely,
Holly Woodcock
This weekend my dad's high school football coach is being recognized and a fundraiser is being held to raise money to build a bust of him in the local stadium. He is a bit of a legend in Fremont, and was a very influential person in my father's life and I wrote this letter in tribute for the ceremony this weekend.
*****************************************************
Growing up, everyone in Fremont seemed to know my father, John Woodcock. When I was young, I didn’t think anything of it, it was just the norm. As a teenager it annoyed me because, well, let’s be honest, what doesn’t annoy a teenager? But as an adult, now that he is no longer here, I am grateful for the memories that others choose to share with me. Professional football made my father well-known, but it was his heart, his drive, and his dedication that made him a success. And these weren’t just qualities he was born with.
When I think of my dad I feel incredibly fortunate. Even though he was only in my life a short time, he had a tremendous impact on the way I see the world. Growing up he was not as lucky to have such an influential father in his life. Raised by his mother in a house with three sisters, he certainly knew more than most about what it was like to be a woman. This of course worked out well for my mother in the end, but ask anyone who knew him and they would certainly tell you that he was also an incredible man. Much of that has to do with his involvement with the Washington High football program, and more importantly Coach Ingram.
My mom said, Coach Ingram was not only a mentor to my dad, but he was a father figure in a way that is so uncommon today. She said Coach was like E.F. Hutton, and when E.F. Hutton spoke, everyone listened. During her years at Washington High School when she dated my dad she said Coach must have had eyes in the back of his head as he seemed to know all and see all. He always had the scoop on every guy that ever played for him and knew their strengths and weaknesses. He taught them to strive, to be something more then they were. Whether it was to be quicker, stronger, faster, or smarter he pushed them to be focused on their game.
Back in the day, my dad would tell me, football ruled at Washington High School and it was a great time to be a Husky. He loved playing in the “old stadium” to a capacity crowd, and hearing the marching band at halftime. It was a legendary time and they had a legendary coach. His players were as disciplined as they were tough. There was no “jaking” – a term used to call out someone who wasn’t giving it their all – and there was no room for quitting. You can bet there was no sugar coating on Coach I’s team. If you weren’t performing, you weren’t playing, and he held everyone to the same standard. It was all about the team and there was no individual showboating allowed. Terrell Owens wouldn’t have made it a day playing for Coach Ingram.
Even after my father graduated and was no longer playing for Coach Ingram, he still came back to train with him in the off seasons of his professional career. It wasn’t easy for my dad to come back to Fremont after a long season and start the rigorous training all over again, but it was this that my dad always appreciated and credited Coach Ingram for -- he kept him in shape, grounded and focused year after year. His expertise and advice went way beyond the high school years and extended into his adult life where they formed a friendship. Coach I became someone my dad wanted to succeed for.
Today I know that feeling well. In my own life, I often think of my father and hope that he would think of me as a success. He taught me well and I know that some of my father’s most valuable lessons came straight from the Coach’s mouth:
• Always give 100%. The minute you don’t someone else will come along who is better, faster, or stronger than you. Always be humble and always be learning.
• Be Coachable, not defensive. There is nothing worse than someone who can’t accept constructive criticism. Take feedback with gratitude because it only makes you better if you listen to it.
• But most notably – Always do what you said you were going to do. Personal integrity isn’t just important, it’s all you have.
They are rules to live by, and I am proof that they don’t just apply in football but also in life. I am the product of my father, but so much of who he was and how he was shaped is all Coach Ingram, and for that influence, my whole family is grateful.
I was a cheerleader at Mission San Jose in the 90s and although we loved to show our school spirit, our football team was never what you would call dominant --but my dad never missed a game. He couldn’t have been more supportive. In his heart he was a Husky through and through, but he also knew that he had to do what was best for his team -- and at that time “his team” was my mom and I -- and that meant showing his MSJ pride. I think sometimes it must have pained him to have to sit on the sidelines and root for the Warriors, but true to form he always did what he said he was going to do – and I don’t even think Coach Ingram could fault him for that.
Sincerely,
Holly Woodcock
October 14, 2009
What A Difference A Year Makes
A year ago today I turned 30. Instead of freaking out, I decided (as I often do in stressful situations) to throw a party, of course! I wish I could be one of those fabulous women who tells you that throwing a party always makes them feel energized and totally less stressed out, but it ohmygawd it doesn't. They are a ton of work, good lord! What throwing a party does do, however, is make delicious cocktails within arms reach. And that is not a half bad way to celebrate a scary transition, you all.
But how does one follow that up?
Well, in my opinion you don't. This year I'm choosing to ring in my birthday with a much quieter kind of celebrating and so far it has been enjoyable. I'm actually having a very productive day at work (I know, ho-hum) and tonight will be a quiet dinner with Garrett and some serious lounging/snuggling. To me, that sounds just perfect! This year marks 31. I am fully ensconsed in my thirties. And you know what, it feels nice. This year I kind of just want to exhale and marinate on that for a second.
As you may (or may not) recall, last year the week before my EPIC! 30TH! BIRTHDAY! EXTRAVAGANZA! I was also moving. (And that's not stressful at all, noooo.) My roommate of 6 years was moving back down South, and I was going to live alone for the first time. Eek! On the plus side, I was moving into this cute little studio which to this day, might be my single favorite piece of occupied real estate. But I was still picking up my life and transplanting it. It was fun and new, but oh man, was it exhausting.
This year, however, I am totally settled. I wanted to have the experience of living alone before Garrett and I moved in together, but after about 6 months of that I was ready to shack up, so we did. This birthday is not marked by any sort of migration (THANK GOD). Garrett and I have set up our first little nest and continue to love the ease of living together. Though life has thrown us some curve balls in the past few weeks, we are trying to remain open to any and all possibilites. And you know what? That has been totally exciting. Someone told me once that during your most uncertain times, that is when your life is full of the most possibility -- and I am trying to embrace that idea.
So this year, even though there is no party, and no brand new place, no fanfare and fireworks, no bands playing in the garage or jello shots being passed around -- I am just as happy as I was last year...perhaps, happier. Steadier, may be a more accurate description. I have settled into my thirties and feel a calm sense of accomplishment about that. Though life is still filled with craziness, I know at the end of the day I have 31 years of life experience that will get me through any mess of situations -- and although it may not sound as exciting -- it might be even better than a jello shot buzz on a cool night!
But how does one follow that up?
Well, in my opinion you don't. This year I'm choosing to ring in my birthday with a much quieter kind of celebrating and so far it has been enjoyable. I'm actually having a very productive day at work (I know, ho-hum) and tonight will be a quiet dinner with Garrett and some serious lounging/snuggling. To me, that sounds just perfect! This year marks 31. I am fully ensconsed in my thirties. And you know what, it feels nice. This year I kind of just want to exhale and marinate on that for a second.
As you may (or may not) recall, last year the week before my EPIC! 30TH! BIRTHDAY! EXTRAVAGANZA! I was also moving. (And that's not stressful at all, noooo.) My roommate of 6 years was moving back down South, and I was going to live alone for the first time. Eek! On the plus side, I was moving into this cute little studio which to this day, might be my single favorite piece of occupied real estate. But I was still picking up my life and transplanting it. It was fun and new, but oh man, was it exhausting.
This year, however, I am totally settled. I wanted to have the experience of living alone before Garrett and I moved in together, but after about 6 months of that I was ready to shack up, so we did. This birthday is not marked by any sort of migration (THANK GOD). Garrett and I have set up our first little nest and continue to love the ease of living together. Though life has thrown us some curve balls in the past few weeks, we are trying to remain open to any and all possibilites. And you know what? That has been totally exciting. Someone told me once that during your most uncertain times, that is when your life is full of the most possibility -- and I am trying to embrace that idea.
So this year, even though there is no party, and no brand new place, no fanfare and fireworks, no bands playing in the garage or jello shots being passed around -- I am just as happy as I was last year...perhaps, happier. Steadier, may be a more accurate description. I have settled into my thirties and feel a calm sense of accomplishment about that. Though life is still filled with craziness, I know at the end of the day I have 31 years of life experience that will get me through any mess of situations -- and although it may not sound as exciting -- it might be even better than a jello shot buzz on a cool night!
October 13, 2009
A Few of My Favorite Things for Fall: Cooking and Reading
I went to the library last weekend, and since then I have been absolutely obsessed with Jhumpa Lahiri's Unaccustomed Earth. The kind of obsessed where it is constantly in my purse in case I have to stand in line somewhere or wait for something, I’m reading it while waiting for my toast to pop out of the toaster -- maybe I can squeeze in JUST A FEW MORE PAGES. It's weird because I generally shy away from collections of short stories, prefering books with more action and character development, but this book really moved me. It also made me realized I am the world's worst storyteller. I've told you before but whenever I am really into a book Garrett always asks me what is happening in the book and seriously, my summaries of this book have made it sound terrible and boring but it has actually been AMAZING! I woke up at 5am this morning to finish it because I just had to know how the final story ended. I’m a little sad that it’s over.
Speaking of reading and the library, I picked up The Devil in the White City on audio book while I was there and it has also been quite the unexpected delight. It's kind of a historical thriller and I feel seriously efficient when I am listening to a book as I'm running errands and things. It's another book I picked up that I wasn't sure I'd really be into, but have found really entertaining. Audio books feel like such a treat to me, and I'm glad the Carmichael Library has a good selection. Hooray for trying new things!
I’ve been trying new things in the kitchen as well lately so I thought I would post a few that were worth recommending. Most notably:
Pumpkin Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting -- Oh My God these are to die for. Die, die, die. So good.
Red Lentil Dal -- hearty, warm, simple weeknight supper. And hey, it's vegan! (You know, if that matters to you). The flavors are delicious and you can tweak it to be as spicy or mild as you want by adjusting the cayenne and jalapeno. I could eat this everyday!
Chilled Peanut Soba Noodles -- this is a good base recipe and then I add at least green onions and red peppers. You could really add any produce or herbs you had lying around. It is so good and easy to prepare.
Since we are talking cooking and book crushes -- Have you read Molly Wizenberg's book A Homemade Life? Obviously her blog is a staple in my reader but I wasn’t sure I would care too much about the book, but I was totally wrong. Hmmmm…this is becoming a trend isn’t it? Anyway, it’s a very charming memoir filled with stories of her life which include recipes for a million fabulous sounding dishes that I never would have thought of – like roasted cauliflower with salsa verde. Here is a link to the recipe (though not from the author herself) and let me tell you – you want to make this!
I don’t know about you, but fall makes me want to make soup, nest, snuggle, and roast everything! And of course be curled up with a good book on the couch waiting for dinner to be served. Today is the first super rainy day we have had in a while and I can't wait to go home and cook up some stew and start my new book! It's the little things...
Speaking of reading and the library, I picked up The Devil in the White City on audio book while I was there and it has also been quite the unexpected delight. It's kind of a historical thriller and I feel seriously efficient when I am listening to a book as I'm running errands and things. It's another book I picked up that I wasn't sure I'd really be into, but have found really entertaining. Audio books feel like such a treat to me, and I'm glad the Carmichael Library has a good selection. Hooray for trying new things!
I’ve been trying new things in the kitchen as well lately so I thought I would post a few that were worth recommending. Most notably:
Pumpkin Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting -- Oh My God these are to die for. Die, die, die. So good.
Red Lentil Dal -- hearty, warm, simple weeknight supper. And hey, it's vegan! (You know, if that matters to you). The flavors are delicious and you can tweak it to be as spicy or mild as you want by adjusting the cayenne and jalapeno. I could eat this everyday!
Chilled Peanut Soba Noodles -- this is a good base recipe and then I add at least green onions and red peppers. You could really add any produce or herbs you had lying around. It is so good and easy to prepare.
Since we are talking cooking and book crushes -- Have you read Molly Wizenberg's book A Homemade Life? Obviously her blog is a staple in my reader but I wasn’t sure I would care too much about the book, but I was totally wrong. Hmmmm…this is becoming a trend isn’t it? Anyway, it’s a very charming memoir filled with stories of her life which include recipes for a million fabulous sounding dishes that I never would have thought of – like roasted cauliflower with salsa verde. Here is a link to the recipe (though not from the author herself) and let me tell you – you want to make this!
I don’t know about you, but fall makes me want to make soup, nest, snuggle, and roast everything! And of course be curled up with a good book on the couch waiting for dinner to be served. Today is the first super rainy day we have had in a while and I can't wait to go home and cook up some stew and start my new book! It's the little things...
October 07, 2009
Scenes from Anaheim (or wherever, for that matter)
I have to travel a fair amount for work for these seminars that my company puts on in different parts of the state. I play hostess the entire time and because I have been doing it for a couple years now, I have noticed a pattern. Every single time I go through the same phases. It is usually a 4 day/3 night affair and it doesn't matter if it is Las Vegas or Los Angeles, it always shakes out a bit like this:
Day One -- Okay Holly, you can do it! Flying is not all that scary. Just hold on. Distract yourself. Read all 17 of those magazines that you justified buying in the airport because you were "travelling". ZOMG! are (insert celebrity) and (insert celebrity) really breaking up???
Night One -- Woo hoo! Hotel bed all to myself. I'm taking a bubble bath! Reading my new book! Grabbing something totally unreedeming for dinner! Yes! A GIANT KING SIZE BED, and all to myself? MWAHAHAHAHAHA
Day Two -- What the hell, why am I up at 4am? Where am I? Oh, right. God, why is hotel coffee never good? You know what is good though? My mad hosting skillz, yo! Am the best hostess EVAR! Everyone put on your best happy face. I'm the smiliest person you will ever meet. If you aren't enjoying yourself, talk to me -- I can fix it! And I do it with a smile. Woo!
Night Two -- Jesus, that was exhausting. I wonder where I can go and just frown for a few hours. My face hurts. Man, do I have eat out again? Holy hell room service is expensive, yes, you have to eat out again. So it's about 7pm, this hotel room sure is getting old. I miss Garrett. Maybe there's something good on TV? Hmm...Hannah Montana? Shrek? The News? Oh, The News again? Gee, something in Spanish? Something else in Spanish? Why the hell don't any hotel rooms have Bravo, MTV, or The Food Network. DUUUUDE. Ok, maybe I'll read.
Day Three -- What the hell, why am I up at 4am again? This does not bode well in the long term. ACK, seriously? Hotel coffee? Kick it up a notch, will ya? Ok, day two of hosting will be fine, but seriously, my face hurts from all the smiling yesterday. Attitude for day two -- Yes, you can still come to me if you aren't enjoying yourself, but seriously, if you are going to give me a ten minute diatribe about why you can't use a blue highlighter and need ONLY a pink highlighter, today I may not be so patient. Hmmm, I wonder what Garrett is up to?
Night Three -- Ok, I can't take one more night of this hotel room. Tonight, I must go out! Good thing I know someone in this town or I might have slit my wrists in the dirty ass bathtub by this point. And what is it with hotels NEVER having enough hot water. Seriously, the only thing worse than a luke warm shower at 4 am, is a luke warm bath after a long day. NOTHX. And I guess I can eat out one more night. Maybe tonight I will find something healthy. All I have to do is get through tonight and tomorrow I'm OUTTA THIS JOINT! Finally, home to my house and my man!
Day Four -- What the hell, why am I up at 4am -- oh wait, I'm up so I can pack my stuff. Wooo, I'm going home today! Good riddance, because I'm over this giant lonely bed. And if I have to eat one more restaurant meal, or hotel catered lunch, or breakfast from Starbucks, I really might just die. Home Cooking: It's What's For Dinner. Thank God. Why, hello airport, we meet again. It's nice to catch up on all 17 magazines I purchased (Yes, in addition to the 17 I purchased on the way down. Um, because I'm travelling, remember! I mean, hello, I will be on the plane at least 60 whole minutes, right?)
WHAT DO YOU MEAN MY PLANE HAS BEEN DELAYED?!?!?!?!?!!?
And that, my friends, is why I am not cut out for a career in travel. You know, unless I can bring my man and it is to a city that doesn't consider Joe's Crab Shack a "good seafood restaurant".
Day One -- Okay Holly, you can do it! Flying is not all that scary. Just hold on. Distract yourself. Read all 17 of those magazines that you justified buying in the airport because you were "travelling". ZOMG! are (insert celebrity) and (insert celebrity) really breaking up???
Night One -- Woo hoo! Hotel bed all to myself. I'm taking a bubble bath! Reading my new book! Grabbing something totally unreedeming for dinner! Yes! A GIANT KING SIZE BED, and all to myself? MWAHAHAHAHAHA
Day Two -- What the hell, why am I up at 4am? Where am I? Oh, right. God, why is hotel coffee never good? You know what is good though? My mad hosting skillz, yo! Am the best hostess EVAR! Everyone put on your best happy face. I'm the smiliest person you will ever meet. If you aren't enjoying yourself, talk to me -- I can fix it! And I do it with a smile. Woo!
Night Two -- Jesus, that was exhausting. I wonder where I can go and just frown for a few hours. My face hurts. Man, do I have eat out again? Holy hell room service is expensive, yes, you have to eat out again. So it's about 7pm, this hotel room sure is getting old. I miss Garrett. Maybe there's something good on TV? Hmm...Hannah Montana? Shrek? The News? Oh, The News again? Gee, something in Spanish? Something else in Spanish? Why the hell don't any hotel rooms have Bravo, MTV, or The Food Network. DUUUUDE. Ok, maybe I'll read.
Day Three -- What the hell, why am I up at 4am again? This does not bode well in the long term. ACK, seriously? Hotel coffee? Kick it up a notch, will ya? Ok, day two of hosting will be fine, but seriously, my face hurts from all the smiling yesterday. Attitude for day two -- Yes, you can still come to me if you aren't enjoying yourself, but seriously, if you are going to give me a ten minute diatribe about why you can't use a blue highlighter and need ONLY a pink highlighter, today I may not be so patient. Hmmm, I wonder what Garrett is up to?
Night Three -- Ok, I can't take one more night of this hotel room. Tonight, I must go out! Good thing I know someone in this town or I might have slit my wrists in the dirty ass bathtub by this point. And what is it with hotels NEVER having enough hot water. Seriously, the only thing worse than a luke warm shower at 4 am, is a luke warm bath after a long day. NOTHX. And I guess I can eat out one more night. Maybe tonight I will find something healthy. All I have to do is get through tonight and tomorrow I'm OUTTA THIS JOINT! Finally, home to my house and my man!
Day Four -- What the hell, why am I up at 4am -- oh wait, I'm up so I can pack my stuff. Wooo, I'm going home today! Good riddance, because I'm over this giant lonely bed. And if I have to eat one more restaurant meal, or hotel catered lunch, or breakfast from Starbucks, I really might just die. Home Cooking: It's What's For Dinner. Thank God. Why, hello airport, we meet again. It's nice to catch up on all 17 magazines I purchased (Yes, in addition to the 17 I purchased on the way down. Um, because I'm travelling, remember! I mean, hello, I will be on the plane at least 60 whole minutes, right?)
WHAT DO YOU MEAN MY PLANE HAS BEEN DELAYED?!?!?!?!?!!?
And that, my friends, is why I am not cut out for a career in travel. You know, unless I can bring my man and it is to a city that doesn't consider Joe's Crab Shack a "good seafood restaurant".
September 30, 2009
Because God Likes Juxtaposition...
This weekend was nothing short of amazing. As I told you in my previous post I was spending this weekend at a blogging meetup called The Blathering and boy was I nervous. But honestly, after being there for only half an hour I was already feeling like -- HOLY MOSES THIS IS SO COOL! THESE LADIES ROCK AND AREN'T EVEN SCARY! And that was even before Elizabeth's fabulous Thai Noodle Salad.
(Immediate Sidebar: Can you please read her recipe right away, do not pass go, do not collect $200, and cook it NOW? It was that good. Ok, great. Moving right along.)
I've been wanting to sit down and write a wonderful recap of all the parts of the weekend. I mean seriously, there was hammock-breaking, a female dog with a mustache, gay country line dancing, and hello? Lots of delicious wine. Really, is there any better way to spend your weekend?
Survey Says? NO.
And if you want to read a proper recap of the weekend please click on over to any of these lovely posts here, here, here, here, here or here.
But having such a wonderful time all weekend made Monday morning hit all the more like a ton of ugly bricks. Crazy deadlines and ASS-EARLY classes to teach where I had to be bright eyed, bushy tailed were really making this week feel like a marathon. I was having trouble sitting down to write and then today -- well, as of today, this officially became the week from Hell. Garrett was notified that his job is being eliminated as his entire department is being relocated to Denver, Colorado.
(Something to note if you are new here, Garrett and I work at the same company, just in different departments)
We did not see that coming.
It isn't happening immediately, but a 60 day notice is impending, and the shitty part is that it could come at anytime, everyone is being hush-hush and vague about it. It is kind of a relief that it's not happening right this second, but honestly it is not the consolation prize that many of the higher ups in the company are making it out to be. Isn't it Great? Garrett's getting laid off! But not today, maybe tomorrow! Or maybe the day after that! Who knows? Nobody knows! You'll never know when it's coming, but c'mon everyone likes a surprise, don't they?
Well, I don't like surprises. Did I ever tell you about the fabulous surprise birthday party my parents threw me when I was a young girl? Friends and family, balloons and cake, good cheer and music, and most of all a giant SURPRISE welcome when I unknowingly walked in the door, and well the cliffs notes is that I was so embarrassed I hid in the laundry room most of the night crying.
(Second Sidebar: God, what a little douchebag I could be. )
Anyway, I don't like surprises. But even more than that, I also don't like limbo. Just give it to me straight. Good or bad, I just want to know what the hell is going to happen and when. Don't beat around the bush.
The other thing that is terrible is that I work in a very small department of Trainers, and half of my department (not including me) supports this department that is moving to Denver. So guess who got the wink wink, nudge nudge suggestion that they should start looking for new jobs today? It just makes me so sad. These are my good friends. My work buddies. My career confidantes. And they are all in limbo as well, waiting for the axe to drop. I can't think of any more eloquent way to say it than just to keep saying how much it sucks.
It sucks because 10 months ago I urged Garrett to apply for this job, solely because it was in a much more "secure" industry than the finance-related industry that he was in. It sucks because we thanked our lucky stars the other night about how stable his job was and how lucky that felt during these times. It sucks because this type of change is scary, and I was already having a rough week, and seriously dude! This is so not what I needed.
But I keep telling myself that things will be okay. I know things will be okay, actually, but I get my feathers ruffled so easily when the Universe reminds me that I am not in control. (Wow, that just sounded really hippy dippy, but hopefully you know what I'm saying.) It is not happening tomorrow (we hope). We have some time to scale back and plan for the worst (and maybe it will never even come). We are already very conservative with money, and as long as I have my job in theory we could survive on my income in the worst case scenario. We are going to make it just fine, it just feels so chaotic when life is uncertain.
I was thinking about it this afternoon when we went to lunch -- btw, I was so stressed I went straight for the Club sandwich and onion rings. Garrett? Well, bless his heart, he ordered a salad. Who stress eats a salad?-- and I told myself, if it had to happen, we really couldn't have been better prepared. Garrett is so conservative with money and that has really rubbed off on me, and I have lived through enough tough scenarios in my life to know the kind of resilience that resides inside me and that has definitely turned Garrett into more of an optimist. So I think together, we will handle this well as a team. We have such great families and friends that support us, so I know we will get through it all. But honestly, when I came home this afternoon I was sort of hoping my whole family would be waiting inside my front door with a cake and throwing confetti, because honestly I could really use a good cry in my parents laundry room right now.
(Immediate Sidebar: Can you please read her recipe right away, do not pass go, do not collect $200, and cook it NOW? It was that good. Ok, great. Moving right along.)
I've been wanting to sit down and write a wonderful recap of all the parts of the weekend. I mean seriously, there was hammock-breaking, a female dog with a mustache, gay country line dancing, and hello? Lots of delicious wine. Really, is there any better way to spend your weekend?
Survey Says? NO.
And if you want to read a proper recap of the weekend please click on over to any of these lovely posts here, here, here, here, here or here.
But having such a wonderful time all weekend made Monday morning hit all the more like a ton of ugly bricks. Crazy deadlines and ASS-EARLY classes to teach where I had to be bright eyed, bushy tailed were really making this week feel like a marathon. I was having trouble sitting down to write and then today -- well, as of today, this officially became the week from Hell. Garrett was notified that his job is being eliminated as his entire department is being relocated to Denver, Colorado.
(Something to note if you are new here, Garrett and I work at the same company, just in different departments)
We did not see that coming.
It isn't happening immediately, but a 60 day notice is impending, and the shitty part is that it could come at anytime, everyone is being hush-hush and vague about it. It is kind of a relief that it's not happening right this second, but honestly it is not the consolation prize that many of the higher ups in the company are making it out to be. Isn't it Great? Garrett's getting laid off! But not today, maybe tomorrow! Or maybe the day after that! Who knows? Nobody knows! You'll never know when it's coming, but c'mon everyone likes a surprise, don't they?
Well, I don't like surprises. Did I ever tell you about the fabulous surprise birthday party my parents threw me when I was a young girl? Friends and family, balloons and cake, good cheer and music, and most of all a giant SURPRISE welcome when I unknowingly walked in the door, and well the cliffs notes is that I was so embarrassed I hid in the laundry room most of the night crying.
(Second Sidebar: God, what a little douchebag I could be. )
Anyway, I don't like surprises. But even more than that, I also don't like limbo. Just give it to me straight. Good or bad, I just want to know what the hell is going to happen and when. Don't beat around the bush.
The other thing that is terrible is that I work in a very small department of Trainers, and half of my department (not including me) supports this department that is moving to Denver. So guess who got the wink wink, nudge nudge suggestion that they should start looking for new jobs today? It just makes me so sad. These are my good friends. My work buddies. My career confidantes. And they are all in limbo as well, waiting for the axe to drop. I can't think of any more eloquent way to say it than just to keep saying how much it sucks.
It sucks because 10 months ago I urged Garrett to apply for this job, solely because it was in a much more "secure" industry than the finance-related industry that he was in. It sucks because we thanked our lucky stars the other night about how stable his job was and how lucky that felt during these times. It sucks because this type of change is scary, and I was already having a rough week, and seriously dude! This is so not what I needed.
But I keep telling myself that things will be okay. I know things will be okay, actually, but I get my feathers ruffled so easily when the Universe reminds me that I am not in control. (Wow, that just sounded really hippy dippy, but hopefully you know what I'm saying.) It is not happening tomorrow (we hope). We have some time to scale back and plan for the worst (and maybe it will never even come). We are already very conservative with money, and as long as I have my job in theory we could survive on my income in the worst case scenario. We are going to make it just fine, it just feels so chaotic when life is uncertain.
I was thinking about it this afternoon when we went to lunch -- btw, I was so stressed I went straight for the Club sandwich and onion rings. Garrett? Well, bless his heart, he ordered a salad. Who stress eats a salad?-- and I told myself, if it had to happen, we really couldn't have been better prepared. Garrett is so conservative with money and that has really rubbed off on me, and I have lived through enough tough scenarios in my life to know the kind of resilience that resides inside me and that has definitely turned Garrett into more of an optimist. So I think together, we will handle this well as a team. We have such great families and friends that support us, so I know we will get through it all. But honestly, when I came home this afternoon I was sort of hoping my whole family would be waiting inside my front door with a cake and throwing confetti, because honestly I could really use a good cry in my parents laundry room right now.
September 22, 2009
13 Things You Should Know If You Have Never Met Me
Do you know what is scary? Making friends as an adult.
You move to a new place, don't know a soul -- I mean, who do you invite over to watch Real Housewives of Atlanta and then discuss how trashy Kim is? Who gets you motivated after you fall off the fitness wagon and skip the gym for the frumdillionth time? Who do you talk to about the crazy people that you just spent 5 hours with in the waiting room of Kaiser's Urgent Care?
I've been lucky enough, since moving to Sacramento, to make some great friends at work, through Junior League, and of course some of my besties have ended up moving to this area. But do you know where I did not expect to make friends?
This blog.
When I started this blog in 2006 I did it to have a space to pour out all the crazy drivel brewing up in my head throughout the day. But instead, I have had interactions with people from ALL OVER THE PLACE, and I never would have guessed how meaningful or exciting that would be.
That being said, I am meeting a bunch of fun bloggy peeps this weekend at The Blathering. I still can't believe someone organized something here in little ol' Sac and can I tell you, the roster is chock full of some of my favorite people to read. I can't wait to meet these ladies in person. And with that in mind, here are a few things you should know about me, if we have never met:
1. I am loud and obnoxious. I'm telling you this because whenever I meet people at first they think I am really quiet and polite. It's cute.
2. I don't shy away from discussing polarizing issues, so I'm just going to come out and say I like Rachael Ray. I don't always like her food, but I think she is a pretty inspiring entrepreneur and certainly likeable to the vast majority. That's about as polarizing as I get, so if you want to have a heavy conversation that involves lots of healthy debate, maybe talk to the gal sitting next to me?
3. I'm happy to be in my 30s and I don't at all feel any sort of dread about aging, but the other day I looked an LL Bean catalog and thought everything was cute. I immediately ran to the mirror and looked at myself and said HOLY SHIT, I THINK I MIGHT BE GETTING OLD. Also, after many years of saying "I don't know if I'll have kids," I am officially on the baby crack wagon and I want one. Like, Now. I guess I'm just saying I might be having a little bit of an identity crisis, so who knows what will come out of my mouth. Watch at your own risk.
4. Nothing really embarrasses me, so I freely make an ass out of myself on the regular. This is especially true once I get a cocktail or two in me. That being said, I pretty much want to crawl under a pillow when I watch the audition portions of American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance. Earnest effort (when the byproduct is awful and all of America is laughing) makes me turn fuschia!
5. I like to do things that scare me a little. If I'm not challenged, I get bored.
6. In the past I have been prone to snap judgments. If you would like to read about what a bitch I was to my boyfriend when I first met him, solely based on his previous employer and the amount of gel in his hair, read this. It almost didn't work out because I was all Judgy McJudgerpants and let me tell you, that taught me a valuable lesson.
7. Speaking of that boyfriend, he hates that I write about him on the internet. Yet he loves that I do arbitrary things like go to bloggy events where I meet strange people from the internet. He's a contradiction, that fellow. But I guess that's why I love him. Another reason? He looks a little bit like Penn Badgley and I have a baby crush on Dan from Gossip Girl.
8. I know I called you a strange person from the internet, but I don't really think you're strange. Actually the fact that are even going to The Blathering already makes you cool in my book because -- hi, large groups of women you don't know can be scary! To this day I still can't believe I survived Sorority Recruitment.
9. I hate my hair right now.
10. My toes look like doll toes.
11. I have a sink full of dishes calling my name right now and I just told them to Eff Off! This is why I don't work from home very often because I end up talking to the silverware. Also, I was serious when I mentioned in that questionaire how much I HATE doing dishes. I need a dish fairy!
12. I LOOOOOOOVE tomatoes. For a while I used to tell people that if I could only eat one food for the rest of my life it would be tomatoes. But then I discovered sushi, and amended that answer quick!
13. My car does not have air conditiong. It is 900 degrees outside in Sacramento and I am delicate like a flower (ha!). The weather here does not really promote driving in a car with no air conditioning so if I show up somewhere and I'm hot as hell, and everyone else seems fine, it's not because I have weird temperature control issues, it's because I just drove through the fiery flames of hell to get here. I like to think of myself as dedicated, but you just may think of me as sweaty.
You're excited to meet me now aren't you?
Related: Things You Might Not Know An oldie, but informative and still true.
You move to a new place, don't know a soul -- I mean, who do you invite over to watch Real Housewives of Atlanta and then discuss how trashy Kim is? Who gets you motivated after you fall off the fitness wagon and skip the gym for the frumdillionth time? Who do you talk to about the crazy people that you just spent 5 hours with in the waiting room of Kaiser's Urgent Care?
I've been lucky enough, since moving to Sacramento, to make some great friends at work, through Junior League, and of course some of my besties have ended up moving to this area. But do you know where I did not expect to make friends?
This blog.
When I started this blog in 2006 I did it to have a space to pour out all the crazy drivel brewing up in my head throughout the day. But instead, I have had interactions with people from ALL OVER THE PLACE, and I never would have guessed how meaningful or exciting that would be.
That being said, I am meeting a bunch of fun bloggy peeps this weekend at The Blathering. I still can't believe someone organized something here in little ol' Sac and can I tell you, the roster is chock full of some of my favorite people to read. I can't wait to meet these ladies in person. And with that in mind, here are a few things you should know about me, if we have never met:
1. I am loud and obnoxious. I'm telling you this because whenever I meet people at first they think I am really quiet and polite. It's cute.
2. I don't shy away from discussing polarizing issues, so I'm just going to come out and say I like Rachael Ray. I don't always like her food, but I think she is a pretty inspiring entrepreneur and certainly likeable to the vast majority. That's about as polarizing as I get, so if you want to have a heavy conversation that involves lots of healthy debate, maybe talk to the gal sitting next to me?
3. I'm happy to be in my 30s and I don't at all feel any sort of dread about aging, but the other day I looked an LL Bean catalog and thought everything was cute. I immediately ran to the mirror and looked at myself and said HOLY SHIT, I THINK I MIGHT BE GETTING OLD. Also, after many years of saying "I don't know if I'll have kids," I am officially on the baby crack wagon and I want one. Like, Now. I guess I'm just saying I might be having a little bit of an identity crisis, so who knows what will come out of my mouth. Watch at your own risk.
4. Nothing really embarrasses me, so I freely make an ass out of myself on the regular. This is especially true once I get a cocktail or two in me. That being said, I pretty much want to crawl under a pillow when I watch the audition portions of American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance. Earnest effort (when the byproduct is awful and all of America is laughing) makes me turn fuschia!
5. I like to do things that scare me a little. If I'm not challenged, I get bored.
6. In the past I have been prone to snap judgments. If you would like to read about what a bitch I was to my boyfriend when I first met him, solely based on his previous employer and the amount of gel in his hair, read this. It almost didn't work out because I was all Judgy McJudgerpants and let me tell you, that taught me a valuable lesson.
7. Speaking of that boyfriend, he hates that I write about him on the internet. Yet he loves that I do arbitrary things like go to bloggy events where I meet strange people from the internet. He's a contradiction, that fellow. But I guess that's why I love him. Another reason? He looks a little bit like Penn Badgley and I have a baby crush on Dan from Gossip Girl.
8. I know I called you a strange person from the internet, but I don't really think you're strange. Actually the fact that are even going to The Blathering already makes you cool in my book because -- hi, large groups of women you don't know can be scary! To this day I still can't believe I survived Sorority Recruitment.
9. I hate my hair right now.
10. My toes look like doll toes.
11. I have a sink full of dishes calling my name right now and I just told them to Eff Off! This is why I don't work from home very often because I end up talking to the silverware. Also, I was serious when I mentioned in that questionaire how much I HATE doing dishes. I need a dish fairy!
12. I LOOOOOOOVE tomatoes. For a while I used to tell people that if I could only eat one food for the rest of my life it would be tomatoes. But then I discovered sushi, and amended that answer quick!
13. My car does not have air conditiong. It is 900 degrees outside in Sacramento and I am delicate like a flower (ha!). The weather here does not really promote driving in a car with no air conditioning so if I show up somewhere and I'm hot as hell, and everyone else seems fine, it's not because I have weird temperature control issues, it's because I just drove through the fiery flames of hell to get here. I like to think of myself as dedicated, but you just may think of me as sweaty.
You're excited to meet me now aren't you?
Related: Things You Might Not Know An oldie, but informative and still true.
September 14, 2009
It's Not You, It's Me
Summer, I am OVER YOU! This weekend was so breezy, drizzly-for-a-nano-second, dare I say even cold at times, and you know what -- I LOVED every minute of it. Autumn is such a relief, you all! I did my best this summer not complain about the heat and to just think positive, and enjoy myself despite unsightly sweat marks on my clothes, to plan picnics and to enjoy activities by the water but honestly, it's just not my season.
Summer, I am just not that into you.
Autumn, on the other hand, is a really inspiring time of year where everything in nature is winding down -- leaves are dropping and turning into earth, days are growing shorter, and preparations are being made for a winter of hibernation (oh! How I love hibernation!) -- it's like the beginning of a brand new lifecycle.
Ok, and let's be real, it's the beginning of New TV Cycle (can I get a HELL YEAH?????) and that has long been one of my favorite times of the year!
I can't wait for Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice to come back. I don't care if those shows are awful, I love them! Speaking of awful, I will shamelessly watch The Hills and The City even though Kristin Cavallari drives me crazy, and I don't care what you think (but you don't really think she will hook up with Justin Bobby, do you? Ew.)
I am already loving Glee and think the comparisons that are being made to Election and Bring it On, two of my favorite guilty pleasures, are right on point. Also, while we're confessing, I also have a deep love for Center Stage, so if the Glee producers could find a way to get some snarky ballet or perhaps even just some Jamiriquoi in that show, it might end up my favorite. Mad Men rocks my world and I'm already digging the stylized depiction of the burgeoning feminism of the early 60s. That show is so fantastic for so many reasons!
I'm also thinking I may check out Flash Forward -- did you know it was a book? I sure didn't, but the Amazon description makes it sound like a pretty interesting premise for a show. I'll probably also watch Trauma because hell if I can turn down a medical show. I can resist lots of things, people, but unfortunately the lure of fake bone cracking and faux surgery is just too much for my will-power to bear!
I promise I won't spend the entire season listening to my ass get by fatter sitting on the couch (I watch TV at the gym, too you know!) but I do think this year I am going to break my rule about watching new shows. I usually don't like to watch a new show until it's been renewed for a second season because I hate getting all into something and then having it get cancelled. I'd much rather hear how fabulous something is and then watch ALL 24 EPISODES IN ONE WEEKEND, because I like instant gratification like that. But this year it looks like there are a couple of keepers, or at least some shows I could get mindlessly wrapped up in and not be too devastated if they don't come back, so I am throwing caution to the wind, TV Networks!
Fret not, however, my normal Reality TV shows will still be keeping me warm on a crispy Autumn night and of course, if Bravo comes out with another random offering, I will surely drink the kool-aid, set my dvr and watch the hot messes unfold. I secretly think that the Network Execs at Bravo just want to see how low we will all go with this "Reality" TV craze, and to that I say -- bring out the limbo stick, baby!
September 10, 2009
Relish
Have you heard of Relish?
I love to sit down on a Sunday and map out my weekly meal plan and grocery list (oh, if only I could have a servant to actually do the grocery shopping) but I realize that not everybody does.
If you aren't that into it head on over and check out that site because for a very nominal fee, they do all the work for you. It's full of menu ideas and accomodating to many different diets. Looks like fun!
(via whoorl)
I love to sit down on a Sunday and map out my weekly meal plan and grocery list (oh, if only I could have a servant to actually do the grocery shopping) but I realize that not everybody does.
If you aren't that into it head on over and check out that site because for a very nominal fee, they do all the work for you. It's full of menu ideas and accomodating to many different diets. Looks like fun!
(via whoorl)
September 09, 2009
Dreamgirl
I wasn't sick very much growing up, but on a few occasions when I was so sick that I was bed-ridden, I'd have the same recurring dream of balancing a checkbook. It wasn't always my own checkbook, sometimes it was a company's ledger, a friend's budget, but it was always the same formula -- some type of elementary math pertaining to money and the frustrating feeling of numbers never adding up correctly. It was exhausting and the sleep never felt restful. I'm sure it had something to do with my fever rather than a deep seeded hatred of math, but I like to think those dreams are at least partially responsible for steering me clear of any career involving numbers. Being an accountant, for me, literally would be a nightmare!
I've always had incredibly vivid dreams. I like to bombard Garrett with the detailed stories about things I've seen or done in my sleep right when I wake up because it's such a unique feeling to put dreams into words immediately after having them. Most often what was just so clear in sleep comes out like a drunken Lewis Carrol imitation. Everything that made perfect sense moments ago vaporizes into absolute gibberish in a literal blink of an eye, and as someone who loves finding the perfect words in order to communicate an idea -- it's sort of an amusing exercise in futility.
Granted, Garrett is not always amused by my effusiveness, since I often do this in the middle of the night if my dream was particularly noteworthy. Most of the time he at least he plays along and acts impressed with my spectacular feats of subliminal imagination, although he usually patiently commands that I go back to sleep. For the record, however, I also sleep-walk, sleep-shower, and sleep-get dressed for work in the middle of the night, so I guess in comparison my midnight monologues sort of pale next to waking up and finding that I have turned into a zombie-like version of myself, but you know, you take the good with the bad, right?
I know, I know. Sorry boys, I'm taken.
Shortly after my father passed away, a number of people who surely intended to be a source of comfort told me I should "watch for him" in my dreams. I kind of chuckled at the hippy-dippy thought of all that, but 11 years after the fact, my father and I have had a remarkable number of very spirited sub-conscious interactions while dreaming. One of the most memorable dream encounters with my father found me sitting at the kitchen table in my grandparents old house (why, I have no idea?) looking for relationship advice about this new found crush of mine named Garrett. It was shortly before we started dating and Garrett was being Mr. Mixed Signals, so obviously I must have been having a frustrated moment. As an aside, when my dad was alive we were totally prone to these "Girl Talk" chats, so it was no surprise to be table-side with him listening to my romantic woes. Though I can't even remember what dramatic thing I was complaining about, what I do remember is my dad just laughing hysterically and in a clear throwback to his University of Hawaii days, giving me the Shaka sign and saying, "Calm Down, Holly," in his oft-used Hawaiian Pidgin. "Everything's gonna be alright." And every once in a while when I realize Garrett has yet to kick me and my crazy night time behavior out of bed, I think to myself -- it totally is.
I've always had incredibly vivid dreams. I like to bombard Garrett with the detailed stories about things I've seen or done in my sleep right when I wake up because it's such a unique feeling to put dreams into words immediately after having them. Most often what was just so clear in sleep comes out like a drunken Lewis Carrol imitation. Everything that made perfect sense moments ago vaporizes into absolute gibberish in a literal blink of an eye, and as someone who loves finding the perfect words in order to communicate an idea -- it's sort of an amusing exercise in futility.
Granted, Garrett is not always amused by my effusiveness, since I often do this in the middle of the night if my dream was particularly noteworthy. Most of the time he at least he plays along and acts impressed with my spectacular feats of subliminal imagination, although he usually patiently commands that I go back to sleep. For the record, however, I also sleep-walk, sleep-shower, and sleep-get dressed for work in the middle of the night, so I guess in comparison my midnight monologues sort of pale next to waking up and finding that I have turned into a zombie-like version of myself, but you know, you take the good with the bad, right?
I know, I know. Sorry boys, I'm taken.
Shortly after my father passed away, a number of people who surely intended to be a source of comfort told me I should "watch for him" in my dreams. I kind of chuckled at the hippy-dippy thought of all that, but 11 years after the fact, my father and I have had a remarkable number of very spirited sub-conscious interactions while dreaming. One of the most memorable dream encounters with my father found me sitting at the kitchen table in my grandparents old house (why, I have no idea?) looking for relationship advice about this new found crush of mine named Garrett. It was shortly before we started dating and Garrett was being Mr. Mixed Signals, so obviously I must have been having a frustrated moment. As an aside, when my dad was alive we were totally prone to these "Girl Talk" chats, so it was no surprise to be table-side with him listening to my romantic woes. Though I can't even remember what dramatic thing I was complaining about, what I do remember is my dad just laughing hysterically and in a clear throwback to his University of Hawaii days, giving me the Shaka sign and saying, "Calm Down, Holly," in his oft-used Hawaiian Pidgin. "Everything's gonna be alright." And every once in a while when I realize Garrett has yet to kick me and my crazy night time behavior out of bed, I think to myself -- it totally is.
September 08, 2009
Cabin Fever
I have the worst cabin fever right now! I'm itching to get out of this town and go somewhere cooler, wetter, greener...Even the Best Summer Ever has its limits. Bring on Autumn and it's cool weather!
I'm thinking Portland?
Seattle?
Canada?
All of the above?
It could be that perhaps the tales of my Aunt and Uncle's trip up the coast this weekend has inspired me. Or it could be that cute little thing that I do when I get stressed where I shut down and go totally escapist!
Either way...I'm all over the internet searching for flight deals today. My wanderlust is hard to quell.
I'm thinking Portland?
Seattle?
Canada?
All of the above?
It could be that perhaps the tales of my Aunt and Uncle's trip up the coast this weekend has inspired me. Or it could be that cute little thing that I do when I get stressed where I shut down and go totally escapist!
Either way...I'm all over the internet searching for flight deals today. My wanderlust is hard to quell.
September 01, 2009
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