So long and thanks for all the fish

Goodbye, 2008!

Today I am grateful for: my dad's birthday gift (from Etsy, of course) arriving in the mail, cheap travel alerts at SideStep, making decent coffee, being able to be of service, talking books with my girlfriends, buying a warm, comfy, and dressy wool wrap (is that a great combo or what?), fancy cheeses from Whole Foods, the person I don't see a lot but who gives great hugs, getting a referral for an awesome place to stay in Block Island next year (going for a wedding), having things to look forward to, making up my own Mad Libs, and having a nice chat with my BFF.

2008 Greatest Hits

Books
Middlesex
by Jeffrey Eugenides (I know this book was huge a few years ago but I was reluctant to read it until now)

This Charming Man by Marian Keyes


What is the What by Dave Eggers

Local Getaway
Trip to Philadelphia to see the Frida Kahlo art exhibit and eat cheesesteaks

Family Visit
Meeting My Heart's Desire's 97-year-old Great-Aunt in Florida. She's a pistol. I love how she just says whatever she thinks. And she made us fried hamburgers on buttered English Muffins.

Strangest vegetable we got from the CSA
Kohlrabi, or as My Heart's Desire called it, The Alien Baby Head


Thrift
Retail Me Not

Surprise
How many of my girlfriends (3!) got engaged this year

New Tradition
Monthly Tuesday night dinner with some of my favorite girls

Birthday Party
One of my girlfriends celebrated at the bowling alley, followed by cake and pizza. Super fun!

Flowers
The ones My Heart's Desire sent for our April Fool's Day wedding anniversary

New Food I Tried And Don't Have to Again
Moon Pies

Long-Running Gag
The small rubber chicken My Heart's Desire put in my birthday pinata, which we take turn hiding in places around the house where the other will find it. Endless amusement.

Guilty Pleasure
Watching CSI

Used Bookstore
Friends of the San Antonio Public Library


Afternoon Playing Hooky
(tie) Leaving work early to watch Vicky Christy Barcelona with a girlfriend

Spending the afternoon with my Mom and honorary grandmother having lunch at Levante's then catching a matinee of Happy-Go-Lucky

Earliest Birthday Celebration
6:15 am in Falls Church

Dreaded Experience... That Wasn't So Bad
Root Canal (I really expected it to be much worse)

Fancy cake at party celebrating family weddings


Breakfast
Huevos Rancheros at Guapos

Best Brunch
Firefly at the Hotel Madiera

Perfect Summer Evening
Having a picnic on the lawn with friends at Wolf Trap, dancing to the Gipsy Kings under the stars

Hotel
Fairmont Turnberry Isle

Today I am grateful for: being able to hold down the fort at work, the Hearst magazine sale, gmail, holiday music on Sirius, having nice chats with each of my mentees, whoever invented chicken panang, lemon cupcakes from the Randolph bakery, returning The Story of Edward Sawtelle to the library (I got through 8 of 18 CDs before I gave up), listening to The Third Angel (I'm LOVING it so far), watching My Heart's Desire take care of Charlie Cat, the old school ornaments on our tree, and my electric blanket.

Oh, so cozy by the fire

Today I went to work, got stuff done, had a doctor's appointment, listened to The Story of Edgar Sawtelle (disc 5 of 18), came home, faux cleaned the house (looks great... just don't peek in the guest room), two girlfriends came over, baked chocolate chip cookies, ate stuffed-crust pizza, decorated sugar cookies with homemade frosting (the really, really sugary kind, my favorite) red hots, sprinkles, candy glitter, tiny marshmallows, and more red hots, laughed a lot, listened to holiday music, did two loads of laundry, planned holiday menus, ordered birthday present for Dad, watched two episodes of The Simpsons with My Heart's Desire -- now, good night!

“I cannot live without books.” - Thomas Jefferson, 1815

Grateful

Today it is easy for me to be grateful that My Heart's Desire and I are happy and healthy.

Back to Mexico

Today it hit me that my mom is g-o-n-e and I'm blue.

Sunday!

Woke up at 5:10 am to say goodbye to Mom, watched episode of Brotherhood, ate sesame bagel with cream cheese, went back to sleep, friend called at 9:43 am and I acted like I wasn't sleeping even though I was, alarm went off at 9:45 am, taught Sunday School class, had huevos rancheros at brunch with some of my favorite girls, talked with a friend I hadn't seen since last summer, chatted at Starbucks with my mentor, went to the supermarket, put groceries away, did two loads of laundry, lounged on sofa with Once Upon A Day, welcomed the cats home from their vacation, had dinner with My Heart's Desire, and watched My Name is Earl.

Christmas Cookies - Part II

First we have the traditional holiday tree


If you squint a little you can see this is a snowman



Santa with a bag of toys



And, of course, the holiday lobster.

Gratitude

Today I am grateful for: shipping my first two holiday gifts already, planning a visit to the farm to buy or chop down (My Heart's Desire's idea) a Christmas tree, that I have so far avoided the nasty colds that are going around, people who stay home when they are sick, flexible spending, that so many women are coming to the brunch this Sunday, buying the last Obama handbag for my Mom, talking to my favorite new bride, having Chicken Souvlaki for dinner with some friends, talking about our Best Childhood Christmas (mine was, hands-down, the one where my sister and I got the Barbie Dream House!), and the great-smelling fire that My Heart's Desire made.

Sunday!

Got up around 9, had leftover Pad Thai from Amina Thai for breakfast, bundled up, drove to Baltimore with my Mom, it was an amazingly clear day to see the skyline, enjoyed the Bedazzled! exhibit at The Walters Art Museum, wondered why people don't commission cameos for their beloveds anymore, chatted with Mom over a leisurely, nummy brunch at Donna's (I had the breakfast rotolo), perused used treasures at The Book Escape, filled up my gas tank for $22.33, left Baltimore, stopped by the Georgia Avenue library, baked sugar cookies with Mom all evening, ran out to Safeway to buy food coloring, loved the way the house smelled when I came back, made icing, stood by the fire until my pants were really warm, iced some cookies, finished the leftover Pad Thai and had an apple with stinky/delicious blue cheese for dinner, kissed My Heart's Desire, passed out cold.

Today I am grateful for: rather being happy than right, getting a decent parking space at work, realizing that most things are not about me, feeling happy and calm, getting home before the rain started, making dinner with my Mom, clementines, my new Christmas stocking, and my pink plaid flannel jammies.

Gratitude

Today I am grateful for: Never Let Me Go book on CD I borrowed from the library, British accents, the white noise machine in my office that drowns out other sounds, communicating with old friends on Facebook, meeting a friend for dinner, cookies from the Heidelberg Bakery, the Target near my house that is open until 11pm this month, my very cozy breakfast-in-bed flannel sheets, and that My Heart's Desire holds my hand whenever I want.

Christmas Cookies

Is there anything better than homemade Christmas cookies? I didn't think so. The smell of the cookies, the fun of decorating, and of course the official tastings.

I recently borrowed a bunch of cookie cutters from My Heart's Desire's Mom, and now I can't wait to bake. In addition to the usual trees, snowmen, and stars, there's also a holiday cat and Christmas giraffe - how festive!

It's been ages since I made homemade Christmas cookies, usually I am too busy or just don't want a house full of cookies. This year, however, I am finding my cooling racks again. I'll wear the holiday apron my Mom made me, my house will smell like sugar, and I'll have lots of fun frosting.

Holiday Spirit

The holidays are here! I have plenty of holiday spirit to go around. I'm trying to convince My Heart's Desire we should buy a tree this week (Boy Scout troops are selling them near our house) and start putting up our decorations. And I bought a Christmas stocking that should arrive this week. And, of course, "Joy to the World 2008," my holiday mix is finished.

I'm hostessing a second annual holiday potluck brunch for some of my favorite girls next weekend, which was one of my favorite holiday events last year. It's easy and fun, people always offer to help clean up, and there's no drama or stress. All I do is: put out extra towels in the bathroom, bring up the extra table from the basement, make a fire (okay, I ask My Heart's Desire to do it), make coffee in my party-size coffee pot, bake something easy, and spend time with my guests, most of whom know each other. It's lovely.

Thanksgiving Edition: Gratitude

Today I am grateful for: friends and family, mentors and mentees, seeing people I haven't seen since Christmas, that we are all healthy, holiday delights, having dinner early, whoever invented dream bars, holiday music, watching four cats running amok, that my Sunday School class (along with my Heart's Desire and I) worked the food drive from my church to make Thanksgiving grocery bags for hungry families last Sunday, being part of a faith community, everyone who called to say "Happy Thanksgiving!", not having to drive anywhere today, moderate weather, having hot water in the shower this evening, and feeling the love.

the (blue) cheese stands alone

I love, love, love cheese. And Cheesetique is offering a blue cheese class but everyone I asked to go with me pleaded a dislike of blue cheese.

Alas, for the price I could probably go to Whole Foods and try every kind of cheese they have.

To the fromage!

Grateful

Today I am grateful for: it being too warm in my office (instead of too cold like yesterday, brrr!) and wearing a t-shirt underneath my so-cozy-is-it-really-a-blanket-sweater, getting a Sat afternoon hair appointment, getting free shipping from drugstore.com (I went to four stores and couldn't find the hippie soap I like so I ordered it online), listening to Sirius Real Jazz at work, listening to Alice Hoffman's The River King and not minding traffic, making plans to bake and decorate holiday cookies with a friend, going to The Silver Diner for dinner on Kids Night and sitting on the side of the diner where there were no children, sharing a piece of carrot cake, feeling at home, seeing some pals I haven't seen in a while, watching my BFF on Cha$e with My Heart's Desire.

Woke up early and read Middlesex, taught Sunday School class at church, went to lunch at my favorite Indian restaurant, went to the hippie market (they did not have the soap I love) and got a loaf of bread that weighs as much as a bowling ball, did some laundry at home, went to the happiest place on earth with My Heart's Desire, collected twigs while he stacked logs (we had a cord of firewood delivered last week), met with one of my mentees, enjoyed our first fire of the fall, had dinner, finally watched Run Fatboy Run, and bought a pair of shoes to replace the worn-out ones I'd been wearing until one of the cats threw up on them.

Tray tables, seat backs, IV's

I dreamed that I had the best seat in coach ( I could see right out of the plane's windshield) and that a dentist needed my assistance giving an elderly patient an IV. I told him he'd be better off alone but the dentist insisted that I help. Then the plane landed on a freeway instead of a runway.

Short/sweet

Today I am grateful that I'm healthy, it's usually easy to be nice and The Garden of Last Days.

Winter Wonderland

I know it's a little early, but I've already started making my holiday 2008 mix.

Television

I think of myself as someone who doesn't watch a lot of TV. That could be because I don't like most of the stuff that's on it. And I watch the shows that I like (Dexter, True Blood) either On Demand (I wanna give a big kiss to whoever invented it) or get the whole season from Netflix (Ugly Betty, Desperate Housewives). Sometimes I'll watch Dirty Jobs, Bizarre Foods or Good Eats, but that's about as much as I enjoy.

My Heart's Desire, on the other hand, is someone who has at least one TV on if he is at home and awake. Sometimes I'll come home and he'll be in the kitchen and have the TV on downstairs and in the living room. For him, it's background. For me, it's annoying. He regularly falls asleep on the sofa with the TV on.

We eat a lot of dinners in front of the TV. And we can be sucked in to spending entire weekend afternoons on the couch watching one DIY show after another. The first show is okay but after that it can feel hard to motivate to do something else.


I've happily lived without cable for years and lived in our house without it for a few months. The weekend after My Heart's Desire moved in we had cable. He doesn't like living without it. When we were looking for ways to save money, I suggested 86ing the cable. He'd rather live without hot water.

We both enjoying staying at Bed & Breakfasts. And one of the reasons I like it so much is because they often don't have TV sets. At first I can tell it's strange for him, but then we find something else to do. I also always bring games, cards, and (if I remember) Mad Libs. More than just a getaway for us, it's also a vacation from the TV.

Dropped off dry cleaning, realized I forgot mobile phone at home, got a toasted poppy bagel with light cream cheese (the place by my office puts on the perfect amount), went to work, had lots to do, packed up my office (am moving to a different floor tomorrow, don't ask why), had doctor's appointment, came home to pick up phone (nobody called), went and got massage (got four calls while on the table) that was physical therapy-like (I don't know if I liked it or not yet), met My Heart's Desire at store, helped him buy black pants, bought self a pair of jeans, talked to family members on phone, shared Boston Market chicken dinner with My Heart's Desire, tidied up at home, threw in a load of laundry, and am going to try and keep eyes open so we can watch Run, Fatboy, Run.

Got up before my alarm, went for a walk around my neighborhood, did am yoga (I really like Rodney Yee -- could he please wear pants though?), called a friend and sang for her birthday, went to work, had lots to do, picked up fresh produce from the CSA, hung out at home and enjoyed the quiet alone, had some pizza and watched Dexter with My Heart's Desire, then will make list and go to sleep.

Email from My Heart's Desire

are you trying to kill me with these sandwiches? you didn't take the plastic off the cheese!

Very scary

When I was a teenager, I lived in ripped jeans and ratty t-shirts (some hand decorated when I painted my bedroom gray). Oh, and bandannas as headbands. I don't know why. Anyway, one Halloween I went to my siblings' elementary school for some reason and one of the kids asked me, "What are you dressed up as?" I had to say, "These are my clothes!"

Boo!

My Heart's Desire strung up lights (candy corn, black cat, pumpkin, and ghosts!) and made our house very festive. We also decorated with bats, rats, pumpkins, mummies and spiders. Last year we got lots of kids (and a few teenagers, which is fine as long as they wear a costume) and we have plenty of candy to give away tonight as well.
Happy Halloween!

GratiTuesday

Today I am grateful for how much My Heart's Desire loves me.

GratiTuesday

Today I am grateful for: beating traffic this morning, having a car, finding gas for $2.75, not making a bad situation worse, listening to books on CD in my car, being able to be flexible, watching True Blood on demand with My Heart's Desire, and going to bed before 9:30 (I got up at 5:45am).

Just got American Wife from the library. Will let you know.

Went to Sunday School this morning (I'm teaching the high school youths* again this year), talked to a friend in New York, had brunch with some new and old friends at Harry's Tap Room, bought used books from the Wheaton library, hung out with My Heart's Desire, watched episodes of Ugly Betty and Desperate Housewives, tried on clothes I ordered from TravelSmith and LL Bean, made grilled cheese, soup and salad for dinner, and finally went through the big ol' mail basket.

*It is almost impossible for me to hear the word youths and not think of My Cousin Vinny -- "The two yutes, your honor."

Classy

Last night my writer's group took a class together. It's the first time we've done that since we were all in school. It was great to do something different and flex our creative muscles. Our instructor shushed our inner judge and just let us see where the prompts took us.

Exhibit A, circa 1984

My brother wrote this letter to me and stuck it under my door when we were kids. What kills me about this is that he asks me not to be crabby all the time. Like, sometimes crabby, okay. Just not all the time. Then he tries to cheer me up with a joke.

A Hitch in My Giddy-Up

I've been a little short-tempered and crankly lately.

GratiTuesday

Today I am greateful for: going for a medium walk this morning, learning I was making a big deal out of nothing (instead of ingoring a big deal), paying 0% on a transfer balance, seeing some of my favorite women, my mentor, being able to think before I act, the many strands of Halloween lights (pumpkins! candy corn! ghosts! black cats! other pumpkins!) My Heart's Desire put up at home, and Berger's cookies.

A pathetic sandwich

Three mornings a week I send My Heart's Desire to work with a lunch bag, sometimes leftovers, sometimes a Lean Cuisine, usually a sandwich, piece of fruit, and bag of chips. Most of the time I make lunches the night before, but today I made both our lunches in the morning.

I got two calls and an IM from My Heart's Desire around lunchtime where he complained that the sandwich I made him was pathetic. Between the slices of rye bread were just two measly pieces of cheese and a little ranch dressing. Evidently I took the meat out of the fridge and forgot to put it in the sandwich.

He wondered if I was mad at him or just being a jerk for some reason. Nope, just neglected the meat. I offered to send a pizza to his office but he declined. Then came home very grumpy and hungry. I put out wheat thins and cheese to take the edge off his grouchiness. It kind of worked.

CORRECTION: My Heart's Desire claims they were two "paper-thin" slices of cheese.

Very odd fall

The leaves are turning on the big trees in the backyard.
But it's so warm that I cut six hydrangeas from my garden and brought them to work to liven up my office. A few nights last week were downright chilly and tomorrow it's supposed to be 85*. I like wearing open-toed shoes every day, but am ready for the weather to change so My Heart's Desire can make fires and we can sip hot cocoa.

After a few days in the fridge-o

We revisited the pesto. My Heart's Desire and I were surprised that it was really, really good. The flavors came together and it was delicious, sharp, and a little nutty. We couldn't cook the pasta fast enough. With some broccoli (my idea) and Texas toast (his idea), it was a perfect dinner.

Amazon.com doesn't know me very well

Amazon.com recommended All We Ever Wanted Was Everything. Some parts of it were interesting, but altogether I found it disappointing. I didn't really care about the characters and found the plot was lacking.

I wanted to like it. Really, I did. Some women's fiction books are very enjoyable, including Baby Proof, Good Grief, and of course Rachel's Holiday, one of my faves. I no longer have a copy because I lent it to a friend who still hasn't read it.

I also subscribe to tons and tons of periodicals so that I can read them while I am at the gym. But lately the weather's been so nice that I've been walking in the mornings before work. The window of pleasant weather - not sweltering or freezing - is really small. I'm enjoying taking long walks around the neighborhood and being outside. So now I've got a humongous stack of magazines to devour. Off to read!

Came home too late-o to finish pesto

I think it will stay okay in the fridge. And we may throw some fresh basil in for good measure to give it more flavor. By looking at our basil plants, you wouldn't think we harvested last weekend. But we did.

Our pesto was just okay-o

My Heart's Desire and I harvested basil from our window garden and made pesto with a recipe from Rosie Daley. It turned out okay but not great. We put it in the fridge overnight and are hoping it will taste better tomorrow.

Got up early and am going for a walk before work - Tuesday's my day to be grateful, and I'm ready!

Is this, like, some kind of irony?

Fall is my favorite season and I think I'm allergic to it.

Hippie Girl Update

This hippie girl dries almost everything on a clothesline on the porch (also 'cuz I'm a thrifty girl). And I bring my sandwiches to work wrapped in cloth napkins; I got some really cute ones from Etsy.

I bought a share of a share of local community supported agriculture and will be having farm-fresh food starting next week.

Last night when I was cold, I put on a sweatshirt and dove beneath a blanket rather than turning up the heat (which was on a balmy 58*). Evidently there's quite a bit of crossover between hippie and thrifty.

I've also been shopping more at My Organic Market. The sampling there on weekends is quite a lovely situation. And I've been trying to encourage My Heart's Desire to like whole grain breads, though so far - hmm, not so much. I like my bread to be as heavy as a bowling ball.

Today I am grateful for: having an office where I can shut the door, the last hydrangeas of the season from my garden, going home at lunch, beautiful fall afternoons, being able to order the library books I want, beating traffic (or actually giving myself enough time to get somewhere), the way that Germans have a word for everything (schadenfruede, doppelganger), remembering that I forgot to sign my timesheet and signing it later, having delicious dinner at Portabello’s (Fritto Misto salad was spectacular) with five friends - some new, some old, a wonderful evening, store-bought cake with chocolate frosting and watching The Simpsons with My Heart’s Desire.

I don't know if you know this about me, but being told no does not dissuade me. It only makes me go about getting the answer I want in a different way. When I send work out for publication, I get at least 50 no's before I get one yes. So I've developed a thick skin to being told no. And every no I get just means I'm that much closer to a yes.

Saturday

Today I got up almost as early as I get up during the week (after going to bed with a horrendous headache last night) and read for two hours (Watermelon, by one of my favorite writers), ate PB&J with an apple (of course), went to the gym, hit the organic market for expensive peppermint soap, super-wheat bread, vitamins, and trail mix, hung out with My Heart's Desire, went to the happiest place on earth, had dinner while watching a movie My Heart's Desire chose, and chilled at home.

Better late than never

Today I am grateful for: The Four Agreements (especially the second agreement),getting plenty of sleep, waking up early, good-smelling shampoo, getting to work early, feeling sore from yesterday's workout, staying in touch with friends, having plenty of food in the fridge, making homemade soup (even though it turned out... less than delightful), having a trip to Vero Beach, Fl, to look forward to, buying a South Florida travel guide that will be here in a jiffy, an unexpected gift, wearing jeans, a sweatshirt, and flip-flops, a new workout playlist, sharing dinner with My Heart's Desire, and diving back into One Fifth Avenue.

Finally!

My Heart's Desire and I broke down and went to the grocery store. Now we have food. But mostly we're eating apples (we went apple-picking on Saturday and came home with a bushel). Apple slices, apples with Nutella, apples with caramel...

Mrs. Cranky Pants

I know it’s Tuesday and I’m supposed to be grateful, but for some reason today I have been Mrs. Cranky Pants. Ugh.

Still haven’t gone to the grocery store quiche

From the freezer:
Pie crust
Broccoli, cauliflower

From the pantry:
Cream of broccoli soup
Artichoke hearts
Flour

From the fridge:
Milk
Cheddar
Parmesan
Eggs

Preheat oven to 375. Then put in pie crust for 10 minutes.

Mix all ingredients together, except save ½ c cheese.

Pour into pie crust. Top with cheese. Bake for 45 min.

My Heart’s Desire was impressed, it was a delight.

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Grocery-less

For some reason, neither My Heart’s Desire nor I will go to the grocery store. We discussed going together at some point last weekend, but the idea was rejected. And it’s been a couple of weeks since either of us has gone so now we really need a lot of stuff – like bread, milk, yogurt, Lean Cuisines, peanut butter, produce, cheese, etc. Which is one of the reasons we ordered pizza on Sunday.

We ate the pizza for lunch and dinner on Sunday; on Monday for dinner we ate steaks (defrosted) with grilled potatoes and cucumber slices with peanut sauce; yesterday I had sushi with friends and he polished off the pizza; and tonight we’ll be having either sloppy joes on buns that have been in the downstairs freezer since July 5 with or vegetarian chili.

I wonder how long we can keep up this grocery embargo. As far as produce goes, I have a dozen cherry tomatoes, a cucumber, and a peach that I bought from the roadside stand on Monday before I got my fancy-pants manicure and pedicure. Other meals we could fix include: shrimp with Spanish rice, frittata (if I can figure out how to make one) and hamburgers. We’ll see how long we can resist the lure of the supermarket. We don’t have lots of stuff, but we do have plenty of Diet Coke. So I won’t be the one who cracks!

It's the little things, really

Today I am grateful for: my shamelessly bad playlist, getting to my meeting downtown early, mail-order prescription refills, having lunch with My Heart’s Desire, getting things off my plate at work and on to the next phase, being able to be nice, having inexpensive, yummy sushi at WasabiSito in Arlington with friends, reading The Ten-Year Nap, and going to bed nice and early.

Oh, like, duh

Sorry -- just figured out that the moderate comments feature moved. So now I will approve comments in a more timely manner.

Easy like Sunday morning

Boiling hot day - taught first Sunday School class of the year, came home, My Heart's Desire and I both unmotivated to cook so we ordered pizza for brunch, dozed off reading The Post-Birthday World (interesting premise, though overwritten and discusses coarse topics in most pretentious literary fashion possible), met with friend, switched purses (finally!), talked to Dad, made food for tomorrow, checked bank balance, friended gal on FB, listened to most shameless playlist to date, and considered joining Costco.

Area Man Does Not Like Road Trips

My Heart's Desire and I are planning a trip to Florida to visit his 95-year-old great Aunt. Of course I wanted to drive. Which is how I found out he doesn't like road trips.

I, on the other hand, am quite fond of the road trip. Being able to get to where I'm going at my own pace, as well as stopping often for bathroom breaks and to sample local delights. Not to mention the road trip music CD's burned for the occasion. I've logged many thousands of miles in road trips (4k was the longest but gas was only $1.10) from LA to any-damn-where, from DC to Delaware and southern Virginia.

My BFF reminded me that the #1 rule of road trips is: don't go on one with someone who doesn't like road trip. She and I have gone on many a road trip together, with The Bad Girls' Guide to the Open Road as our trusty guide.

But, really, what's not to like about road trips? Singing bad songs really loudly, a car full of snacks (Twizzlers for sure), and tales from America. How else would I have stories about getting a sheriff's escort off Alamo grounds, the world's largest thermometer, Casa de Fruta, squishing a penny at Graceland, and the 103mph Vega$ mix?

How do you know if you are a grown-up?

I told My Heart's Desire that I didn't feel like a real grown-up. He scoffed and asked me, "You have a job, a bank account, a place to live, friends, belong to a church, and are married -- what else do you need?

I don't know. How do you know if you are a real, bona fide adult? Is it something you just decide? Or do you just start faking it and hope it will work out? In some ways, I feel very adult. After all, I have a savings account and a 401k. And I make killer guacamole. But there's still loads I need to do.

Sometimes I think about where my mom (I was nine when she was my age) and all of her responsibilities, she was married with three kids and a mortgage and a part-time job and frosted her girlfriend's hair while they sipped Tab and smoked menthol lights.

Do real grown-ups wear sneakers to work on days they don't have any meetings? Do they call their best friend their BFF? Do they see The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (both 1 and 2) in the theater? Do they still use college slang? Do they hate to wear makeup? Do they eat Eggo waffles with peanut butter and jelly for dinner?

Today I am grateful for: waking up before my alarm (unprecedented!), going to the gym, finding cool B&B’s in San Antonio that take the government rate, being able to put a serious dent in my credit card debt, having dinner with some of my favorite people at a diner that serves fries with every entrée (seriously – order an omelet or salad, you’re still getting fries), being able to connect to others in a meaningful way, talking to my mentor, and watching Bizarre Foods with My Heart’s Desire.

I'm ready for fall - for sweaters and crisp air and fresh apples and fires.

You like-a the mozz?!

I took my own free advice: Try new things, even if you’re scared.

As mentioned previously, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle has been changing the way I think about food. I have been going out of my way to go to the organic store and to the local Farmers Markets, which are plentiful and bountiful. Despite the fact that I’m running out of Diet Coke, it’s going pretty well. Last week I ordered a cheesemaking kit so that I could try and make my own cheese.

Today I came home from the organic market with a gallon of whole milk and proceeded to follow the pretty simple directions. My Heart’s Desire and I measured, dissolved, heated, stirred, drained, microwaved, stirred, and salted the milk for about half an hour. Then we had fresh, warm mozzarella cheese! It was delicious. I ate some while it was still warm. Then we made a pizza (olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and onions on my half, just onions on My Heart’s Desire’s half) and used our homemade mozzarella to top it. It was a dairy delight.

Hurricane Hannah

It's just pretty soggy, rainy and kinda windy outside - but we still have electricity (for now).

Charlottesville, Va

Does anyone read this blog...

or am I just amusing myself?

Local sauce

Today I made a pasta sauce made mostly from local ingredients. I started with fresh tomatoes from my colleague's garden, a local onion from the organic market, basil and peppers from My Heart's Desire's garden in the front window, and leftover grass-fed, local steak (last night's dinner, also from organic market). The only non-local items were the tomato paste (at first I just made a really good bruschetta) and the sun-dried tomatoes that I added for sweetness. I served it over pasta and it was a hit!

Marvelous

Today I had a lovely, leisurely brunch at Lia's with some friends, worked with one of my mentees, looked into writing fellowships, made dinner with My Heart's Desire (I prepared, he grilled), heated up crab soup from fancy mail order catalog but couldn't eat it because it smelled like cat food, ate the first cucumber from our garden, watched No Country For Old Men, tried to watch Smiley Face but it was not funny, read Girls in Trucks (mediocre), and used a really good smelling Peppermint soap.

Last night

I dreamed My Heart's Desire and I went to Hawaii; we were staying at a great place and we got a delivery of a box of presents, including two new clear Treos that were the size of the iPod Nano 3G (and it had the slide-out screen with a QWERTY keyboard); some strangers did not like us and we got into a fight in an empty room with a cerulean cement floor and where we both ended up pretty bloody and I had two black eyes.

Charlie Cat

If it's Tuesday, I must be grateful

Today I am grateful for: getting up early and going to the gym, still having my clothes on when an old guy accidentally walked in to the women's locker room, my new iPod (LOVE it!), fruit and veggies from the local farmer's market (I am thisclose to becoming obsessed), watching a friend grow and blossom, feeling like I had a good summer, having health insurance, being able to follow directions, chick flicks, and birthday cake!

Changing the way I think about food

I've been listening to Barbara Kingsolver's Animal, Vegetable, Miracle and it's amazing -- I'm only halfway done and I already bought a share of local community supported agriculture!

Three blogs I like

Cakewrecks
Postcards From Yo Momma
The Consumerist

Glee

To quote James Brown, "I feel good!"

Sign at Albuquerque diner

Unattended children will be given a shot of espresso and a free puppy!

Brief hiatus

Back next week. In the meantime, a question for my readers. What makes you happy?

Gipsy Kings!

It was a great show and we had perfect weather, a yummy picnic with friends, and danced under the stars.

Gratitude

Today I am grateful for: having an office (albeit temporarily) with a door I can close, Whole Foods sushi, awesome conversation about one of my favorite books, the way Charlie cat is afraid of the fan and will walk so far out of his way to avoid feeling the rushing air, and My Heart's Desire for setting up my new electronics.

Today

I feel loved.

0 for 2

Just got rejected from another writing residency.

A sniff in Sephora

I was trying on lipsticks at Sephora and trying to find a nice, sheer neutral pinky lipstick and the saleswoman suggested this fancy Dior lipstick. When she handed me the lipstick I got a big whiff of the smell of expensive lipstick. It smelled exactly like the way my Mom used to smell when she got ready for fancy events and I watched her get ready, sitting cross-legged on the brown shag carpet in her walk-in closet with gold wallpaper. I didn't buy the lipstick (it was $24) but now I know where to find my mom's mid-80's smell.

Gratitude

Today I am grateful for: being a grown-up, air-conditioning in my car, living close to where I work, going to the gym in the am, dental insurance, being able to be flexible, shoes I liked so much I bought four pairs, sushi, and being surprised by a slice of red velvet cake (never had it before and it was goood!).

Ladies who brunch

Had a lovely afternoon with a dozen women who came over to my house for a potluck brunch - great company, yummy homemade (and Whole Foods) delights, and when it was over I took a nap (sleep schedule still off from getting up so early yesterday it was the middle of the night) then hung out with My Heart's Desire, read the paper, and finished Wolf at the Table, which I really did not like (got it from library but would have been bummed if I had paid for it).

Saturday

Got up really, really early, picked up friend, went to spiritual meeting, had breakfast with a dozen nice people, dropped off friend, got manicure/pedicure/eyebrow wax (I'm a girl!), picked up supplies for tomorrow's brunch at supermarket, dropped off groceries at home, packed cooler of drinks, went to park, watched My Heart's Desire play softball and gave him ice-cold drinks, came home, watched My Name is Earl, took humongous and well-deserved nap, drove to Arlington with My Heart's Desire to feed his former roommate's cat, had amazing dinner at Edy's Chicken & Steak, a cash-only chicken place that is always busy, came home, prepared for brunch, finished Earl, read half of Augusten Burrow's A Wolf at the Table (disappointed so far), then went to bed - Good Night!

Writing Group and Reading

Met with writing group for Greek salad and soft shell crab pizza, they liked my personal essay (which felt like opening a vein when I was writing it); then we joined the crowd to Politics and Prose to hear member Alex MacLennan read his story from Stress City along with other contributors, including our former teacher Richard McCann.

Vacation Envy

I am suffering from wanderlust yet cannot afford to travel now.

So much time, so little to do (strike that, reverse it)

How do you know how much is right?

Gratitude

Today I am grateful for: three days in a row at Gold's, sharing my favorite dinner with a friend at Thai Chef, Lars and the Real Girl, connecting with old friends, my Treo, being able to go with the flow, anniversaries, Rock Creek Park, classes at the Writer's Center, and watching My Name is Earl with My Heart's Desire.

T minus 2 weeks

My birthday blues are coming a little bit early this year :(

Online Craft Sale

I can't stop buying things on Etsy! Including this a card of this siren print that I framed and hung up, two awesome beaded necklaces, my BFF's birthday present, and these Keep Calm and Carry On postcards.

Breakfast pour deux

This morning My Heart's Desire and I made breakfast together - scrambled eggs with cheddar and chives from our garden, hash browns, bacon, and cherries - and ate at the table, listening to Blues and reading the paper, a lovely leisurely meal.

Malaise

Must one suffer from it or is possible just to experience it?

Pioneers

My Heart’s Desire and I have only lived in our rental house since last spring, but so far we have experienced nearly a dozen electrical outages (showering by candlelight and watching DVD’s on my laptop); a broken washing machine, loss of cable, and most recently, lack of air conditioning, loss of Internet (is Al Gore mad at us?) and telephone – pretty soon the bird feeder will be our main source of entertainment.

Gratitude

Today I am grateful for: cherries from Harry & David, being able to stay at a cool B&B at conference instead of boring corporate hotel, flexible spending, BFF's birthday gift came and it rocks!, homegrown basil in a basil/tomato/mozzarella salad with balsamic vinegar, the carpet samples My Heart's Desire brings home from work, people that say "Bless you" on the Metro, and the air conditioning repairman for fixing the A/C today!

My brain hurts

Did research all day and now am looking forward to having sushi and chocolate covered pretzel (don't knock it 'till you try it) from Whole Foods with friend.

Finches and Robin Red Breasts and Cardinals

My Heart's Desire has become a bird man, installing a bird feeder off the deck that can be seen from the master bedroom, attracting so many birds that it needs to be refilled daily and this morning I was woken up by a battle of the ages: Squirrel Vs. Bird Feeder.

Sunday with My Heart's Desire

...slept in, watched birds (and squirrel) feast on bird food, had nummy feta and tomato omelet with flatbread breakfast, read the paper, found all 12 differences in The Post's second glance, hung clean towels on the line, now I am reading and he is building planters for our tomatoes.

A triumph of the human spirit

Best book I've read this year: What is the What by Dave Eggers, a novel about the unbelievable experiences of Sudanese refugee Valentino Achak Deng.

Caught up

Went to dinner at Zorba's with my mentor and we talked (okay, I talked) a lot and it was like she had hardly been gone, much less abroad for seven months.

Green-Eyed Monster

Last year I was a traveling fool (California! Colorado! Chicago!) and this year I can't afford to go anywhere marvelous - I am suffering from summer vacation envy.

Women

Short list of awesome women that are important in my life: my mentor, my three mentees, my therapist, my BFF, my writing mentor, one of my writing partners, my gal pals, my sister, my Mom, of course, my honorary, nice, Jewish Grandma, and my Aunts.

Gratitude

Today I am grateful for: everyone I love being on the same continent for now, the sweet, clean smell of liquid fabric softener, buying prescriptions from the mail-away pharmacy (3 month supply for the price of 2!), IM, talking about This Charming Man, being able to help someone out, planning a visit to see my family, driving by the Iwo Jima memorial and hearing the Marine Corps band sunset parade, having a job where nobody dies when I make a mistake, ordering bday prezzie for BFF (her bday is just 33 short days away!), requests from real friends on Facebook, reading trashy magazines at the gym, Belleruth Naparstek affirmations, asking for and getting great advice, organizing friends to go to the Gipsy Kings, the Greek omlette at the Metro 29 Diner, and the way My Heart's Desire gets so into watching DIY shows.

What's my name?

When I introduce myself in a social situation, I use my first and last name, despite some people (including My Heart's Desire) thinking that's weird.

Must sleep

I don't know what it is about today, but I'm so tired I can hardly keep my eyes open, and I already took a half hour nap this afternoon.

:|

Ugh.

America

To celebrate America's 232nd birthday, My Heart's Desire and I had our second annual Independence Day BBQ (despite threats of thunderstorms) and it was fun - weather cooperated, lots of stuff to grill, and a dozen or so friends (and one Uncle) came by for good times.

Best snack ever

Hot, salty, buttery popcorn plus Junior Mints goodness (chocolaty! minty!) all melty.

Who's better - Sean or Shawn?

My Heart's Desire and I stayed up late watching Rescue Me (Minisodes!).

Gratitude

Today I am grateful for: remembering to bring my mobile phone with me today, balancing work/life, having cash in my wallet, lunch with a friend, The Book of Dahlia, health insurance, feministing.com, sharing a pizza at Faccia Luna with one of my favorite women, dining alfresco, other book lovers, Weeds on demand, and going to bed early.

Why to vote Republican

Not really a morning person

Nobody is more surprised than I am that I actually like getting up early and going to the gym before work.

I wasn't expecting this question today

So, are you a good housewife?

I wish everyone I love lived in the same time zone, preferably the same one as me!

Who, me?

This morning I had breakfast with my writing mentor/teacher/thesis advisor/former landlord and she told me the second she saw me in class, she thought: trouble.

Going to work with a stamped hand

Last night I had fun at the Richard Cheese show!

Note to self

Before putting a bottle of Diet Coke into purse, check to make sure it is fully closed!

Gratitude

Today I am grateful for: feeling calm, sweet cherries, my good pen, What is the What? book on CD, Mediterranean potluck with some of my favorite women, dining alfresco, the white chocolate raspberry cupcakes, seeing people grow, the smell of babies, hugs from people who really love me, and My Heart's Desire finishing up the laundry so I can go to bed early.

Surprising Feminist Icon

This woman eats constantly, kicks ass, and looks good in red lipstick!

Zzzz

I have not been getting enough sleep lately, must change!

Stuck

When I want to make a lot of changes, it's hard to know where to start.

Reading the dictionary

I bought a 1939 dictionary and have been amusing myself by looking up words, like negotiatrix (female negotiator), mountain dew (intoxicating liquor; whiskey, especially illicit), and wellegant (swell and elegant).

Lovely

Once in a great while I'll have a day that's lovely from start to finish. Today was one. I slept until I woke up (a rarity), then read my book, took a shower, went to a friend's house for homemade Indian food, had great chat, got mani/pedi, came home, read more, had dinner on the deck with My Heart's Desire (he shopped and cooked) and some friends, watched an episode of How It's Made while cuddling with My Heart's Desire on the couch, then finished book, blogged, read, and went to sleep. Good night!

When can I stop doing this?

Open mouth, insert foot.

Yay!

My mentor is coming home on Sunday from nearly seven months abroad, not a moment too soon!

Work in progress

I am becoming the woman that I want to be.

2008 is flying by!

The year is half over already - I can't believe how fast it's going.

Pouring Rain

When I left work this afternoon, the skies opened up on me and by the time I got to my car I was carrying my shoes, with soaking wet hair.

It all comes down to one question...

What am I willing to spend -- money or time?

Teeth. Loved. It.

My Heart's Desire and I just finished watching Teeth. Finally, a feminist horror movie! He thought it was strange, but I really enjoyed it. And I loved the message that this movie sent.

I love that a movie like this even gets made. Add it to your queue, let me know what you think.

Another V8, please

Okay, so I finished Smart Girls Like Me by Diane Vadino. In a word: zzzzz. This book is not worth the time it takes to read it.

I love a parade

I'm considering going to New York for the Coney Island Mermaid Parade, after all, I love mermaids, I love New York, and I love parades!

Girls, girls, girls

Even though I am part of a couple, it is really important for me to spend time with female friends and I am very much looking forward to tonight's girls' dinner!

Grouchy, party of 2

Being grouchy is a surefire way to get other people to act grouchy back.

No grains smaller than rice

On three separate occasions, I have tried to make risotto, polenta, and quinoa. All of the attempts were colossal failures, rendering the meals inedible. After the last fiasco (My Heart’s Desire asked incredulously, “There’s ricotta in this? And garlic? And bacon?”), I am no longer going to attempt to make grains that are smaller than rice.

I'm serious

My fine line and wrinkles do not need correcting!

Attitude determines altitude

I got a much-needed attitude adjustment around 8pm.

A one-issue voter

After looking up the McCain history of anti-choice voting, I am now officially for Obama.

Everybody has it, nobody talks about it

Why is it so hard to talk about money?

Powerless

Lost power for the second time this week.

Home with a toothache

I watched trashy reality shows on YouTube - shh!

One awesome book, another not awesome at all

First, the awesome. House of Sand And Fog. It's not a new book, but I hadn't read it before. Why? Honestly, because it was one of Oprah's picks and most of her picks I really, really do not like. I got this copy on the cheap and just tore into it. It was beautifully written, touching, and I could hardly put it down, reading it in two sittings. I even cried during one part. I had seen the movie ages ago, but the book was not just more but incredible. Definitely worth reading!

Breaking News! V.C. Andrews has been robbed! I finished Shoot the Moon yesterday and can't believe I was able to stomach the whole thing. A predictable, trite plot, complete with flat characters and a familial romance straight out of a V.C. Andrews novel. The nicest thing I can say about it is: Yiich.

Next on the list: Smart Girls Like Me by Diane Vadino.

No Windy City for me

The poetry residency winner was announced, alas, it wasn't me - so hope for that is no longer alive.

Blech

Worst lunch ever: stale Cheerios with expired Silk.

Mediocre books, or, I could have had a V8

Recently I've read a couple of books that I really wanted to like, but didn't. The Friday Night Knitting Club was lent to me by my honorary grandmother, and she didn't like it either. We both found it incredibly cheesy and not very well developed. I really liked the premise and I tend to like books about women (particularly inter-generational friendships) but this was worse than a Lifetime movie. Really, I could have had a V8.

The Spare Wife I got from the library and I would have been furious if I had paid for it. I liked Alex Witchel's Me Times Three but this book was almost impossible to get invested in the flat characters or care one way or the other if the scandal broke. It didn't. Maybe the fact that I kept falling asleep while reading it was a sign...


Next on my reading list are Billie Letts Shoot the Moon and Andre Dubus III House of Sand and Fog. I got these at the library book sale for $1 (yes, I wrote a check) and am looking forward to reading them. I almost bought Shoot the Moon at Target the day before, but I refrained and saved $11.

Chicago poetry residency

I applied for a poetry residency and am keeping hope alive!

Ouchy

Nothing is worse than a toothache.

My garden grows!

A huge hydrangea bush sits outside my home office window and in the last few weeks it has been growing like crazy! This very afternoon I cut the first hydrangeas of the year and placed them on my table. Lovely, no?

Nummy

I plucked a warm strawberry off the vine and ate it in the field.

Bethesda Farmer's Market

My Heart's Desire and I bought asparagus at the Bethesda Farmer's Market, a place I drive by at least five times per week, and had never been in until today.

Teeny-tiny check

I wrote a check at the library book sale for $1.

It might be true...

While I was thinking of advice to share (see right hand column), my mind wandered to some of the advice from my Grandma Rhoda. My mom's mother, Grandma Rhoda, died before I was born, but my mom passed some of her ideas down to me.

When I was a teenager, my mom took me bra shopping (I refused to wear white or lace and hated those little rosettes) and I wanted a black bra. My mom said no. Grandma Rhoda had told her that only sluts wear black bras and anklets. So my mom said no black bras were allowed. I could have any other color or pattern of bra while I lived at home, but black bras were strictly off limits! I still feel slightly rebellious when I plunk down my card for a black one.

I'm light-years away from having a daughter that needs a bra, but I wonder if I'll implement the same rule. Hmmm.

You really can get anything on Craigslist

After the success of the file cabinet, I went back on Craigslist to see what else I could get cheap or free. I saw everything from free hamsters to free spray paint to free hymnal books to set of six VCR cassettes entitled "Einstein's Relativity and the Quantum Revolution: Modern Physics for Non-Scientists." But my very favorite item available is: a rusty wok. Seriously. What are you supposed to do with this besides get tetanus!?

And the sitar played on...

Last night, My Heart's Desire and I drove out to the middle of the far-flung suburbs to pick up a $10 file cabinet advertised on Craigslist. I have lots to file and right now all of my files are in various boxes. The neighborhood was brand new, and I felt like we were driving around Agrestic.

After the file cabinet was loaded up, we went to the shopping plaza for dinner. He loves Moby Dick House of Kabob, so he had a little kubideh and I had some grilled chicken. It was after 9pm and there were only a few other tables. The music sounded like instrumental sitar elevator music and I didn't recognize any of the songs. Until I heard the slowed-down sitar cover of Toni Braxton's Un-break My Heart.

Just like Momma

I asked My Heart's Desire to hand me some Advil from my cosmetic bag, and he pulled out a small, black and white checkered bag. He sighed, pulling out a hefty, medium-sized cosmetic bag. "Yes," I said, "the Advil's in the Excedrin bottle." My Heart's Desire gave me a look and rooted around, pushing aside lip gloss and hand sanitizer and hair bands and nail polish and matches and emergency Benadryl, finally handing over two Advil. He shook my cosmetic bag and asked, "Is there anything you don't have in here?"

Just then I realized, I had a prepared-for-anything cosmetic bag, just like my Mom. Including the days of the week pill case (the letters are rubbed off the front) so I remember to take my vitamin and blood pressure medicine daily. I was just one step away from carrying a variety of pills in a Tic-Tac container. At my brother's high school graduation I asked for a Tic-Tac and she accidentally gave me a heavy-duty migraine painkiller.

Just like Momma, if I am on line for more than 1 minute, I have to chat someone up. I can't drive by a garage sale with out stopping. I rarely order sodas in restaurants (I could get a six-pack for that much money!). When I want to keep something in a safe place, I put it in a cardboard box marked SAFE PLACE so I don't forget.

What's the next step in acting like Mom? Starting sentences with Anyhoo? Carrying an old Starbucks cup and my own teabag and asking the barista for "more" hot water?

Mmm, Nummy

Here is the recipe for my new favorite meal. It's good for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Plus it's cheap and easy/fast to make.

Toast 2 Eggo waffles (I like the Nutri-Grain kind, but whatevs)
Spread peanut butter liberally
Top with fresh sliced fruit (strawberries are best, then blueberries, then bananas)
Then some Cool Whip.
Yum!

Options:
Use Nutella instead of peanut butter
Use more than one type of fruit (hey, go nuts)
Sprinkle with chocolate chips

Last night's dreams

Whenever my head hits the pillow, I dream. And I usually remember the dream, at least parts of it, when I wake up. A partial list of last night's dreams:

• Having a blue cheese and bacon omelet brunch with my mentor [who is actually in Abu Dhabi IRL]
• My boss called me into her office to tell me, "It's time to dress like a grown-up," because I was wearing jeans and flip-flops
• My husband and I watched a fancy hotel putting drapes up around the outside of the front of the hotel
• Trying to brush my teeth with two different toothbrushes

Photograph

Tlaquepaque, Jalisco, Mexico

Writing Group

I met with my writing group tonight and it was awesome, as usual. My writing group is a gang of three and we've been meeting regularly since 2004. We've read each other's fiction, poetry, experimental works, and novels. Sometimes we use a text, other times we take field trips or take our favorite writing teachers to dinner. I really like the exercises and we're a very encouraging group. Once we met in Dupont Circle and followed a guy around for about an hour, making up his story and what he was doing there. We also often bring book recommendations. It's a do-it-yourself class.

Tonight, we each brought our homework and read and gave each other notes. Last month's assignment was to write a story titled "How to Beat the Winter Blues" and we each had something totally different. My story still needs some work though.

Bare Naked Finger

In my cubicle this morning, I glanced down at my furiously typing hands and noticed I wasn't wearing my wedding ring. My finger looked bare and strange without the thin, platinum band. I married My Heart's Desire last April Fool's Day and have just the beginnings of a mark around my ring finger. It felt so weird not having it on. I'm used to wearing it almost all the time and definitely when I am out in the world.

Several times during the day I caught myself noticing that it was missing. With my thumb I rubbed the skin that's usually hidden by the ring. I felt like my hand was lying to me by withholding the evidence that I am married.

On my way home from work, I found my ring in the coin holder of my car, where I had put it this morning for safekeeping while I put hand lotion on on my way to get blood drawn. I slid it over my knuckle and into the groove, where it belonged.

On the Metro today

I love people-watching on the Metro. Particularly when I'm not traveling during rush hour and can see the people who are going wherever in the middle of the day. Today I saw a few interesting characters.

First, there was the older gray-haired gentleman wearing a three-piece suit and reading the Examiner. When he finished his paper, he folded it up and then proceeded to sigh loudly, attracting my attention even with headphones on. (I was listening to the Extra Cheese playlist today). Then he whipped out a pair of nail clippers and trimmed each of his nails, leaving the trimmings scattered on the carpet below. Where could he have been going that demanded immediate grooming?

Next, there was the youngish yuppie that stood in the back by the door, kind of obscured by the sleeping teenager that was wearing a knitted baseball cap. He was rocking out to his iPod in the mostly empty train car. When he thought nobody was looking, he proceeded to play air guitar on his slightly over sized messenger bag. It was awesome to watch. Yuppie. Air guitar. Messenger bag. I see a bar game in the future...

Last was the Metro DC cop, who was decked out in full police regalia with that kind of severe facial expression that is very bad boys, bad boys, whatcha gonna do when they come for you? I saw him when I first got on the car, he was in the only spot on the car where nobody could come up behind him. Anyway, he had on the full uniform and jacket and when he finally got up to leave, I noticed he was carrying a tiny Scooby-Doo backpack.

A fine line between brave and foolish

The line between brave and foolish is so fine that it can be hard to tell which is which. Usually it's not until after the fact and I've had some time to think about it that can I really tell. A partial list on this very rainy Sunday morning:

Brave:
Riding a mechanical bull
Moving across the country to go to graduate school
Auditioning for The Vagina Monologues
Going on trips solo


Foolish:
Riding a mechanical bull, times 2 and 3
Thinking I can change someone from the sheer force of my will
Piercing my own nose
Wearing platforms on first day of new job (I ended up tripping over them and landed in the downward-facing dog position in front of the UPS guy. Classy.)

The blog show

Hello there, blog readers. I am a fiction, nonfiction, and poetry writer and I am currently working on all of the above. I also take photos sometimes and will post some of my favorites. I am taking baby steps to live my dream. Right now I'm trying to figure out ways to consistently carve out time for writing and editing. Like a lot of other people, I have a day job and try desperately to fit in time to write creatively. I write a lot for work. Earlier this year, my writer's group re-convened and we meet monthly, giving each other assignments and readings, sort of a do-it-yourself class. But with gossip and good snacks. It's very motivating and this month I sent out a few poems to half a dozen periodicals. All they can say is no, right?