Finally, a wonderful book!

Best book I've read all summer.
Get your hands on it. It comes out September 29, 2009.

Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.

My inner hippie loved this book by Michael Pollan. Some of the stuff I already knew, but I learned a lot from listening to this book. It's got me thinking about how what I eat makes a difference.

I also really liked this New York Times article Out of the Kitchen, Onto the Couch.

Bon Appetit!

Yummy trip to San Antonio

Fresh, hot chips with cool, spicy salsa


Grilled tilapia fish tacos with cabbage lime slaw and a little chipotle mayo. And a big iced tea.

Area Book Lover Disappointed

Local woman and voracious reader Amina Hafiz has been sorely disappointed with her latest reads.


The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder was just "too fluffy" according to Hafiz, who claims to enjoy a beach read now and then.

She wanted to like The Pretend Wife, but the plot was so thin it was not enjoyable. "I can't believe I finished that book," she stated.

Hafiz's highest hopes were on Best Friends Forever, and while it had some endearing qualities, it was merely the story of a caper. Of course the formerly overweight heroine (all of Weiner's heroines struggle with weight in some way) ends up happily ever after in a nontraditional way. Sigh.

Commencement got great reviews, but Hafiz found the characters stereotypical and flat. And the role of extreme feminism seemed to be a morality tale, a warning post-college grads. "I found the message of this book to be that paths for women after college graduation are slim, feminism is dangerous and that The Gray Lady can make an overly-sentimental, poorly written book a bestseller," Hafiz said.

Thrifty Girl Report – June

Local Produce
I bought a half share of a local community supported agriculture and pick up a box of farm-fresh produce every week. The local produce is good and I love summer fruits, so I’ve been happy with it so far. The half share is the right size for My Heart’s Desire. This week I got sweet corn, peaches, blackberries, tomatoes, and sugar snap peas.

Cards & Coupons
I’ve been using shopper’s cards without exception. They really do help me save money! And at the lunch place near my office, I picked up the buy 10 get 1 free lunch card (7 to go!). I also signed up for deals for restaurants I frequent and use the coupons they send.

Let’s Meet For Coffee
I’ve been suggesting meeting friends for coffee instead of meals to save a little money. Instead of buying a meal, I get an iced tea and still have a good time.

What does Consumer Reports Say?
My Heart’s Desire and I both like Consumer Reports. Because of it, we have changed our toothpaste, laundry soap, and more. It’s a great resource for helping us save.

Operation Beautiful

I love the idea of Operation Beautiful, a grassroots effort to encourage women to feel better about themselves via notes. It also can change the way we talk to ourselves.

More articles about Operation Beautiful are in the Orlando Sentinel and on Slate.

A few days ago, I left the note below in a Starbucks ladies room.
And it's true.

Perfect summer dinner!

Fresh bread and super-sweet cherries from the market, St. Andre cheese (if blue cheese and brie had a baby, it would be St. Andre), NY cheddar, just-picked-that-day New Jersey strawberries, and Nutella.

Thrifty Girl Report - May

Where Thrifty Girl Meets Hippie Girl

On the screened-in porch I have a laundry line, where I can dry clothes for free and also avoid the pollen of hanging them up outside. The room gets sunshine most of the day and I love the way the clothes, towels, and sheets feel when they air-dry.

Laundry line savings: At least $20/month savings on the electricity bill

Farewell, Netflix!

We spend a lot on cable (My Heart's Desire loves television) and have several movie channels, can watch content OnDemand for free (love this!). So I decided that May was going to be my last month of Netflix. I liked it, but I don't think I was getting $18.01/month worth of enjoyment.

Netflix savings: $108.06 (June - December 2009)

Everything's Negotiable

I have a credit card that gave me a 0% offer on purchases and transfer balances. The period ended and my interest rate went up to 17.99%, which is not a great rate. I called and asked for the interest rate (for purchases, at least) to be lowered. And I ended up with 1.9% interest on purchases for the rest of the year. Thank you very much!

Credit card interest savings: 16.09%

Commandment #2: Be kind

When I was making my 2009 commandments, I knew I wanted to include this. Being kind is hard to quantify - I'm just trying to do my best.

For me, this means letting things go, not rising to baited conversation, and trying to consider other people's perspectives.

When I feel like I want to say something that may not be kind, I ask myself these questions that my mentor suggested:
• Does this need to be said?
• Does this need to be said by me?
• Does this need to be said by me, now?

If the answer to these questions is not: "YES!!!" then I hold my tongue.

I've also found that the more I practice kindness, the more naturally it comes. Just like the more I'm grateful for the big and little things, the easier it is for me to think of things to be grateful for and to appreciate the good things.

Sweet Dreams

In which Charlie sleeps on his head.

I am grateful for: spring and summer fruits and veggies (went to farmer's market today and got beautiful produce, fresh bread, jam, and cheese, yum!), staying organized with my PDA, getting able to see and hug a lot of my favorite people this week, weather staying dry until I finished the 5K this morning, a not-too-long nap, going with the flow, a day without loads of chores, the arrival of Ghost World, and hanging out with My Heart's Desire.

Today I went to work, had a quick lunch with a friend, went to the dentist (ow ow ow!), returned to work, wish I had scheduled the appointment later in the day so I could have just gone home after, picked up bib for 5K tomorrow, went shopping for _________'s surprise _________, found what I was looking for, met My Heart's Desire at home, had soft foods for dinner, a PB & J sandwich and roasted cauliflower (my new favorite veggie, LOVE it!) for dinner, he surprised me with Jell-O, we watched some TV, and I'm going to bed early so I can make it to the 5K bright and early.

Thrifty Girl Report - April

I really needed to get my hair done in April. I usually pay $156 (including tip) for cut and color.

I decided to color my own hair for $10. I was a bit skeptical but it turned out all right. Basically I color it dark brown (the color it pretty much already is) and hide last year's highlights. It won't last as long as salon color, but that's okay.

My Heart's Desire has a cousin who is a hairdresser that we saw recently. She gave me a haircut gratis, though I insisted on giving her $40. It's a great cut. She even swept up the hair! And she caught me up on family gossip.

Hair cost savings: $106

While I was in Los Angeles, my BFF took me to get our nails done at a shop in Santa Monica that does cute mani-pedis for $20. I splurged and got a French manicure for an extra $5. Including tip, it was $30. At the place I go to here, it's $84 (including tip) on Bargain Mondays. Suffice it to say I don't get my nails done a lot.

Gorgeous mani-pedi savings: $54

I also bought six months of O magazine for $1. A year is $18. I love to read magazines when I go to the gym. I don't let myself read them any other time (except for Newsweek, which I have to stay on top of because it's a weekly and I'm always a week or two behind and Real Simple, 'cuz it's my favorite).

Magazine savings: $9

I use the grocery store savings card every time I shop, which saves me around 25% off the bill. I read in Consumer Reports that the store brand is usually the best deal, so I go with that a lot. My Heart's Desire prefers the "real" brand but I'm the one who usually goes to the market.

Grocery store savings: A lot, need to use coupons more for bigger $$

Commandment #8: Create a schedule that works for me

This commandment has the potential to impact my daily life for the better. I really like having a schedule, knowing what I have to do and that it's going to get done.

I love routine and "the usual" but feel stuck in my schedule right now, which is why I'm going to take some action to improve it. Some of it works quite well, like scheduling time for myself every so often (yes, in Outlook, just like all the other events I schedule).

I'm prioritizing all of the things that I need and want to do -- including working out, writing, spending time with My Heart's Desire, seeing my mentees and mentor, family events, cultivating friendships, spiritual activities, chores, and all the other stuff that goes on.

I'm working on creating a schedule that allows me the time, physical and mental energy to do the things mentioned above, as well as give me some flexibility, which my current schedule does not have.

Any suggestions on how to balance work, life, and everything else?

Ever wondered what the Louisville Slugger factory looks like?

Louisville, KY
Aug 2007

Today I am grateful for: sunshine, hot tea and plenty of it, doing the financially responsible thing (despite it not being the fun thing!), magazines, being able to sleep until I wake up, cheap books from the library book sale, and spending the day with My Heart's Desire.

California Girl

Today I got up early, did a little laundry, appreciated the sunshine, hung out with my BFF, drove to Silver Lake to visit a friend whose house is like an art museum where you can eat and say whatever you want, picked up another friend to have breakfast with us, we went to a fabulous, authentic Mexican restaurant in East LA, had amazing huevos rancheros, enjoyed the food and company, ran errands, returned the rental car, lay down for a psuedo-nap, had an early dinner at a fancy-pants restaurant with another friend, we chatted up the proverbial storm on the patio where we were enchanted by the night-blooming jasmine, it was first Friday where lots of stores, art galleries and restaurants are open and have live music, we walked around, people-watched, perused the items, got free gerber daisies, and remembered why I love LA.

Today I got up in the middle of the night (4:45 am), picked up a friend at 5:45, drove to Old Town, met another friend, walked a 5K in glorious weather, went to breakfast, went home and took a huge nap, woke up slightly disoriented, hung out with My Heart's Desire, had dinner, visited mentee, went to the market for produce (yes, more cauliflower), got ready for tomorrow, and continued reading Laura Rider's Masterpiece (is okay, am not loving it so far).

Today I worked, had yummy roasted cauliflower (my new favorite food - I've made it three times in a week!), ran errands, did laundry, hung out with My Heart's Desire, and finished Secrets to Happiness: A Novel by Sarah Dunn (B, get it from the library).

Grateful

Today I am grateful for:
• taking action to be healthier
• new sneakers
• listening to jazz at work on Pandora
• fresh pineapple
• being inspired by my writing group
• the rain (washes away the pollen in the air and relieves my allergies)
• used books
• practicing being flexible
• the new growth on my lovely hydrangea
• the yummy dinner My Heart's Desire made
• and having lots of fun stuff to look forward to!

Thrifty Girl

I am my mother's daughter... which means I can happily pay loads of money for some things, but am thrifty when it comes to others.

Lately I've been trying to save money and be thriftier in general. Below are some of the ways that I've managed to save a little extra money (the kind that folds!).

- Negotiated $50 off monthly rent due to being fantastic tenants (okay, it's My Heart's Desire that's the fantastic, handy one)
= $600/year

- Bought text messaging for $5/month, instead of paying $.20/each. Also we lost the $14/month in protection charges (is only slightly less than buying one new phone every year, which we don't do). Total savings of $53/month
= $636 (if we do buy a new phone, will be out $200ish, but still great savings)

Will keep saving money and letting you know how it goes!

Happy First Birthday, Furiously Writing!

Happy Spring!

Today I slept until I woke up, made a yummy breakfast - poached eggs on honey whole wheat toast and grilled, herbed asparagus, went to church to hear about the joy of living, went to the gym, came home and helped My Heart's Desire with an improvement project, decided to throw away the rickety stepstool, continued reading Atonement, enjoyed the beautiful weather, went through my photo album and ordered prints online, ordered I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti from the library, had a little headache so laid down for a second, My Heart's Desire woke me up two hours later, had cereal for dinner, got ready for tomorrow, watched My Name is Earl and tried to keep him company while he watched a Jason Statham movie.

Grateful

Today I am grateful for: health insurance, chamomile tea, clean sheets (thanks to My Heart's Desire), Tylenol, throat spray, naps, sick days, and books.

I don't feel so good. Sore throat, sneezing, etc... I don't know if it's spring allergies. Or perhaps the 4 cats that ran amok all weekend. Or the people who pretend they're not sick when they are.

I came home from work and had soup and Wheat Thins. And have had lots of fluids today. Ugh. I don't like being sick.

April Fools in Love

On this day two years ago, My Heart's Desire and I were married.

Commandment #6: Learn from experience

This combination is not a good idea.

I did this last year too.

This morning I slept until I woke up, had a healthy breakfast, went to Yoga class, came home and did some chores, met friends for lunch at Lebanese Taverna, tried to watch The Starter Wife, gave up quickly, read the paper, hung out with My Heart's Desire, visited with my mentee, felt loved, had dinner with My Heart's Desire, and got ready for the week.

Commandment #4: Write three times a week, even if it’s only a little

This commandment is one of the biggest challenges for me. It's consistency that's the issue. I want to say it's that I don't have time, but the truth is that I don't often make the time.



I make time to do other things - workout, see friends, do chores, etc. But making time for writing is difficult. I'm seeing my writing group on Monday and I need to assign myself some daily homework.

Today I am grateful for getting plenty of sleep, reading magazines at the gym, getting lots done at work, celebrating good times with a new friend, homemade Rice Krispie treats (My Heart's Desire is very precise in the kitchen, which probably contributed to the good outcome), listening to Madeleine Peyroux, watching Man vs. Food with My Heart's Desire.

Today I worked, cleaned out my two messy desk drawers, went to one of my favorite consignment shops, met a friend for sushi and chat, caught up, talked more over chamomile tea, came home, finally opened the Slanket I got for a gift, watched Earl with My Heart's Desire, and read a little bit.

When two people are in a grumpy contest, they both lose.

Today I am grateful for embracing my inner thrifty gal, whoever invented libraries, being okay hanging out alone for a while, Pandora radio, my red scarf, making healthy choices, beautiful weather, having dinner with a mentee, email (which keeps me in touch with friends and family), staying calm despite horrendous retail experience, and not being too old for The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.

Perfect Day

Today I went to church and out to breakfast with My Heart's Desire, hung out in front of the fire, visited with mentee, had dinner with My Heart's Desire, watched Big Love, and shared the last cupcake from Cake Love.

How do you know where you belong?

Today I am grateful for: the spring weather, being able to put some time between my thoughts and actions, and the library for lending me An Arsonist's Guide to Writers' Homes in New England.

Yesteray I slept until I woke up, went for a long walk around my neighborhood, saw 9 neighbors washing cars, thought about washing mine, realized I was missing crucial birthday cake ingredient, walked to the market and bought it, made birthday cake with lots of frosting, had a nice phone chat with Mom, discussed Murphy Beds (particularly how they were portrayed in The Great Muppet Caper), attempted to take brief nap, enjoyed veggie burger with gorgonzola My Heart's Desire grilled (it snowed 3" on Monday and was 73* today, perfect grilling weather!), put on new cute springy dress, celebrated friend's birthday, socialized with old friends and new, and fell asleep watching My Name is Bruce.

Today I am grateful for: my electric blanket, being hopeful that my hydrangea plant with thaw and bloom soon, getting lots done at work, politely turning down birthday cake, getting the 20% off my purchase of sheets at Bed, Bath & Beyond retroactively, having a nice chat with an old friend, Craigslist, listening to the 104mph Vegas Mix that my BFF made for a road trip to Sin City for New Year's 2000 (or 2001, I forget), having dinner and watching My Name is Earl with My Heart's Desire, and getting some chores done at home.

What if?

Don't we all ponder... What if? about some choices that we've made? I know I do. What if I had been nicer to my high school boyfriend? What if I had actually stopped smoking the first time I quit instead of smoking on and off for 15 years? What if I had never adopted Gracie Lou Freebush, the best dog of all time? What if I had gone to grad school in Baltimore instead of DC?

Time of My Life by Allison Winn Scotch is a fabulous book that does more than wonder. Jillian has a perfectly happy little life in the suburbs but asks herself the question we all ask. One day she gets a massage and -- suspend your disbelief here -- she wakes up from her post-massage nap and finds it's seven years ago. Jillian has her old boyfriend, her old job, her old apartment, and the opportunity to make different choices.

I won't give away what happens, don't worry. If you want to read something interesting and fun, then get your hands on this book.

Today I got up early and read, went to see probiotic frozen yogurt kiosk that My Heart's Desire designed, sampled said yogurt (yummy, much better than PinkBerry - still don't know what all the fuss is about that stuff despite BFFs attempts to covert me), looked at purses at H&M, had pancakes at The Silver Diner, met a friend and saw Slumdog Millionaire (LOVED IT!!!), caught up with her over coffee, came home and had dinner in front of the fire with My Heart's Desire.

Today I woke up at 3:30am (I heard something but don't know what), couldn't go back to sleep, watched Six Feet Under, went back to sleep, got up at 8:30am, decided not to wear makeup, worked, had a great lunch with a friend, we caught up on everything, more work, cleaned off my desk, went to Sunday School Teacher Appreciation Dinner at church with My Heart's Desire, met other teachers, loved the performance by the Youth Choir, considered going to Target, came home instead, watched a few episodes of The Simpsons, and read chick-lit library book.

Today I am grateful for: doing AM Yoga first thing (well, first thing after brushing my teeth), the burned velvet scarf (Christmas gift I wore for the first time) that I got lots of compliments on, being able to type fast (one of few things that I learned in high school that I actually use in my life), parenthesis, looking up the meaning of cattywampus, slicing up lemons to stick in my humongous bottle of water, not reacting when annoyed, eating three yummy girl scout cookies, beating the traffic this evening to get where I was going early, having dinner with some of my favorite girls, seeing a friend I haven't seen in ages, listening to An Arsonist's Guide to Writers' Homes in New England, and catching up with My Heart's Desire.

Today I got up early, went to the gym, read Fitness magazine on the treadmill, came home, made PB&J, had coffee with mentee at Starbucks, met friends for sushi, shared cookie with another mentee, browsed fabulous vintage store, picked up a few items at the supermarket, went home to My Heart's Desire, tidied a little, did laundry, made bean and cheese soft tacos with avocado, watched Vegas Vacation and Big Love by the fire with My Heart's Desire, and forgot to floss (going to the dentist tomorrow).

It's cold outside

but it's warm in here by the fire...

Today I am greateful for: sleeping in my own bed, watching the snowflakes fall, the package of hippie soap I love arrived, and curling up by the fire with My Heart's Desire.

Commandment #3: Prepare

This commandment requires thinking ahead and considering what I might need in the future. Some of these things are a lot easier to do than others.

A short list of things for which #3 is doing great:
• Keeping $20 cash handy
• Extra umbrella [actually, I'm on my second one because I lent my last extra umbrella to a friend and haven't gotten it back]
• Emergency sunglasses
• Spare workout clothes, shoes + trashy magazine in car at all times
• Spare winter hat
• Buying lots of cards at once so I don't have to scramble
• Spare granola bar [at work and in the car]
• Small bottle of Advil

Other #3's that I am working on include:
• Getting ready for the day the night before
• Having plenty of healthy snacks handy
• Setting up ticklers in my calendar to remind me to do stuff
• Establishing a schedule (see #8)
• Thinking ahead for possible outcomes
• Adding ten minutes to however long I think it's going to take to get somewhere
• Keeping something to read with me in case I need to wait

Grateful

Today I am grateful for: bringing a fleece jacket to work because even though it's 65* outside it is freezing in my office, remembering my water bottle, my purple pen, Pad Thai, buying a copy of America Anonymous (I had a gift card and Barnes & Noble coupon, I usually don't buy hardbacks), listening to smooove jazz, furiously emailing with a friend, holding hands with My Heart's Desire and being mindful of my #6 commandment.

Valentine's Day

A few years ago my BFF and I decided to exchange Valentine's Day presents instead of Christmas gifts. We've been doing this for at least a few years now and it's really fun. I love creating new traditions.

It takes the pressure off holiday shopping and we can come up with some interesting ideas. On other Valentine's Day, I've gotten her a neighborhoodie sweatshirt (Playa del Rey, but of course), social cards, a piñata, and of course the BFF necklace, similar to the one pictured.

This year I got her _______________ and a really cute ________________. I'll let you know after Saturday.

Even though I'm really glad I quit... sometimes I still miss smoking.

Do I live in a garbage can?

Because I sure am grouchy.

Today I am grateful for stargazer lilies, fixable mistakes, online everything, and warm sweaters.

Commandment #1: Everything counts

There's a reason this commandment is number one. It's really a challenge for me to think this way, especially when it comes to workouts.

Despite my not really being a morning person, the am is the only time I go to the gym during the week. If I don't go in the morning, I don't go. So if I don't get up when my alarm goes off, and keep hitting snooze, I'll think, "I only have 20 minutes to go to the gym - then why bother?"

Now I'm bothering. No, I don't get a full workout in but what I do accomplish, other than a little cardio, is the feeling that going is worth it. And that I feel better when I look at the week and know I went to the gym regularly, even if once was just a brief visit. It also helps establish the habit of getting up and going to the gym. Even though I just did a little workout, everything counts.

This morning in one sentence

I got up at 5:30am, tried to go back to sleep, gave up, went to the gym (who are these people at the gym at 6am?), read Marie Claire, bought gas, went home and startled My Heart's Desire (he hadn't realized I had even left), made an egg white/dill/Parmesan omelet, took a shower, did some writing, was very cold so put on socks, still cold so climbed back in bed just for a minute, got up an hour later, listened to Beyonce's Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It), threw on black pants, charcoal top and new favorite pashmina (but of course), forgot to wear makeup, brought my BFF's Valentine's Day present to work to ship, and decided I really need to get a car wash.

Today I am grateful for: getting up before my alarm, doing Yoga, long johns, comfy socks, snowflakes on my eyelashes, getting the best parking space at work I have ever gotten, having a door at work I can close (and did), being able to do the smart thing, the snow and ice scraper My Heart's Desire put in my car, chocolate-covered marshmallows (the Crate & Barrel ones are really good), practicing holding my tongue, and the Coca-Cola clock one of my writer's group members gave me last night (it really does tick loud but in my bathroom I'm glad to know the time when I'm getting ready).

Three Jerk Rule

I've been told that if you come across three jerks in one day, that you are, in fact, the jerk. It's not the other people that are the problem, it's your attitude.

And today, I was a jerk. This afternoon I was behind a few terrible drivers (very frustrating) and I was very annoyed at people in the crosswalk (they had the right of the way but I thought they didn't). Ugh, jerks! I realized then that I was, in fact, the jerk.

So I had to give myself a few minutes to adjust my attitude and take deep breaths. I also considered #2 of my 2009 Commandments: Be Kind. With a few minutes of contemplation and breathing, I was able to let go of the frustration and start over. I had given myself plenty of time to get where I was going and did not have to drive like I was going to win something. Amazingly enough, on the way home I didn't see a single jerk.

Today I am grateful for: getting 10 hours of sleep, the fleece LA Dodgers blanket my friend Carlos sent me that keeps me warm at work, Mad Men (just started watching), the library emails telling me to pick up and return books, my mentor, the Sweaty, Sweet & Shameless workout mix I got from a friend (she wasn't kidding about the shameless),workout sneakers I liked so much I bought another pair, being able to stay at a cozy B&B at a conference instead of the corporate hotel I stayed at last time that didn't enforce their smoke-free policy, the Barnes & Noble gift card I thought I'd spent but has $23 left on it, DC restaurant week is coming soon, and the fire My Heart's Desire made for us to enjoy.

He takes the cake

For the past few days, My Heart's Desire claimed he had some type of surprise for me, but I was very skeptical. Last night I came home around 10pm, tired from my long day. Imagine my surprise when I came home and our house was not only warm but also smelled really good.

"Did you make cookies?" I asked. He only laughed.

I went upstairs and found a perfect yellow cake, already cool and ready for frosting. We frosted it with milk chocolate frosting (the really good kind) and each had a piece.

I was so touched that he baked for me. Other than grilling (which he's terrific at), My Heart's Desire's culinary exploits are usually limited to boiling hot dogs and microwaving Hot Pockets.



The yellow cake with chocolate frosting was exactly what I wanted. And it was yummy!

Today I am grateful for: getting a good night's sleep, having a short commute to work, the mail order pharmacy that calls me when it's time for refills, a $5 copay for three months Rx, listening to Sirius Symphony Hall at work, writing press releases to amuse myself and send to friends, having dinner with some of my favorite people, seeing an acquaintance I haven't seen in ages, spell check, my shopping philosophy (if it's not an absolute yes, it's a no), listening to The Whole World Over by Julia Glass, being asked for advice, getting referrals to wonderful B&B's, and watching episodes of The Simpsons with My Heart's Desire.

Last week, a family friend (who's known me since I was 2) came over on and showed me how to make "gravy" (meaty marinara sauce) from scratch and we assembled a lasagna. It's the old family recipe, handed down to me from the Bronx.

Since I baked the lasagna, My Heart's Desire and I have had it for dinner twice and lunch once. Of course it was fantastic. There's still one piece left. And we also have some leftover gravy in the freezer, which we will enjoy soon.

My Heart's Desire and I talked about how we entertain a lot, especially in the summer, when we can use the deck and outside and she suggested such delights as Lemonade Pie, Strawberry Jell-O Cake, and Pineapple Upside-Down Cake. Now I can't wait for summer!

But after all of that talk of food and cooking and desserts, I keep thinking about yellow cake with chocolate frosting.

The second Wednesday in February I am going to a potluck and already know what I'm going to bake and frost.

#3 Prepare

This morning I was oh, so proud of myself for getting up early and driving to the gym in the dark and pouring rain. When I got to the gym and was taking my stuff out of my car, I dropped the clean shirt I was going to wear to work in a puddle.

I went in and asked the desk clerk if she could toss it in the dryer and learned that my gym uses a towel service. Oh, well. So I worked out, stretched, then went back home to get ready and wear dry clothes.

I grabbed an extra sweater and brought it to work so that if I ever need a clean/dry top, I'm prepared.

Today I am grateful for: being able to take good care of My Heart's Desire, laughing when I made a mistake instead of getting mad, finding a good parking spot at work, seeing photos of a friend in her wedding dress (she's getting married this fall), making plans to meet with my writing group next week, IM, chicken panang from my restaurant, Amina Thai, post-holiday sales, spending all but $.15 of my 2008 flexible spending account, and getting a kick out of The House Bunny.

My 9 Commandments

I make goals every year. I’ve learned it’s the things I do every day that have changed me, not what I do once in a while.

And even if I don’t accomplish my annual goals, they get me a lot closer to where I was before, and I appreciate the value of that.

One of my favorite blogs is The Happiness Project, and I’ve written my own personal commandments for the New Year.

Here are my 2009 Commandments:

1. Everything counts
2. Be kind
3. Prepare
4. Write three times a week, even if it’s only a little
5. In a 50/50 relationship, give 100%
6. Learn from experience
7. Respond, not react
8. Create a schedule that works for me
9. Complain less, compliment more.

Today I am grateful for: sleeping until I wake up, finding machines at the gym (despite all the resolvers), saving $6 at the supermarket with coupons, buying Christmas cloth napkins on super-extra-ultimate sale, running errands with My Heart's Desire and staying calm despite the crowds, catching up on laundry, being able to help out a friend, reading the paper by the fire, watching P.S. I Love You, the cheesiest film I could find, when Charlie sits next to me and cuddles, then lets out a tiny cat sigh of contentment, and deciding not to take down the holiday decorations quite yet.

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