Living a Goddess Life

We Want to Know Wednesday

2012-02-01T15:54:00.000-08:00

Thanks as always to Crazymama, Queso and Mamarazzi for co-hosting!

{1} Fantasy style, money is no object, if you could pick one type of help which would it be? Why?
A. maid
B. nanny
C. personal chef

Well, I don't have kids, and I love cooking, so nanny and chef are out. I wouldn't mind having a maid, but I'm a pretty clean and organized person by nature. I don't see the option for pool boy/escort. ;)

{2} What is your least favorite household chore?

Cleaning the toilet and shower. I can clean anything, but scrubbing the toilet and trying to get soap scum off the shower/tub make me do it with a crinkled icky face. Pleck.

{3} What is your least loathed (or favorite) household task/ daily chore?

It's a toss-up between dishes and laundry. I do the dishes to music, which makes all the difference. But warm clothes to snuggle as I fold and hang them is pretty nice, too. I suspect my opinion will change the moment I have to do other people's dishes or laundry.

{4} What is your favorite cleaning supply? Do you have any magic cleaning tips to share with your readers?

White Vinegar. This stuff cleans surface dirt and stains, disinfects, cleans mirrors, does a lot of light cleaning tasks really well. And costs very little, and comes in large amounts (so less plastic production and landfill waste). Regardless of the marketing, you don't need 5+ different cleansers, filled with noxious chemicals to get your house clean.

{5} What is your usual housework avoidance activity?

Ha! I clean to avoid sewing and writing. I watch TV or read to avoid chores. It's a vicious hobby circle!

My Happy List

2012-01-31T08:42:00.000-08:00

I'm happy...

That I went on Date #2 with Viking last night...and ladies, there will be gushing and giggling. Suffice to say I am in deep smit.

I'm happy...

That Sparks has a temp job- it's a start! I hope she gets something permanent soon, so we can go do fun stuff together.

I'm happy...

Uhm.....see #1. I'm really focused on #1 right now. Ah, sorry, gals, I've become a huge twitterpated dork. *le sigh*

Show Us Your RAK!

2012-01-30T12:46:00.000-08:00

January brought a surprise in the mail:

Unfortunately, there was no identifying paperwork so I can't give credit to the generous bibliophage blogger who sent me this! If it's yours, feel free to claim it so I can properly thank you for this one. :D

I sent:

And I hope to grant at least one book wish per month this year. Enabling is a priority in 2012.

Musical Monday: Waiting for the End

2012-01-30T08:07:00.000-08:00

I was a big fan of Linkin Park in my LA days, when I had a lot of anger inside me. But lately? I haven't even considered listening to them. Which is a shame, because Sparks introduced me to this last night. It's not applicable in my life right now, but it has been in the past, and it's a powerful tune.

Best use of GPS ever

2012-01-28T22:00:00.001-08:00

This post brought to you by Zeitghost Blog Network. All opinions are 100% mine.

Did I ever tell you about the time I was lost on the state of Oregon, in the middle of the night, for THREE HOURS? I was literally in the middle of nowhere- roads without signs, no lights, very few houses (and no lights on in those). I called AAA. I called my boyfriend. No one could help me because I had no streets signs to orient where I was.

It was one of the most frightening nights of my life, not to mention frustrating. (And did I mention this was after a full day music festival so I was also costumed, painted, freezing cold, hungry, needed to pee, and was trying to get back to a campground?)

The 5Star Urgent Responder would have totally saved my butt.

The GPS-enabled device attaches to your keyring, and you can use it to call 5Star (say, to find out where the heck you are) or 911 (say, if you were in an auto accident and couldn't get to your cell phone). This is a brilliant concept! My only concern would be that I'd "butt-dial" it, so to speak, since the button isn't super hard to get to. So I'd probably clip it to something not going in my pants, then.

Friday Confessional

2012-01-27T08:50:00.000-08:00

I confess...

I'm a bad costumer. I keep making sewing plans....I have yet to sew anything this year. :(

This weekend, between my work holiday party and Inara's bday party, I need to sew.

I confess...

I can't figure out where my time is going. I work, I cook, I clean, I exercise, I take care of odds and ends, I watch an episode or two of something on DVD, read a little....poof! It's midnight and I've done nothing creative.

I confess...

I have nothing much to confess this week. I've been working, flirting, running errands, etc. I haven't had time to do much sinning! ;)

ADENDUM!
I confess...
I now have a date with Viking tonight, Bear tomorrow afternoon, and Smokey (ok, not a date, a function and an excuse to flirt) tomorrow night. 90% of me is strutting. 10% of me is panicking about what I'm going to wear.

Fat Ass Friday / PINK Day 19

2012-01-27T08:29:00.000-08:00

Previous Weight: 169

Current Weight: 169.5

This is not the direction in which I want the scale to go! I'm naturally a guilt-magnet, so of course my rationalizations are that I deserve it: I haven't been working HARD enough, I cheated TWICE, I'm just meant to be healthy but chubby, etc.

Today is a rest day. But I really hope that scale (and the inches) go down next week. And stay down.

(this is an obscure Farscape reference)

Forget the Numbers!

2012-01-26T13:56:00.000-08:00

I was pretty bummed about my weigh-in this morning.

But then I took my insurance exam biometrics test, and came back so very, very healthy.
And I went home to work out at lunch and am already able to do things I struggled with on Monday.
And I walked back to work and passed a team of construction workers, who all stopped in unison to oogle me, which I found pretty damned flattering.
And after working out and lunch, I feel upbeat, light, responsive, and happy.

So you know what? Screw the numbers- I'm going with how I feel, what I can do, and how others are reacting to my results. And according to THAT metric, I'm rocking.

PINK Day 18

2012-01-26T09:13:00.000-08:00

Today's weigh-in? 169.5

(yes, I gained 2.5 pounds in a day, somehow)

And I'm totally to blame. I've been working my keester off with the exercise routine, but on Tuesday I had pasta (not supposed to have bready/processed carbs), and last night I had garlic bread (and cider, and probably twice as much pork as I should have had).

The lesson? I should not consume alcohol while eating- it gives me even lower willpower.
Also, no more bready starchy carbs. Period. I can't keep making decisions that cause a seesaw effect. It plays with my motivation, and with my hope, and causes me even more guilt and shame than I already carry.

We Want to Know Wednesday

2012-01-25T09:49:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Mamarazzi, Queso and Crazymama for hosting!

{1} What is your favorite room in your house and why? Bonus points for a picture.

I really should say my crafting/writing room, since I'm paying a fortune in order to have it. But it's rarely used because that area of the house is dark and cold. So I'm going to go with my kitchen! Delicious things happen there. :)

{2} What is your favorite time of day and why?

Morning, for sure. I get stuff done between 9am and 1pm, usually. And then I start slowing down.

{3} What is your favorite genre of music (or band/singer) and why?

I don't have one favorite genre or musician, but I do prefer upbeat and happy-sounding stuff. Nikki and Rich is a new fav.

{4} What is your favorite "go to" snack? Is it something you keep on hand?
Since starting PINK, I've given up most of my go-to snacks. Nonfat Greek yogurt is my "I'm feeling noshie and have time" favorite (especially Chobani Black Cherry). I also keep a small stash of raw nuts for on-the-go snacking (although I'm not supposed to, with this diet...shhhhh!).

{5} What is your favorite form of exercise or way to keep moving?
Dance! Ballroom, swing, belly....I haven't done them in a long time, but can't wait to start again. I LOVE moving with music and the romance of it and it's a great workout. Barring that, I'm a big walker. I walk everywhere that I can, in any kind of weather.

My Happy List

2012-01-24T23:15:00.000-08:00

I'm happy...

That I started the fitness portion of PINK, and am seeing real results.

I'm happy...

That Zao, who is doing PINK alongside me, and was the one who got me into it, is having even more spectacular results, and she's only on the Reset/diet part! You go, girl!

I'm happy...

That I reconnected with an old friend who moved (coincidentally) from CA to 20 minutes from me. Wahoo!

I'm happy...

That I'm being proven wrong about not dating. I'd be all "damnit, I had a PLAN!", but this is better. Especially with the seeing Smokey, flirting with D, emailing with Bear and Viking....I have a feeling the Universe is talking at me.

PINK Day 16

2012-01-24T22:48:00.000-08:00

Today's weigh-in was 167...wahoo!

I splurged with lunch, on a company bday party today, and I hope I don't pay for it on the scale tomorrow. I tried to make up for it by only having veggie soup for dinner.

I am sore in every muscle of my body...except perhaps my eyelids. I coughed today, and my abs screamed at me.

Awesome.

Svelte Beth is ready to come out and play!

PINK Day 15

2012-01-23T22:27:00.000-08:00

Alright, completed Day 15, including the third workout of Phase I. Tomorrow I jump back to the first workout of Phase I, which kicked my keester earlier. And now, I have the added bonus of being sore.

Seriously, I am walking like an old lady.

It's awesome!

Equally awesome is that I weighed in at 167.5 again today. If it's the same two days in a row, then I believe it's not a fluke. Wahoo!

I've also been pleasantly surprised that I'm not feeling hungry or un-fed at all since starting Phase I. In fact, I had a hard time this morning, remembering to get everything in! Working out and feeling like I'm eating less- I'm definitely feeling lighter.

Musical Monday: Good Gone Girl

2012-01-23T09:09:00.000-08:00

I've had this one stuck in my head all day...here, have an earwurm!

PINK Progress: Week Two

2012-01-22T09:42:00.000-08:00

After having my keester handed to me during the Phase I workout yesterday (and am more sore than I reckoned I'd be today), I weighed in at 167.5 lbs.

Wahoo progress!

I'm going to keep it up, and see where it takes me. I've been consistently losing 1.5 pounds per week, and I hope the increased intensity of this workout gets me over that hump at to my goal of 2 pounds per week. Or more! That'd be ok, too. :)

Week 2 (Jan 16-22): -1.5 lbs (progress, but didn't reach goal yet again)

Taco Cupcakes

2012-01-21T20:39:00.000-08:00

Savory cupcakes. Why not?

Never having had one, or made one, I found myself constructing a recipe two nights ago. I don't often construct recipes, but when I do I have a passion to make them that is undeniable.

They came out well enough, but not as spicy of flavorful as I had hoped. So in hindsight, here's the recipe as I would try it a second time:

Ingredients
Corn muffin mix
Spicy tomato juice
Diced green chiles
Cheddar cheese, shredded
A ripe avocado
4 oz sour cream
Some Hatch or Cayenne chili powder
A pinch or two of salt
Teensy bit of lemon or lime juice
Shredded chicken (ideally, lime cilantro, or southwestern of some sort)

Make up the muffin mix, substituting tomato juice for milk or water.
Add the diced green chiles, chili powder, and cheese.
Bake as directed.
Let cool.
Meanwhile, mash up the avocado, mix with with the sour cream, add the salt, lemon/lime juice, and combine thoroughly.
Pipe (or spread, whatever your tools are) the avocado "frosting" atop the cupcakes.
Dust a teeny bit of chili powder over the frosting, if desired.
Finally, top the cupcakes with a bit of shredded chicken.
Enjoy, preferably warm.

PINK Method Day 13

2012-01-21T16:12:00.000-08:00

Seeing as I'm making zero progress in the weight loss through diet shift department (weighed in again this morning at 169), I decided to start Phase I today.

Phase I consists of 6 days in a row of cardio and strength workouts, coupled with yoga and mat work, and then a day of rest. This happens for 3 weeks, and then you rest (and follow the Reset diet again) for 4 days before beginning the next phase.

The Cardio workout is only 20 minutes, which is nice because about minute 15 I'm sweating and thinking of really cleve insults to hurl at the workout beauty queen before me.

After the Cardio was a yoga mat routine.

I was almost crying.
Part of that was because of the neck ache and headache that whalloped me early into the yoga portion.
But also because I'm inflexible, and my midsection is comprised entirely of Jell-O.

I'll keep at it, until I can get it, but I gave up partway through the 15 minute yoga routine, and just stretched until she did something that looked achievable.

But that being said, my legs know they had a workout. And I expect that after the first 7 days, I will see results with my weight and measurements, if even tiny results.

Friday Confessional

2012-01-20T11:17:00.000-08:00

I confess...

I had a donut this morning. And a cupcake. I can spin it and say, you know, I want this weight loss to be a permanent change and that means working around temptations instead of just binging and purging. But really, it was birthday donuts and cupcakes.

I confess...

I feel more proactive, having set a solid weekly and monthly goal for the weight loss. I know things will average out, but I like looking at the numbers. It's a Virgo thing.

I confess...

I saw Boysenberry yesterday. It was only a little awkward, and didn't leave me mopey. Yay!

I confess...

I want to scowl at all the snow-haters here in Western WA who are bitching about this like it's a punishment. Guys, it's been ONE WEEK. It's the only snow we've had all winter, and likely to be the only snow we get. And we had virtually no rain this Fall. So get over yourselves and this minor inconvenience, and enjoy the fact that it allows for activities you otherwise never get to experience (snow days, sledding/skiing/snowball fights, excuse to wear PJs and sip cocoa all day, picturesque scenery, etc).

I confess...

I'm getting sales on my Etsy shop, with my 50% off sale going on right now. It's slow, but at least I'm getting rid of inventory. Yay!

I confess...

I'm officially done with online dating. And with passive dating in general. If you want to get to know me, you can grow a pair and ask me to coffee (or whatever). Otherwise, go away.

And I leave you with this:

Fat Ass Friday

2012-01-20T11:03:00.000-08:00

Previous Weight: 168

Current Weight: 169

So, apparently my weight is waltzing. Ooooookay.

In other news, I'm still liking the PINK Method. The smoothie is enough to keep me satisfied every morning until 10am or so (when I then have nonfat Greek yogurt, or in the case of today, a birthday donut). I'm also still loving stuffed bell peppers for dinner.

I've set mini-goals along the way, so I can feel better about my back-and-forth progress.

Behold!

Goal weight: 147 lbs by April 8, 2012

Goal loss: 8.3 lbs per month OR 2 lbs per week

Reward for losing 8+ lbs every month shall be a facial at The Bathery.

Week 1 (Jan 9-15): -1.5 lbs (progress, but didn't reach goal)

PINK Day 11

2012-01-19T17:44:00.000-08:00

I weighed in today at 168 lbs.

Could this be a new trend of losing a pound a day? I certainly hope so! I know this- walking 2 miles a day in snow is a workout. And each day I have made sure to get out and get moving in addition to my regular trek to work, walking around downtown.

However, I have not been turning down the free lunches at work. And I stopped my bread fast, though I'm consuming MUCH less of bready stuff and processed sugar stuff than ever before. I'm also gonna do this: http://www.danceworksstudio.com/lessons-introductory.html

Wahoo for positive progress!

Not-Musical-Monday

2012-01-18T12:42:00.000-08:00

This so perfectly captured what I'm still struggling with, and I had to share it. Sorry for going from manically peppy to depressed (that's not how I normally operate, but today is an odd mix).

In Times Like These

2012-01-18T09:59:00.000-08:00

You've heard about the SOPA and PIPA acts being run through Congress right now, right?

It's a shotgun-style approach to copyright infringement. Not so bad, for those of us who have been the victims of online piracy. But also horrid for those of us who are infringing on copyrights (which, by the by, is most of us bloggers).

I know you're not a pirate- you're not illegally downloading protected content. You're a good person. But that pic you posted on your meme, from Pinterest or a Google search? Unless you have written permission from its owner that you have rights to it, your putting it on your blog is considered copyright infringement under these acts. And SOPA gives the government the right to shut down you blog permanently with that as its excuse. No warning. No apology. No time to rectify. Just shut down.

What's our alternative? Never post anything that you don't directly own, to anywhere (social media included)? No book reviews, no gorgeous art, no sayings, not even to promote the owner's website or store.

OR you can fight it! Click any or all of the links below to learn more about SOPA, and fight against this blatant override of freedom of speech (and grossly inept way of fighting online piracy):

Google

Craigslist

Wikipedia

CNET

Or click here to find your local government representative and contact them about how SOPA affects you!

We Want to Know Wednesday

2012-01-18T09:44:00.000-08:00

Thanks as always to hosts Mamarazzi, Queso and Crazymama

{1} Which of the following phrases characterizes how you live your life?
    a. You only live once
    b. test the water before jumping in
    c. stability is the key to life

I would say B. I try to maintain balance with everything in my life, including trying new things and being smart about it. :)

{2} What were you doing the last time you had a really good laugh?

I don't remember the context, but it was my work buddies saying/doing something ridiculous and inappropriate. This happens daily, and I love it.

{3} Who is the last person you hugged?

Bear, on Sunday, after our date.

{4} What song always makes you happy when you hear it?

Oh, SO many! Bear McCreary's "All Along the Watchtower". Most anything by Jem or Matt Nathanson.

{5} What's the first thing you thought about this morning?

My dream. And hope for snow.

PINK Day 8

2012-01-17T21:07:00.000-08:00

This extraordinary thing happened yesterday. I ate two slices of an apple pastry thing from the bakery down the street. I did it out of habit, not because I was hungry or love apple pastry thingies.

And then I felt like shyte all day long. Headache. Tummy hurt. Energy all out of whack.

Hey, consequences!

It's nice, as much of a pain as that was, to see my body changing on the PINK Method. Not in the "I'm suddenly svelte" way, but in the "connected to myself/more aware" way. Yay!

So today I weighed in at 168.5, but I'm okay with that. I'm climbing back onto the wagon, and getting my butt into gear.

My Happy List

2012-01-17T14:11:00.000-08:00

I'm happy...

That it's SNOWING! It paused for so long last night and this morning that I was giving up hope. But now it's white-out conditions and people are leaving work like fleas off a dipped dog. Wahooo!

I'm happy...

That I'm losing weight on PINK. And also, I have started feeling more clear and energized and lighter. Happy!

I'm happy...

That my Sunday lunch date was a lot of fun. Whether anything comes from it or not, it was nice to have a 100%-awkward-free blind date.

I'm happy...

For the spate of friends moving on to better things, employment-wise. Some hurt more, some hurt less, but I'm happy for all of them that they're getting opportunities, taking challenges, and making positive changes. Change is good!

PINK Day 8

2012-01-16T09:26:00.000-08:00

I weighed in this morning at 167.5

(My lightest weight in common memory was 160 in high school, for the record)

Musical Monday: Come On Closer

2012-01-16T09:04:00.000-08:00

It's a Jem song, and it's sexy. Why not open Monday with it? I considered posting "Winter Weather", as it's appropriate with the snow we got yesterday, but I feel like dancing in my chair instead. :)
So....I had a good date yesterday! Thankfully. I braved driving in the snow, despite some serious misgivings about my skills with snow driving. And I feel like the Universe rewarded me. Also, I realized that I'm an okay snow driver, as long as I can talk to my car.

Does that make me crazy, that I talk to Desdemona? (Yes, I named my car. I name all my steeds, of all varieties)

PINK Day 6/7

2012-01-15T10:37:00.000-08:00

Saturday I weighed in at 170, a half pound below Friday's weight.

Today I weighed in at 169, a full pound below yesterday's weight.

Maybe the PINK Method is working??

I did cheat last night, because we had Ethiopian food. I don't think I consumed a LOT of food, but of course there's a pancakey part to Ethiopian cuisine that I gladly indulged in.

If I can make it through the snow today to my lunch date, I will likely cheat a bit again. But not too much, now that I'm seeing progress.

Zao starts PINK tomorrow, so I'm going to have another buddy to help keep me motivated, and to encourage. Yay!

And, by the way, it's snowing:

(That's what I woke up to....at 10:30am it's now even thicker, with nonstop flakes...wahooo!)

Schnee!

2012-01-14T11:46:00.000-08:00

All of the Pemco ads are dead-on with regard to us Pacific Northwesterners. But this one is majorly true today:

That's right, lovelies- it's SNOWING! And although it may mean two canceled dates for me, I hope it keeps up with a vengeance. :D

Fat Ass Friday / PINK Day 5

2012-01-13T14:33:00.000-08:00

Previous Weight: 170 (as of last FAF, in November)

Current Weight: 170.5

Yeah, well, I've been 170.5 while on PINK so far. I'm hoping that I'm losing inches. I also know that my body likes stasis, and fights losing weight for a week at a time. I'm modifying my participation on PINK, for my sanity and so that Zao and I can be on the same schedule at the same time. I start the fitness portion of PINK on Jan 23rd.

I better lose some effing weight, before I go insane from lack of lattes!

Favorite meals on the PINK Reset structure thus far include quinoa-and-veggie-stuffed bell peppers, brown rice spaghetti, and spinach-beet-strawberry-banana smoothies. Also, getting to have Chobani as a snack.

Friday Confessional

2012-01-13T13:19:00.000-08:00

I confess...

I finally came clean to my friends about my addiction to My Little Pony.

Yes, I am a pegasister.

I can't help it. I didn't want to love this show. But the humor is right up my alley, and the creative nods to pop culture are infinitely entertaining.

I confess...

I (finally) called a jerk out on his behavior. It was one of those guys that I briefly dated, was all excited about, etc who used me and betrayed my trust and then ignored me. In this situation in the past, I have always just ignored them and worked to forget about it. But this time, as a PSA, I sent him a very mature email explaining why what he did was wrong and hurt me. Of course, he got all uppity and was filled with excuses and promises, none of which I believe. But it felt really good to finally call someone out on their behavior.

I confess...

I am seeking fashion help from a coworker who has very artistic taste. I need it, desperately. Sweet gal that she is, she's agreed to help me out. Thus far, I'm creating a new look via Pinterest.

Best way to make a shopping list, ever!

I confess...

Between having a 20 minute convo with Smokey yesterday, looking fashionable today, and having two dates this weekend, I feel like the mourning period of commitment-phobic Boysenberry is over, and I'm back in the dating pool. See below.

WTF, Express Scripts?

2012-01-12T19:00:00.001-08:00

This post brought to you by Walgreens. All opinions are 100% mine.

In the never-ending dance of health care versus health capitalism, Express Scripts just fired an unfair volley across the bow of Walgreens. And Walgreens is answering.

If you're a Walgreens pharmacy customer, and under an Express Scripts plan, you are now being forced to fulfill prescriptions elsewhere. That's frustrating, when you know and trust your pharmacist. And also expensive, because it forces you to go to higher-charging pharmacies (and in many cases, less convenient pharmacies).

Read more about Walgreens and Express Scripts.

Walgreens is countering by offering added savings through their Prescription Savings Club at Walgreens.

Walgreens also offered to match of beat the average costs of any other pharmacy in the Tricare network (the military healthcare system within Express Scripts). Tricare, amazingly, refused to allow this. If you're caught in the middle, military or not, Walgreens encourages you to voice your displeasure to your local media. Yay for grassroots protests!

Want to support Walgreens in their quest to provide fair healthcare? Follow Walgreens on Twitter and Walgreens on Facebook to keep abreast of their efforts.

Fight the good fight, darlings. Health care means freedom of choice!

PINK Day 4

2012-01-12T13:43:00.000-08:00

I weighed in today at 170.5, so I'm keeping keeping on.

The food isn't a bad adjustment at all. I realized I haven't touched on this yet. It's making me very aware of what is a lean protein and what isn't. But unlimited veggies isn't so bad....my current favorite thing is to take 1/2 cup brown rice or quinoa, mix with chopped sauteed onions, mushrooms, peppers, and some canned diced tomatoes, stuff it in a hollowed-out green bell pepper and bake it at 325 degrees for an hour. YUM! And surprisingly filling.

I've also combined black beans and tomatoes and green chiles into a stew sort of thing. But I think having a grain makes me happier. :)
I'm also enjoying spaghetti with brown rice instead of noodles.

I'm going to try a tuna mixed with veggies and low-fat Italian dressing or balsamic.
And baked salmon, with broccoli.
And really enjoying cucumber right now. Yay!

I'm hoping to carry this sort of food awareness with me even after PINK ends (or goes onto maintenance). Plus, the morning protein shakes are really nice. And being able to cheat with some non-fat Greek yogurt when my afternoon slump hits is really effective.

PINK Day 3

2012-01-11T21:09:00.000-08:00

I was stricken with massive stomach pains yesterday afternoon and evening. Despite it, I stuck to the diet with fervor (even while seated in my favorite Italian restaurant) and only had a wimpy salad for dinner. And no bread. And no wine. And certainly no sweets.

And then I woke up this morning and weighed a half pound MORE.

I was not well pleased.
I did figure out that I had only 744 calories yesterday (when I should be consuming 1200-1400 per day), which might explain the stomach pains. It was unlike any hunger I've ever known, but I'm also basically eating like a vegetarian right now, so it could have been withdrawals of some sort.

I cheated a bit today, and got to 1300-ish calories. So far, no weird pains or foginess.

If I weigh in tomorrow and weight less, I will be encouraged.
If I weigh the same, I'll keep at it.
If I weigh more, I'll be starting the fitness side of things early, because I can't handle that kind of backward momentum when I'm working so hard.

We Want to Know Wednesday

2012-01-11T09:04:00.000-08:00

Thanks as always for asking and hosting, Mamarazzi, Queso, and Crazymama!

{1} What is your most commonly used word or phrase when you are frustrated?
Well, they're cuss words, and one starts with a D and ends with 'it', the other starts with an F. I've tried using a cutesy phrase, but really, only hard-stop and short words work for me when I'm frustrated.

{2} What random question do you usually get from strangers or casual acquaintances?

"So how do you know him/her?"
(I know a lot of people from a lot of social circles, and most of them overlap in random ways)

{3} Did you ever correspond by mail with anyone, who? Do you still have the letters?
Before she passed away, my great aunt and I sent each other letters about every month. I kept most of them, but they were lost a move or two ago. I have horrible handwriting, but I think written correspondence is a very tender and special thing.

{4} Do you dance in public? why or why not?
I often groove a teensy bit when I'm happy (mostly just a butt wiggle). I will ballroom dance in public, sure, especially if I'm among friends.

{5} What is your favorite kind of chapstick/lip balm?
I have a soft spot for Burt's Bees tinted lip balms. I'm sure there's better out there, but these do the trick for me.

My Happy List

2012-01-10T09:18:00.000-08:00

I am happy...

That I've done some self-reflection and analyzing since Friday's heartbreak, and I feel stronger for it.

I am happy...

That I've started the PINK Method. I can't wait to get more fit, have more energy, and of course, look sexier. ;)

I am happy...

That many of my friends are starting new chapters and adventures in their lives. Positive change is so exciting!

PINK Method Day 2

2012-01-10T08:29:00.000-08:00

I started the PINK Method yesterday. I was doing fine until about 2pm, when my mood turned foul, a headache slammed into me, and I got a serious case of Brain Fog. Was that the change in nutrition? The heartbreak haunting me? The lack of sleep?

I have no idea. But I wasn't a very good person.

Today I feel better! I am the exact same weight as yesterday (no surprise there). I also figured out that I had about 10 ounces too little of water yesterday, so that's a major focus today. I currently have three large water canisters on my desk to assist with that.

I also feel like someone ran through my intestines with a pipe cleaner. Is that what they mean when they say "lighter"? Hrm.

I have a blind date tonight, during which I plan on eating salad and trying to pick out whatever I shouldn't be eating, like cheese. Wish me luck!

PINK Day 1

2012-01-09T12:38:00.000-08:00

Today I started the PINK Method. For those unfamiliar with it, it's a fitness and nutrition program aimed at making women slimmer but also more toned, healthier, and more energetic.

It starts with a change to nutrition that lasts anywhere from 3-14 days (depending on your current weight/height ratio) before the fitness part begins. This is part detox, part jump-start to the weight loss, and part getting the body used to a change in nutrition routine before the real burning of calories begins.

It also lets me plan my meals out, which is nice and empowering. :)

Breakfast for the next 10 days will be one of 2 shakes.
Lunch and dinner are each 4oz of lean protein and unlimited unprocessed veggies.

Today I weigh: 170.5 lbs
And I feel: Excited to start a change

Musical Monday: Don't Get My Hopes Up

2012-01-09T08:17:00.000-08:00

This seemed appropriate, if only for the overall message: don't go there if you don't mean it.

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://music.sjtucker.com/track/dont-get-my-hopes-up"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Don't Get My Hopes Up by SJ Tucker&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

Lately I'm a little bit prickly.
Everything hurts when you fall in
love hard enough, rock bottom doesn't feel so bad.
I wouldn't quite call this bitchy--when I am on
my best behavior I'll fool you like a
grown-up little girl who didn't know how good she
had it before.
When desire walks through your door
and all hell breaks loose times four, you'll understand and maybe you
won't pull smooth maneuvers on your suitors anymore.
Oh
(chorus 1)
Don't you go getting my hopes up, girl.
You'll be sorry and so will I.
Last thing either one of us needs is
yet another reason to cry.
I know that I'm your last in line.
I oughtta know better than to call you mine.
Say a flat out "no" to my face, that's fine,
but don't get my hopes up, girl.

Lately I'm a pretty good swimmer--
so far up the creek cuz I fell in
love hard enough hot water doesn't seem so dire, no.
I must've quit paying attention, baby,
I have to tell you the line is
blurred pretty bad between the frying pan and the
fire.
When love sneaks up on you and fries your
circuits through and through you'll understand and maybe
forgive me my trespasses, for I
know not what I do.
Oh,
(chorus 2)
Don't you go getting my hopes up, boy.
You'll be sorry and so will I.
I'm not one for second chances
once you've made me cry.
My dance card's full, my waiting list
is too backed up for shit like this.
Go ahead and pretend that I don't exist,
but don't get my hopes up, boy.

When desire walks through your door
and all hell breaks loose times four, you'll understand and maybe you
won't demand good manners from your lovers anymore.
Oh,
(chorus 3)
Don't you go getting my hopes up, love.
You'll be sorry 'til the day you die.
I see you wishing on your star
and wishes cannot lie.
I make 'em too, or haven't you heard,
waste a few on you cuz I never did learn.
I know courage is harder to show than concern,
and you can't steal fire and not get burned.
I will try to hold out and wait my turn,
but don't get my hopes up, love.

In Case You Think This Dating Thing Is All Fun & Games...

2012-01-06T20:39:00.000-08:00

I have been on dates with about 6 men in the 10 months that I have been single. Here's the breakdown of my (mis)adventures:

A: awesome guy, similar interests, fun and laid-back, gainfully employed. On the second date, he randomly grabbed my boobs (and not in a sexy way), but refused to kiss me at the end of the date. Then he decided that something I'd written in my profile was directly pertinent to him and our situation and of course couldn't apply to me or anything else in my life and sent me a scathing email about it. Then tried to booty call me.

B: sweet, funny, geeky, very intelligent, but a bit lost. And not attracted to me (which is OK, as I wasn't really attracted to him). Still, we had a fun first date, so we made plans for a second date. He cancelled that last-minute, and despite my texting and calling later in the week, he ignored me until I gave up.

C: attractive, funny, adventurous, intelligent. After a fun first date and more emails, he invited me to visit him in his town (an hour and a half away). We had a fun second date where he showed me the town, but didn't make any moves on me (despite splitting a bottle of red wine and flirting all night long). In the middle of the third date, he abruptly announced that we had no chemistry, he wasn't interested in me, and took off at nearly a dead-run. Seriously, he FLED.

D: a friend of a friend, another compatibly geeky, artistic, hilarious man. We had chemistry, and we knew it and exercised it often but in PG-13 format. We went on 3 or 4 dates and everything was going grandly. Then he stopped talking to me (or returning my emails, texts, or calls), although continued to post stupid things on Facebook. To this day he won't talk to me, or provide our mutual friend with any reason for his behavior.

E: fun, attractive, a gentleman, exciting, and talented in certain things. Our first date was a blast. Our second date (which I planned, executed, paid for, etc) was a blast. Our third date was amazing, and there was the promise of more. We exchanged a couple of texts afterward, initiated by myself, in which he professed to liking me and wanting to spend more time together. Then he went silent for two weeks, only to text tonight asking about the name of a bar (literally, no hello, no how are you, just asking for the name of the bar).

F (aka Boysenberry): attractive, mature, fun, funny. We had 5 really delightful dates, and as you guys know, I was seriously twitterpated.
He just called and admitted that he doesn't have romantic feelings for me, and so we're not dating anymore.

This whole one-two punch to the heart thing has got to stop. I know 'nothing ventured, nothing gained', and I've never been able to school my heart into not liking (and trusting) people. I'm just so bloody tired of disappointed hopes and this feeling of heartbreak. It's small, I know, but it still hurts.

Friday Confessional

2012-01-06T08:47:00.000-08:00

I confess...

I delayed my entrance to work this morning in order to ride the elevator with Smokey. He introduced himself, at last, and I smacked my head into the wall. Because I'm smooth like butter.

But his smile just kills me. And he has nice hands, too.

I confess...

I let this week be depressing and frustrating because I had one super-stressy work day. And that's just silly- this week began well and I'm going to make sure it ends well also.

I confess...

This is helped along by righteous anger toward one of those two guys I was dating (not Boysenberry), and little flirty moments with Smokey. And it being Friday.

I confess...

I am excited to start the PINK Method, which arrived yesterday. I have to do 10 days of nutritional restart before I begin the exercise segment. I am already planning on cheating a little bit (hello, dating! restaurants!), but I have my meal plans prepared. I begin in Monday!

I confess...

The workbook has you visualize yourself skinny and toned...and I can't do that. My powers of visualization are pretty much nil (since growing out of childhood). I'm not even sure how I'll look, this is all just new territory that I'm taking a chance with.

I confess...

I really hope my boobs don't go away with all this diet and exercise stuff.

We Want to Know Wednesday

2012-01-04T16:59:00.000-08:00

Thanks for the excuse to post today, Mamarazzi, Queso and Crazymama!

{1} What do you love about blogging?

It's an excuse to write, even on days where I don't feel up to creative writing, and it's introduced me to some amazing people, crafts, and books.

{2} What is your favorite scent of candle/air freshener?

I'm not big on permeating scents, but I have an apple pie candle that is amazing. I light it, and I'm home.

{3} How would you describe your style?
A coworker recently described it as Victorian Grunge, and I'm trying to work toward that more. Right now it's still eclectic, with leanings toward lazy and poor. I need a style makeover!

{4} What are 3 things your dream home would have that your current home doesn't have?
A library room with a fireplace, a dishwasher, a private garden, and a working heater.

{5} Do you look at your keyboard when you type?
I glance back and forth between the screen and keyboard, even when I'm typing at my usual 65 wpm. It's habit, I suppose.

My Happy List

2012-01-03T14:58:00.000-08:00

I'm happy...

That I can still smell his cologne on me.

I'm happy...

That we talked this morning, and are on the same page.

I'm happy...

That he missed me. I sure as hell missed him.

I'm happy...

That I will hopefully get to see him again later in the week. Fingers crossed!

I'm happy...

That he's so good at ego stroking, though I need to focus on him more- I am way too easily distracted and all to happy to yammer about myself, only to realize later that I never heard the end of his story, or asked that question, or heard the adventure, etc.

Musical Monday: 2011 Soundtrack

2012-01-02T12:10:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Miss Angie, both for hosting and for inspiring this look back at the musical recaps of my year. This tells a bit of a story, eh?

Pink, by Aerosmith
King of Anything, by Sarah Bareilles
Dr. Broehner's, by The Trestlefoot Fairy
Vital Mental Medicine, by Solas
I Pray For You, by Jaron and the Long Road to Love
Old Maid in the Garret, by Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem
Slow Dancing In a Burning Room, by John Mayer
Wick, from The Secret Garden
The Fear, by Lily Allen
C'est Moi, from Camelot, performed by Franco Nero
Dirty Laundry, by BitterSweet
Perfect, by Pink
Whatever Gets You By, by The Features
Feeling Good, by Michael Buble
Love Lies, by SJ Tucker
Sexy Silk, by Jessie J
I Hate Men, from Kiss Me Kate, performed by Rachel York
Holding Out For a Hero, by Imogen Heap
You Don't Know Me, by Ben Folds
Look It Up, by Ashton Shepherd
Save Me, San Francisco, by Train
Night in my Veins, by The Pretenders
Dog Days Are Over, by Florence + The Machine
Lincolnshire Posey, by Percy Grainger
Short Skirt, Long Jacket, by Cake
Changing, by The Airborne Toxic Event
Whiskey in Mind, by Christian Kane
Run the World, by Beyonce
Halfway Down the Stairs, by Amy Lee
What the Water Gave Me, by Florence + The Machine
All Along The Watchtower, by Bear McCreary
Pumpkin Soup, by Kate Nash
Just A Ride, by Jem
Domino, by Jessie J
This Will Be Our Year, by OK Go
Stupid Girls, by Pink
This is Halloween, by Danny Elfman
As The World Falls Down, by David Bowie
Hello, by Martin Solveig and Dragonette
Last Name, by Carrie Underwood
Echoes, by The Raptures

Thanks to all of you who participate, for expanding my musical boundaries!

I Need a Hero(ine)

2012-01-01T19:45:00.000-08:00

So I'm bad at casual dating. And it's because there aren't boundaries or checkpoints in casual dating.

That space of time between dates with the same man- how big does that have to get before it goes from 'that space of time between dates' to 'passive-aggressive way of saying I'm not interested in seeing you again'?

And if I, say, want to go on many dates with one of the men I'm seeing, does that mean I'm secretly wanting to date him exclusively? Or just that I enjoy having fun?

Is it in fact a means to an end, namely finding The One, or just a means in itself? And if it's NOT about finding The One, how do you know if you're doing it correctly, or justing wasting your and their time?

These are the things, I kid you not, that keep me up at night. Not all night, because I adore sleep, but late enough that I do start to wonder just how crazy I am in thinking this stuff.

Statistically, I cannot be the only person to contemplate this. And yet, there's no rule book for this stuff. None.

Monogamous, exclusive, one-at-a-time dating? Pop culture is FILLED with society's rules for that. Whatever we didn't learn from parents and siblings and friends, we learned from books, TV, and movies. Even songs! Some of it is pretty common sensical (don't hitch your wagon to someone you dislike), and some of it seems fairly random (play hard to get- but just the right amount). I've never been a master at the dating thing, even though I am an awesome girlfriend, but at least I understand the rules and have a common reference for them.

But show me the movie where a female is casually dating several men for the sake of just having a good time (without, of course, her being the antagonist). Point me to the book that sets up those social rules of do and don't for these sorts of scenarios. Give me some sort of measuring stick against which I can judge whether I am doing this thing right.

Am I having a good time? On the dates, yes.
In the time between the dates, where long silences or seeming lack of interest in future dates makes me twitchy (but I don't want to come across as needy or neurotic), no. And I find myself trying to put my eggs in one basket. A really really great basket who is probably way too classy for me, but still one basket. And if he's doing the casual dating thing, doesn't that mean he doesn't want to be one woman's entire basket? Ok, I've lost the metaphor, but you get my point.

Forget Disney princesses of different ethnicities- I need one that has her life together but is afraid of making the same mistake(s) in romance yet again, and killing her dwindling chances at true love.

(Not one of these chicks can help me out)

In 2012...

2011-12-31T17:34:00.000-08:00

I hope your weekend is SAFE, fun, and appropriately silly.

In 2012, I will:
+ Learn how to salsa and re-learn how to swing (starting 1/13 at Century Ballroom, with swing in Kirkland and at Lisa's)
+ Sew costumes for Norwescon
+ Sew everyday clothes for myself, especially as I explore my 'style' (at least 1 new piece)
+ Start the P.I.N.K. Method (I'm sure I'll be blogging the hell out of that)
+ Pamper myself a bit more, with doing my nails and getting facials and waxing
+ Read at least 15 books
+ Finish writing my novel with Otaku
+ Continue volunteering at MEOW
+ Enjoy my life to the fullest!

RAK time!

2011-12-31T09:20:00.000-08:00

It's December, so I only sent out one book for RAK (I put the majority of my altruistic efforts toward the LJ Holiday Wishes community). I didn't receive any books, which was expected (though I think 3 books people contacted me about in previous months must have gotten lost/damaged/stolen in the mail....ah well!). I really really wanted to send two books to the two bookworms that live together, but sadly, one gal's wishlist was entirely out of my budget. Sorry!

So this was my sole RAK ambassador for December:

Friday Confessional

2011-12-30T09:25:00.000-08:00

I confess...

It's really easy to turn me into a grinning idiot. Just make sure Boysenberry texts me something sweet and random, when I least expect it. Then watch me pause everything in my life, read it three times, and giggle like a kid at Christmas.

I confess...

It's also really easy to make me paranoid about having done something wrong. Just regularly communicate with me, and then go to radio silence for 3+ days. Then watch me pace, worry, obsess, fear, and generally try not to implode.

I confess...

I worry that this makes me high maintenance. And perhaps also a little neurotic. And needy. :(

I confess...

I'm also really bad about getting my hopes up. I'm naturally optimistic, and at the slightest encouragement, I will go squee and make plans and let myself be ridiculously excited. This is not mixing well with casual dating, wherein I am supposed to be cool, aloof, and hard to get.

I confess...

I have never in my life been cool or aloof, and playing hard to get seems dishonest to me, and a bit of a headgame. I envy you ladies to whom that James Dean stuff comes naturally.

And because I love you, and am still twitterpated despite being nervous about being a big dork, here's something hot to leave you with. *ahem*

2011 in Review: In the End

2011-12-29T09:38:00.000-08:00

Things revved up even more for me in the final 3 months of 2011. Work picked up, and went well, holidays came in like a tornado, I had good (and painful) experiences with several amazing men, I made some changes in my life, and I got to see amazing things happen in the lives of people I love. Looking back, 2011 was a big year of change!

Considering that part of the positive change was consciously accepting and reveling in each opportunity I found, my theme song is:

October
I co-hosted the Swapoween with Miss Angie
I crushed on Blue, a bit too much for my own good
I fell in love with Budugalee Cards
I started Diary of a Costume Addict, primarily to chronicle my SteamCon Victorian Eel Outfit

November
I read a lot
I had a blast with Mamarazzi's Autumn Swap
I started my ritual lazy day weekend with Otaku
I had a lovely Thanksgiving with my family
Blue put another slice in my scarred heart
I sent a lot of books to total strangers

December
I hosted a book giveaway
I jumped back into dating...and was a naughty wench
I learned more about skin care
I got hooked on the British TV show Misfits
I survived Christmas

We Want to Know Wednesday

2011-12-28T17:56:00.000-08:00

Thanks as ever to Mamarazzi, Queso, and Crazymama for hosting!

{1} What was the best part of 2011?

Growing up. After a stressful and challenging first quarter, and a humbling second quarter, I feel more like I've grown into my own this year than EVER before. Maybe turning 30 had something to do with that, or maybe it was emerging from being powerless to painting my own destiny.

{2} What do you look forward to in 2012?

Gaining more skills and confidence in my job, fulfilling creative needs in my hobbies, getting in better shape, and of course dating some amazing menfolk!

{3} Do you actually keep your New Year resolutions?

No, which is why I don't make resolutions. I just make changes. :)

{4} What are your top 3 resolutions for the new year?

To start the P.I.N.K. Method with Zao, to get into swing and salsa dancing, and to finish my co-authored novel with Otaku.

{5} Do you have any fun new years traditions or plans?

Growing up, we had French Breakfast Puffs and Lil Smokies for breakfast on New Year's Day, and watched the Rose Parade. This year, I have no plans, and am devoted to playing my NYE party plans entirely by whim.

My Happy List

2011-12-27T12:24:00.000-08:00

I am happy...

That despite being so sick he had to go to the ER on Xmas, my brother is healing normally.

I am happy...

That the holiday was a success. I admit I was kind of over it, mid-way through the day. But we didn't scare my bro's new girlfriend away, which is fantastic.

I am happy...

That Boysenberry texted me on Sunday to wish me a Merry Christmas, even though he doesn't celebrate the holiday and I'm sure he was busy with his family. Sweet little gestures like that go a LONG way with me, and considering how impressed I have already been by his manners, attitude, life, etc....well, I'm having to maintain a death grip on this whole "dating casually" thing right now.

I am happy...

That I'm finally wrapping up the craziness that has been work for the past 2 weeks. I feel very on top of things, and accomplished.

I am happy...

That I have A PLAN for the new year. The Virgo in me always needs one.

So here it is:

I am starting the P.I.N.K. Method for body toning and weight loss, with a local friend (yay accountability).
I am starting swing dance here in Kirkland.
I am starting salsa dance out at Century Ballroom (1-2 times a month).
I am learning how to knit and crochet.
I am getting a costume or two done for Norwescon, but not going to stress out of my gourd about it.
I am going to get back in the habit of writing regularly so I can stop feeling so damned guilty about it.

And that takes care of my physical, emotional, and creative needs for the new year. Wahoo!

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-24T10:32:00.000-08:00

Whether you'll be lighting the menorah tonight, or watching for Santa, or looking at your bayberry candle, or attending Christian services, I'm wishing you and yours a merry holiday, and weekend, and end to 2011. May we all enjoy health, prosperity, joy, and adventure in the coming year.

Friday Confessional

2011-12-23T13:15:00.000-08:00

I confess...

I have fallen behind on blogging this week. Sorry! I will endeavor to catch up.

I confess...

Part of that was being uber-busy with work, and part of that was...erm...getting uber busy. *ahem*

I confess...

I don't do resolutions, but 2012 is going to be a great year for most of us. A creative one, too.

I confess...

I am looking forward to some relaxing time with my family this weekend. I'm so happy about the SOs my brothers are bringing, and my folks aren't fighting, and I just feel peaceful going into it. Plus, of course, eggs benedict and mimosas. Mmmmmmm....

I confess...

I will be happy to hear the end of the Christmas music. I was dandy with it at first, but considering I only like about 30% of the tunes piped out of every store and shop this season, it's starting to get old. Or maybe I'm getting grumpier in my adage.

2011 In Review: Summertime (and the living is....)

2011-12-22T22:30:00.000-08:00

Well, things really broke for me in July, August, and September this year. In August I had my interview with Wave, and consequent hiring, which lead to my moving to Kirkland and all the joy since. It was definitely a new chapter, in the best possible sense.
My theme was absolutely Feelin' Good (which, though I love the Nina Simone version, I must go with the Michael Buble version here, for the pacing)

July
I reached 100 Followers! And hosted a giveaway to celebrate.
I got hooked on RAK (Random Acts of Kindness).
I wrapped up my series on boudoir photography and posing.

August
I got a new job.
I got a new flat.
I had a blast with Mamarazzi's Favorite Colors Swap.
I had mixed feelings about turning 30, which went away after a bucket of margarita.

September
I got to fight zombies! Ok, run away from them. Still!
I had this brilliant idea to blog about my costumes (*coughcoughfail*).
Miss Angie and I hosted the first annual Swapoween.

My Happy List

2011-12-20T09:00:00.000-08:00

I am happy...

That I had a weekend full of Misfits, good food, and Otaku. It was restful, it was fun, and it was the best thing I could have done with my weekend before Christmas.

I am happy...

That I love myself enough to be guilt-free about enjoying all these goodies. Vendors that we contract with have been showering us with gourmet cookies, candies, and chocolate. I'm almost getting sick of sugar, but not quite.

(actual cupcake that I just ate)

I am happy...

That I haven't gotten seriously ill yet. I'm usually sick in the Autumn and/or Winter, with the allergies and the stress and all, and I've been working hard to keep that from happening this year.

I am happy...

That my coworker gave me a defined "style", which allows me a chance to narrow my wardrobe down to a certain look. The style? Victorian Grunge.

(I could make that...)

I am happy...

That I have so much to look forward to, with the holidays and family and crushes and everything. This is going to be a busy, fun, lovely few weeks!

Musical Monday: Echoes

2011-12-19T08:18:00.000-08:00

Over the weekend, Otaku got me hooked on a British show called Misfits.
HOOKED.
And the theme song, while not normally my bag, is very much something I need playing if I ever have to battle zombies or be a subversive agent in a big government, or anything like that. So if you're feeling rather punk, enjoy:

2011 in Review: The Moving Months

2011-12-16T10:21:00.000-08:00

Continuing the theme of 2011 In Review, I've got to say that I would have been in a very bad place in April, May, and June if my parents weren't so generous. They let me move back in with them which, while embarrassing, was much better than killing Scotsman or living on the streets.

And my theme for those three months would have to be:

April 2011
I invited the Universe to bless my life with a good man.
I participated in my first book swap.
I started dating again (of course, now I can't remember who Lynx was).
I vlogged.
And I moved to my parents apartment, after the fiasco with Scotsman and finances.

May 2011
I focused a lot on inexpensive nutrition and gleaning.
I gave up on dating, after a frustrating run. Except not really.
The Yakima river flooded, and it was beautiful.
I went through a lot of job interviews.

June 2011
I got into hooping.
I got into Arbonne (as a product user, not a seller).
I had a really great time hanging with my folks.
I started a very fun blog series on Boudoir Photography.

Friday Confessional

2011-12-16T09:42:00.000-08:00

I confess...

Blue really hurt me, more than I let on. I can't help but be a little paranoid now, when a guy that I like ignores my texts. I ought to be more patient, and give them a day to respond before I get twitchy, but the panic rises....I can't help it. It makes me feel needy and broken and I HATE that.

I confess...

I really like both of the guys that I went on dates with last weekend. I also have a teensy crush on a guy here at work. My crush-gland and my libido are in full swing!

I confess...

I am behind on ornament baking, stocking decorating, jewelry making, costuming, and putting art up on my walls. However, I am done with Xmas gifts, wrapping, plans with the family, and holiday decorations. Yay!

Yeah, I know, this one is short. What can I say? I'm still catching up on sleep. ;)

Mobile Media Nownownownownow

2011-12-14T01:01:00.001-08:00

This post brought to you by LG DoublePlay™. All opinions are 100% mine.

So who else has a phone contract expiring soon??

Personally, I'm looking at getting the LG DoublePlay (from T-Mobile) to replace my Samsung thingie (that's close enough to the official brand, right?).

Here's the cool parts about the LG DoublePlay:

Touch screen
Slide-out QWERTY keyboard (so much easier for texting)
3.5" colored display with high-end graphics
5 Mp camera built-in
HD video recorder built-in
CloudText capability for collaboration with you iPad folks
Android capability, so one-touch performance and market for buying more apps

If all of this sounds more like a computer than a phone....you're right! Personally, I almost never talk on my cell phone. It hurts my ears, I'm awkward (not in a cute way) on the phone, and I can't do it while at work. But texting? Surfing the 'net? Checking email? Taking random photos of my current experience to blog about? These things are top priority for me in a mobile phone.

I send about 200 text messages a month when I'm blazing (i.e. being a social planner butterfly chick). And if my phone could do it right now, I'd use it for social marketing constantly, especially during the holidays when I have hours of down time and no laptop with me (and usually some video I desperately want to share with someone). I'm most excited about the HD recorder, though. Me with video capabilities (and a better mobile camera) would be dangerously fun!

What about you guys- are you big into using social media on your phones? Do you prefer texting to talking?

Check out the LG DoublePlay™ for yourself!

Face Care 101

2011-12-13T14:03:00.000-08:00

A woman's skin care techniques can be as varied as personal taste, and there is a vast variety in skin care types and needs. But with the domination of marketing and trends over basic skin intelligence and education, it's difficult to find what things work best for you (without spending a ton of money, going through potentially-damaging routines, etc). I know- I have been there.

Given all the research, interviews with aestheticians, and trial-and-error that I've done, I wanted to share the most important tips with you guys.

The following holds true no matter what kind of skin you have (dry, oily, combination, sensitive, rough, wrinkled, damaged, fair, etc):

Always always always clean your face twice. Yes, even if you have very dry skin. The first time is just to remove the surface makeup and oils. The second time is to deeply clean the pores so that your skin (one big organ, ya know) can breathe, excrete, etc as it should. When your skin functions as it should, you glow (and have fewer breakouts).

The first cleanse, to remove makeup and dirt, can either be with a specific face-make-up remover (different from an eye makeup remover!), or you can use plain olive oil. You just need to put some on a cotton ball and gently swipe it across your face (may need to do two cotton balls and swipes).

The second cleanse, right after the first, should be with your specific facial cleanser. Just put some in the palm of your hands, rub together to start a lather, then gently dot the cleanser on your face. Using a wet soft cloth or sponge, lather the cleanser evenly over your face in circular motions. This helps with circulation as well as getting a nice deep clean.

You don't have to press hard or scrub vigorously (this can damage the surface cells and even bust capillaries). And for the love of all that is good and holy DO NOT USE BODY SOAP ON YOUR FACE. That stuff isn't made for delicate skin like the undereye area and will do more harm than good.

After you rinse and gently pat your face dry with a clean towel or cloth, apply moisturizer. Yes, even if you have naturally oily skin. You should use a daytime moisturizer (usually very light, with built-in SPF), and an evening moisturizer (usually a somewhat heavier cream for repairing skin damage).

If you have those annoying bumps under your eyes, make sure you're using an undereye-specific moisturizer in those areas- that skin is tissue thin and pretty needy.

Different product lines will target different skin needs, but ALL skin needs to be thoroughly and deeply cleaned, and then moisturized, to retain a good balance and healthfulness. If you follow this regime and still have skin issues, the problem likely lies with the products you're using.

And, of course, one of the best things you can do for your skin (and all your other organs) is to drink lots of water, eat a balanced diet, and get regular exercise.

My Happy List

2011-12-13T09:53:00.000-08:00

I am happy...

That I had a wonderful date with a very mature and positive man on Friday. And another one with an equally mature and fun man on Saturday. My weekend was wall-to-wall exhaustive fun!

I am happy...

That I seem to be attracting an entirely new class of man than I have previously encountered. And thus my mother gets to say she told me so.

I am happy...

That my brother is dating a really amazing woman. The more I get to know her, the more I admire, respect, and like her. Win!

I am happy...

That my parents are coming over the mountains next week. I'm not at all panicked that Christmas is here (just continually surprised at how quickly time flows), and I am always excited for family social time, Eggs Benedict and Mimosas, and that cat-in-a-sunbeam feeling that happens this time of year.

I am happy...

That my little surprise gifts are arriving in households this week (and next, hopefully). I love fulfilling the wishes of strangers!

I am happy...

That my coworkers are so fun. Here's an example of how goofy they are:

This was posted to my FB wall this morning (it is NOT SAFE FOR WORK)

Squee By Request

2011-12-12T16:46:00.000-08:00

I want to balance the whole "A Lady Doesn't Kiss and Tell" with "Ohmygodsdatinghappysqueeexplode!", and of course I love story metaphors.

So this is what I've come up with, to sum up the effect of a weekend of good dates on me. Feel free to take the metaphor as deep as you'd like- it probably still applies:

(Yeah, I know, if you haven't read this children's story, you don't get it. Just hold on until Friday, by which time I hope to have come up with a subtle, classy, and utterly truthful recap to the weekend).

Musical Monday: Last Name

2011-12-12T09:38:00.000-08:00

So my dates this weekend went spectacularly. All of them.
And I am exhausted.
And this song may capture some of Friday night's date. *ahem*

History Camp Books WINNER

2011-12-12T08:46:00.000-08:00

Despite a major type on the giveaway post (apparently I was going to travel back in time to draw the winner), I have drawn a winner to receive the History Camp books. Happy Monday to you all, thanks to those that entered, and congratulations to.....

REBECCA!

An email has been sent, and the publisher will be shipping those to you soon. Thanks, Vandy and Angie, also, for entering and showing a little love for Lory Kaufman, who was generous with his time. :)

Friday Confessional

2011-12-09T20:41:00.000-08:00

I confess...

I am nervous about my 3 dates this weekend. Not because they're dates, but because I have a bad short-term memory, and I'm paranoid that I'll call one the wrong name, or get details muddled betwixt them. Le Predator tells me that's totally within reason, since *I* hold all the cards in a date situation, but I remain skeptical.

I confess...

Lunch with the girls today was a blast, and led to conversations that led to pics like this:

I confess...

I will now distract everyone I can with a fantastic little website o' cuteness. Muahahaha! Happy Friday. :)

I confess...

Sending out random gifts from the Livejournal Holiday Wishlist makes me happy (and a wee bit broke). Playing santa to total strangers absolutely puts me in a holiday mood!

2011 in Review- The First Three

2011-12-08T16:00:00.000-08:00

I'm posting these as part of the 2011 Review Extravaganza. I think I've had an exceptionally growthful year, in which I learned to pay attention and respect myself more. I've also had a lot of opportunities this year, which I'm very grateful for. Here's my theme for the first 3 months:

January 2011
I had some quality time with my mom and many excellent books
I got more domestic-goddess-y in the kitchen
I moved to a new town in a new part of Washington...briefly
I joined the local YMCA as a redo to my fitness program
I donated a lot of blood
I finished my quest to read every Jane Austen novel

February 2011
Things started falling apart with Scotsman
I bonded strongly with my gorgeous kitty, Lucy
Friends had babies
I really got into wogging. Daily. For 3+ miles. I didn't lose any weight at all, but I felt very empowered
And then I got massively sick with a flu-type thing

March 2011
My relationship with Scotsman finally ended
I hosted my first swap (with the lovely Miss Angie)
I hosted my first giveaway
I finally figured out how to put on eyeliner without looking like a freak
I started a garden
I dyed my hair (of course)

Reminder: History Camp Books Giveaway

2011-12-08T09:17:00.000-08:00

Don't forget, you have until Monday to enter my giveaway for The Lens and The Looker AND The Bronze and The Brimstone!

Book Lover's Holiday Giveaway FAIL

2011-12-07T12:47:00.000-08:00

Too short of a timeline for the book giveaway? Or just lack of interest? There was a miscommunication about my being able to participate in this hop (I was not added to the list), so.....

Nobody entered here: http://artemishi.blogspot.com/2011/12/book-lovers-holiday-giveaway.html
So nobody won.

So here is what I'm going to do.
The first person to comment on this post gets the book for free. That's right- rewarded just for reading this post.

We Want to Know Wednesday

2011-12-07T11:37:00.000-08:00

{1} What is your favorite cookie to eat?

Chocolate chip- but it's gotta be homemade. That store bought crap is just insulting.

{2} Have you ever done a cookie exchange?

I haven't! I'd love to, though. I used to bake 6 or 7 different cookie recipes with my Mom, and make plates of different ones for neighbors and teachers. I miss having a big weekend of cookie baking.

{3} How are you doing on your holiday shopping?

I shop at local stores and Etsy primarily (I try to ONLY shop there, but it doesn't always work). And I do my shopping before December whenever possible.

{4} What is your holiday shopping style?

I like getting stocking stuffers (we don't do gifts) throughout the year, as I find the perfect ones. I really hate being under stress to buy things last-minute, and from big stores. I prefer unique, crafted items that are perfect for the person.

{5} Light displays...do you put them on your house? What is your style and your fave kind to see?

I don't have a house, so when I can I put up my one string of lights inside (this year, they're above the sliding glass door).
I change opinion on favorite light type (colored, white, icicle, etc) often, but I have always preferred static lights to blinking lights, and I really true dislike when people make their house busy with huge light displays and animatronics and such. To me, that's just tacky. Simplicity in light choice, especially when it follows the outline of the house, or is just draped around the bushes, is totally charming.

*Thank you to Pinterest for supplying me with great photos for this post, none of which are mine. :)

My Happy List

2011-12-06T19:32:00.000-08:00

I am happy...

That I had a fantastic date on Saturday night. After 9 hours, I still wanted to know more about him, do fun stuff with him, and keep touching him. I'm excited for the next date!

I am happy...

That the MEOW Cat Rescue fundraiser went well. I didn't make as much stuff for it as I had hoped to, but every penny counts. And my doggie biscuits were epic.

I am happy...

That I have a good reason to clean my place this week. Muahahahahaa! Cryptic!

No, not really. It's a boy. It's always a boy, isn't it? Outside of my co-author, who needs a nickname, it will be the first time I've had a boy over to my place here. I'm....nervous.

I am happy...

For the existence of Pandora. It isn't always an accurate radio station to what musical mood I'm in, but when it is.....I can't stop singing and dancing around. Wahooo!

I am happy...

No, I am ECSTATIC that I got to reconnect with a cousin. We haven't seen each other in over 15 years, but we're peas in a pod in many ways. Facebook has now enabled me to get to know him (and be inspired by him), and I am so very grateful for that opportunity.

I am happy...

That I am giving away books to y'all! Check out my giveaways:

Men Dancing (drama/comedy)- Book Lover's Holiday Giveaway

The Lens and The Looker AND The Bronze and The Brimstone (YA)- An Interview with Lory Kaufman

Go enter to win! Please? :)

What's on YOUR happy list today?

Musical Monday: Hello

2011-12-05T15:41:00.000-08:00

I can't help but listen to this song and dance in my chair here at work. Continually. I love the beat- songs with clapping in them make me groove. Dunno why. And as for the lyrics...yeah, it's a simple song, but who can't relate to that whole "I'm just having fun, please don't take this seriously" thing?

In other news, the Universe is marvelously good at talking to me these days. Is it the season? Am I getting better at listening? Is it a fluke? I don't know, but it's making me feel more self-assured and happy than I have been in a long time. I am continuing to come more into my own, every day, with no surcease. I wish that on everyone. It's marvelously freeing!

Book Interview & Giveaway with Lory Kaufman

2011-12-05T08:04:00.000-08:00

After reading The Lens and the Looker and The Bronze and the Brimstone, I am lucky enough to be able to interview author Lory Kaufman. At the end of this interview are the rules for my BOOK GIVEAWAY! Wahooo!

1) Why did you choose 14th century Verona as the 'hardcase History Camp' setting the elders choose for sending Hansum, Shamira, and Lincoln to (and then later their actual time-travel destination)?

It’s hard to definitively answer WHY I chose this setting. You see, I started writing bits and pieces of what would become my History Camp stories back in the early 1990’s and it took me till 2005 when my kids grown and my business to a state where I could write almost full time to accomplish my childhood dream of writing futuristic adventures.

However, I do have a love for medieval books and movies and I really enjoy Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet being my favorite. Also, since I was inspired to be a writer by the futuristic books I read in high school, Lord of the Flies, Brave New World, 1984, The Crysalids, etc, I always wanted to write for that same audience, which I see as 14 to 144. So, put it all together and you get The Lens and the Looker, The Bronze and the Brimstone, and the soon to be published, The Loved and the Lost.

2) What would you envision to be the single best and single worst aspect of the future world (technology-wise, or socially) that you've created for the History Camp series?

The future world I’ve built for the History Camp stories are mostly set in the 24th century. To live in this era would be to live in a time when there is no want and no trouble one can get into that would threaten a person’s physical safety. Plus, the education system is such that everyone can reach their potential . . . if they want to. And that’s the rub, isn’t it. From an early 21st century perspective, there is no worst aspect to this future. But human nature being what it is, when you grow up in a society where the livin’ is easy, some people, or “hard cases”, as they’re called in the books, tend to take their privileged situations for granted. That’s when Hard Time History Camps act like the boot camps for today’s misguided youth, scaring them into a positive understanding of the world around them. So, I guess that means that the best and worst aspects of the world which History Camps exist is the same thing.

3) How many books do you think will comprise the History Camp series? When will The Loved and The Lost be available for purchase?

I envisage History Camp as an umbrella concept under which scores of stories can exist, from all periods of history. The first series, The Verona Trilogy, takes place in 14th Century Verona, Italy, but I already have been working on several other History Camp stories. The Olive Tree (working title) that takes place in 2350 BCE, when the olive oil industry was as important as the petroleum industry is today. I also have been researching another set of stories that take place in the 15th century, CE, when Europeans first bumped into the Caribbean Islands and, within a century, had completely exterminated the Arawak Indians from several islands.

As I see it now, all the stories will be about youth from the 24th century going back and getting somehow involved with people from the past, so they really appreciate what modernity has to offer. This is so they won’t make the same mistakes that have driven so many human cultures to the brink of extinction over the ages. Oh, and The Loved and the Lost . . . It will be available March 2012.

4) The series involves an intense level of knowledge about lens grinding, the physics behind telescopes, canon casting, and the making of black powder, and the history of 14th century Italy (including religion, dress, and politics). How long did you have to research these aspects before feeling comfortable enough to include them in the books?

Research took years. In the beginning, there were months were I did more research than writing. As for lens grinding, there is very historical literature on it, as it’s not like today, where there are patents and international conferences between industries where knowledge is sold, licensed and otherwise shared. Craftsmen in the past were secretive, and their businesses generally family operations. In fact, your readers might be interested to know that early glass and crystal makers in Italy forbid many of their workers from leaving the Island of Murano to keep their secrets. Apprentices and journeymen couldn’t leave the cities they lived in or get married without their master’s permission.

As for the research, it took over six month to get the information for ancient lens making, and that was from half a dozen university libraries and researchers all over the planet. And then, when I had it all written down, my editors made me cut it down by two thirds, to make sure I was concentrating on the story instead of writing thesis on the craft. I choose lens making in the 14th century, by the way, because it is a good example of seeing a craft just before it is turning into a science. In this case, the science of optics.
Cannons, black powder, clothing, etc, all had similar problems to varying degrees, but as far as researching before I start writing the story, it doesn’t work like that for me. I get an idea of what I want to say and how I want to say it, and I start writing. The beginnings of the writing suggests the research. Then when I start researching, it causes my writer’s imagination to start fleshing out the story and bringing up needs for more research. I on and on like this for months at a time and a story slowly layers.

5) In The Bronze and the Brimstone, you jump from Hansum's modern tech being something seemingly harmless (a looker) to a direct instrument of warfare (canon and black powder), as a way for Hansum to impress the Podesta. You hint at the backlash this will cause to the outcome of all wars from that point onward, essentially changing the flow of history. Will you ever expound more on this, and the threat those consequences may have to the established future?

Actually, the first telescopes weren’t thought of as scientific instruments, being pointed up at the moon and the stars. They were looked at as instruments of war. The first thing that our kids from the future do when they build one is look at the moon, but when Agistino, their medieval master sees it, and when Feltrino and then Nicademo see it, their first thoughts instantly go to wanting it as an instrument of war. Unfortunately, most inventions in human history were innovations made for taking something away from the tribe next to you. In fact, when Galileo improved his first telescopes, he sells it as an instrument of war, because, I guess, that’s what paid the bills, although, at the same time or a bit later, he writes about the rings of Saturn and moons of Jupiter. And see the trouble that got him into.

The other point you ask about is the changing the flow of history by introducing things early or by going back in time and changing events. This becomes a real problem in the third book, The Loved and the Lost, even though the time commission thinks they’ve cleaned up the mess from the first two books.

Thanks so much for taking the time to answer my questions, and I can't wait to read the third installment of the History Camp series!

And thank you, Beth, for inviting me to your forum and also for reviewing my books. I hope your readers have been enriched by the reading they’ve done in 2011 and I wish each and every one of them happy reading in the new year. Cheers, -Lory Kaufman

The Book Giveaway:

To enter to win a brand new copy of BOTH of the History Camp books already in publication, simply follow my blog via GFC and leave a comment below. That's it!
I'll draw the winner using random.org on Mon 11/12, and announce the winner then.

*Please note: these books will be sent from the publisher, not directly from me, so it may take up to 4 weeks for them to arrive.

Book Lover's Holiday Giveaway

2011-12-02T17:01:00.000-08:00

Hey all! Thanks to Kid Lit Frenzy and I Am A Reader, Not A Writer, I'm participating in this amazing Giveaway Hop! Wahooooo!

Up for grabs in a brand-new, never-read ARC copy of Men Dancing, by Cherry Radford.

Amazon says:
"A chance meeting with a performer you've always admired - an exciting story to tell your family and friends. But not if that excitement won't go away, and turns into the chronic ache of obsession...Dr Rosie Buchanan - weary hospital scientist, frustrated musician, cheated wife and struggling mother - finds herself sitting next to charismatic Royal Ballet star Alejandro Cortes on a London train. Half an hour and a shared bag of errant Maltesers later, she starts to feel she's misheard her true calling - and is soon doing research of a very different kind. Rosie arranges a bogus research visit at Alejandro's home, and is thrilled when he and his girlfriend ask her to become their piano teacher. And she tries to overcome the pain of her failing marriage to former soulmate Jez, and the obsession with Alejandro, by accepting consolation from an old friend, consultant Ricardo Pereira. But so begins a complex dance of passion, betrayal, loss and redemption...Sensual, witty, and at times deeply moving, Cherry Radford's first novel is a sweeping tour-de-force."

Want to win it?

Just follow via GFC, and leave a comment below! Winners will be picked via random.org and posted on December 6th.

And be sure to check out the other awesome literary giveaways on this hop:

I love my RAK!

2011-11-30T12:00:00.000-08:00

Hello lovelies! After taking some time off from the RAK experience, I decided to jump back into it. It seems I can't stay away from altruism. ;)

In November, I gifted:

And I received:

From the fabulous Joli at Actin' Up With Books!

and

From the generous RJ at RJ Does Books!

My Happy List

2011-11-29T19:42:00.000-08:00

I'm happy...

That I have a blind date on Saturday. We met online and have emailed a few times, and yes I'm all nervous, but I'm determined to have a good time!

I'm happy...

That I met the gorgeous guy on floor 3 (and his adorable puppy) at work today. Did I mention he's gorgeous? And has a puppy? I was bouncing for hours after that. Thank goodness my co-workers are patient women.

I'm happy...

That I can be Santa again this year to a bunch of strangers via Livejournal's Holiday Wishes community. It's like tiny blog swaps, albeit one-way, and even though it taxes my pocket money for shipping, I enjoy doing it. Altruism is such a high!

I'm happy...

That the MEOW fundraiser is still happening this week, despite a recent, and very serious, outbreak of feline leukemia at the kennel. It all stems from cats that were seized from a hoarder, whose face I'd like to curbstomp for that. Instead, I will cross-stitch, craft, and bake in support of this amazing shelter.

I'm happy...

That I live alone. So very happy! The privacy and control are so worth it, especially when I can arrange for friends to come over, and put off doing the dishes, and shower whenever I feel like it. Huzzah for no roommates!

*Today's images have nothing to do with the posts...I just felt like posting Retro LOLs. Sometimes I'm random like that.

Christmas Meme

2011-11-28T09:08:00.000-08:00

Happily ~~stolen~~ borrowed from The Curious Pug! Play along!

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?
Hot Chocolate, the darker the better.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
When Santa gave gifts in my family, they were always wrapped with a tag that they were from him (in my father's handwriting...hrm....curious....)

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?
I change my mind on this EVERY year. I love the little white fairy lights outside, but colored lights on the tree.

4. Do you hang mistletoe?

Yep, every chance I can. I'm an opportunist. ;)

5. When do you put your decorations up?
I usually wait for Dec 1st (been as late as Dec 23rd in the past), but this year I put them up the weekend after Thanksgiving to give myself some time.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish?
We never have a traditional Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. But we DO have a tradition of homemade Eggs Benedict with mimosas on Christmas morning (and French Breakfast Puffs on New Years morning). Those Eggs Benedict, especially with my father's Hollandaise sauce, are amazing.

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child?

Instead of cookies one year, I made Santa a veggie sandwich (cut to resemble a reindeer) and some carrots for his crew. My dad, ever the intrepid one, took bites out of the sandwich and nibbled the carrots to make it look like Santa enjoyed the repast....even though my mom later assured me that he was missing the chocolate chip cookies and milk he usually got. That's the sacrifice of parenthood, right there!

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
I think I was around 7 or 8 years old. I got into an argument with one of my brothers, because I had heard something on the roof the night before Christmas (which I was certain must have been reindeer). My brother insisted it couldn't have been reindeer because Santa isn't real. He wasn't trying to be cruel, he was just trying to be right (and acknowledged as right), but it was still a shock. Christmas morning, waiting for my folks to get up, and he was telling me every single one of their tricks for duping me. I may have cried.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
No, and I never understood that tradition. The longer the wait, the sweeter the reward!

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?

We used to have a stash of Southwestern-themed ornaments (intermixed with ones we kids made, years ago), that went beautifully with my parents' house decor), and we top the tree with a hand-carved angel they bought in Germany. Last year and this year, though, I'll be making all the mishmashed ornaments for my brother's tree, as my folks' house isn't finished yet. Last year it was a LOT of baked ornaments. This year it will probably be a lot of cross-stitched ornaments, with no theme at all. I'm debating getting my own mini-tree and decorating it with Dr Who and geek-themed ornaments. :)

11. Snow! Love it or dread it?

LOVE IT. I grew up in sunny SoCal, without snow, so it's still a new and delightful event for me.

12. Can you ice skate?

Hahahahahahahaha! No.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift?

No...it was never about the gift (or the wishlist), but always about playing with the family and spending the day cooking/eating/being goofy.

14. What’s the most important thing about the Holidays for you?
See above. :)

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert?

Kahlua Cake, but it isn't a Holiday dessert. ;)

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Now that we're all adults, it's that peace of sitting around sipping coffee while we wait for everyone to arrive so we can open our stockings. It's such a moment of love and tranquility, and usually laughter.

17. What tops your tree?
A hand-carved angel my folks bought in Germany. She's GORGEOUS. And also packed away this year, so the tree-topper is up to my bro (whose house we will have Xmas at this year). If I get my mini-tree, I'll try to find a tiny TARDIS or Firefly or Moya to top it. :D

18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving?
I prefer giving. I tend to go overboard, and give things to EVERYONE, total strangers included. Because of our disparate incomes and desire to overgift, my family has called a truce and instituted a stocking-stoffers-only policy, with a cap of about $25 per person.

19. Candy Canes: Yuck or Yum?
Yum, in small doses, and if used to stir hot chocolate. Otherwise....too much sugar for me to take.

20. Favorite Christmas show?
They never show it any more, but the California Raisins Christmas Special. We STILL quote from the Carol of the Bells and Here We Come A'Wassailing. :)

21. Saddest Christmas Song?
I'll Be Home for Christmas always gets me a little teary. I can't imagine being away from your loved ones in this season.

22. What is your favorite Christmas song?
All of the peppy upbeat ones that have nothing to do with Christianity. ;)

(Winter Weather, Santa Baby, Baby It's Cold Outside, All I Want for Christmas, etc)

Fat Ass Friday

2011-11-25T08:48:00.000-08:00

Previous Weight: 168

Current Weight: 170

Yeah, I gained....but yesterday was Thanksgiving, so I'm not too worried about it.
My goal this winter, with all the holiday eating, is to stay at 171 or below. I think it's entirely manageable. I do need to get back into hooping, though. Sooner or later, it will be too cold or icy to do my 2 mile walks, and then I need to have a fitness hobby in place to burn some calories.

On the plus side, both of my parents remarked yesterday that I've lost inches around my middle. Is it a product of my lifestyle, or of dressing better? I don't know, but I'm happy. :)

Friday Confessional

2011-11-25T08:43:00.000-08:00

I confess...

I really hate it when anyone ion my family makes the assumption that I'm an inept child, especially when I'm not doing anything wrong. Is it because I'm the youngest? Or female? It drives me nuts.

I confess...

I finally emailed Blue, since he doesn't respond to my texts anymore, to confront him on this whole "we're casually dating but we never see each other" thing. Honestly, I think he's lost all interest in me and just decided the silent treatment/cold shoulder would be the easier or better way of getting me to go away. I'm amazed that he can't see how fantastic I am, but whatever- I'm moving on.

I confess...

This attitude may or may not be tremendously helped along by a recent dose of *ahem* "sugar". It's amazing how fulfilled life is when all the body's needs are being met.

I confess...

I'm excited about tomorrow's chocolate tour.....even though I'm fairly certain I'll end up unconscious in a choco-stupor by noon.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T11:25:00.000-08:00

Or, as I like to think of it, another excuse to get together with my family, cook together, and sample ciders. Mmmmm....

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T10:24:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for the experience of blogging, for all of you positive, insightful, lovely readers/commenters, for the internet, for my independence and freedom, for my family and friends, for dark chocolate and red wine, for my health, for my life to this point (good and bad), for music, for dancing, for books, for creativity, for everything.

I wish you all a day (and indeed a life) of gratitude and joy, overflowing with blessings!

We Want to Know Wednesday

2011-11-23T12:44:00.000-08:00

{1} What is your favorite food item at Thanksgiving dinner?

My family never has a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, so this is a tough one. We always have a meat (turkey, ham, roast beef, cornish game hens, etc), a starch (usually potatoes-and-something), a veggie side, sometimes another side, and dessert. It's WAY too much food, but that's my family for you....leftovers for daaaaays.

{2} What is your least favorite?

Of the traditional dishes, which I've never had, the concept of side dishes that are sugary are nasty to me. Sweet potatoes mashed up with marshmallows? Ick. Waldorf salad? Ick. Gelatinous cranberry sauce? Pleck.

{3} Do you have a favorite pie? (Share a recipe if you want or just tell us about it and make us drool)

I used to dislike all pie, but thankfully I've changed my tune. A good homemade apple or cherry pie (with fresh fruit) makes me drool like mad. But I'm going to share with you the world's easiest and fastest Key Lime Pie recipe, because it rocks. :D

Ingredients:

Pre-made graham cracker pie crust

A 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk

3 egg yolks

1/2 cup key lime juice (I prefer Nellie and Joe's Key West Lime Juice)

Preheat the oven to 350. Mix together the can of sweetened condensed milk, 3 egg yolks, and 1/2 cup of key lime juice. Stir until smooth. Pour into pie crust. Bake 15 minutes. Allow to cool, chill in fridge.

Enjoy!

{4} Do you have any Thanksgiving traditions?

The whole family gets together, and usually starts cooking around noon. We sometimes have pancakes or waffles for brekkie, but almost always we put out cheese and crackers and just nosh for lunch. Lately we've also busted out good ciders and red wine to drink while we all cook. It's a fun time. :)

{5} Black friday shopping- Do you participate in the delightful running through the stores in the wee hours of the morning madness or hibernate at home and shop online?

Hell to the no! I don't like a mad crush of people, or frenzied shopping, or the pressure of HAVING to buy something. I spend the day recovering from TG dinner (which usually involves doing the dishes).

My Happy List

2011-11-22T22:04:00.000-08:00

There's a lot to be happy about these days!

I'm happy...

That my co-author and good friend came for a visit, and we spent the ENTIRE weekend watching Dr Who and noshing. Best lazy weekend ever!

I'm happy...

That I've made a teensy bit of progress in said novel, and also completed my editing task. I had just the recharge I needed last weekend to get back to writing.

I'm happy...

That my folks are in town starting tomorrow, and we're going to have four solid days of family fun (including dinners together, shopping, and a chocolate tour).

I'm happy...

That I finally found a dress at Shabby Apple that fits me and looks good (although it does scream BOOBIES! on me). Also that I found a good pair of jeans at Target.com

I'm happy...

That my awesome Autumn Swap partner, Amber, sent me goodies for decorating my place and enabling kitchen gadgets (cupcake-extravaganza, here I come!)

Autumn is Officially ON

2011-11-22T09:46:00.000-08:00

Another Mamarazzi swap, filled with awesome, has blessed my life (and my home, and mailbox, and tummy).

I was paired with the fabulous Amber from Amber's Life (home of the super-cute girl-on-laptop icon). This girl knows how to SHOP! Every item in my swap package made me giggle maniacally with glee!

Check out the goodies:

Another themed spatula (this is fab- my whole kitchen is getting more fun, every swap!), a whisk with a pumpkin shape inside it (too cute!!) and Autumn-themed cookie cutters (which I will be using next week to make snickerdoodles and gingerbread cookies by the score-muahahaha!)

SPRINKLES. Ahahahaha!! I am ALL about the cupcake-making this Fall, and now I can do them up with sprinkles! They're "colored leaves" and "pumpkin mix" sprinkles, so I'm thinking....chai-spiced, appley, pumpkin, and maple-type cupcakes, with cream cheese frosting and these bad boys. I'm going to be all Mad Scientist Kitchen!

As soon as I set the camera down, these went up on my windows. I have a serious addiction to window clings, and I'm getting a collection for every season and holiday now. Wahoo!

And then as soon as my camera went down, this went on my front door. Yay! It's hard to see in the photo, but it's glittery, too. And it's sturdy enough to stay on my front door despite gusting winds this week. My own door decor! I may have to leave this up all year. ;)

Isn't he adorable?! I put him on the windowsill, with his clutch of harvest goodies. I think the neighborhood crows are happy with this arrangement.

I honestly had zero fall decor (aside from Halloween stuff) before this swap. Now, my house feels festive, and ripe for guests, and really warm and welcoming.

Plus, I have even more motivation to bake.

Muahaha!

Thanks so much, Amber!

30 Days of Thanks: Day 21

2011-11-21T10:12:00.000-08:00

I'm thankful for wild places. Being able to go to places of wilderness to meditate, dream, and generally feel awed and humbled by the Universe is a constant pleasure.

30 Days of Thanks: Day 20

2011-11-21T09:46:00.000-08:00

I'm grateful for blog swaps. You guys are so generous and thoughtful- every partner I've ever had the joy of being paired with has improved my experience (and given me great decor, eats, coffee, inspiration, etc). It's been a pleasure, and I hope to host and participate in many more swaps to come!

30 Days of Thanks: Day 19

2011-11-20T15:42:00.000-08:00

I'm thankful for coffee. Coffee loves me. It's always there for me, to put a twinkle in my cheek and a bounce in my step. Never leave me, coffee. We'll do great things together.

What We're Reading

2011-11-20T12:41:00.000-08:00

I missed a month, so here's my Reading list from October AND November.

I can't even begin to plan what I'm reading next month, as I have an entire bookshelf and a half filled with un-read tomes to cherish.

30 Days of Thanks: Day 18

2011-11-20T10:26:00.000-08:00

I'm grateful for the internet. This is a no-brainer, right? Without the internet, I wouldn't have a blog. I wouldn't know you fantastic people. I wouldn't be so constantly inspired by others. No to mention there would be a serious lack of LOLcats in my life.

30 Days of Thanks: Day 17

2011-11-19T11:21:00.000-08:00

I'm thankful for fleece. Damn, it's freezing in here!

30 Days of Thanks: Day 16

2011-11-19T09:21:00.000-08:00

I'm thankful for Pinterest. Like most things awesome, Miss Angie was there before I was, and I only checked it out because she vouched for it. Now I'm addicted, and happily so. :)

Friday Confessional

2011-11-18T20:11:00.000-08:00

I confess...

I may or may not have tried to creatively slip a boy my number by using his camera to take a pic of my phone with a text message on it (of my number). Cheesy? That's how I roll, baby.

I confess...

This may have backfired horrendously, in a way that results in someone else having my number and message, with no context that it wasn't meant for them.

I confess...

Sometimes I think my Muse is actually the author of my life. And she delights in ironic humour.

I confess...

I've decided to be proactive about my dating life, instead of continuing to hope that men will just grow the balls to ask me on a date. I'm tired of waiting!

I confess...

I joined an online dating site. It's like shopping for fruit at the market, except I can't squeeze to check ripeness.

Wish me luck! :)

Confess your sins (or embarrassing desperation, like me) over at Mamarazzi's!

30 Days of Thanks: Day 15

2011-11-18T09:17:00.000-08:00

I'm thankful for snow. I dislike being cold and wet, but watching the snow softly fall, from inside my cozy home? One of the best things ever. The magical hush that comes on as the world is transformed by such small and delicate things as snowflakes is amazing to me. Every time.

30 Days of Thanks: Day 14

2011-11-17T21:17:00.000-08:00

I'm grateful for the hope of a romance. Give me a flicker of possibility, and I seize on it like a terrier with a rat. Only more charming.

*ahem*

Anyway, for all my driving-men-away skills, I love the bounce and muse that the hope of romance gives me.

30 Days of Thanks: Day 13

2011-11-17T21:14:00.000-08:00

I'm thankful for music. Shakespeare had it mostly right- music is the food of LIFE. Play on!

Book Review: The Bronze and the Brimstone

2011-11-16T12:37:00.000-08:00

In Lory Kaufman's sequel to The Lens and the Looker, he deals with heavier subjects. Literally.

It's still in 14th century Verona, and in fact the stakes are raised progressively throughout the book. This increases the tension, and allows some of the characters to shine more than they did in the first book of the series. He also explores the science behind canons and black powder.

To me, this is the meat of the 'alternative history' movement in literature: show me something NEW and explore how it would impact the lives of those folks on the micro and macro scale. And Kaufman does just that. While we still don't get a lot of complexity with some of the characters, he rounds them out well. And he crams more information and education in here than I remember getting in my European History class in high school. He also does a great job of not demonizing those in power in the book (as true to real life, and history, it's not good vs. evil, but power and control and sacrifices made for the greater good).

I'll be honest....I cried during this book. If you read it, you'll know which part(s) I'm referring to.

I love when a book makes me cry.

And, of course, he left it open ended enough to remove any doubt about a third novel in the series. Keep the History Camp novels coming, Mr. Kaufman!

Find out more about the books and author Lory Kaufman here.

*I should note here that, once again, you cannot judge this book by the cover art or cover tagline. Just ignore those. They're clearly meant to make the book look more adventurous- it's adventurous enough without the weird bubble crap on the front cover!

30 Days of Thanks: Day 12

2011-11-15T13:29:00.000-08:00

I'm thankful for great, geeky, smart TV shows. I like turning my brain off while being entertained....but only to a degree. And I like being entertained in a way that involves some audience participation. A mystery for me to figure out? A reward for me paying attention? Twists and turns and surprises? I'm in!

This has led to the joy of: Carnivale, Lost, Battlestar Galactica, Firefly, Veronica Mars, Wonderfalls, Farscape, etc. And even though I don't watch TV, shows like these make the rental charges worth it. :)

Shabby Apple Discount!

2011-11-15T13:21:00.000-08:00

Hey ladies! I've been a fan of Shabby Apple (despite not yet finding a dress of theirs that works for me), and I'd like to pass a deal along to you, in case you're considering placing an order soon.

If you use this link to get to their site, you get 15% off your order, and free shipping (courtesy of a third-party vendor, Push 44): http://www.push44.com/r6bg4p6u

It does expire 11/24, though, FYI.

Happy shopping!

My Happy List

2011-11-15T12:16:00.000-08:00

I'm happy...

That I got to help out on another Night Zero photo shoot on Sunday. This post-apocalyptic photographic novel is fun, and the dedication and skill of its crew is a thing to behold. Also, very attractive people.

I may or may not have flirted (within my limited means) like a bandit.

I'm happy...

That my social schedule is flexible enough to cancel things right and left when I start truly feeling ill. Thank the gods for patient friends!

I'm happy...

That I can now hunt down good chiropractic, massage, and acupuncture treatments to prevent my migraines. Yay for good medical insurance!

I'm happy...

That next week is Thanksgiving. I don't care about the holiday, or the eating that goes with it, but I could really use some family time right now.

I'm happy...

That my uncle is now at peace and pain-free, and that my aunt is free to mourn and focus on herself now. Sometimes, death is a blessing.

Thanks for the reminder to look on the bright side, Mamarazzi!

30 Days of Thanks: Day 11

2011-11-11T20:17:00.000-08:00

I am grateful for a multitude of ways to give back to my community and world. I feel best about myself- empowered, beloved, special, the whole shebang- when I'm being altruistic. I'm grateful that I can have that feeling whether I'm donating money to a cause that is dear to me, or goods to a local shelter, or hair to Locks of Love, or blood to the blood bank, or time and love to the local no-kill animal shelter. Really, there's no end to the amazing ways that you can feel like a fabulous human being! Who doesn't love that?

Friday Confessional

2011-11-11T08:26:00.000-08:00

I confess...

It's time for me to accept the fact that Blue just isn't interested in me. Or maybe, only interested in me when he remembers who I am, every few weeks or so. Either way, he isn't into me in the way that I'm into him.

I confess...

This is easier said than done. I'm trying, though, to just walk away from that crazy stupid hope.

I confess...

It was helped a bit by Fashionista's (joking?) plan to hook me up with the VP of her kids' school. Apparently he's hot, so I'm not complaining. I'm also not taking it seriously.

I confess...

Sometimes I feel like I'm the only person who can easily juggle a busy work situation, several hobbies, friendships, independence, and a home, and still feel like dating someone wouldn't impact my life much. Am I delusional, or just super efficient with my time?