HAPPY? NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION(s)

It's January 31, 2011!

I've given myself a one month grace period, and I have stuck with my decision.

This will be simple and to the point and I'm using this Post to get it over with. 

I'm making a pronouncement!

I hereby...
commit
to committing
to my commitment
to my...

Resolution(s) for 2011!                       

And My Resolution Is.....

ORGANIZE

and

PAELLA

(Okay!  I have two.)

I have now reached the Triple-A's...the Adult A.D.D.Age.

So... one word...no compound sentences. 

EXAMPLES:

2009: Year of "YES"
I committed...'til death do us part!

Success:  I traveled, had new experiences, helped friends, earned extra money, met new people, and lifted my spirits.

2010: Year of "DISCIPLINE"
I committed...'til death do us part!

Success: I kept a clean home, got fit, kept on schedule, ate well, crossed off lists, read more books, got more sleep, and lifted my spirits.

So while I continue to say YES, and I continue to practice DISCIPLINE, I add two more this year to the list....

2011: Year of "ORGANIZE" and "PAELLA"
I have committed...'til death do us part.
TBD

ORGANIZE

Organize files

Organize drawers

Organize cupboards

Organize pictures 

Organize clothing
Organize music
Etc.

Wish me luck! I'll keep you posted!

PAELLA

January Paella
February Paella
March Paella
April Paella
May Paella
June Paella
July Paella
Camping Paella
September Paella
October Paella
November Paella
Christmas Paella

12 months, 12 Paellas.
Wish me luck!  I'll keep you posted!

Simple enough?

Tomorrow is February.  Are you ready to make your resolution pronouncement?  I dare you!

Ciao for now!
k

THOUGHTS ON CHARACTER

This past week I haven't been able to stop contemplating the meaning and importance of character.

So here I write.

My youngest son, "A," 15 years old, came to me earlier in the week with $1.29 in change in a small makeshift hand basket; a few dimes, a lot of nickels, and plenty of pennies, and asked me if he could buy a song off of I-Tunes.  I asked, "Which song?"  He answered, "A song from the movie Inception."  You see, he scraped up coins he found dumped in his dresser, fallen behind his bed, and left in his pockets, just to buy a song.  He had spent his allowance for January already and couldn't wait until February 1st when I hand over the "dole."  He's required to budget his money throughout the month and spend it however he wishes...movies, friend's gifts, extra food or candy, music, video games, etc.  He only gets a small amount and he budgets pretty well.  It's the last week of January so it's hardly unusual that by now his wallet is empty.

He would much prefer to have a job!

Before I answered "yes," it struck me how unwavering he is with his strengths in character.  This is not the first time he has asked with money in hand, ready to pay me for the song.....it's EVERY TIME.

He knows my I-Tunes password.

- He could have bought the song, see if I would notice, and, most likely get away with not paying.

- He could have bought the song, waited until I noticed, and then offered to pay me when he gets his  allowance.

- He could have bought the song and told me that he was paying me back when he gets his allowance.

Yet, he did none of that! 

He chose to see what he could do within the confines of what his meaning of character allowed.  He could have tricked me.  He knows that.  He could have begged me.  He knows that.  He could have manipulated me.  He knows that.

He showed honesty and respect.

Not taking it for granted this time, I told him that his consistent honesty is always appreciated and never goes without notice.  This, I tell him, is an example of great character.  And great character earns great trust which leads to many benefits for a great life. 

I felt generous.  I wanted to reward him.  This time I would pay for the song.  He smiled.  He thanked me.  And he purchased his song. 

Well....he's 15...of course, he learns fast!   He came right back with the money again.  "Can I get another song?"   He winked.  I laughed.  I paid for that one too.

Ever since those moments, I have not been able to help but ponder and question my own character.  I like to believe I have many character strengths.  Nevertheless, could they be improved?  Am I always consistent, even in the face of challenge?  Am I always consistent, even when unnoticed?  Am I always consistent with keeping my word...to others?...to myself?   Do I live up to my full potential?  Am I true to myself?  Do I consistently respect the rules?  Do I consistently treat others with kindness and respect?  Considerate?  Am I honest with others?  With myself?   Do I waver at times and when?

I've certainly played the devil's advocate to my character.  I've challenged, stretched the boundaries and, of course, reeked a little havoc with a bit of naughty rebellion back in the day.  Nothing horrendous.  However, I have learned something by this stage of life.  When I stretch those boundaries to beyond where my mind knows better and, more importantly, my heart knows better, it never fails that I am filled with shame, uncertainty and fear.  That's when I know I've wavered away from good character.  Character, as it means to me.

I have a friend who just recently shared with me her resolution for the new year.  She plans, in 2011, to take everything up another notch..."intensification," I believe she called it.  Maybe I can address taking my strengths in character up a notch?  Improve myself?  Improve with others?  Which strengths need more work than others?  Will this lead me to living an even greater life with richer experiences and deeper relationships?  And how? 

I think it's time, again, to put in a little more practice. 

So.....

Thanks "A" for this week giving me...

Thoughts to chew on!

Because there are always things to improve upon! 


Ciao for now!
k

On COFFEE....

AFTER POSTING ADVENTURES IN COFFEE

I MADE THE BEST CUP OF COFFEE YET

GO FIGURE!

ADVENTURES IN COFFEE

LOOK WHAT I GOT FOR CHRISTMAS!!!   

AND IT'S THE BANE OF MY EXISTENCE!!!

Yes, I got a coffee maker.  A brand new coffee maker.  The Program It, Grind It, Brew It, Thermal Pot It To Keep It Hot new coffee maker...All In One!  From The Husband.  Actually, a wonderful Christmas gift from The Husband.  Truly!  Yes...I'm one of those who actually does like the occasional kitchen appliance gift.  I wear two rings on my left hand and one ring on my right.  That's all the jewelry I ever wear.  So I don't want jewelry.  My closet is small.  So clothing, limited.  I definitely am not a collector.  So, please, no knick knacks.  However, what I do like is CONVENIENCE!!!!!  Therefore, to have a cup of coffee waiting for me in the morning before I open my eyes.....that's brilliantly convenient!  Hooray!

I get an idea.  Let's me and The Husband have an adventure in coffee.  All our friends seem to be connoisseurs of coffee...we need to catch up.

We'll discover new regions...Ethiopia, Kenya, Columbia...Indonesia.  We'll sample different aromas and bodies.  We'll discover new flavors like chocolate hazelnut and french vanilla.  We'll compare brands... and by the end of the year we'll be quite confident with talkin' the coffee talk.

However, oftentimes, some adventures include small battles...and this one has been an uphill battle.  Actually...it's one uphill battle, still at the bottom, spinning in a hamster wheel, trying to move forward and, of course, getting nowhere.  It's already January 26th, one month after Christmas, and we still haven't made a decent cup of coffee, let alone trying even one new region, flavor or brand.

The battle started...

Christmas Day!

I unwrap the Machine. 

Me, I'm very excited.  The Husband, ecstatic that I like it.  So he offers to clean it up...set it up...make it up, the coffee that is.  I'm usually the coffee maker person so it's a treat when he makes the coffee.  He makes it better.  Before making it, he tries to find the "special" gift.  The gift of whole beans.  Something that we haven't used for quite awhile.  He can't find the gift.  He gives up for now.  That's okay. He reads the instructions.  He skips Grind It and moves to Brew It.   He cleans it up.  He sets it up.  He makes it up.

Yay!  Coffee!  Coffee!  Coffee!



Boo!  Water!  Water!  Water!



What the heck?!!!  What went wrong?

Theory: One must always use the grinder when making coffee in this coffee pot.  Try again!

He's now hell-bent on finding those beans. The Kids are annoyed.  I'm exercising patience.  He scours under the tree...in the tree...beside the tree.  No beans.  He marches down the hall.  He finds the beans...in the closet.  I unwrap them. " Ooo aaah," I say!!!  He takes it and pays special attention to measurements.  He carefully measures the beans.  He perfectly measures the water.  It grinds, it brews, it is trying to keep it hot.

Yay!  Coffee!  Coffee!  Coffee!


Yiikes!  Bad Coffee!  Bad Coffee!  Bad Coffee!


What the heck?

That's it.  He's done for today.  It's Christmas... so it's Starbucks.  The Husband goes and orders two don't-have-to-make-it-just-pay-a-fortune-for-it cups of coffee. He orders a Grande Drip Bold Room for Cream typa coffee for himself.  He orders Me a Double Tall Non-Fat Latte with One Pump of Peppermint Extra Hot typa coffee.

The Kids are annoyed.

He's back with the coffee.  Happy Parents.  Happy House. We open more presents.  Happy Kids! All is well with the world....until tomorrow...                                                        
.......and the next day....                                          
...........and the next day....                              
..............and the next and the next and the next...                                    
                                                    
Let me just say that there are lots and lots of steps to preparing the coffee with this Machine:

Grinder:  Pry out, Pry off, clean out, dry up, measure and cram beans
Coffee Filter: Take apart, dump, clean, reassemble
Coffee Pot: Empty, wash, secure the top to grooves
Coffee Machine: Set time, press program
....oh yeah....FILL WITH WATER

Yes, I'll say it's convenient.

Since Christmas Day, except on some occasions, I've been the coffee maker.  I've probably missed one, two or three of these steps at least once or twice or more, consequently, giving us:  weak coffee, leaked coffee, no coffee, 1/2 pot of coffee, old coffee mixed with new coffee, overflowing coffee, non-hot coffee, and expensive coffee.  Expensive why?  Because we've doubled the beans, tripled the beans, quadrupled the beans.  Double, tripled and quadrupled the grounds.  The grounds sometimes half dry. The beans sometimes not fully ground.  And the "thermos-that-keeps-it-hot-NOT" pot has a lid that flies off every time you pour out the last bit of coffee.

I don't know why we haven't taken it back.  Maybe because we're lazy.  Maybe because The Husband doesn't want to feel gift-giving failure.  Maybe because the rebate got sent in.  Or simply because we're both bound to make it work.  After all, we are having an adventure.  Maybe not the adventure we set out for, but an adventure, nevertheless.

I'm starting to get used to Machine.  Machine's making better coffee.  Although quite intensive, Machine and Me now have our routine.  For now, as I wake up to that lovely sound of a chainsaw coming from the kitchen at 5 am, I'm reminded that it's okay to surrender to Adventures with Machine while suspending Adventures in Coffee.  I'll eventually get that perfect cup of coffee!  Yes I will!  Then Adventures in Coffee will proceed!

Ciao for now!
k

on BUT....

My son, "A", says I shouldn't use "But" to start a sentence.

I say:

But it's just a blog

But it's artistic expression

But I can't find another word

Instead...maybe if I start more sentences with "Butt," it would make the the story more interesting.

OLD FRIENDS, NO WRINKLES

There's nothing like old friends.

No, you're mistaken!

More like....

I have four friends that I've kept in contact with since my early twenties:  16, 20, 21 and 21-TWO.  All five of us, together, and in every combination, are friends.

Alas, 16 is out in Colorado and 21 now resides in New Jersey.  Poo!  So...it's Facebook and Phone-Tag with those two.  There are the occasional visits...a California visit...another California visit...and another California visit.  Colorado and New Jersey are owed a visit...maybe two...maybe three!

HEY!

Trip?

High school math class is where I met 16.  Instant connection.  Nice girl.  I didn't get to know her, though, until late-teens-early-twenties.  I cherish her.  She's...

                                                                                    

                             
                                                              
....a good listener!

I met 20 when I worked part-time at Robinson's.  You remember.  The Robinson's to Robinson's-May to May Co. to Macy's to Walmart-in-the-near-future-probably Robinson's.  20 is the anchor of the group.  She's the one who started it all.  She's...


                                                                                                    

                                                          
...a good listener! 

A bridal shower is where I met 21.  Her bridal shower. Exactly why I ended up at a bridal shower of a girl that I didn't even know, I don't really know!  But we became fast friends.  She's the baby.  She's...

...a good listener!


21-TWO and I met through 20 and 21.  I probably met her at 21's bridal shower...the bachelorette party...and the wedding...but where I really got to know her was a girl trip to San Francisco...long car rides, hotel rooms, dancing 'til dawn/sleeping 'til noon. She's....

                                                                                            

...a good listener!
                                                                     

We've been together through lovers, boyfriends, husbands, 5 weddings (once a bride, twice a bridesmaid and the other two commander of the dance floor), 9 babies, 8 teenagers, 5 colleges.....and no funerals.

Despite the fact that we've all been in different stages of our lives at different times, we keep in touch.   I don't know that we've necessarily been through thick and thin together.  But we certainly talk a lotta thick and thin...sometimes conceal a lotta thick and thin...and always, eventually, reveal a lotta thick and thin.  


When do you suppose we get this talkin' and concealin' and revealin' done...???

BIRTHDAYS!!!!  

We've celebrated birthdays for over 20 years now...with whoever is in town.  Each one of our birthdays gives us the opportunity for venting and bitching and current event-ing and laughing and laughing and advising and laughing and...sometimes crying; depending on the stage of life we're in or what time of the month we're at.
                                                   ....and we like cake!
                                                                             
                    

Evening Agenda 

6:30 pm
Meet and Greet/Take a Seat

6:35 pm
Compliments on Hair, Clothing, Skin or Weight

6:45 pm
How was the day?  How was the week?

7:00 pm
(new to the agenda)
Granny Glasses On

7:02 pm
Check out menu/order

7:30 pm
Eat

7:40
Freestyle Chat

8:30
CAKE

9:00
Pay
and
Piss off the waiter and don't leave 'til 11

What I love about old friends is we never seem to age. We look just the same.  No Wrinkles.  Why?
Maybe because we see each other pretty consistently over the years?  Maybe we remind each other of our youth?  Maybe by now we only recognize our souls, not our physical?  Good face cream?  Botox?  Or, simply, because we choose restaurants with good lighting!  Yep...I think I'll go there.

Good Lighting...No Wrinkles.

This past weekend was another birthday. 
Happy Birthday 21-TWO!
Location:  P.F. Chang's: Good Lighting! No Wrinkles!
Table for 3: 21-TWO, 20 and Me.

Compliments begin.  20, great hair!  Me, cute dress!  Yet, the prize goes to 21-TWO.  She looks shiny and happy.  She really does.  Whether she truly is happy or she just got herself some awesome sex, we don't know, but she looks f-a-n-t-a-s-t-i-c!

Booby prize goes to 20 who wins "most stressful day, most stressful week."  She still has good hair.

"The waiter!   Girls, Quick Draw those Granny Glasses!!!  and...One, Two, Three..."

Won Ton Soup!
Lettuce Wraps!
Kung Pao Scallops!
Mahi Mahi!

and......Diet Cokes all around!  Phew!  Record time.  7:01, right on schedule!

Business is taken care of and we start to catch up.  We learn about 21-TWO's job...they learn about my upcoming job status...we chat about 20's busy, busy life as a mom of a small child...something like my life...two lifetimes ago.  We eat.  We laugh.  We aren't current-eventing, though, this time.

The time has come.  More is revealed that has been concealed. It's been happening a lot lately.  Maybe it's our age.  Maybe it's because we can't hold it in any longer.  I think, particularly, it's because as years go by, we grow closer and closer together as we learn to trust one another as our guards come down.

Last Birthday, a secret was revealed. There was crying.
This Birthday, emotion is revealed... and there is crying.  This time...it's me. Crap!

The girls don't see this too often with me, if ever.  I well up. Not too many tears are shed to where I have to wipe my eyes with double-fists; however, just enough to where I have to lift one index finger up to the corner of the eye.....and I did.  The right eye.  The left eye.  Thank God I got it together just in time.  After all, we are in a restaurant...with good lighting.  I speak. They listen. We discuss.  They delicately challenge and advise. I feel refreshed. And not more than 20 minutes later, again, I was back to having a laugh.  We were all having a laugh.

I don't know what triggered this.  That's not true, I know.  I sure felt safe.  I had two friends sitting before me, listening, understanding, consoling, and feeling my sadness.  Not judging. They were truly my partners in those moments...my sad moments, moments I rarely share with anybody.

After having a laugh, for the rest of the night, and since, my contemplation and appreciation of friendship has been brought to a new level.  On this night, I found enlightenment in the meaning of friendship.   Furthermore, I recognize and am grateful that we accept each other, learn from each other, challenge each other, feel for each other, and, sometimes, maybe, because of our different experiences, we find a little adventure in living vicariously through each other.

It was time to say our goodbyes.  "We have to get together more."  We probably won't.  We have busy lives.  It's about the birthdays.  Our special time to look forward to.  I am very lucky that with every Birthday brings growth and love always with Old Friends...Good Friends...Soul Friends. 

And always with Good Lighting.....oh, and No Wrinkles!  

Ciao for now!
k

THIS WEEK'S HOLY CRAP! MOMENT

This week I had a Holy Crap! moment.  The Holy Crap! moment is the point at which one reaches the line between Denial and Reality.

As so:

A few examples of Holy Crap! moments:

"Holy Crap! I'm married"
"Holy Crap! I have a baby" 
Holy Crap! the holidays are over = the bank account is empty

This Week:  HOLY CRAP!  MY JOB IS ENDING!

Soon my job is coming to a close.  Well, a big part of my job.  Let's just say I won't be getting the big check from this job anymore.   I knew it was coming.  I planned for it to end.  However, it's happening a little sooner than I expected.  "Prepare for the worst, hope for the best"....that's what "they" say. 

I suppose I've been saying......."Hope for the best.  Wish for the best.  Dream for the best."
Well....not my words.  Those are Denial's.

This week my colleague got a call.  Time to wrap it up!  What?

But...
You said...
But...
we have a lotta stuff to wrap up...
But...
we have documents to file...
But....
there are boxes to fill....
But....
there's furniture to be moved...
But...
the phones need to be shut off....

But....But...But...

...MY BILLS NEED TO GET PAID! 

That was her Holy Crap! moment.  Immediate. She's Irish.

It was 0-100 in 1.02 seconds. 

As so:

She's handling Reality so much better right now...

Maybe because she's single.  Maybe because she's frugal.  Or maybe because she's sensible.

I've known Denial a lot longer.
We spend a little more time together.
Sometimes, then, Denial becomes the boss of me.

I should have no problem finding work.

I mean, I do have two legs. I have a brain.  I have my health. 

I have my boobs....

(I better not!)

...and....I have my Droid 2....The Great Text/Phone/E-Mail/Internet/Navigator/Get-Me-A-Job machine.

Meanwhile, while my colleague was distraught.......

....my reaction was a little Valium-like, casually-relaxed...no panic.  Denial talked me out of that one.
I just continued filing and working and  La La La La La-ing and more La La La La La-ing...and blogging....and taking myself to lunch...and cleaning the house and working while La La La La La-ing....and skipping, skipping, skipping...

Stop!....then it occurred to me...right in the middle of one of my La La La La La-ing-ishly moments...I have not been without work for over the past twenty years.  I've never been without work.  Always a check.  Since I was 16.  Okay, I was off for a short 8 month period after birthing my first born...but still!!!

Those Ben Franklins have always been walkin' through my door...

HELLO!  YOU'VE WORKED HARD THIS WEEK.  WHAT DO YOU NEED ME TO TAKE CARE OF?  FOOD? UTILITIES? CAN I PAY YOUR MORTGAGE, MAYBE?  A LITTLE VACATION?

SURE, THANK YOU!

THAT'S WHEN IT STRUCK ME!

 HOLY CRAP!

Panic.  Stomach churning.  Body pacing.  Saliva saliva-ing. 

What is going on with me?  I've known this was coming to an end.  Why did I spend money for that?!  Holy Crap!  Why didn't I pay that off then?!  Holy Crap!  Do I have enough money in the bank?!  Holy Crap!  Will I ever work in this town again?!  Holy Crap!

The phone rang.  It was my colleague...and she called right in the middle of my panicked Holy Crap! moment.  Like a good 'lil soldier, she endured her couple of hours of panic, and without consolation. 

She got over it, noticed my panic, and began reassuring me.

"There is no reason why we can't find work.  Our skills are too valuable.  We'll have to struggle a little bit with odd jobs, but we can do it!"

There I was.  In Reality.  Facing the future...head on...thankfully, being reassured and, ultimately, reassuring myself.  It's going to be okay.  I already knew what was coming.  My guts just needed to catch up with my brain.

By evening we were making lists, assigning tasks, and phoning potential we-will-pay-you-for-your-work kinda people.  We're good at what we do.  Everything works out.  Gratefully, I slept well that night.

So here I sit, stand, walk, and sleep.  Days later.  Sometimes motivated.  Sometimes paralyzed.  The future is unknown.  Surprisingly I've been calm...and kinda "ascared."   Nevertheless, I'm excited to know that now I'm on a track for yet another one of life's adventures......Holy Craaaaaaap!

Ciao for now!

k

On Helen of Pasadena by Lian Dolan...

Easy Read, Fun, Charming, Relateable, Optimistic, Logical, Consistent, Pleasant, and a tiny bit tawdry.

I recommend for a fun read!

NATURE'S SPECTACULAR BEAUTY...and a missile site

This past weekend was a beautiful weekend in Los Angeles.  A beautiful January weekend in Los Angeles usually means no fog, little smog.

The mountains are usually my church of choice.  I find spirit and beauty in the mountains, and, in turn, they tolerate my sadness, are open to my joy, have patience with my contemplations... and....provide my butt with just a little bit more tone.  Consequently, I feel rejuvenated, refreshed and re-worked by the time I finish my commune with Mother Nature.  And this past weekend, it was much needed.

I planned a hike for early Sunday morning, a morning of sleeping in for the family.  On Saturday I checked the weather report.  One can usually rely on the weather reports for Los Angeles.  The weather report most likely is usually states "Sunny."  "Sunny with clouds, 10% chance of precipitation,"  "Sunny with winds at 12 mph,"  "Sunny with thunderstorms in the early evening,"  "Sunny with early morning flood warnings,"....."Sunny with wine!"  I looked.  "Sunny."  Amen!

Most often, I enjoy hiking solo, however, this time I was looking forward to some companion hiking; a little catching up with friends and maybe a little asking of advice...maybe a little giving.  So I arranged myself a hike with NaK and Mo, two of my good girlfriends.  I can always count on good conversation...NaK always offering sensibility and wisdom and Mo adding a philosophical view with an open spirit.

Hike Decision:  Santa Monica Mountains, at Hayvenhurst, Encino

Mo presented us with a choice of hikes.  To my surprise there was more than one.  I hadn't explored any other hikes at that location except for the one to the left of the dirt road.  I wasn't even aware of any other hikes at that location except for the one to the left of the dirt road.  But there are two...probably more, but the one we decided to explore was the hike to the right of the dirt road. The NIKE Missile Launch Site hike.  The ferocity of man amidst the beauty of nature. Creepy, but provocative.  We had to explore!

After dodging crevasses and negotiating bumps, NaK got us safely to the upper parking lot...and without injury to her car.   Above the parking stood the NIKE Missile Launch Site in all its glory...well, infamous glory.  This is one of many missiles launch sites in Los Angeles that were raised in the 1950s.  NIKE missiles were housed at this site.  NIKE, named after the Goddess of Victory.  I know.  I googled that.  No runners involved. 

We climbed up to the site and were disturbed yet amused that there was a missile site amongst the wilderness.  After coming to terms that this was a piece of our history, we could only joke, as our defense, to the obvious violence it portrays for us.  "Let's picnic at the Missile Site."  "He proposed at The Missile Site."  "After I die, spread my ashes over the Missile Site."

I then took myself up on my own personal dare.  I climbed that damn tower.   I'm afraid of heights... but if I could climb St. Paul's Cathedral without vomiting (had no choice...and with many terrifying moments), then I could make it up to that missile site's observation deck.  As I climbed up those stairs all I could see was death by splatter.  I sucked it up, climbed the stairs, and walked cautiously until I reached the middle of the deck.  Not so bad!  This January day was a gorgeous day at the NIKE Missile Launch Site.


Done with the site...so on with the hike.  Ahead of us were miles and miles of Santa Monica Mountain-land.  We hiked and chatted... and chatted... and chatted and hiked, not giving notice to our surroundings...I'm embarrassed to say.   As we were plenty distracted by catching up, Biker Guy rode by,  "ladies, rattlesnake up the road."  He rode off.  NaK shrieked.  Mo took a karate chop stance.  I was just like...Hummmmph! "Ladies??!"  After letting the "I'm not a lady yet" ego thing go, I offered to go check out that snake.  I was curious.  I had never seen a rattlesnake in the wild before. 

Crap!  We missed it.  By the time I got to where the-shady-trail-opens-up-to-the-sun-after-the-curve-to-the-right-after-the-curve-to-the left, it was gone....slithered down the mountain, according to a passerby.  I called to the girls that all was okay.  Mo's got a nice reassuring way...she convinced NaK to forge ahead.


Needless to say, our senses had been awakened.  Probably more by NaK's shriek than by the snake down the way.  Much time had passed....we were thinking of going back, though, not before we check out the view.  Fortunately, up ahead we spot a peak we thought perfectly appropriate to check it out. 


We climbed up.  We stood.

The view was exquisite!  We stood there in awe.  In awe of the landscape.  In awe of the beauty.  In awe of the place we call home.  From that single spot, we witnessed waves crashing on the sand...Catalina in its entirety...snow-capped mountains serving as a backdrop to the city's skyscrapers and the landmarks of our urban community.  We each acknowledged our gratitude for where we reside and stood in silence, as if in prayer.  Heaven!

Our mouths moved less on our return to the car.  Maybe because NaK was detoxing from her adrenaline rush...or maybe because Mo had nothing more to say...or maybe because my blood sugar was dropping at a rapid rate.  But, most likely, because each of us couldn't help but ponder what we shared.  Each other's company.  The appreciation of the day.  The appreciation of our city.  Nature's spectacular beauty .....and a missile site.

Ciao for now!
k

On Doors and Parking Spaces...

When one door closes, another one opens....I'm sure that applies to parking spaces too.

I'M A FOOD TRUKKEE!!!

Fried Chicken!  My downfall!  I've never cooked fried chicken in my life, but I've certainly made plenty of trips to Popeye's.  In the past few years, Popeye's has been my go-to for my pick-me-ups and birthday lunches.

Last Friday closed a very busy week for me
at work,
at home....
.....on the internet.

Both my colleague and I were starving for a little comfort....comfort food.

She too had a busy week
at work,
at home....
....on the internet.  

Since it wasn't Martini-o-clock, we decided to chase down a food truck before our afternoon meeting.   Fortunately, or unfortunately...depending on how you look at it, in 2011, "chasing down" a food truck doesn't mean getting into your car, speeding through L.A. streets, then chasing food fragrances 'til you find the truck.  "Chasing down" means sitting on your butt and madly searching the web looking to determine the location and schedule of each truck.

Food trucks.  Very popular in Los Angeles.  But have I eaten at one?  Nope.  They kinda made me "ascared"!  How clean can they be?  Tasty food, really?  How long do I have to stand in line?  Or will I...

...accidentally-get-run-down-when-they-don't-see-me-(comma)-the-last-starving-person-at-the-end-of-the-line-when-2:00-rolls-around-and-they-have-to-be-to-their-next-location-by-3:00? 

I've been close to fulfilling this little adventure.  Last year, my daughter and I planned a trip downtown to the 1st annual food truck fair.  We planned a day of walking from truck to truck, tasting distinctive flavors, and evaluating the food trucks to visit in the future.  It would be the perfect introduction to this new fare.  Not only would we able to experience their foods and distinctive flavors, but the trucks were immobile for one full day.  It was pretty much guaranteed that we wouldn't...

...accidentally-get-run-down-when-they-don't-see-me-(comma)-the-last-starving-person-at-the-end-of-the-line-when-2:00-rolls-around-and-they-have-to-be-to-their-next-location-by-3:00.

My daughter and I hopped on the subway, arrived downtown, walked up to the last person in line who was a little over a 1/4 mile from the gate, did a sharp about-face, and hopped right back on that subway. 


Everybody and their monkey were there. 

It was packed.  Being sold out after only an hour, imagine our disappointment when our food truck adventure was thwarted.   Not for long, though....


So...this Friday had perfect timing.  My colleague whipped out her Droid,  I skimmed the sites, and we each "chased down" the LudoTruck.  The Fried Chicken Truck!  Perfect for me!  She's from Kentucky.  Need I say more?  Perfect for her!  Meeting time:  12:30.  Actually 12:50 since she works on PLT (Pacific Later Time).
 

I was on the road, and, in no time, located the truck.  I parked my car about 1/4 mile away...and started my approach to the Ludo Food Truck.

There it was...the Big Red Truck with a Big Angry Chicken.  To my surprise, it looked clean, it looked tasty.....and it looked like we had to stand in a very, very long line to get in our order.  I was anxious to give it a try! That was okay!

Finally, our turn!

I ordered the Buttermilk Chicken Strips with Thai coleslaw and Fries, Bearnaise Sauce on the side.  I was hungry!

My colleague ordered the Chicken sandwich with Thai coleslaw and Fries, Bearnaise Sauce in the sandwich.  She was excited!

 #61 was the last order in line.  So we backed away from the truck just in case we ...

...accidentally-got-run-down-when-they-don't-see-me-(comma)-the-last-starving-person-at-the-end-of-the-line-when-2:00-rolls-around-and-they-have-to-be-to-their-next-location-by-3:00.

We waited.  And waited.  And waited.  But that was okay!

#61 was called and we grabbed our food.  The meals were packed up in these tight, sturdy packets...perfect to eat from your lap and not to leak, drip or soak through the carton.  They were pretty cool...never saw anything so perfectly packed.  But where were our fries?  We counted.  I had 13.  She had 10.  I guess they've joined the bandwagon to fighting obesity.

We gobbled up the food.  The chicken was fantastic...alotta chicken with alotta fried.  I was stuffed and happy.  Although, it was no Popeye's, it was delicious.  Then we were onto the afternoon meeting with a full belly and a nice happy outlook for the weekend.

Note:  I would definitely eat like this again...and again...and again....

'Cause now... I'm a Food Trukkee! 

Ciao for now!
k

BOOKCLUBBING AT BOOKCLUB WITH BOOKCLUBBERS

Are book clubs cliche for mid lifers?  If so then I'm a double-clicher... I belong to TWO:

1. Book Club-V and  2. Book Club-P

V, Valley and P, Pasadena



This past week, I hosted Book Club-V, the fun-loving, foodie, chatty, loud, 2 nurse-2 teacher-1 interpreter-1 producer/activist-1 photographer-1 phone tech-2 friend-1 me book club.  That's who showed up this week, anyway.  And since my house is small, I was grateful that there were 4 conflicts, 1 flu and 2 no-shows! 

The book, or rather, books, chosen for this book club date were:


The books are the second and third books in a trilogy of three Swedish suspense/thrillers.  Because we read the first book,The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, for the prior book club, we decided to continue on with the next two.  It was fantastic to finally have some good suspense novels to read.  Because I've read so much historical fiction, I joined the book club in the hope that I would read less historical fiction and be introduced to new genres.  Irony worked its magic, and, as it turned out, the women I chose for book club wanted to read more historical fiction.  However, we have compromised and chosen different genres for different club dates.  So, thank you, this time for a little (well, a lotta) suspense!

Because we need order amongst these assertive, strong, opinionated, accomplished, and chatty ladies, we have rules:

1)  A book suggestion is chosen out of a hat (or gourd).
2)  Meet the 2nd Tuesday of every second month. 
3)  Host chooses and coordinates menu and manages RSVPs and food sign ups.
4)  The person who makes the book suggestion which was chosen is the moderator for the next discussion.



Not only do our members like to gobble up books, but they like to gobble up food...so, naturally, the book club is centered on FOOD!!!  The menu is usually based on a theme about the book.  However, since we had Swedish food last time, I chose a "smorgasbord" of salads.  Well...that turned out to be a "smorgasbord" of Mexican (with a little feta thrown on the side)!!!

7:30 was the meeting time.  2 came at 7:00; 3 at 7:30; 3 at 8:00; 1 at 8:30; and 1 at 9:00.

We drank wine, caught up on holiday stories, and stared at the food until 8:30.  We couldn't wait.  We ate!

We then settled on the coach/bar stools/chairs and got ready for book chat.  However, at every book club meeting, before any discussion starts, disclaimers are announced.  "I actually haven't finished the book yet,"  "I have 40 more pages to go,"  "I'm half way through the 3rd book," "I only read the 2nd book," and mine was..."I finished them two months ago...and I can't remember a damn thing!" 

Well, I couldn't!

 

All I could remember was the characters

drank coffee,

made coffee,

ground coffee,

met for coffee,

bathed in coffee...

...and probably bled coffee. 

As people discussed the book, I started to gain more recollection.  There was discussion about what the ladies thought of the books.  Could we understand the books?  (no they weren't in Swedish) Were there too many characters?  You know, general discussion, no order. 

Quiet.  The Moderator Speaks. Eyes on The Photographer.

The First Questionnaire Question:   Did you find Blomkvist and Lisbeth moral and ethical, just moral, just ethical or neither?  Yes...my hand shot up!  I stated my case!  Well...I, actually, stated...but without a case!  I thought I knew what I was talking about.  I mean, I recall how I felt about the characters but I couldn't come up with a case.  I was called to task by the book clubber gang coming at me with rapid fire..."Examples!" Examples!" "Give us examples!"  Page?  Chapter?  Book?  And me, being Ms. Logical, they sure did expect more of me.  All eyes were on me as I shrank very low into my very tall bar stool, which left me still 2 feet taller than everyone else...with thought...but without words.  I was de-memoried and de-moralized!  As I did my best to explain, one of the "friends" came to my rescue!     She knew what I was trying to say, she backed me up, and she gave her examples.  I agreed.  She grinned.  Everyone satisfied...and it was on to the next question.  She was new!  She's definitely invited back.

So...that was that!  The kitchen was a mess.  The Photographer helped me clean up...not without a little gossip.  And the night was about to become a lovely memory.

But I must say that was the first book club that I thought I had something to say and I was caught with nothing to say.  I learned one big, fat lesson!!!  Don't practice what I preach.  Procrastination IS where it's at.  And next time, I'll do just that. Then watch out for this 'lil show off when she, the next time, knows her stuff!!!

Next Book, Book Club-V:  The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, by Rebecca Skloot

Next Book Club...Book Club-P! 

Ciao for now!
k



On Blogging...

Random Thought

I wish I could blog in a British accent....I think it would read much sexier!

DEFINITIONS of ADVENTURE

I have my own Book of Words.  The Karen Book of Words.  Clever title, right?!  Ha!  I use them often, and my family gets totally annoyed.  Well, sometimes they giggle...to humor me...when they want something.  I make up words...I misuse words (sometimes intentionally, often times accidentally)...and, occasionally, I use these words for shock value.  Something like:

Googly (!):
1:    an exclamation used at high volume to break the silence
2:    it's time to pay attention to me now; often used when child, husband or pet won't respond

So....since I will be writing about adventure in future posts...maybe a little too much... I should probably give you my definition of "adventure."

First, I give you this for reference:

- The Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Adventure (n):

1  a : an undertaking usually involving danger and unknown risks

    b : the encountering of risks <the spirit of adventure>

2 : an exciting or remarkable experience <an adventure in exotic dining>

3 : an enterprise involving financial risk

Adventure (v):

1:  to expose to danger or loss : venture

2:  to venture upon : try

---------------------------------------------------------------------

My definition:

- The Karen Book of Words:
Adventure (n): 
1:  Life; <involving risk, challenge>
Adventure (v):
1.  Give something new; <be creative, compassionate, empathetic>
2:  Recognize something new; <be present>
3:  Understand something new; <look from another perspective, at others and at oneself>
4:  Learn something new; <be active, read, travel, listen>
5:  Experience something new; <say "Yes">
6:  Sense something new; <pay attention>

But why formulate this definition?...

....So this extraordinary word may always be pertinent to this extraordinary life. I give credence to this definition every day as I seek adventure in every way. 

Ciao for now!
k

PIPPI LONGSTOCKING

...the Great Adventurer!  Mischievous! Brave! Energetic! Wild! Unconventional!  Pippi Longstocking had the super-human strength of 10 policemen and could lift a horse over her head while standing on her big toe. Most likely, Pippi swore like a sailor and sat on the toilet with the door wide open.  She broke all girl rules. And she could create an adventure out of anything and everything.  My idol!  My childhood idol!  Everything I wanted to be, but dare not....not while living under my parents’ roof!

As a child, during summer “naptimes” (rather, my “supposed-to-be-nap-but-reading-times”), I would be alone in my room where Astrid Lindgren had me captivated with Pippi and her two well-mannered neighbors, Annika and Tommy, and all their adventures.   Even though Annika and Tommy were curious, they were cautious and well-behaved, as children should be.  But in my book, BORING.  I so wished to be Pippi.  But I had all the qualities of Annika.  That was me.  BORING.  I didn't want to admit it.  I daydreamed that I was Pippi, living those adventures, bending the rules, and living life on my terms.

The Daydream Interrupted Scenario:

Interviewer, James Lipton (the Inside the Actor’s Studio guy):  Dearest child, if you could choose a character from a book who most likely reflects your personality, who would that be?

Karen:  Why, Pippi Longstocking, of course!

ZZZZ..ZAP!!!!  Lipton's taser shock!  WRONG!!!

Nope…FACE IT...I was  Annika.  Well-behaved. Well-mannered.  Kind. Considerate. Conventional.  Ridiculously Good-Looking.

Throughout childhood, I read Astrid Lindgren’s Pippi Longstocking books over and over again…imagining myself as Pippi…admiring her intelligence, her strength, her independence…wanting for adventure…. knowing that one day, when I’m all “growed up,” I would be the master of my destiny.  I would create my own adventures.  I would be like Pippi...Have no fear!  Have more adventure!

Well, I’m all “growed-up.”  Marriage, raising children, and working have become my adventures.   But my babies don’t need me as much anymore.  I’m settled in marriage.  Settled in work.  I want a little more.  I need a little more.  I want something new.


While I've learned to appreciate many of my Annika qualities, I have picked up a few Pippi qualities.  Though, I don’t swear like a sailor, I have added “Holy Crap,” “Bi-otch” and “What the Heck?” to my vocabulary.  I haven't fought pirates on the open seas, but I have been on sailing ships and sailing trips.  Even though, I'm still uncomfortable breaking rules and can't hold a horse over my head, I do take a few more risks and I am a little bit stronger.  But what I now have most in common with Pippi is seeking adventures, big or small, challenging or dull...I intend to seek adventures and find something new out of every day through this part of life...."midlife"!!!   

k