1. Apparently, half a bottle of wine after 3 weeks of almost no alcohol (2 glasses of wine and 1 beer don't count...or compare) makes me a very serious, holy cow kinda lightweight.
2. Dragging 3, 7,000lb duffel bags in from the garage and down the basement stairs after half a bottle of wine after 3 weeks of abstinence, whilst wearing slippers...might be a bad idea.
3. If someone had told me that when I "grew up," I'd be totally comfortable rockin' out to my iPod in my grandparents' 13+ yr old mini van, I'd have called 'em NUTSO. But I am.
4. "Rockin' out" means cranking anything by Pink. The artist. The rockstar. "Leave me alone (I'm lonely)" might just be my anthem. Or "So what." Just sayin'...
5. I need some running discipline. Or maybe just people to run with. Like scheduled dates. Anyone? Anyone?
6. Oddly - and thankfully - I just got really busy this week. All kinds of things popped out of the woodwork this week/weekend...work to some volunteering, to some work to some babysitting. Methinks I could settle in to this life in Michigan...except...except...
7. ...'cepting the dungeon. I'm actually rather comfortable down here. It's just dark and windowless, so I have NO clue of the time (and can sleep all day rather easily!). And it might get super cold once it gets super cold outside. But the dogs and I have definitely settled in.
8. I'm totally digging the nephew. I think he digs me, too. Little does he know just how cool an Aunt I'll be - I mean, pirates rock!!! Regardless, it's fun to hang out with family - sis and mom included, not just the baybeeee.
9. Rumor has it, my Dad might be making an appearance. Stay tuned!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
"Wild women of Whippoorwill" (sic)
I'm not kidding, this is one of the TRUEST laugh out loud moments I've had in a really, really long time. The laughter cackles in the background just make it THAT much better.
Ms. Chelle K., you're SO right, this would make one of the funniest, wild fundraisers EVER!
Again, here's a link to the video of the Wild Women of Whippoorwill! Check it out.
Update:
The whole thing is hilarious, but at 3:32 the folks behind the camera lose it (effin' funny!) with one of the pairs of women's solution to the problem. Not kidding, I'm crying!!!
Ms. Chelle K., you're SO right, this would make one of the funniest, wild fundraisers EVER!
Again, here's a link to the video of the Wild Women of Whippoorwill! Check it out.
Update:
The whole thing is hilarious, but at 3:32 the folks behind the camera lose it (effin' funny!) with one of the pairs of women's solution to the problem. Not kidding, I'm crying!!!
Holy DELICIOUS, Batman!
'tis rare that I send around a recipe, but OHMIGOD my mom made this tonight and it was so good, I had to share. This might even be the kid-friendliest with veggies meal I've seen in a while. SO. GOOD. And, AND, I am not, not, not a fan of chard in any circumstance. Not kidding. Most importantly, though, holy crapola, the squash was amazing. We used Delicata squash and I would HIGHLY recommend it should you have it in your grocery stores. Never had it before, but it is now my hands down fave squash!!!
We used oregano because we had no sage. And this would provide a whole buncha leftovers for one person cooking...
I hope you enjoy as much as we did! No leftovers...
------------------------
Pork Medallions With Squash and Greens
The Washington Post, October 15, 2008
Dinner in 35 Minutes
* Course: Main Course
* Features: Fast, Kid-Friendly
Summary:
This dish comes from Christopher Blobaum, executive chef of the Inn at Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, S.C. He accepted our challenge to make his restaurant recipe accessible for a weeknight cook. He prefers using delicata squash, which is available now at Washington-area farmers markets. We used prepped and packaged butternut squash, keeping the dinnertime clock in mind.
Grits are almost a given, in terms of complementary low-country side dishes. Here, it really works, catching the sweet-tart pan juices.
4 servings
Ingredients:
* 6 to 8 sage leaves, plus more for (optional) garnish
* 4 large cloves garlic
* 3 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
* 12 ounces peeled and pre-cut butternut squash (may substitute 1 pound of delicata squash, peeled, cut in half, seeded and then cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-wide crescents)
* 1 cup fresh apple cider
* 1/2 cup water
* 2 teaspoons sherry vinegar
* 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt, plus more to taste
* Freshly ground black pepper
* 2 pounds pork tenderloins
* 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
* 8 ounces greens, such as collard, kale, rainbow or mustard
* 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
* 2 to 4 tablespoons good-quality cider vinegar or red wine vinegar
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Coarsely chop the sage leaves. Cut the garlic into very thin slices.
Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large cast-iron or heatproof skillet over medium heat. Add the squash, then the sage, apple cider, water, sherry vinegar and season with 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir to combine, then increase the heat to medium-high; bring to a boil and cook for about 5 minutes.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the cider has reduced to the consistency of a glaze and the squash is fork-tender. Transfer to the stove top; taste and season the mixture with more salt and pepper as needed.
While the squash is in the oven, trim the tenderloins of silver skin and any excess fat. Cut the trimmed tenderloins into evenly sized medallions about 1 1/2 inches thick; shape them to a uniform size and season with salt and pepper; place on a plate.
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil and the butter in a large saute pan or skillet over low heat, until the butter has melted. Add the garlic and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the slices are golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the garlic to a small dish.
While the garlic is cooking, wash and dry the greens. Cut out and discard any tough center veins and stems, if desired. Tear or shred the leaves.
Increase the heat to medium and add the greens to the saute pan or skillet used to cook the garlic. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, just until wilted; use tongs to keep them moving. Add the crushed red pepper flakes and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt, stirring to combine. Return the garlic slices to the pan or skillet and mix to incorporate. Sprinkle with the vinegar to taste, then transfer to a bowl.
Heat the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of the oil in the same pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the medallions and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until nicely browned. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork registers 150 on an instant-read thermometer. Return the garlic and greens to the pan or skillet, just to warm through.
When ready to serve, place a serving of greens, some of the squash and some pan juices on each plate, with a few of the medallions. Garnish with sage leaves, if desired; serve hot.
Recipe Source:
From Christopher Blobaum, executive chef of the Inn at Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, S.C. As posted in the Washington Post.
We used oregano because we had no sage. And this would provide a whole buncha leftovers for one person cooking...
I hope you enjoy as much as we did! No leftovers...
------------------------
Pork Medallions With Squash and Greens
The Washington Post, October 15, 2008
Dinner in 35 Minutes
* Course: Main Course
* Features: Fast, Kid-Friendly
Summary:
This dish comes from Christopher Blobaum, executive chef of the Inn at Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, S.C. He accepted our challenge to make his restaurant recipe accessible for a weeknight cook. He prefers using delicata squash, which is available now at Washington-area farmers markets. We used prepped and packaged butternut squash, keeping the dinnertime clock in mind.
Grits are almost a given, in terms of complementary low-country side dishes. Here, it really works, catching the sweet-tart pan juices.
4 servings
Ingredients:
* 6 to 8 sage leaves, plus more for (optional) garnish
* 4 large cloves garlic
* 3 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
* 12 ounces peeled and pre-cut butternut squash (may substitute 1 pound of delicata squash, peeled, cut in half, seeded and then cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-wide crescents)
* 1 cup fresh apple cider
* 1/2 cup water
* 2 teaspoons sherry vinegar
* 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt, plus more to taste
* Freshly ground black pepper
* 2 pounds pork tenderloins
* 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
* 8 ounces greens, such as collard, kale, rainbow or mustard
* 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
* 2 to 4 tablespoons good-quality cider vinegar or red wine vinegar
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Coarsely chop the sage leaves. Cut the garlic into very thin slices.
Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large cast-iron or heatproof skillet over medium heat. Add the squash, then the sage, apple cider, water, sherry vinegar and season with 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir to combine, then increase the heat to medium-high; bring to a boil and cook for about 5 minutes.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the cider has reduced to the consistency of a glaze and the squash is fork-tender. Transfer to the stove top; taste and season the mixture with more salt and pepper as needed.
While the squash is in the oven, trim the tenderloins of silver skin and any excess fat. Cut the trimmed tenderloins into evenly sized medallions about 1 1/2 inches thick; shape them to a uniform size and season with salt and pepper; place on a plate.
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil and the butter in a large saute pan or skillet over low heat, until the butter has melted. Add the garlic and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the slices are golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the garlic to a small dish.
While the garlic is cooking, wash and dry the greens. Cut out and discard any tough center veins and stems, if desired. Tear or shred the leaves.
Increase the heat to medium and add the greens to the saute pan or skillet used to cook the garlic. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, just until wilted; use tongs to keep them moving. Add the crushed red pepper flakes and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt, stirring to combine. Return the garlic slices to the pan or skillet and mix to incorporate. Sprinkle with the vinegar to taste, then transfer to a bowl.
Heat the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of the oil in the same pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the medallions and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until nicely browned. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork registers 150 on an instant-read thermometer. Return the garlic and greens to the pan or skillet, just to warm through.
When ready to serve, place a serving of greens, some of the squash and some pan juices on each plate, with a few of the medallions. Garnish with sage leaves, if desired; serve hot.
Recipe Source:
From Christopher Blobaum, executive chef of the Inn at Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, S.C. As posted in the Washington Post.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Musings.
1. Why are you supposed to brush your teeth THEN floss? Logistically (yes, that's how I think about nearly everything), doesn't it make more sense to pick the schtuff outta your teeth with the floss and THEN to clean it all away by brushing?
2. I really like going to the Farmer's Market. Ann Arbor's is particularly wonderful. I just hate that you have to go so stinkin' early to get the best goods. Boo on weekend mornings!
3. Angelo's is just as good as I remembered it!!!
4. So, I'm applying for a job at REI. What are the chances that I'll actually bring any of my paycheck home, cute lil' Gearhead that I am?!
5. I've been here just over two weeks and I've already got part-time jobs lined up, some volunteer work, and a couple of races planned. Whoooo-eeee!
6. My nephew is indeed a-DOR-able!!! And he loves him some Auntie Hannah. Just sayin'...
7. I'm really not a fan of winter & it's fast approaching. Whatever happened to the Indian Summers of my youth?! Me who just donated my parka and down vest. Boo to winter!
8. Could it be that I'm actually thinking about staying in MI longer than just the end of the year? Egads. Who'da thunk?
9. Not being at the NYC Marathon this year is gonna be hard. So many friends running and working...and I don't get to come in to play. Boo on having no social life.
...but things are otherwise great!!! ;)
2. I really like going to the Farmer's Market. Ann Arbor's is particularly wonderful. I just hate that you have to go so stinkin' early to get the best goods. Boo on weekend mornings!
3. Angelo's is just as good as I remembered it!!!
4. So, I'm applying for a job at REI. What are the chances that I'll actually bring any of my paycheck home, cute lil' Gearhead that I am?!
5. I've been here just over two weeks and I've already got part-time jobs lined up, some volunteer work, and a couple of races planned. Whoooo-eeee!
6. My nephew is indeed a-DOR-able!!! And he loves him some Auntie Hannah. Just sayin'...
7. I'm really not a fan of winter & it's fast approaching. Whatever happened to the Indian Summers of my youth?! Me who just donated my parka and down vest. Boo to winter!
8. Could it be that I'm actually thinking about staying in MI longer than just the end of the year? Egads. Who'da thunk?
9. Not being at the NYC Marathon this year is gonna be hard. So many friends running and working...and I don't get to come in to play. Boo on having no social life.
...but things are otherwise great!!! ;)
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Oh dear. Please remove my computer...or block Coonhound rescue sites.
'Cuz I can't stop browsing. I'm still on the Coonies...haven't even touched the Bloodhound or Dobie sites.
And I want him. REALLY want him (even though I'm not a fan of the name). Gawd, he's GORGEOUS.
And there's Moose. I've been watching Moose for a while. Classic Coonie, just the way I love 'em.
If you like Rhodesian Ridgebacks (yes, a hound), then Ike is a very Rhodesian-lookin' boy. Talk about athletic!!
As goofy lookin', tooooootally houndy (in this case Bloodhound) pups go, Quigley is the perfect example of goofy hound. Look at the jowls!!!!
Aaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!
Finally, because I truly love this organization, check out Toby (if only I currently had no dogs!!), Jake (ooooo - overgrown pup!), and Peyton (I love his - too intense? - stare).
If a certain Ms. Petunia had a link I could find, I'd also let you know about one of my favoritest rescue cases ever - the lovely, tiger-bodied (not color, just the walk) Petunia, one of the dollbabiest Pitties ever. See, I DO like girl dogs!!!
And I want him. REALLY want him (even though I'm not a fan of the name). Gawd, he's GORGEOUS.
And there's Moose. I've been watching Moose for a while. Classic Coonie, just the way I love 'em.
If you like Rhodesian Ridgebacks (yes, a hound), then Ike is a very Rhodesian-lookin' boy. Talk about athletic!!
As goofy lookin', tooooootally houndy (in this case Bloodhound) pups go, Quigley is the perfect example of goofy hound. Look at the jowls!!!!
Aaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!
Finally, because I truly love this organization, check out Toby (if only I currently had no dogs!!), Jake (ooooo - overgrown pup!), and Peyton (I love his - too intense? - stare).
If a certain Ms. Petunia had a link I could find, I'd also let you know about one of my favoritest rescue cases ever - the lovely, tiger-bodied (not color, just the walk) Petunia, one of the dollbabiest Pitties ever. See, I DO like girl dogs!!!
"Is our treatment of coonhounds a measure of our moral progress?"
I'm really good at torturing myself. How? Well, I'm NOT currently looking for any canine additions to my "pack," but, from time to time, I'll swing by a Coonhound rescue site to see what dogs are looking for forever homes.
Most of y'all know that I'm a sucka for a hound, particularly a classic-looking Coonie - think big, huge Bloodhound-y head, with massive ears and a big, blocky body (like this delicious beast). A lot of the dogs on the CoonhoundRescue.com site are just that...so, even though I say that I'll probably never have another hound and that my "next dog" will be a red male Dobie, who really knows what'll happen.
So, to torture myself, I went to the site today - it's rainy in Michigan and I'm just websurfing. The webmaster had posted this article and I feel it important to share.
While I think "coonhound" could be replaced in the article for many different breeds (or humans!), the article IS appropriate for a lot of the southern U.S. where hounds and hound mixes are predominant. (Sure, I could insert here how there are some rescue groups in NY who are importing hounds to the NY area and how that's irresponsible...but, well, I'll save that soapbox for another rainy day.) Americans think of pretty much everything as disposable, even our animals, and it DOES speak to our moral turpitude. The Coonhound that inspired this article is indicative of not just American selective blindness (think post-Katrina aftermath, no?), but just how trusting and willing to forgive rescued - or wanting-to-be-rescued - animals can be (another soapbox, I know, I know).
No, I know the entire population isn't corrupt. Get it. I know a slew of folks who could never, ever in a gazillion years be blind to the kind of suffering this sweet Coonie was showing - whether it was human or canine. Equally, however, I know folks who would never give two shits. I would only ask that we ALL keep our eyes open...and do what we can to alleviate suffering.
My answer to the question posed? Yes. Yes, our treatment of coonhounds is indeed a measure of our moral progress.
Most of y'all know that I'm a sucka for a hound, particularly a classic-looking Coonie - think big, huge Bloodhound-y head, with massive ears and a big, blocky body (like this delicious beast). A lot of the dogs on the CoonhoundRescue.com site are just that...so, even though I say that I'll probably never have another hound and that my "next dog" will be a red male Dobie, who really knows what'll happen.
So, to torture myself, I went to the site today - it's rainy in Michigan and I'm just websurfing. The webmaster had posted this article and I feel it important to share.
While I think "coonhound" could be replaced in the article for many different breeds (or humans!), the article IS appropriate for a lot of the southern U.S. where hounds and hound mixes are predominant. (Sure, I could insert here how there are some rescue groups in NY who are importing hounds to the NY area and how that's irresponsible...but, well, I'll save that soapbox for another rainy day.) Americans think of pretty much everything as disposable, even our animals, and it DOES speak to our moral turpitude. The Coonhound that inspired this article is indicative of not just American selective blindness (think post-Katrina aftermath, no?), but just how trusting and willing to forgive rescued - or wanting-to-be-rescued - animals can be (another soapbox, I know, I know).
No, I know the entire population isn't corrupt. Get it. I know a slew of folks who could never, ever in a gazillion years be blind to the kind of suffering this sweet Coonie was showing - whether it was human or canine. Equally, however, I know folks who would never give two shits. I would only ask that we ALL keep our eyes open...and do what we can to alleviate suffering.
My answer to the question posed? Yes. Yes, our treatment of coonhounds is indeed a measure of our moral progress.
Monday, October 06, 2008
I'm so self-centered...
All I can do for the last day or so is stalk friends on Facebook (update your status already!!!) and scan for any mention of, you know, ME!
So, one of my long-standing Jen friends (I know a LOTTA Jens) changed her status to this last night:
Jennifer B is thinking about how even on Facebook, Hannah Ashmore is still the most social person she knows...
HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAH.
I've known this particular Jen since I worked at Barnes and Noble part-time over a decade (scary!) ago. I had about a gazillion different social circles and I loved throwing parties to have everyone meet each other...the "I've heard SO MUCH about you-s" were rampant. Pat on the back me!
And, yes, I fully realize that not much has changed...I still have a gazillion social circles and things that I'm doing!
smooches,
socialite h
So, one of my long-standing Jen friends (I know a LOTTA Jens) changed her status to this last night:
Jennifer B is thinking about how even on Facebook, Hannah Ashmore is still the most social person she knows...
HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAH.
I've known this particular Jen since I worked at Barnes and Noble part-time over a decade (scary!) ago. I had about a gazillion different social circles and I loved throwing parties to have everyone meet each other...the "I've heard SO MUCH about you-s" were rampant. Pat on the back me!
And, yes, I fully realize that not much has changed...I still have a gazillion social circles and things that I'm doing!
smooches,
socialite h
Sunday, October 05, 2008
So going back to the late 80s...
My mom and one of her best friends are helping me earn my 'allowance' while I'm hanging' out. Huh? Well, while I'm figuring out where I want to go next and what job will take me there, I'm trying to find ways to make some $$. Not knowing how long I'll be here, it's a tad difficult to plan on much other than odd jobs...or retail. (Aaaahhhhhh!)
So, I'm gonna do some winter prep yardwork for both my mom and her best friend. How funny is that? Soooooo totally like getting an allowance for doing my chores. I'm just a little older, a little wiser, and actually looking FORWARD to spending time playing in the dirt!!!!
Yep, gardening is one of the things I've missed most. Yard work, here I come!!!
So, I'm gonna do some winter prep yardwork for both my mom and her best friend. How funny is that? Soooooo totally like getting an allowance for doing my chores. I'm just a little older, a little wiser, and actually looking FORWARD to spending time playing in the dirt!!!!
Yep, gardening is one of the things I've missed most. Yard work, here I come!!!
Say YES! to Michigan!
So, I'm here.
So far, nothing crazy happening...thank Gawd! I've been catching up on sleep - I've never met a more comfortable Aero Bed, but, then, I think I could sleep on a plank and be out for hours at this point. The basement (nope, haven't been locked in yet :) ) is lovely and dark, so I can sleep, truly, as much or as late as I like. I love retirement.
The dogs? Love it. New smells, lots of open space to run, stairs to fly up - and down!, more people they know to love them. Sure, they're still getting used to not being allowed on the furniture, but if that's the worst of their new situation then it can't be horrible, right?
The drive? Wasn't so bad. Long and VERY boring...not a 'good' radio station to be found ANYwhere in Pennsylvania. And I had no idea just how rural or hilly PA is! Horrible on the gas mileage. The dogs were AMAZING and so much better than I expected. They were so tired from 2 days of barking as we loaded the truck that they crashed for nearly all 600 miles. The cab was a lot higher than usual - in my brand new Budget truck!!, so 'twas a learning experience in trust for all of us.
Other than a minor wrong turn just before Toledo that got me using my CrackBerry's GPS and mapping function, and then exiting an exit too late off I-94 in Ypsi, we made it here in excellent time and shape. Truck got off-loaded Thursday and returned Friday. And, no, NO MORE TRUCK DRIVING. For quite some time.
Now it's time to figure out what I want to do professionally. More on that...
So far, nothing crazy happening...thank Gawd! I've been catching up on sleep - I've never met a more comfortable Aero Bed, but, then, I think I could sleep on a plank and be out for hours at this point. The basement (nope, haven't been locked in yet :) ) is lovely and dark, so I can sleep, truly, as much or as late as I like. I love retirement.
The dogs? Love it. New smells, lots of open space to run, stairs to fly up - and down!, more people they know to love them. Sure, they're still getting used to not being allowed on the furniture, but if that's the worst of their new situation then it can't be horrible, right?
The drive? Wasn't so bad. Long and VERY boring...not a 'good' radio station to be found ANYwhere in Pennsylvania. And I had no idea just how rural or hilly PA is! Horrible on the gas mileage. The dogs were AMAZING and so much better than I expected. They were so tired from 2 days of barking as we loaded the truck that they crashed for nearly all 600 miles. The cab was a lot higher than usual - in my brand new Budget truck!!, so 'twas a learning experience in trust for all of us.
Other than a minor wrong turn just before Toledo that got me using my CrackBerry's GPS and mapping function, and then exiting an exit too late off I-94 in Ypsi, we made it here in excellent time and shape. Truck got off-loaded Thursday and returned Friday. And, no, NO MORE TRUCK DRIVING. For quite some time.
Now it's time to figure out what I want to do professionally. More on that...
Sunday, September 28, 2008
musings. i'm still procrastinating...
1. 2 days left in NYC and, yes, I'm not finished packing. And I worked the last 2 days on a (crazy) event...that left me super exhausted and, still, unpacked.
2. I'm so very, terribly, utterly ready to leave NYC. I'll miss my friends, public transportation, and the convenience of having anything you want whenever you want however you want. But that's it. Is that a lot?
3. I don't want to drive a truck again for a long, long, long time. After (barely) clipping another truck's mirror in DC, to a 1,200 mile long-haul in a 24-footer from DC to New Orleans, to - essentially - living in the cab of a 15-footer for the last 2 days, to, yes, taking care of my own move to Michigan (10-12 hours in a 16-footer with 100 lbs-worth of dog)...I have come to the conclusion that I'm not interested in being a long-haul trucker. Ever.
4. As much as it makes me nutso, I do love the event world. There's something bonding about being up all night, working your ass off, being soaking wet (sweat or rain), having dirty fingernails, playing with 'snips' and leathermen, having a crap-tacular event tan (think worse than farmer's)...the list could go on.
5. I have really great friends.
6. Coming out of semi-retirement is gonna be difficult. Especially as I'm heading into a true, indefinite period of retirement while I'm hanging out with the madre. Although, there are many odd jobs I could (and probably will) do, not knowing how long I'll be there makes decision-making difficult.
7. I was pulled over (in a truck) for the first time in nearly 10 years recently...and I haven't been that flustered or pee-my-pants nervous in a really long time.
8. I've been obsessing about what squirrel poop looks like. Anyone know? You see bum poo, dog poo, cat poo, and bird poo all the time. I've seen horse, elephant, sheep, goat, camel, and more. But I have no idea what squirrel poo looks like.
9. I'm tired. Really, really tired. Ok. Gotta go pack.
2. I'm so very, terribly, utterly ready to leave NYC. I'll miss my friends, public transportation, and the convenience of having anything you want whenever you want however you want. But that's it. Is that a lot?
3. I don't want to drive a truck again for a long, long, long time. After (barely) clipping another truck's mirror in DC, to a 1,200 mile long-haul in a 24-footer from DC to New Orleans, to - essentially - living in the cab of a 15-footer for the last 2 days, to, yes, taking care of my own move to Michigan (10-12 hours in a 16-footer with 100 lbs-worth of dog)...I have come to the conclusion that I'm not interested in being a long-haul trucker. Ever.
4. As much as it makes me nutso, I do love the event world. There's something bonding about being up all night, working your ass off, being soaking wet (sweat or rain), having dirty fingernails, playing with 'snips' and leathermen, having a crap-tacular event tan (think worse than farmer's)...the list could go on.
5. I have really great friends.
6. Coming out of semi-retirement is gonna be difficult. Especially as I'm heading into a true, indefinite period of retirement while I'm hanging out with the madre. Although, there are many odd jobs I could (and probably will) do, not knowing how long I'll be there makes decision-making difficult.
7. I was pulled over (in a truck) for the first time in nearly 10 years recently...and I haven't been that flustered or pee-my-pants nervous in a really long time.
8. I've been obsessing about what squirrel poop looks like. Anyone know? You see bum poo, dog poo, cat poo, and bird poo all the time. I've seen horse, elephant, sheep, goat, camel, and more. But I have no idea what squirrel poo looks like.
9. I'm tired. Really, really tired. Ok. Gotta go pack.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
First goodbye - check!
My first goodbye was sprung upon me today. I get back from a grueling trip to DC by way of New Orleans (long story - ask if you dare :) ), to go play with My Main Man (MMM), Humphrey, Thursday morning. Get there, hangin' out, being smooched by a 2 1/2 year old Golden, and his dad (Linc) happens to let it slip that they're taking BACK off to the Adirondacks for another 10 days.
WHAT????
So, the tears immediately appear. And I cry the entire time Humph-a-dunk and I are out wandering the wilds of the UWS. MMM is being super patient and snuggly with me, trying to figure out what's going on.
It was a sudden rrrrrrrip of a goodbye, but, I can't lie, methinks it was actually less painful than saying little goodbyes for the next week.
That Linc is a good man...and a great friend. I'll miss him and our political chats just as much as I'll miss his lunk of a pooch!
WHAT????
So, the tears immediately appear. And I cry the entire time Humph-a-dunk and I are out wandering the wilds of the UWS. MMM is being super patient and snuggly with me, trying to figure out what's going on.
It was a sudden rrrrrrrip of a goodbye, but, I can't lie, methinks it was actually less painful than saying little goodbyes for the next week.
That Linc is a good man...and a great friend. I'll miss him and our political chats just as much as I'll miss his lunk of a pooch!
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Keepin' it real.
So, why is it that it's the most mundane of tasks that makes a move feel real? Changing my address for magazines and cancelling my gym membership made me feel like I'm moving.
Crap. I'm moving!
Crap. I'm moving!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Randomness.
1. My newest self-challenge. Anyone wanna join me? I haven't, um, started yet...but I'm gonna!
2. I'm actually looking forward to spending some time with the fam (and new nephew!) in Michigan. Notsomuch looking forward to finishing the packing, having a stoop sale, loading the truck, driving 600 miles (with 2 dogs in the cab!), and then unloading the truck. But, hey, that's life, right???
3. My sleeping bag is even more traveled than *I* am!!! My friend, Evelyn, got a killer chance to go to Rwanda for a couple weeks and was told she might need a sleeping bag...so, The Marmot got to go! Unfortunately, she found out after lugging it all the way there that she, um, DIDN'T need it after all. But, hey, that's life, right? (Seeing a theme??)
4. I think I'm addicted to rotisserie chicken. My roommate has the Showtime Rotisserie and it ROCKS. I love it...and my dogs think it's better than TV - they just sit there watching and salivating.
5. I've been spending so much time meandering down Memory Lane that I decided to start looking up a whole bunch of folks I haven't talked to in a gazillion years. Some are Google-able, but even more are on Facebook! Who knew?!?! C'mon, Burks, get with the program. Everybody's doin' it!!!
6. Some really, truly interesting jobs crawled out of the woodwork this past week, so, fingers crossed, something happens!!! Granted, Dallas wouldn't be my first choice, but it would be an a-m-a-z-i-n-g opportunity. Just sayin'...
7. Fresh Direct boxes are the *perfect* size for packing books.
8. 35 days...and counting. Ouch.
9. There's a hurricane named after me!!!!! Although, I guess I shouldn't be happy that I'm bringing potential death and destruction to folks, huh?
2. I'm actually looking forward to spending some time with the fam (and new nephew!) in Michigan. Notsomuch looking forward to finishing the packing, having a stoop sale, loading the truck, driving 600 miles (with 2 dogs in the cab!), and then unloading the truck. But, hey, that's life, right???
3. My sleeping bag is even more traveled than *I* am!!! My friend, Evelyn, got a killer chance to go to Rwanda for a couple weeks and was told she might need a sleeping bag...so, The Marmot got to go! Unfortunately, she found out after lugging it all the way there that she, um, DIDN'T need it after all. But, hey, that's life, right? (Seeing a theme??)
4. I think I'm addicted to rotisserie chicken. My roommate has the Showtime Rotisserie and it ROCKS. I love it...and my dogs think it's better than TV - they just sit there watching and salivating.
5. I've been spending so much time meandering down Memory Lane that I decided to start looking up a whole bunch of folks I haven't talked to in a gazillion years. Some are Google-able, but even more are on Facebook! Who knew?!?! C'mon, Burks, get with the program. Everybody's doin' it!!!
6. Some really, truly interesting jobs crawled out of the woodwork this past week, so, fingers crossed, something happens!!! Granted, Dallas wouldn't be my first choice, but it would be an a-m-a-z-i-n-g opportunity. Just sayin'...
7. Fresh Direct boxes are the *perfect* size for packing books.
8. 35 days...and counting. Ouch.
9. There's a hurricane named after me!!!!! Although, I guess I shouldn't be happy that I'm bringing potential death and destruction to folks, huh?
Sunday, August 24, 2008
It's a happy thought!
On a random sidenote, I'm totally addicted to Californication and The Tudors. Who knew Showtime had a respectable lineup??? And thank you Netflix for giving me a helluva lot of viewing pleasure!!!!
Holy crap...I hate it when I can't sleep!!
Yep. Woke up randomly in the middle of the night. Started out as one of those "I'm just rolling over" things, but has turned into a fully-fledged freak out. I was laying here thinking about all manner of really fun, peaceful night-time thoughts like: the logistics of leaving, when to rent a truck, will all my s&*% fit into a 16' truck like I hope/expect/need...you know, the easy things.
So, I decided I'd make myself feel better and actually price things out/quasi-plan rather than pontificate at 4:30am on Sunday morning. Well, eff me if it isn't going to cost a LOT to head to Michigan to go squat at my mom's house. $700 for the "privilege" of driving all my stuff cross-country by myself!!!!!!!! I figured it'd be expensive, but CRAP! Factor in some gas...whoa nelly.
And then, to make it, ya know, BETTER, I decided to look at actual driving dates. Well, it'll have to be mid-week the last week in September. Which, for some reason, FREAKS ME OUT even though it should all be expected. But no...I continue to freak out.
Fun. At not even 6:00am. Anyone have a AAA code I can use???
So, I decided I'd make myself feel better and actually price things out/quasi-plan rather than pontificate at 4:30am on Sunday morning. Well, eff me if it isn't going to cost a LOT to head to Michigan to go squat at my mom's house. $700 for the "privilege" of driving all my stuff cross-country by myself!!!!!!!! I figured it'd be expensive, but CRAP! Factor in some gas...whoa nelly.
And then, to make it, ya know, BETTER, I decided to look at actual driving dates. Well, it'll have to be mid-week the last week in September. Which, for some reason, FREAKS ME OUT even though it should all be expected. But no...I continue to freak out.
Fun. At not even 6:00am. Anyone have a AAA code I can use???
Saturday, August 23, 2008
The Best Revenge.
Normally, I don't buy into the idea of revenge...never have, don't often now. I really do believe it's a waste of time and that, by hook or by crook, karma will getcha worse than I ever could.
So, why would I bring up revenge now, one could ponder. Well, because I am (sounds like: "because I said so," a la all our moms). I learned a really crappy lesson last night. One that - stupid hindsight - isn't really unexpected and is par for the effed up course as it pertains to this particular scenario.
No, I don't want to fully explain or, really, talk about it. Maybe tomorrow, but right now, I'm too raw and pissed off (mostly at myself) and hurt and livid. Many of y'all haven't ever seen me lose my temper. True, I get pissy-tacular a whole lot, but I can count on one hand the number of times I've truly gone apeshit. I'm pretty there right now...just nothing to do with it.
My revenge? Well, that's where I'll redirect all this anger. And what'll it be? To live a whole, happy life that's full of love. And I'll get ridiculously skinny in the process because all I want to do is run, kick and punch a bag, and lift weights furiously. I'm learning, today, that extreme anger motivates me to work out.
...by tomorrow, in all honesty, I'll probably be back to much more Sane Hannah. But right now, I'm not.
Clue: My Friskyscope as posted from earlier this week was dead on...read the 'sucky' part. Those who may be in the know, well, let's just say there I ran into the only person in NY I always see and really don't want to. No, that's not the part that makes me angry.
So, why would I bring up revenge now, one could ponder. Well, because I am (sounds like: "because I said so," a la all our moms). I learned a really crappy lesson last night. One that - stupid hindsight - isn't really unexpected and is par for the effed up course as it pertains to this particular scenario.
No, I don't want to fully explain or, really, talk about it. Maybe tomorrow, but right now, I'm too raw and pissed off (mostly at myself) and hurt and livid. Many of y'all haven't ever seen me lose my temper. True, I get pissy-tacular a whole lot, but I can count on one hand the number of times I've truly gone apeshit. I'm pretty there right now...just nothing to do with it.
My revenge? Well, that's where I'll redirect all this anger. And what'll it be? To live a whole, happy life that's full of love. And I'll get ridiculously skinny in the process because all I want to do is run, kick and punch a bag, and lift weights furiously. I'm learning, today, that extreme anger motivates me to work out.
...by tomorrow, in all honesty, I'll probably be back to much more Sane Hannah. But right now, I'm not.
Clue: My Friskyscope as posted from earlier this week was dead on...read the 'sucky' part. Those who may be in the know, well, let's just say there I ran into the only person in NY I always see and really don't want to. No, that's not the part that makes me angry.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Friskyscope is SPOT ON!!!
This week's Friskyscope for me:
Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)
Career recognition will be at an all time high. Friendship satisfaction? Another high scorer. Love life? Less than stellar and not looking like it’s got any life coming to revive its dismal circumstances. Sure, that might be a sucky attitude to have, but this week, being a realist will save you much time and energy that you otherwise would have forced yourself to expend.
At least I know my priorities where already in alignment. Yep, "sucky" is an understatement...but, well, uh, a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do, right?!
Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)
Career recognition will be at an all time high. Friendship satisfaction? Another high scorer. Love life? Less than stellar and not looking like it’s got any life coming to revive its dismal circumstances. Sure, that might be a sucky attitude to have, but this week, being a realist will save you much time and energy that you otherwise would have forced yourself to expend.
At least I know my priorities where already in alignment. Yep, "sucky" is an understatement...but, well, uh, a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do, right?!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
I have the BEST friends. The B-E-S-T. My "Be Fri" friends...
(Just ask me. You know you wanna. "Be Fri"???)
One of the things I've been truly lucky to collect over the years is amazing - a-m-a-z-i-n-g - friends. Granted, I should amend that to "since I've been an adult"...but who's counting, right?
In my teens, the ones who stayed in touch became my Best Friends simply because we stayed in touch. And, truly, friends of "historical" context are wonderful...because they have the history. (Or is that "terrifying" and not "wonderful"??) Unfortunately, that's something I'm figuring out much later in life only because I've only stayed in touch with folks from high school on. But they ARE wonderful!!
In my 20s, I stumbled upon the most fantastic group of friends. The stories. The adventures. The fights, the make-ups, the horror, the happiness...part of being in your 20s and figuring it all out, right??? God bless 'em for forgiving me and letting me back into their lives. (No, I wasn't the nicest back then...my world was very (read: VERY) black and white...I haven't softened completely, but I've softened a LOT compared to then.)
In my 30s, I'm getting to know myself, really know myself. (Hey, my 30s aren't even half over yet! I'm workin' on it!!!) Getting to know yourself provides you with a wonderful - THE most wonderful - group of friends. I can quite honestly say that the friends I have now will be friends of mine for forever. They'll become the newest, improved-upon "historical" friends. And, yes, they're making NY a very difficult place to leave simply because they're here.
[NOTE: Interestingly, a high school "historical" friend can be included in the Now friends circle. What does "historical" squared mean???]
So, Peggy, Whitney, Alison, Lydia P., Kelly, Greer, Alice, Elynn, Stephanie B., Roooooooooney, Reeny, Christine K., Karen, Nancy, Shaina, Evelyn, vanO, Cass, Terri, Jen S., Renee...and my "token" men: Lincoln, Morgan, Volpe, Decker, Ken, MJ, Ted, and, yes, even Crawford & Lucas. J - you're in your own category altogether. You're not all here, physically, in NYC for my "NY years," but I will always associate our friendships with me being in NY. You've all had stiff competition from my friends "back in the day"...but let's just call this your official shout out. And then you can hug me awkwardly and pat me on the back when I start to cry whenever I see you next, m'kay???
I haven't always loved the lessons I've learned. And you certainly haven't loved me every moment of our friendship - and vice versa. But, Gawd, have you all played a super, duper, wonderful, ass-kickin', kick ass role in my life. Thank you.
No. Really. (Like Ev & I would do - REALLY? Really. Really!) Thank you. Thank. You.
P.S. "Stiff competition" includes, but is by no means limited to: Jammin' J, Amy B., Tall Beth, Short Beth, Michele (where's the cellulite?) S., Oy-yay Oy-yay, Zeiggy, Kat, Wendy K., Gooooot, Amanda Sue, Missy, Mary H., NeNa, Chele, Cindy R., the Furry Redhead, Kevin B., and ALL of the Hammers (but, really, Al - you rocked my world!).
P.P.S. If we're going old, old, OLD school, then "stiff competition" would be Greer (again), Carla, Sammy, Trish, Zaborowska, Miki...TASIS, Izmir, and Greenhills - all y'all made me just as nutty as a girl could possibly be and I LOVE having you as a part of my life. (I CAN blame it on you, right???)
P.P.P.S. The oldest school I can get is Harriet, Margaret S., Sasha used-to-be-C., Mom, Dad, and Jingles. I guess it's you kids that I should really credit with how wonderfully I've turned out, huh? ;)
One of the things I've been truly lucky to collect over the years is amazing - a-m-a-z-i-n-g - friends. Granted, I should amend that to "since I've been an adult"...but who's counting, right?
In my teens, the ones who stayed in touch became my Best Friends simply because we stayed in touch. And, truly, friends of "historical" context are wonderful...because they have the history. (Or is that "terrifying" and not "wonderful"??) Unfortunately, that's something I'm figuring out much later in life only because I've only stayed in touch with folks from high school on. But they ARE wonderful!!
In my 20s, I stumbled upon the most fantastic group of friends. The stories. The adventures. The fights, the make-ups, the horror, the happiness...part of being in your 20s and figuring it all out, right??? God bless 'em for forgiving me and letting me back into their lives. (No, I wasn't the nicest back then...my world was very (read: VERY) black and white...I haven't softened completely, but I've softened a LOT compared to then.)
In my 30s, I'm getting to know myself, really know myself. (Hey, my 30s aren't even half over yet! I'm workin' on it!!!) Getting to know yourself provides you with a wonderful - THE most wonderful - group of friends. I can quite honestly say that the friends I have now will be friends of mine for forever. They'll become the newest, improved-upon "historical" friends. And, yes, they're making NY a very difficult place to leave simply because they're here.
[NOTE: Interestingly, a high school "historical" friend can be included in the Now friends circle. What does "historical" squared mean???]
So, Peggy, Whitney, Alison, Lydia P., Kelly, Greer, Alice, Elynn, Stephanie B., Roooooooooney, Reeny, Christine K., Karen, Nancy, Shaina, Evelyn, vanO, Cass, Terri, Jen S., Renee...and my "token" men: Lincoln, Morgan, Volpe, Decker, Ken, MJ, Ted, and, yes, even Crawford & Lucas. J - you're in your own category altogether. You're not all here, physically, in NYC for my "NY years," but I will always associate our friendships with me being in NY. You've all had stiff competition from my friends "back in the day"...but let's just call this your official shout out. And then you can hug me awkwardly and pat me on the back when I start to cry whenever I see you next, m'kay???
I haven't always loved the lessons I've learned. And you certainly haven't loved me every moment of our friendship - and vice versa. But, Gawd, have you all played a super, duper, wonderful, ass-kickin', kick ass role in my life. Thank you.
No. Really. (Like Ev & I would do - REALLY? Really. Really!) Thank you. Thank. You.
P.S. "Stiff competition" includes, but is by no means limited to: Jammin' J, Amy B., Tall Beth, Short Beth, Michele (where's the cellulite?) S., Oy-yay Oy-yay, Zeiggy, Kat, Wendy K., Gooooot, Amanda Sue, Missy, Mary H., NeNa, Chele, Cindy R., the Furry Redhead, Kevin B., and ALL of the Hammers (but, really, Al - you rocked my world!).
P.P.S. If we're going old, old, OLD school, then "stiff competition" would be Greer (again), Carla, Sammy, Trish, Zaborowska, Miki...TASIS, Izmir, and Greenhills - all y'all made me just as nutty as a girl could possibly be and I LOVE having you as a part of my life. (I CAN blame it on you, right???)
P.P.P.S. The oldest school I can get is Harriet, Margaret S., Sasha used-to-be-C., Mom, Dad, and Jingles. I guess it's you kids that I should really credit with how wonderfully I've turned out, huh? ;)
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Lookit what I found...
I found SO many treasures today, but one of them was this poem. And, yes, it resonated.
Imagine a Woman
Imagine a woman who believes it is right and good she is a woman.
Awoman who honors her experience and tells her stories.
Who refuses to carry the sins of others within her body and life.
Imagine a woman who trusts and respects herself.
A woman who listens to her needs and desires.
Who meets them with tenderness and grace.
Imagine a woman who acknowledges the past's influence on the present.
A woman who has walked through her past.
Who has healed into the present.
Imagine a woman who authors her own life.
A woman who exerts, initiates, and moves on her own behalf.
Who refuses to surrender except to her truest self and wisest voice.
Imagine a woman who names her own gods.
A woman who imagines the divine in her image and likeness.
Who designs a personal spirituality to inform her daily life.
Imagine a woman in love with her own body.
A woman who believes her body is enough, just as it is.
Who celebrates her body's rhythms and cycles as an exquisite resource.
Imagine a woman who honors the body of the Goddess in her changing body.
A woman who celebrates the accumulation of her years and her wisdom.
Who refuses to use her life energy disguising the changes in her body and life.
Imagine a woman who values the women in her life.
A woman who sits in circles of women.
Who is reminded of the truth about herself when she forgets.
Imagine yourself as this woman.
Pretty cool, huh?
Imagine a Woman
Imagine a woman who believes it is right and good she is a woman.
Awoman who honors her experience and tells her stories.
Who refuses to carry the sins of others within her body and life.
Imagine a woman who trusts and respects herself.
A woman who listens to her needs and desires.
Who meets them with tenderness and grace.
Imagine a woman who acknowledges the past's influence on the present.
A woman who has walked through her past.
Who has healed into the present.
Imagine a woman who authors her own life.
A woman who exerts, initiates, and moves on her own behalf.
Who refuses to surrender except to her truest self and wisest voice.
Imagine a woman who names her own gods.
A woman who imagines the divine in her image and likeness.
Who designs a personal spirituality to inform her daily life.
Imagine a woman in love with her own body.
A woman who believes her body is enough, just as it is.
Who celebrates her body's rhythms and cycles as an exquisite resource.
Imagine a woman who honors the body of the Goddess in her changing body.
A woman who celebrates the accumulation of her years and her wisdom.
Who refuses to use her life energy disguising the changes in her body and life.
Imagine a woman who values the women in her life.
A woman who sits in circles of women.
Who is reminded of the truth about herself when she forgets.
Imagine yourself as this woman.
Pretty cool, huh?
Holy got my butt kicked yesterday!!!
And I'm so not kidding. I went to a random Total Body Conditioning class at the gym yesterday. I thought I'd been to this club and this time slot before, but, um, no. I was wrong. Way wrong.
She looked nice enough. Young and, yes, I may have assumed that youth = inexperience.
Wrong. Way wrong.
Holy butt-kicking workout. TBC is usually a pretty good overall workout - everything gets targeted at least a little bit. This class hit all muscle groups a LOT. It was much more like a personal training session at warp speed. She threw in functional training with kettle bell-like moves with 'traditional' free weight stuff.
The one that got me the most was a move that I can't even begin to describe other than it hurt. Which, yes, means it works. But, boy, did I find my abs. And my butt. And my back. And my shoulders. And my obliques.
One would assume I'd not want to go back...instead, when's the next one? ;)
She looked nice enough. Young and, yes, I may have assumed that youth = inexperience.
Wrong. Way wrong.
Holy butt-kicking workout. TBC is usually a pretty good overall workout - everything gets targeted at least a little bit. This class hit all muscle groups a LOT. It was much more like a personal training session at warp speed. She threw in functional training with kettle bell-like moves with 'traditional' free weight stuff.
The one that got me the most was a move that I can't even begin to describe other than it hurt. Which, yes, means it works. But, boy, did I find my abs. And my butt. And my back. And my shoulders. And my obliques.
One would assume I'd not want to go back...instead, when's the next one? ;)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
