Today I have 90 days to my wedding. Today, I wished my friend Karmen was closer. You see... I met Karmen at my brother from another mother, Mark's wedding. SHE IS FIERCE! And is following her dreams. She is singing in Russia. She is living her dream and singing and traveling and asked to be a part of this whole bridal thing. So, I am granting her wish. And the next 90 days, I'll be blogging more to keep her in the loop of the wedding planning and the event itself.
And today, I had many surprises. My invitations arrived thru a delivery service this morning. I was expecting Fed Ex or UPS, but there is a service that the invitation company uses and as we were on the air, they arrived. So as George Strait serenaded our listening audience, I opened the boxes. They are more then what I imagined. And I'm looking forward to sending them out.
It was also a day that I had my first fitting. I hadn't put on my dress for a few months. Yes... I was a little nervous. (New medication and a stress eater... not good but i'm ok.) I needed to buy my "foundation" ware. I was more then hesitant because I know it is going to be warm that day and my dress will be fitted. But... we tried two slips and the second was MUCH cooler than the first. As for my "foundation for the girls".... wow. I can breathe, it fits correctly and gives me a line that my dress needs. (I will be having a "Pippa butt" even with my size)
Today was the first day I went alone to any appointment. I loved having my parents every step of the way. I loved picking up my dress with one of my bridesmaids. I loved going and helping find the dresses for my girls. Today was just me. And I could look in the mirror and scrutinize, but also really just soak it all in.
Now, I've been debating what I was going to do for my hair. I had this sweet consultant that said "Have you thought of a veil?"
I never thought much of it. So I explained what I was planning to do with an integral piece of jewelry and she grabbed an accessory, some bobby pins and a veil. Here I was, standing in the dress I never imagined I'd be wearing, with my hair up and they jacked me up in a veil. Yeah... just like the bridal shows, I got jacked up. And I liked it. I saw myself in a whole different light and I really felt bridal.
I got what I needed and under budget. And then went home to my St Paul home.
I sat and watched "Say Yes to the Dress" and finally understood the concept of that bridal feeling.
And I think I'm ready.
Friday, May 26, 2017
Friday, November 18, 2016
Now, By Request...
Yes, it's time again to write. I've delayed a month because of work obligations and the process of learning new stuff for the job. Speaking of... I love it. I loved being on the radio back in the day, but this is far more interesting. Yes, I get to be my silly little self, but now I'm learning about how the major industry in our community works and how it affects my small town.
There's so much news to share so it's just easier to write. And there will be a bit of a new format. You see, I'm getting married. (Pick yourself up from the floor.) My friend, Karmen, is wanting to live vicariously thru my planning and all things bridal, so when I'm writing about the wedding planning, I'll write in a letter form. Those of you that know my writing, I'll still be blogging, but in a different way.
I also think I will be a great outlet in the whole thick of things and balancing it all. Plus, I just want to write. I feel it.
There's so much news to share so it's just easier to write. And there will be a bit of a new format. You see, I'm getting married. (Pick yourself up from the floor.) My friend, Karmen, is wanting to live vicariously thru my planning and all things bridal, so when I'm writing about the wedding planning, I'll write in a letter form. Those of you that know my writing, I'll still be blogging, but in a different way.
I also think I will be a great outlet in the whole thick of things and balancing it all. Plus, I just want to write. I feel it.
Monday, March 23, 2015
MMM MMM Good!
Yes. Part of my 40 Day of Eat Pray Love, I
intended to cook 4 new recipes. I
still have the time… but I did my first one the other day and well… it was a
success. Now everyone wants to
have the recipe. I don’t
mind. I caused the issue… I posted
the pot and a few pics of the soup on line. I’m thinking that I got the cooking gene from my mom. That woman CAN cook. I only wish I can cook half as well as
she can. I try. And yesterday’s
soup was one more step towards being a good cook.
About
a year ago, I found a website, www.thugkitchen.com,
and I hadn’t laughed so hard at a blog.
Now mind you, every other word is the f bomb on this blog (and they could
be relatives with the language similarities), but they are a bit inspirational. I won’t be a Barefoot Contessa or Pioneer Woman, but I’ll be
a sassy chick with a wooden spoon. (Oh… some of you went there. Put down the 50 Shades and get to
choppin)
Ok
Then… it’s time for me to share my cooking experience. In my words. In my style.
ZUPPA
TOSCANA… a la Miz M
This soup almost didn’t happen. I couldn’t find ground Italian sausage at first in the store and I almost chucked the whole thing. Yes, a “fuck it moment” in the store. But as I put the kale back and almost started to think about making a pot roast, I found the ground Italian sausage. I grabbed a pound of the sweet Italian sausage and figured that I’ll add a little more of the red pepper flakes and spice that shit up.
This soup almost didn’t happen. I couldn’t find ground Italian sausage at first in the store and I almost chucked the whole thing. Yes, a “fuck it moment” in the store. But as I put the kale back and almost started to think about making a pot roast, I found the ground Italian sausage. I grabbed a pound of the sweet Italian sausage and figured that I’ll add a little more of the red pepper flakes and spice that shit up.
Got
the ingredients. (And the last package of kale) Went back home and started in on this bad boy.
Got
out my stock pot and went to town. I didn’t get an enameled Dutch oven for
Christmas. I only hinted for
freaking months and even people who would have benefited from me getting said
Dutch Oven and watched me look at them every chance I got still didn’t get the
damn hint… but that’s water under the bridge. I'll buy my own fricken Dutch oven. Enough said. Kitchens don’t need bitter cooks. My trusty stockpot did the job. It's good for that Martha Stewart Tri Clad bitch to get used to death.
Add a
large splash of olive oil to your stockpot and add the sausage. Brown it up until there is no pink in
the meat and don't let it get crusty. I don't mind the crust sometimes, but in this case - NOPE. There will be chunks and
small parts. Just make sure
there’s no pink, but don’t let it crumble up like you’re making sloppy Joes or loose
meat sandwiches. You want
chunks. Trust me on this.
Once the meat is browned nicely, set it aside and drain whatever grease is on the bottom. If there is scrapings on the bottom… KEEP them. Next, grab about 7 slices of bacon. I got the thick cut smoked. I’m thinking next batch, I’m going with pancetta, but I can’t guarantee that I’ll have the flavor of good old bacon. Before you flop it in the pan, cut it in fourths or smaller. (Trust me on this too.) Fry it up very crisp. It will be fine in the soup. Once fried, set that aside as well. Drain the grease, but leave about a tablespoon in the bottom of the pan. If you did this shit up right, there will be more scrapings on the bottom and that is good. It's all about the flava.
To the bacon grease, add a half of a large onion that has been chopped. And add three cloves of minced garlic. (No need for more… it’s just the hint of garlic.) To this, add 7 medium sliced russet potatoes. (Why 7? Sure 7 is a lucky number, but as the soup cooks, some of the potatoes will crumble and that will help thicken the soup.) I used my mandolin and set it to ¼ inch slices. Use russet potatoes as well. I wanted to use Yukon gold, but they fall apart too easily. Reds will do the same. There's something about the texture. You need tates that hold up. Serious tates so that when and if there are leftovers, they stay in slices and don’t go to mush. This also freezes well.
Once the meat is browned nicely, set it aside and drain whatever grease is on the bottom. If there is scrapings on the bottom… KEEP them. Next, grab about 7 slices of bacon. I got the thick cut smoked. I’m thinking next batch, I’m going with pancetta, but I can’t guarantee that I’ll have the flavor of good old bacon. Before you flop it in the pan, cut it in fourths or smaller. (Trust me on this too.) Fry it up very crisp. It will be fine in the soup. Once fried, set that aside as well. Drain the grease, but leave about a tablespoon in the bottom of the pan. If you did this shit up right, there will be more scrapings on the bottom and that is good. It's all about the flava.
To the bacon grease, add a half of a large onion that has been chopped. And add three cloves of minced garlic. (No need for more… it’s just the hint of garlic.) To this, add 7 medium sliced russet potatoes. (Why 7? Sure 7 is a lucky number, but as the soup cooks, some of the potatoes will crumble and that will help thicken the soup.) I used my mandolin and set it to ¼ inch slices. Use russet potatoes as well. I wanted to use Yukon gold, but they fall apart too easily. Reds will do the same. There's something about the texture. You need tates that hold up. Serious tates so that when and if there are leftovers, they stay in slices and don’t go to mush. This also freezes well.
Be
careful using the mandolin, too.
Use the cutting guard and be sure to watch yourself. You don’t want to slice the tip of your
finger off. That will land you a trip to the ER and the whole soup making experience will be
ruined. I know a woman that messed up her pickles that way. You don’t want to
fuck up your soup.
Add
the tates and two 32 oz boxes of chicken stock. Add Salt and Pepper and three hard shakes of red pepper
flakes. This will give you a
little zip, but won’t singe your tongue.
If you want it spicy-er, add two more shakes BUT DON’T USE SARACHA OR TABASCO. I love the stuff. I do. This heat tastes different. Stick with the flakes. It’s Italian.
Cook until the potatoes are tender. The onions should be translucent by then as well. This is about a good 30 to 45 minutes. Stir occasionally and the scrapings from the bottom will become loose and join the broth. MMMMM…. Bacon scrapings. Yep. Tasty stuff. Now you’re thinking, but there will be black flakes in my soup. I use ground pepper. There’s already flakes from that so why not the scrapings from the bottom of the pan. DUH.
While the soup is simmering it might be a serious chance to chill out, but wash up some kale and chop 2 cups into bite-sized pieces and then chill a bit. Once the tates are tender, add the sausage, the bacon and the kale and cook for about 7-10 minutes. The kale will remain a bit firm and it will be a gorgeous green. Packer green, Emerald Green… lush green.
After 10 minutes or so, turn the soup down and add a full cup – 8 oz – one little container of HEAVY WHIPPING CREAM. Yes, I just said heavy whipping cream. Half–n-half won’t cut it. For you gluten free peeps… I know this is what thickens your soup without flour. That and the starch from the tates. (Plus it tastes better without the flour or cornstarch. You don’t want Gravy Toscana. Ick. Flour is great for a roux. Not this soup). Heat the soup all the way through, but don’t boil the shit out of it. It will separate and that will be one gross looking soup. (Big globs of white floating amongst meat and green stuff. Not a good thing. Still tastes ok, but just the wrong look and consistency)
Cook until the potatoes are tender. The onions should be translucent by then as well. This is about a good 30 to 45 minutes. Stir occasionally and the scrapings from the bottom will become loose and join the broth. MMMMM…. Bacon scrapings. Yep. Tasty stuff. Now you’re thinking, but there will be black flakes in my soup. I use ground pepper. There’s already flakes from that so why not the scrapings from the bottom of the pan. DUH.
While the soup is simmering it might be a serious chance to chill out, but wash up some kale and chop 2 cups into bite-sized pieces and then chill a bit. Once the tates are tender, add the sausage, the bacon and the kale and cook for about 7-10 minutes. The kale will remain a bit firm and it will be a gorgeous green. Packer green, Emerald Green… lush green.
After 10 minutes or so, turn the soup down and add a full cup – 8 oz – one little container of HEAVY WHIPPING CREAM. Yes, I just said heavy whipping cream. Half–n-half won’t cut it. For you gluten free peeps… I know this is what thickens your soup without flour. That and the starch from the tates. (Plus it tastes better without the flour or cornstarch. You don’t want Gravy Toscana. Ick. Flour is great for a roux. Not this soup). Heat the soup all the way through, but don’t boil the shit out of it. It will separate and that will be one gross looking soup. (Big globs of white floating amongst meat and green stuff. Not a good thing. Still tastes ok, but just the wrong look and consistency)
Get out
your big soup bowls and dish up.
You might want to add some fresh grated parmesan cheese or a bit more
added fresh black pepper. Or those
of you that want more kick, a shake of pepper flakes to your bowl.
I had a couple of slices of crusty French bread and you have your soup. This glorious rich soup without having to go to the Olive Garden and listen to screaming kids or the server coming to your table every 5-7 minutes asking if you want more bread sticks.
I had a couple of slices of crusty French bread and you have your soup. This glorious rich soup without having to go to the Olive Garden and listen to screaming kids or the server coming to your table every 5-7 minutes asking if you want more bread sticks.
And
in the words of Makelmore: THIS IS
FUCKIN AWESOME!
Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana
Soup
Ingredients
1 lb
Italian Sausage (spicy if you prefer more heat)
5-7
slices of bacon (GO 7… it is bacon.
And I know you want bacon)
5-7
medium russet potatoes. (go less
if they are a larger medium, but 7 gives the right consistency)
2 c
kale, chopped
1 c
heavy whipping cream
(2) 32 oz cans /boxes of chicken broth
½
large onion
2-3
cloves of garlic, minced
2 tsp
red pepper flakes
Salt
and pepper
Sassy
attitude
Favorite
music in the background
Friday, March 13, 2015
Closing my eyes.
I saw the Tony award winning play "Metamorphoses" and just reread the script. It is 8 Greek myths that are intertwined. I had some mythology in college and mythology was a means to explain the reasons of life...most myths are tragic, but there are a few that are very happy stories, such as Eros and Psyche.
The myth goes like this:
Eros (Cupid) was the son of Aphrodite (Venus, goddess of love). Eros always wore a blindfold...true love is blind and the heart knows the soul. And He fell in love with a beautiful mortal named Psyche. Psyche means soul...
Psyche had 3 sisters that were very jealous of her and told her that Eros was a monster and because of that, Psyche couldn't bear to look at her handsome husband. In the meantime, her mother-in-law, Aphrodite, was jealous of the beauty of Psyche and that she was able to capture the heart of her only son. So she punished Psyche by giving her horrible tedious and often time intensive and very lonely tasks to do, such as sorting out very tiny seeds from each other that are in great huge piles.
But as in every good fairytale, Psyche is loved and adored by many, including the animal kingdom, so the littlest of animals and insects help her with these drudges that Aphrodite gives her, so that she can be with the man she loves. (I swear Walt Disney stole this one)
Psyche has many fears and is always watching out for everything. Psyche also desires to see her husband. So by candlelight, she enters their bedroom just to look. As she gazes adoringly and lustily at her handsome husband, she accidentally lets some candle wax fall on his shoulder burning and waking her husband from a deep sleep. He is startled and howls in pain and she flees in fear of him, believing that he is the monster that her sisters have led her to believe.
Finally...Zeus, watches all of this and knows all that has taken place. He watches Psyche go through her days in fear and guardedness and says ENOUGH IS ENOUGH already!!! He sees that the two of them love each other so very much. So, he makes Psyche an immortal ( which angers Aphrodite royally and pisses off the sisters)and grants that the love of Eros and Psyche live on forever. Psyche then goes back into the darkened room where her beloved is and wakes him. And they begin their forever...
The moral - to quote the play:
"It's just inevitable the Soul wanders in the dark, until it finds love. And so, wherever our love goes... there, we find our soul.
It always happens - if we are lucky. And if we let ourselves be blind instead of always watching out."
Maybe, I should be closing my eyes a little more.
The myth goes like this:
Eros (Cupid) was the son of Aphrodite (Venus, goddess of love). Eros always wore a blindfold...true love is blind and the heart knows the soul. And He fell in love with a beautiful mortal named Psyche. Psyche means soul...
Psyche had 3 sisters that were very jealous of her and told her that Eros was a monster and because of that, Psyche couldn't bear to look at her handsome husband. In the meantime, her mother-in-law, Aphrodite, was jealous of the beauty of Psyche and that she was able to capture the heart of her only son. So she punished Psyche by giving her horrible tedious and often time intensive and very lonely tasks to do, such as sorting out very tiny seeds from each other that are in great huge piles.
But as in every good fairytale, Psyche is loved and adored by many, including the animal kingdom, so the littlest of animals and insects help her with these drudges that Aphrodite gives her, so that she can be with the man she loves. (I swear Walt Disney stole this one)
Psyche has many fears and is always watching out for everything. Psyche also desires to see her husband. So by candlelight, she enters their bedroom just to look. As she gazes adoringly and lustily at her handsome husband, she accidentally lets some candle wax fall on his shoulder burning and waking her husband from a deep sleep. He is startled and howls in pain and she flees in fear of him, believing that he is the monster that her sisters have led her to believe.
Finally...Zeus, watches all of this and knows all that has taken place. He watches Psyche go through her days in fear and guardedness and says ENOUGH IS ENOUGH already!!! He sees that the two of them love each other so very much. So, he makes Psyche an immortal ( which angers Aphrodite royally and pisses off the sisters)and grants that the love of Eros and Psyche live on forever. Psyche then goes back into the darkened room where her beloved is and wakes him. And they begin their forever...
The moral - to quote the play:
"It's just inevitable the Soul wanders in the dark, until it finds love. And so, wherever our love goes... there, we find our soul.
It always happens - if we are lucky. And if we let ourselves be blind instead of always watching out."
Maybe, I should be closing my eyes a little more.
Thursday, March 12, 2015
If serenity was only this easy...
I saw this while driving down the street in Los Angeles. Only in LA.... I had to take the pic. I knew it would be needed or as a point of reference sometime...
Now is the time.
When things get crazy and too chaotic and one knows that they can't control anything...it's a comforting thought that you can carry a bit of the Buddha with you.
"Stay in the Moment"
"Be Here Now"
When things get crazy and too chaotic and one knows that they can't control anything...it's a comforting thought that you can carry a bit of the Buddha with you.
"Stay in the Moment"
"Be Here Now"
"Peace is in Every Step"
Sometimes Buddha is in your pocket
Sometimes Buddha is on your mantle
Sometimes Buddha is on your mantle
Always in your heart...
And for some, they have Buddha in the back of their pickup truck.
And for some, they have Buddha in the back of their pickup truck.
So with that being said...It's spring. New Beginnings for everyone and I wish all of you Peace.
Classic Post from back in the day
I did a little reminiscing... and found this post from June of 2009 TOO FUNNY
But when I lived in retail hell, there were glimmering moments of sheer joy and too good to be true amazingness. This was one of those moments.
WALKING THE MALL...
But when I lived in retail hell, there were glimmering moments of sheer joy and too good to be true amazingness. This was one of those moments.
WALKING THE MALL...
So I'm walking down the mall...and I hear squealing. Not a real biggie due to the fact there's a super new cool playland for the kids.
No, these were ADULT WOMEN squealing.
And at what I didn't know. I just walked past them and walked past a guy, not much taller than I, tanner than a new pair of shoes and in a baseball cap. Kinda good lookin and a nice ass.
I look at him, smile and keep on going to my sister store. (I'm on a mission to buy a dress...and one on sale at that!)
No, these were ADULT WOMEN squealing.
And at what I didn't know. I just walked past them and walked past a guy, not much taller than I, tanner than a new pair of shoes and in a baseball cap. Kinda good lookin and a nice ass.
I look at him, smile and keep on going to my sister store. (I'm on a mission to buy a dress...and one on sale at that!)
I stop on my way to say "Hey Cowboy" to my friend, Ramiro at the Western Store . I'm outside the store and still in the mall and the baseball capped man walks past me, thinking I was talking to him, and with a bit of an accent, said "Hey right back" and winked.
DAMN I am so glad that I wore my cute yoga/gauchos and tight top that looks mighty cute and positively accentuates my ass and tits according to my girly, Jillian.
Ramiro walks to the front of the store, gives me a hug, tells me "you look good girl" (yes, the cowboy fetish has turned into a career) and said, DO YOU KNOW WHO THAT WAS THAT WINKED AT YOU?
DAMN I am so glad that I wore my cute yoga/gauchos and tight top that looks mighty cute and positively accentuates my ass and tits according to my girly, Jillian.
Ramiro walks to the front of the store, gives me a hug, tells me "you look good girl" (yes, the cowboy fetish has turned into a career) and said, DO YOU KNOW WHO THAT WAS THAT WINKED AT YOU?
Me, dumbfounded and gleeful that a pretty attractive guy said HEY back, said "Um, No.
Ramiro said - That was Kenny Chesney, Girl. He thought you were saying Hey to him and not me. Good for you.
I said "What the Hell would Kenny Chesney be doing at the mall in Eau Claire?"
And then I realized it was Country Fest and maybe the guy needed a new cap, shirt or something you can find at the mall.
Then I said, Shit, why isn't he buying a new pair of boots from you. I'd keep him entertained while you helped him with his boots.
And then he walked in the store.
HOLY BRIDGET JONES MOMENT
Ramiro said - That was Kenny Chesney, Girl. He thought you were saying Hey to him and not me. Good for you.
I said "What the Hell would Kenny Chesney be doing at the mall in Eau Claire?"
And then I realized it was Country Fest and maybe the guy needed a new cap, shirt or something you can find at the mall.
Then I said, Shit, why isn't he buying a new pair of boots from you. I'd keep him entertained while you helped him with his boots.
And then he walked in the store.
HOLY BRIDGET JONES MOMENT
Face to face with the guy that married the woman that played my alterego.
I hugged Ramiro and told him to "Go sell, Darlin. I'm off to buy me a new dress" and then winked at Mr Chesney and smiled at his bodyguard. I can't be near musicians of any sort. They are my kryptonite. (Yes, Mark, I left the store. I can proudly still wear a "Bastard Musicians" tee)
Now, I hear he can be nice and also that he can be an ass. But Renee Ziellwiger nicknamed him "the horse".
Now, I hear he can be nice and also that he can be an ass. But Renee Ziellwiger nicknamed him "the horse".
I don't know much about country music anymore and I really don't listen. (ALT - Country is a WHOLE different thing - Yeah WILCO!) but they say...Save a horse, ride a cowboy.
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
When the pieces are scattered...
I'm sitting here and I'm thinking about so many people in my life and how they have made me who I am today. I am so very very lucky. So many things have happened in the last 9 months and so many new things and changes will be happening ahead. I'm still standing and intend to be when the smoke and air have cleared... so to speak. One's sanity and mortality make one take a hard look at things.
I wake up every morning fresh and new and full of new realizations. What's real. What isn't. Who matters. Who doesn't. What matters and what doesn't . Gradually each day you get more answers to those questions and one morning you wake up and it just is.
I had a chance to watch a rerun of Grey's Anatomy and it struck a nerve. Callie has to inform a man, a cad, that his girl friend was dead. His girlfriend loved him so much that she dieted and conditioned herself so hard and quickly that she died. She felt that she needed to look a certain way for him and be a beautiful woman for him. She gave up herself ... her spirit, her identity and lost her life... for a man she loved. And Callie says this:
You didn't love her! You just didn't want to be alone. Or maybe, maybe she was good for your ego. Or, or maybe she made you feel better about your miserable life, but you didn't love her, because you don't destroy the person that you love!
How much are we willing to sacrifice for "love"? How much are we willing to compromise? How much are we willing to accept of another person? How long does it take to realize that a relationship was truly one sided and that you suddenly feel foolish for giving your time and love to a man that never intended to love you back? How much are you willing to face and realize?
I draw from my own past experiences and the experiences of other women when I pose those questions. We all ask those fundamental questions when faced to make a decision of what really is real and important.
And as I pose those questions... it reminds me of a song. Here's one for the women that have huge hearts.
And I wish her insight to battle love's blindness
Strength from the milk of human kindness
A safe place for all the pieces that scattered
Learn to pretend there's more than love that matters
http://youtu.be/uFd8B3vcty4
I wake up every morning fresh and new and full of new realizations. What's real. What isn't. Who matters. Who doesn't. What matters and what doesn't . Gradually each day you get more answers to those questions and one morning you wake up and it just is.
I had a chance to watch a rerun of Grey's Anatomy and it struck a nerve. Callie has to inform a man, a cad, that his girl friend was dead. His girlfriend loved him so much that she dieted and conditioned herself so hard and quickly that she died. She felt that she needed to look a certain way for him and be a beautiful woman for him. She gave up herself ... her spirit, her identity and lost her life... for a man she loved. And Callie says this:
You didn't love her! You just didn't want to be alone. Or maybe, maybe she was good for your ego. Or, or maybe she made you feel better about your miserable life, but you didn't love her, because you don't destroy the person that you love!
How much are we willing to sacrifice for "love"? How much are we willing to compromise? How much are we willing to accept of another person? How long does it take to realize that a relationship was truly one sided and that you suddenly feel foolish for giving your time and love to a man that never intended to love you back? How much are you willing to face and realize?
I draw from my own past experiences and the experiences of other women when I pose those questions. We all ask those fundamental questions when faced to make a decision of what really is real and important.
And as I pose those questions... it reminds me of a song. Here's one for the women that have huge hearts.
And I wish her insight to battle love's blindness
Strength from the milk of human kindness
A safe place for all the pieces that scattered
Learn to pretend there's more than love that matters
http://youtu.be/uFd8B3vcty4
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