Wow I just found its snowing in Western Mass. I know its been snowing in Vermont but that's to be expected. Not Mass though. I'm excited really. Its no secret how I feel about winter so there's no need to post again.
I however do object to the Christmas lights that already adorn my parent's neighboring condo. I mean damn, that's two months away. Are you getting the pool ready for July 4th on May 4th? Men are you really thinking Anniversary presents two months prior to the event? Women are you drawing attention to your Birthday that early. No its silly. I understand some holiday cheer and spirit, but you think that the holiday has become too commercial? No its really become too competitive. Who can play the first Christmas song? Who's got the first ad on TV? Who's the first station to go all Christmas format? Oh look there's the egg nog in the dairy section. I think the constant quest to be the first is spreading the season to thin, because you know it doesn't end on 25th of December. Soon its January and before you know it the entire 3 months one quarter of the year if not more has been devoted to this endeavor. For all its efforts was it truly worth it? Just something to ask yourself while you are stressing this year for the perfect gift and wrapping. Is it all worth your time, sanity and health to be stressing over this or would your efforts be better spent in maybe actually investing in yourself and your family and truly be thankful for what it is that you have rather than what it is that you think you need. No amount of tinsel, baked goods, turkey, garland, or nog is going to make up all those months of frustration. So this year my challenge to you is to enjoy the season for what it is, nothing more. Save the frustration and stress and stop looking to solve an issue with materialistic ventures. Think heart felt in your gifts if you can afford them, and don't let your neighbors push you into the latest inflatable snow man. Personally I'd rather forgo a gift and share in your company this season than to know you spent more than you can afford on a credit card.
On to subject number two. I admit there are times I can be mistaken, and there are times when I can be out right wrong. Can circumstances of a given time cloud the overall perception of something or someone? Yes. Can someone change over a course of time? Yes. Is it possible that two people with differing opinions on matters function together. Yes. Why am I saying all this? Because its true, and in my time on this planet I have seen a great many things change. No greater a change can come though than from one's own mind. There are always going to be disagreements, some may get heated, hell that shows passion. You do yourself a disservice though if you let that moment define an idea or a relationship. I am afraid I may have done just that. For that I apologize. In tough times a good ally is one that can keep you on your toes and provide an alternating perspective. Its that future I am looking forward to today.
On to subject number three. Ah hell who am I kidding. I'm tired and I'll save it for another day. Good night everyone.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Table Manners
So this afternoon I was talking to a friend and we were comparing notes on how we eat. Of course I couldn't help but think it would make a good subject to talk about on my blog since everyone seems to have their own eccentricities when it comes to food and consumption. Table Manners are one thing. Elbows off the table and all, you'd be surprised how often these get ignored. I don't ask for much and by no means stand on etiquette BUT common courtesy should be respected. I can remember this date I had not too long ago. The "gentleman" I was dining with was sunk pretty much before he even had a chance.
So we arrive at this restaurant and we are seated immediately. As our waitress comes over and explains the specials she takes our drink orders and had I been in my right mind the date should have ended there and then. I ordered my standard and much beloved Club Soda and Lime. Admittedly a little boring, alas very refreshing for the summer, and most certainly not on everyone's drink list. He orders a very odd pairing of House Red Merlot with what will soon be an Alfredo course. Not the best mix in the world but to each their own with wine maybe he just likes that type. These days pairings are done more to the taste of the patron rather than strict rules of Whites with fish and poultry and etc.
"How can you drink that?"
"Pardon me?"
"How can you drink that shit?"
Um??? I know we don't know each other that much, but with in 10 minutes of meeting me he is criticizing me on my choice of beverage. I thought maybe he was joking. Maybe it was an isolated incident.
"Its a lot better for you then soda and its hot out I would rather have the seltzer. Why did you choose the Merlot"?
"Cause it was cheap and I saw someone drinking it the other day, and I want to look cultured". (Note to men - if you want to look cultured don't announce that you want to look cultured.)
"Still I can't believe you drink that crap".
"OK ENOUGH ABOUT THE SELTZER"
It was at this time I should have ran. To my dismay I didn't I had thought well he likes the same meal as I do maybe this can be salvaged. Besides I hadn't been on a whole lot of dates at this point so I was consigning myself to at least using this as practice. I should have gone over and chatted up the ficus, at least I would have left clean. I always thought the idea of bibs was a bit corny. After this evening though I was wishing that they carried them in bulk at Italian Eateries as well as Crab Houses, because my date upon seeing the plate of food that was set in front him, devolved into what one of co-workers can only describe as a "Beastful Creature". Truly a sight better left unseen. With pupils dilated like teacups he grabbed his knife and fork and attacked his meal with all the grace and refinement of 80's horror movie villain. I mean man, gnocchi is good but this was like air dropping food into Africa bad, and far more wasteful. Maybe he wouldn't have been so hungry if he didn't let half of it hit the table. OR ME!
Check PLEASE!!!
Anyways certainly not the worst date I have been on but thats a story for another time.
Anyways getting back to manners at hand. I don't expect much just common courtesy. With that being said I tend to notice things about people. Their little nuances that makes them who they are. For instance this one doesn't let the silverware touch their lips, that one insists on salting before tasting, this one loves ketchup, that one can't eat chicken on the bone (except for the Kowloon Wings). I don't count myself out of observation as well since I can be pretty particular when it comes to things too. For instance what Jillian and I were discussing earlier is our tendency to eat uniformly. For instance if you have three items on your plate you will eat all three uniformly (not necessarily all at once); in other words we don't eat all the potatoes then move on to something else. Every item has a little bit left until the end, because you always want to end on a good note. Instead of the asparagus end on that final cut of steak, and allow the flavor to linger. Call me neurotic ( I heard that ) but it disappoints me when I forget that and take one last swig of coffee. DAMN now that perfectly seared and peppered steak is gone to be replaced with coffee. Oh well.
In my life though I have observed many people who exhibit similar and differing foibles, maybe not as oafish as my"cultured as McDonald's Yogurt" (sorry Sharon) date; but odd just the same. There are what I call the mashers, those are the people who mix everything together, and optionally dump gravy on it all. There are the cutters, the ones who get a plate of food and spend the next 10 minutes cutting up every last bit into bite size pieces before consuming. The shifters, who move the food around the plate. The players, are usually of a younger age and "play" with the food. There are also the Pickers; they are the ones who will pick out every pea or mushroom in the dish before they can eat it. There are also the Inhalers; who eat as if they have a train to catch (note this doesn't mean they are messy just fast). There are also the Savorers who can make even the quickest fast food meal last as long as 5 course tasting menu. The list goes on and on. What are you? Does one of these hit home, or maybe your a combination. Maybe theres some new category. Maybe someone else has had a bad restaurant date, anyone care to share?
So we arrive at this restaurant and we are seated immediately. As our waitress comes over and explains the specials she takes our drink orders and had I been in my right mind the date should have ended there and then. I ordered my standard and much beloved Club Soda and Lime. Admittedly a little boring, alas very refreshing for the summer, and most certainly not on everyone's drink list. He orders a very odd pairing of House Red Merlot with what will soon be an Alfredo course. Not the best mix in the world but to each their own with wine maybe he just likes that type. These days pairings are done more to the taste of the patron rather than strict rules of Whites with fish and poultry and etc.
"How can you drink that?"
"Pardon me?"
"How can you drink that shit?"
Um??? I know we don't know each other that much, but with in 10 minutes of meeting me he is criticizing me on my choice of beverage. I thought maybe he was joking. Maybe it was an isolated incident.
"Its a lot better for you then soda and its hot out I would rather have the seltzer. Why did you choose the Merlot"?
"Cause it was cheap and I saw someone drinking it the other day, and I want to look cultured". (Note to men - if you want to look cultured don't announce that you want to look cultured.)
"Still I can't believe you drink that crap".
"OK ENOUGH ABOUT THE SELTZER"
It was at this time I should have ran. To my dismay I didn't I had thought well he likes the same meal as I do maybe this can be salvaged. Besides I hadn't been on a whole lot of dates at this point so I was consigning myself to at least using this as practice. I should have gone over and chatted up the ficus, at least I would have left clean. I always thought the idea of bibs was a bit corny. After this evening though I was wishing that they carried them in bulk at Italian Eateries as well as Crab Houses, because my date upon seeing the plate of food that was set in front him, devolved into what one of co-workers can only describe as a "Beastful Creature". Truly a sight better left unseen. With pupils dilated like teacups he grabbed his knife and fork and attacked his meal with all the grace and refinement of 80's horror movie villain. I mean man, gnocchi is good but this was like air dropping food into Africa bad, and far more wasteful. Maybe he wouldn't have been so hungry if he didn't let half of it hit the table. OR ME!
Check PLEASE!!!
Anyways certainly not the worst date I have been on but thats a story for another time.
Anyways getting back to manners at hand. I don't expect much just common courtesy. With that being said I tend to notice things about people. Their little nuances that makes them who they are. For instance this one doesn't let the silverware touch their lips, that one insists on salting before tasting, this one loves ketchup, that one can't eat chicken on the bone (except for the Kowloon Wings). I don't count myself out of observation as well since I can be pretty particular when it comes to things too. For instance what Jillian and I were discussing earlier is our tendency to eat uniformly. For instance if you have three items on your plate you will eat all three uniformly (not necessarily all at once); in other words we don't eat all the potatoes then move on to something else. Every item has a little bit left until the end, because you always want to end on a good note. Instead of the asparagus end on that final cut of steak, and allow the flavor to linger. Call me neurotic ( I heard that ) but it disappoints me when I forget that and take one last swig of coffee. DAMN now that perfectly seared and peppered steak is gone to be replaced with coffee. Oh well.
In my life though I have observed many people who exhibit similar and differing foibles, maybe not as oafish as my"cultured as McDonald's Yogurt" (sorry Sharon) date; but odd just the same. There are what I call the mashers, those are the people who mix everything together, and optionally dump gravy on it all. There are the cutters, the ones who get a plate of food and spend the next 10 minutes cutting up every last bit into bite size pieces before consuming. The shifters, who move the food around the plate. The players, are usually of a younger age and "play" with the food. There are also the Pickers; they are the ones who will pick out every pea or mushroom in the dish before they can eat it. There are also the Inhalers; who eat as if they have a train to catch (note this doesn't mean they are messy just fast). There are also the Savorers who can make even the quickest fast food meal last as long as 5 course tasting menu. The list goes on and on. What are you? Does one of these hit home, or maybe your a combination. Maybe theres some new category. Maybe someone else has had a bad restaurant date, anyone care to share?
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Boo!
Well for some reason I'm really getting into the Halloween Spirit this year. After your done here check out my myspace page and indulge in a little Halloween Mix I made for the occasion. Of course I 99.9% sure I am not doing anything on Halloween but I have a party to go to this Friday which is sure to be fun.
So the cookbook is coming together marvelously. I am still not quite sure of the theme but I have collected alot of recipes so far and a few stories as well. Of course I am always looking for more so be sure to send any my way.
So the cookbook is coming together marvelously. I am still not quite sure of the theme but I have collected alot of recipes so far and a few stories as well. Of course I am always looking for more so be sure to send any my way.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
<< Warning: The Following Post Contains Sappy Language, Some Material May Be Unsuitable For Some Viewers>>
All of us dream of a happy ending. Canned fairy tale love affairs coupled with castles, knight in shining armor, chivalrous and romantic to the core. I had my share of these dreams. I've stared night after night at the ceiling of my cramped bedroom starry-eyed and dreaming of that imaginary figure and in what form they would take when they came into my life. I have definitely had what I thought was my Camelot until it all fell apart in an ending befitting the best Arthurian legends. For a good long while I thought those dreams were behind me, the fancies and spirit of youth tempered by experience of age and practicality.
It is a rejuvenation of the soul to realize that all may not be lost. Be it Fate, Kharma, Magic or even downright good luck whatever it is it will turn the tables when you least expect it. I have been accused of being cryptic in my blogging. While its true I don't like to give the whole story away for the information super highway to read, I will make a brief exception in this case.
As you all know I've started dating someone. He's as kind as he is handsome. With the ability to put a smile on my face despite my worst day. He's given me back a perspective that I thought I had lost and all I can think about is making him as happy as he makes me. Fate though is not without a sense of humor. For time is running out. Very soon he will be departing for Europe for a month. It is a positive thing as he is going on tour with his band, but I can't help but feel a bit saddened. Mere months ago we had no idea of each others existence, a few dates quickly revealed how much we had in common but who knew that would include friends as well. It has been one exciting ride ever since. So Thanksgiving this year will be extra special as it will mark his arrival back here.
Until then though your going to here me go on and on from time to time. I still have my other pursuits that you will hear about. Tomorrow I have a post on the Ghost Tour coming. For now though I'm wishing you all a good night.
It is a rejuvenation of the soul to realize that all may not be lost. Be it Fate, Kharma, Magic or even downright good luck whatever it is it will turn the tables when you least expect it. I have been accused of being cryptic in my blogging. While its true I don't like to give the whole story away for the information super highway to read, I will make a brief exception in this case.
As you all know I've started dating someone. He's as kind as he is handsome. With the ability to put a smile on my face despite my worst day. He's given me back a perspective that I thought I had lost and all I can think about is making him as happy as he makes me. Fate though is not without a sense of humor. For time is running out. Very soon he will be departing for Europe for a month. It is a positive thing as he is going on tour with his band, but I can't help but feel a bit saddened. Mere months ago we had no idea of each others existence, a few dates quickly revealed how much we had in common but who knew that would include friends as well. It has been one exciting ride ever since. So Thanksgiving this year will be extra special as it will mark his arrival back here.
Until then though your going to here me go on and on from time to time. I still have my other pursuits that you will hear about. Tomorrow I have a post on the Ghost Tour coming. For now though I'm wishing you all a good night.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Is it like ripples in a pond or a bullhorn in a library?
I am utterly amazed at the speed at which information is broadcast these days. Of course I should have known when I updated my Facebook profile this afternoon that word would get out. I just had no idea it would be out so fast and far. Broadcasting a change in relationship status gets a little more attention than just a normal update of what your doing for dinner apparently. After the damage was done though I could of taken down the post but I thought to myself why should I.
In all that is going on in the world it seems like some things are really coming to a turning point and where some see trepidation, I have a more positive outlook on things. Banks will crumble, jobs will be lost, will it effect me? Possibly or even more likely. I know that my heart is in the right place though. In this time of stress, really the one thing that we should all be able to count on is each other. No one person ones the rights to privilege or suffering. I have been seeing it more. People coming together bonding through common experiences to get through some trying times. Pardon me for this terribly Up With People moment but its just the little things I have been picking up on lately.
Anyways getting back to what I was talking about earlier. So I have met someone. No surprise since I have been dating off and on, but I'm surprised at how it all happened. Who knew just saying hi on facebook could lead to anything? Well it has and I'm happy. If you know me well then you either already have the story or its on the way. I won't say too much here other than to say that my life just got a whole hell of a lot more interesting, and I wanted to leave you with one final thought: The thing about fate is that it never takes you were you want to go, but to where you need to be.
Peace
In all that is going on in the world it seems like some things are really coming to a turning point and where some see trepidation, I have a more positive outlook on things. Banks will crumble, jobs will be lost, will it effect me? Possibly or even more likely. I know that my heart is in the right place though. In this time of stress, really the one thing that we should all be able to count on is each other. No one person ones the rights to privilege or suffering. I have been seeing it more. People coming together bonding through common experiences to get through some trying times. Pardon me for this terribly Up With People moment but its just the little things I have been picking up on lately.
Anyways getting back to what I was talking about earlier. So I have met someone. No surprise since I have been dating off and on, but I'm surprised at how it all happened. Who knew just saying hi on facebook could lead to anything? Well it has and I'm happy. If you know me well then you either already have the story or its on the way. I won't say too much here other than to say that my life just got a whole hell of a lot more interesting, and I wanted to leave you with one final thought: The thing about fate is that it never takes you were you want to go, but to where you need to be.
Peace
Monday, October 13, 2008
Out of the Loop
Hello everyone. Some busy weeks and a major illness have knocked me for a loop and offline when it comes to blogging. UGH. Finally getting better. Who knew I could be so allergic to antibiotics I have taken over the course of my life. Oh well guess I won't use those again. EVER.
But my time sick gave me an opportunity to get some stuff in order and one of the projects I have been putting together is coming to the front burner more. After spending more time at the New England Mobile Book Fair I have decided that its time for me to write a cookbook. While the theme is a work in progress I am collecting recipes with stories of people I have known throughout my life. Of course I will need more so I will be actively searching out for more contacts but for right now I am getting started with friends and family. So feel free to send me your thoughts.
I'm getting excited for the weekend already. I will be house sitting for my parents but more importantly my friend Moe is throwing his annual ghost tour. I don't know if we will end up at John Stones Tavern this year, but it is always so much fun. Just when I think we can't top ourselves we do. This year though it will be earlier in the season and not like last year when we did it in December do to several weather anomalies. I'll be sure to post our adventure and any findings. This year my camera will function normally. I can't wait.
Anywho I'm off to watch the rest of the game and indulge in some yummy mulligatawny soup and salad I got on the ride home.
But my time sick gave me an opportunity to get some stuff in order and one of the projects I have been putting together is coming to the front burner more. After spending more time at the New England Mobile Book Fair I have decided that its time for me to write a cookbook. While the theme is a work in progress I am collecting recipes with stories of people I have known throughout my life. Of course I will need more so I will be actively searching out for more contacts but for right now I am getting started with friends and family. So feel free to send me your thoughts.
I'm getting excited for the weekend already. I will be house sitting for my parents but more importantly my friend Moe is throwing his annual ghost tour. I don't know if we will end up at John Stones Tavern this year, but it is always so much fun. Just when I think we can't top ourselves we do. This year though it will be earlier in the season and not like last year when we did it in December do to several weather anomalies. I'll be sure to post our adventure and any findings. This year my camera will function normally. I can't wait.
Anywho I'm off to watch the rest of the game and indulge in some yummy mulligatawny soup and salad I got on the ride home.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)