Reflections and Resolutions

As this year comes to an end, I am using my little platform to post some of my thoughts... 

What I'm Proud of... 

1. While this year has had it's ups and downs, I think overall my eternal optimism have been a very useful attitude tool to have.  I have attempted and found the silver lining in every situation. 

2. I think I've been a better friend this year, not only have I stayed in touch with my existing friends but also reconnected with some lost ones, but I've managed overcome my own difficulties and meet with some new ones.  

3. I'm amazed that I'm still posting to this blog as a project just for me.  And I've accomplished what I originally set out to do... not just stay indoors. 

4. Finally, I've found a way to channel my need to control and my desire to be the best into an activity that allows me to "be all that I can be" while also learning to let go and that imperfections can make things "more perfect".

5. Taking that chance at this point and almost starting over from scratch... 

6. I've found that passion for life in general, that went missing awhile ago.  Instead of being on the outside looking in through a hazy window, I am on the inside again.  

What I celebrate:

1. My network of friends, family and colleagues has grown, not arbitrarily, but rather with careful thought and consideration. 

2. My chosen family--the people who care about me... not just a blood qualification. 

3. The new 2009 administration. 

4. The lack of trudging through snow and wind, but still enjoying the cold. 

What I think needs work:

1. Lots more... but one step at a time. 

Happy New Year! 

Like a Natural History Museum Only Mostly Alive

Sidestepped the massive lines and visited the California Academy of Sciences. It's amazing.  I never went to the original one, but this new and improved museum is eco-friendly, people friendly and really impressive architecturally.  This addition makes the Golden Gate Park an even more resounding fave of mine in SF.  I visited the roof, the aquarium portion, the rainforest but didn't get the chance to go to the planetarium, which I have to on my return trip.  But the most fun I had was checking out the albino alligator.  

It's Weird That There Aren't Any Bananas

I finally gave in and made Monkey Munch, a la Jon & Kate Plus 8 the other day.  It's a yummy, crunchy, sweet snack, that involves waaayyyy too much sugar.  Ingredients include: Chex cereal, chocolate, peanut butter, vanilla and powdered sugar.  It's a sugar rush waiting to explode and crash. :) And the best part is, since I don't really enjoy chocolate anymore, there wasn't any concern on my part when it came to calories.  It's quick and easy, and I will make it again... just a little less of everything. That was my one contribution to the holiday season.  Bah Humbag.  

Winnie

It Was Written in the Stars...

I completely accept that I have a Gemini's personality--from one extreme to another--at least life is never dull. And I'll admit from time to time I like to read my monthly horoscope, but just for fun... therefore I usually read the previous month's and not the current, just so I don't let what I read affect how I respond to opportunities and obstacles.  

But THIS hits a bit close to home... from Susan Miller's Astrology Zone:

You seem very focused on a partner and it seems as though you'll draw up plans in one respect or another.  As December begins, this partner will have the upper hand.  [No kidding.] Something seems to be brewing between you that appears to be distressing you, and at first, it will only be something you'll feel very subtly and not be able to put your finger on precisely. [Nice to know I can trust my instincts.]

As you get closer to the full moon in Gemini, December 12, however, you will know what it is, and it will make you quite tense.  News will begin to show up as early as Wednesday, December 10, when Uranus and the Sun will be at sharp odds.  [Bang on.] At that time alarm bells will sound in your head, but as the week moves on, things may unravel.  [That's putting it lightly.] With a barrage of planets clashing, from Saturn and Pluto challenging the Sun, tension will be very high.  Not only will relationships be difficult, but a development involving your career may pose a challenge, too. [Seriously, maybe I should play the stock mkt based on my horoscope--I could be a millionaire...] 

You won't fully recover from the unexpected developments of this full moon until Tuesday, December 16. [That sounds about right.]  1It appears you will have to do something to fix what you learn, for Saturn and Mars will be at odds Monday, December 15.  [Staying close to home on Monday then, I've learned my lesson.] 

If your birthday is June 11, or is within five days of this date, keep your calendar flexible near this full moon, for something is bound to come up regarding a partner, or even a competitor or detractor, that you'll need to attend to quickly. [Or... you'll be too late.] At least you will know where you stand, and from this point on you will be able to plan accordingly. [That much is true, and yup, plans have already been activated.] 

Despite what happens at the full moon, your finances will be protected, and actually, you should be quite thrilled with developments. [We'll see.  Time will tell.] Work you did earlier this year will now pay off.  [Does she mean early 2008? Or earlier this month?] Or, you may get a check from an insurance company for a claim.  There are many ways you may benefit, from a large commission check, licensing fee, divorce settlement, prize winning, inheritance that is finally released or other reason you would see a one-time check. [Check..that is correct on the OR OTHER REASON part.] 

I am really trying to have a sense of humor about the whole thing.  We'll see how long that lasts.  

Gastronomic Dissapointment

And the award goes to A16. I've been trying to go to this place since I moved. Anytime I've mentioned the area I live in to any respectable foodie, the question has been, "Have you been to A16?" After two canceled reservations, Brian, Cat, Annie and I had finally made plans pre-Thanksgiving to go in early December.

As fate would have it, on the night of, Annie wasn't able to go, and I was starting to get sick. Perhaps it's a good thing Annie couldn't go since she seemed the most excited out of all of us to go--and so she may have been the most disappointed of all.

The restaurant is beautiful and the wood burning stove in the open kitchen was very encouraging. The place was packed and even though we had reservations, we still had to wait. All very good signs. The menu was extensive and well thought out. I was excited to try a lot of things and had decided to order a beet and potato salad, and split a spaghetti and mushroom pizza with Cat. I was a bit wary of the spaghetti dish since it had mint in it, but as it turned out, it was the only edible thing on the plate.

As I had discovered back in April 2008, I really like beets. And ever since then, I've been on the prowl and order them every chance I get... I even had an episode of Good Eats saved on my DVR all about beets. So for me to say that the beets were so salty and the potatoes so over-cooked and grainy that I couldn't finish the dish, should tell you something. I left so much on the plate that they didn't even take it away when the spaghetti arrived because they thought I was still working on the plate.

When the pizza arrived I was ready to dig in, the smell of the mushrooms was the first thing my stuffed up nose smelled all day and it smelled great. I took a big bite and grimaced... it was as if, someone had poured salt onto every part of the pizza, the sauce, the cheese, the mushrooms, even the dough. Then I thought, it must be because my tastebuds are out of whack, but Cat confirmed my worst fears. Between the two of us, who could have easily demolished the whole pizza, we didn't even finish half.

After waiting for so long, braving the cold and the long lines, I was very hungry and unfulfilled customer. But the place was still packed when we left, so there is a good chance that this was hopefully a random case or that SF'ers aren't really as health conscious just salt deprived. :)

M.I.A.

So I've been missing in action since Turkey Day. I'd like to say that it's 'cause I was too stuffed to move since them, but really it's been a slew of things. The holidays were great. I met a lot of new and old family. I think I kinda OD'ed on family--which is one of the reasons I moved back, but still being that kid who stands in a corner and hopes to disappear into the wallpaper, I was overwhelmed. Now that I've had time to digest, I really like some of the new cousins that I've been introduced too. It's been nice to have a chance to make a new impression. And I've really got to get over this terminal shyness thing--it's always funny to me when someone says that I'm a force of nature or larger than life. I think it's really just the relief of not being the kid in the corner that makes me want to hug everyone and make other "new" people feel welcome.

This year I finally broke the mold. This is the first year in the past 6 years that I didn't go to Loehmann's on Black Friday. Since I've been in SF, the need to dress to impress or at least look like I care has really faded. And the discount structure change and the joy of finding that name brand has kind of faded. OR maybe it's because I don't fit into anything, so I am loathe to go clothes shopping. Just when I finally got the whole NYC vibe down, now I have to relearn California causal aka perfect layering. My skills make me look like a homeless person at this point and the attempts to look "casual" but perfectly put together is so exhausting, I'd rather not shop.

OR, it could be that the tech industry is really rubbing off on me, because I found myself with my family at Target at 6:30am braving the long lines to get a flat screen TV, a new electric toothbrush and a bunch of new video games instead. My best buy of the day? A $10 vaccum that actually works and can be broken into a hand held dustbuster. SCORE!

On Saturday, we went to the DeYoung again. This time to see the YSL retrospective. 40 years of work whittled down to a few decadent rooms, on display. I will say this, after going to the exhibit, it permanently cements YSL as the next purse target on my list. So, ok. You can take the girl out of NYC, but you can't take the NYC outta the girl. :) My favorite? It's actually in the learning center of the exhibit, a tuxedo done in tribute to Oscar Wilde who was one of his favorite authors. It's just perfection.