The Nights of Wonder

The whole "what's your sign" zodiac speak popped up in conversation just the other evening. Perhaps it was the recent articles in the news regarding the 13th sign that brought it to surface.

Much of the media hyped it all up and threw it out of proportion when we woke up on January 13th with a "new" 13th sign. For myself, one who do not regularly follow a daily horoscope, I had a few moments of Leo withdrawal when I learned my actual birth date was no longer included in Leo, but Taurus rather.

Once a Leo, always a Leo; but our discussion reminded me of a book that one of my very best friends gave to me a long time ago: How to Spot a Bastard by His Star Sign. The funny thing about this book in all of its darkness and as some have referred to its "horrorscopes", is that when comparing the descriptions to certain people I have come across in my life, mysteriously they are more often than not right on. In a most humorous approach, of course.

Live for the moment. Wait for the signs, maybe even steer clear of the signs. And get your daily horoscope here.

The Taste Was Sweeter

Friday evening, we celebrated a birthday. A yearly tradition, and unable to avoid it, it was the 39th celebration for this certain someone. I remember when he turned 35 even... my my how time does go by. We went to a lovely feast at Chelino's in Bricktown, and then for dessert and coffee at the Melting Pot. This has become seemingly a favorite place of gathering for all of us. We sat around chocolate fondue with Bailey's Irish Cream, and a new one we have not tried before, Smores.

This past weekend, I traveled to visit one of my very best friends and to participate in her annual re-gifting party, where "one person's trash could be another's treasure." I love this idea, but I have never attended in the past, but this year I did. Just the night before however, I was telling my girlfriend that I did not know what to take, because this Christmas I really had no complaints. She immediately gave me the solution - The Booty Pop.

I went with anticipation of coming home with something really gnarly, but with all of the beautifully wrapped packages, and Christmas sweaters, how could there be anything so wrong?! There were indeed some delightful and crazy things that people received for Christmas. Among them, a suction cup grab bar for the shower, a snuggie, a home-made apron (which I received), a little girl's purse, a novel titled "Steak", and even an alarm clock that looked like a chicken. There were many giggles and raised eyebrows, too.

I had a great time though, and am definitely looking forward to next year's event. And on a side note, I am so proud of the hostess with the mostess. She truly showed me her full inner Martha Stewart.

The Light Was Brighter

Yesterday evening was one of the most beautiful sunsets I have seen in awhile. It was very colorful. I guess it would be fair to say that I have not witnessed many sunrises or sunsets lately, so maybe it is time to stop and take something into appreciation. God's own reminder to me that the week was over.

Today I visited the final day of the Creativity World Biennale Exhibits hosted by Artspace at Untitled. I think all of the visual arts presented in these installations are very interesting, simple, and are captured by several artists who appear to have the same intent.

One exhibit though that I had failed to pay too much attention to in the past is one that is very much worthy. Brian Eyerman's color changing acrylic dowels or fiber optics. I stared for several minutes as the projector behind changed colors and the edges lit up. I have always been attracted to sparkly things, glitter, and shine; but this was mesmerizing.

"Out of the Box"

All in all, I am happy about participating as a volunteer for the exhibit as a whole, experiencing it, finding a new reaction to each installation, each time I saw them.

The Creativity World Biennale, 2010

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

The Grass Was Greener

Again, I am resolution-less for the new year. I did not eat black eyed peas, and I failed to find myself with a slice of Vasilopita bread for a chance at the coin baked inside that is supposed to bring good luck and prosperity for the new year.

You know that old saying that the grass is always greener on the other side. Well, when life hands you lemons, you're supposed to make lemonade.
The start of this year has not really been going according to plan, although what is there really to plan? A friend of mine often informs me to just breath in and breath out; the secret to life so he says.

So now that all of the holidays are behind us, it is time to set new goals for this coming year. Ideal goals vs. defiant acts of Wonder Woman though will need to be weighed. Reality sets in now.

Welcome to 2011. Chinese year of the Rabbit. Snake Eyes. and, the alarm clock malfunction Y2K like effects on the iPhone.

photo credit and frickin cute handmade sign by Bekah Jennings

The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly.

I think all in all I would have to say that this past year has been pretty decent. It was good, bad, and ugly in some sense. I have had lots of personal growth and plan to continue that over the next year as well. It was not all peaches and cream. I guess I can easily say that it is not perfect for anyone, but this year has gone by so quickly too. Here is my recount of mostly good that has come out of 2010.

I recall now having Christmas and New Years all in one weekend. I have recovered from the emotional wounds of this, and have taken it upon myself to make this year even better. Sans snow. I think we only had one more big snow day in the early spring. Fair enough. Last winter was pretty harsh for being here in Oklahoma. This year has been a bit more mild it seems.

Aunt Hazel's Carrot Cake. The people at work still talk about this and wonder when the next one is going to show up. I will have to work on another one soon, perhaps. I hate to gloat, but even my friend Melissa tells me it is the best carrot cake she has ever had, and she doesn't even like carrot cake. I think I have converted her to the love of it.

I think the IIDA Fashion Show, Color & Couture, was definitely a great event and for a great cause. It is nice to see your fellow friends and coworkers participate and bust a move.

I completed and earned my Motorcycle Endorsement on my drivers license! That was something fun to do, the course was fun as well as some of the people who took it along side. It was a weekend of hard work and an exam to sweat through. But I am glad I did it, and now the big determination will be scooter vs motorcycle. We shall see.

My friend welcomed her new son into the world, we celebrated with a fabulous shower and a robot theme.

My museum appreciative friend and I went to see From Sketch to Screen at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. The installation was only featured in Oklahoma too.

I had a great birthday with friends and family. 34 is around the corner. That's ok. I have 8 months left.

Carrie Underwood Came to town. Even though I was in the nosebleed section with Knitterista, it was still a fabulous show.

And I studied and stressed for two months to take the NCIDQ exam. I passed all three sections on the first try. I still cannot believe it. License and Registration, here I come. I had to take it to get it off the burner. The process of applying to the local board and to NCIDQ took nearly a year. By the time I receive my certificates, more than a year and a half will have passed. But I am glad that it is over with. Next goal, the ARE.

To celebrate, Ms. P took me to the Cheesecake factory. I am so blessed to have such great friends.

I experienced my first earthquake.

I worked the Girlie Show again this year, and had a great time.

I donated my high school and college car to the American Heart Association.

And for Thanksgiving, my brother cooked a free range organic turkey. We had greek food to go along with it. It was a nice holiday and I saw lots of family I have not seen in awhile. It was the first Thanksgiving I've had visiting two dinner tables.

I spent three Saturdays in November and December volunteering for Untitled Artspace to celebrate the World Creativity Forum. I had a great time and met some new and exciting people, and saw a few from the past as well.

Spinning Bits

The Mejjlby Stone

I sat on my friend's jury during her mock trial.

I finally got to see the Nutcracker Ballet for the very first time. And from the Nosebleed section too. The Oklahoma City Philharmonic Orchestra was amazing too. Definitely a must see again.

And I had a pretty great Christmas this year as well. Tula and I went to see Santa. And we didn't get snowed in for Christmas this year. In fact, it has been a pretty warm fall and winter.

So now it is New Years Eve. I have not even begun to consider resolutions for the coming year, but I think though I have pondered some change.

Fa la la la la. La la. La la.

Where to begin? Oh Where to begin... The holiday round up. Brought to you by Dasher and Dancer, Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid, and Donner and Blitzen... and of course, Rudolf too!

The holidays this year have been quite eventful so far, unlike last Christmas when it snowed so much that it was nearly impossible to travel and so many people were stuck and missed the holidays too.

Last night we went to midnight Divine Liturgy for Christmas, and got to bed late. Sleep was far from enough, however we awoke to fresh cinnamon rolls and attempted to patiently wait for everyone to sit around the tree for the gift opening.
A few of the fun goodies obtained this year include:

New shoes and boots.

I love shoes. They are the item that most people associate me to. Oh yeah, cupcakes too. But these are magnificent with all of the zippers that give them their edge. I have to say that after a day of waltzing around in them and while whipping up fresh Tsatziki sauce in the kitchen, they proved to be quite comfortable. I have no complaints really.

I also got the cutest pair of new boots too. They are a wedge heel and of gray suede with fun ribbons of ruffles floating up the sides. They are pretty warm too. I am glad I spotted these during the fall as so to allow Santa plenty of time to get the elves on it.

The ritual of barbie tree ornaments:

Every year, Santa brings a new Hallmark Barbie Keepsake Ornament. This year I managed to bring three new ones home to my tree.

The Siren Barbie Doll - she is feisty and with red hair. She screams "fetish of men in uniform." I am totally digging her Za-Za jewels and fur stole. Love.

It's All About the Shoes! - Pink and Shoes. Can't be beat. Every girly frou frou dream. No Shame.

Movie Mixer - Must be straight out of the movie Legally Blonde! She is so cute and adorable. And Pink!












Books:

I always enjoy a great entertaining or recipe book.

The Williams Sonoma Entertaining: Inspired Menus for Cooking With Family and Friends

I have taken a few minutes to glance through the book and I do admit there are some really delightful and realistic/simple recipes that can be done pretty easily and without a whole lot of mess or painstaking attempts. On that note, several recipes include some fresh fruits and vegetables and only require some preparation work rather than more combining ingredients over a stove.

The Flour Pot Cookie book: Creating Edible Works of Art

This cookie book is dedicated inside "to the bond between Mothers and Daughters" and rightfully so, since that is where most of us learn to cook.
Although some of the decorated cookies inside are similar to others I have done in the past, there are still several good ideas and inspirations to work with. Most of these are fondant cookies, which I am more of a buttercream fan myself when it comes to decorating for taste and time.
For good measure, my sister threw in this oh so cute diva high heel cookie cutter. I am feeling a need to bake coming on.

And finally, Naughty Cakes. Every baker needs a little spice in their cabinets, you know.
Again, more fondant use on these cakes, but they are definitely fun, and can make for a great party some day.

Reindeer Games

My sister always sends humorous cards for any holiday, birthday, or celebratory occasion. We received this one just the other day. She cracks me up. I am even excited it is printed on 30% Post Consumer Waste. Yay Green!

Inside:

"Hoping all your Christmas joy arrive right on time"








So Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!