First Weekend Thoughts of 2012

As the first week of 2012 comes to a close, I finally got a chance to think about my goals, not resolutions, for 2012.  There are a few things that I would really love to do that I have more or less slacked on in the past.

• Put myself first and consider re-evaluating my list of "friends".  If that means making cuts, then so be it.  I just don't understand why I should be the one putting in the effort to hold the so called friendship together when they aren't.  Also, knowing when to say no to obligations when I'm not feeling 100% with my friends and family or need some 'me time'.
• I said this last year, but I need to put more effort into my writing and so far, I feel that I have.  Right now, I am sitting on 2 books, a short story and a desire to do what needs to be done.  I feel like if a former coworker can write a book and have it published, so can I!  Once this is done, I feel like MAYBE the people closest to me will take my love for writing a little more seriously.  (You know who you are.)  
• Become the person that the people that I care about can be proud of.  Last year, my moods were all over the place.  I think part of it was because for a third of last year was so unstable and for the rest of year, I didn't know where I stood with with the people around me.

So far, I have gotten my second book where I want it and am not patiently waiting to hear back about my first book.  (I gotta admit, I wish I had been able to submit the second book. I liked the first book, but love the second.)  I've rewritten the ending and am still pacing back and forth about whether or not I should keep it.  KT Mac probably thinks I'm crazy with my rambling emails, but that's okay! 

I'm sure you're thinking that I'm being selfish with my goals, but I feel like its necessary.  I love the people that I have around me, but I feel like if I'm going to stay sane and achieve my goals, it has to happen and will later benefit the people around me.

To 2012:  

BRING IT!

Last thoughts of 2011...

As I was waking up this morning, thinking about the events of last night, it finally hit me that after tonight, this year is over.  That we will be welcoming 2012.  Maybe it's just me, but that's kind of crazy.  


Anyway, I got to thinking about how this year changed my perspective on life and the world around me.  

• A year ago, I was mourning the loss of a great job and would soon find out what it meant to unemployed.  How my amazing family and friends refused to let me get discouraged when I thought that I would never find a job.  I have an even deeper love and appreciation for each and every one of them.
• How, in those four and half months, I was able to finish writing the first draft of my second book.  (And haven't stopped writing.)
• After saying over and over that I would never work for a government entity again, but did when I got a job with Meridian Township and somehow finding a new quirky work "family".  
• Being able to go on two trips when many people couldn't afford to take one.
• Being healthy

As we welcome in the new year, don't forget about all the lessons, rises and falls of 2011 and remember how those moments have changed your life for the better.  

Carrying with you the good....

As I get ready for my day, I leave you with the words of William Arthur Ward:  

Another fresh new year is here . . .
Another year to live!
To banish worry, doubt, and fear,
To love and laugh and give!

This bright new year is given me
To live each day with zest . . .
To daily grow and try to be
My highest and my best!

Have a Safe and Happy New Year!

Remember This Everyday...

I had to borrow this from my sister's page...Thanks, Hill!

An Honest Moment

***Look, I am going to be so honest right now.  A tad bit more than I ever have and if you're not ready for it, then keep on moving.  If not, keep reading.***

On my first Friday night at home in a while, I got a chance to watch Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, one of those shows that requires a box of Kleenex to get through it.  Each episode tells a family's story and sometimes, it's one that anyone can relate to.  Tonight's episode was one of those.  This episode was one where a young boy committed suicide after being pushed over the edge by bullying.  He was 11 years old...his life hadn't even started.


Instead of focusing solely on the lose of her son, his mother has traveled all over Massachusetts and to Washington DC to fight against bullying.  Her oldest daughter is following in her footsteps, even as she starts her freshman year of college.  Her sister battles depression from losing her nephew.  I can't even imagine how they feel or what they're going through, but I spent the entire episode in tears.




Everyone that was on the show had been bullied at one point or another and I'm pretty sure you were.  


I was.  

The guests on this show included the Kardashian Sisters and Demi Lovato, a newer artist.  Khloe tells the family that because she looked different, thicker and taller than her sisters, she was bullied while she was growing up.  The sisters took the college freshman on a shopping spree...yeah, it was Sears, but it was the idea that they took care of her.  Then they helped the show organize an event with Demi, who was also bullied, to promote anti-bullying.


I'm not going to lie and say that it didn't help shape me into becoming the person that I am, because it did.  All for not being in the popular crowd and for being quiet or looking like everyone else.  Unlike this poor child, I didn't give up and I'm fairly certain had they known, that my family and friends wouldn't have let me give up.  


My point??


Bullying is a real problem....a deadly problem that is affecting the children around us.  What's ridiculous is that it's usually over something as minor as looks, race, opinions, jealousy, anything.  So let's think about how this affected us at one time and consider joining the fight against bullying.  


I leave you with these words: 

Some people won't be happy until they've pushed you to the ground. What you have to do is have the courage to stand your ground and not give them the time of day. Hold on to your power and never give it away.”
― Donna Schoenrock

Thursday Thought

"Kindness is the golden chain by which society is bound together. 

~ Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

As I was leaving Beaners, or should I say, Bigby, earlier this evening, an older woman who was with her daughter made it a point to hold the door open for me.  Something as simple as this stuck with me for one simple reason.  Not because some people are just like that, which I can understand, but because of the season we have officially entered into.  Twenty days from now is Christmas. 


I'm sure you're thinking "And....you're point being?"


I'm getting there.


This is the time of year when people are a little more patient with perfect strangers.  It's the little things like holding the door open, that smile or nod hello, being a little extra generous with our change when we see the bell ringers outside of the stores.  The list goes on, but I think you get my point.  I have always wondered why we do this as adults.  Is it because deep down inside, there is still a part of us that feels that maybe one of those deeds will make you look better in the eyes of others, like we did as children when we believed Santa was watching to make sure we were good.  That the better we were, the better our gifts.  In a way, it would make sense.


Or could it be that this is how we would like to be the other eleven months out of the year and that it is just a little more convenient or accepted during this time of year?  


Regardless of the reason, I wish that this attitude would continue all 365 days of the year, rather than just the month of December.

Slight Dilemma

Okay, so I have decided to FINALLY cut my hair. I mean, all but a few inches of it. Over the years, I have killed it with my horrible habits, so now its time to chop it off and start all over. So, here is the problem: I don't know what to do with it! I've found a few that could work, but I'm going to need an opinion or seven.  Here is what I've found so far...  (Ignore the faces)

Thoughts or suggestions?

My Chat With Sidney Poitier

During my trip to Chicago a couple weeks ago, I found a copy of Sidney Poitier's 'The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual  Biography" tucked away in a corner.  Considering everything I had heard and read about him, I knew this book would be worth my time.  Within the first 20 pages, I felt that it should be called more than just a spiritual biography because as I read each page, I felt like he was sitting down at the table across from me, telling me his story; how he paved the way for oh, so many black actors and actresses that would later grace the stages and screens.  More often than not, I found myself nodding, replying to his questions and agreeing with his various comments and statements.


Each chapter had parts in it that made me think and consider re-evaluating my life.  Made me think about how truly blessed I was to live in the time that I do.  I love that every time that he was told that he couldn't do something because of the color of his skin or his lack of experience, he gracefully proved the naysayers wrong.  He would go down as the first black to win an Academy Award for a starring role.  


His story proves that your past doesn't determine where you're going or who you are.  It's your attitude and how you handle each situation.  This man could have given up when the theater manager told him that he knew nothing about acting, when he was homeless and broke or when things got rough, but he didn't.  Towards the end, he said that he didn't understand why prostate cancer took the life of his old friend in the 1990's, while his life was spared.  He said this just after he said there were aspects of theater that he still had yet to do.  As I read this, I think he was spared because he still had so much to do.  He still had books to write, experience to share with the next generations and a life to finish living.  


Would I recommend this book?  Absolutely.  It wasn't just a book of race, but one of determination and hope.  Two qualities that everyone needs.

If I'm remembered for having done a few good things and if my presence here has sparked some good energies, that's plenty.

– Sidney Poitier

Tonight's Attempt

Okay, I know it has been a while since I have posted a new recipe attempt on here. There was nothing stopping me other than the fact that I have been avoiding anything that included cooking with more than three ingredients or cereal...pure laziness.  So I decided this week, I would make up for that.  As I eat my newest attempt, I figured I may as well talk about it.  


Fettuccine with Black Olive Pesto and Scallions


Okay, so first off, I was more than a little iffy about this one.  So much that I made Alfredo sauce as a plan b.  Shockingly, I didn't need it.  Before this, I usually stayed away from jalapenos, but this is what added the kick that made an already good dish better.   It also helps that it is one that doesn't take too long to make.  The pesto consists of black olives and juice, thyme, chopped onion, parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar and, yes, olive oil.  I cheated a little bit and used dried thyme, but I think it worked out.  The only thing that I really skipped was the scallions...forgot to pick some up.   Oops!


At the end of the day, this was has been added to my list of dishes to make again and believe me, that's saying something.  Next time, the plan is to try it with a tomato mozzarella salad with vinaigrette dressing.  


Would I recommend it?  Absolutely!  

I have long believed that good food, good eating is all about risk. Whether we’re talking about unpasteurized Stilton, raw oysters or working for organized crime ‘associates,’ food, for me, has always been an adventure.—–Anthony Bourdain

Functionally Dysfunctional

Of all the posts that I started, but didn't post, this is the one that has been nagging at me the most.  Maybe it's the fact that its a semi feel good post and sometimes, I just have to post one of these.


A week or two ago, one of my coworkers said to me one morning, "If you don't like the people that you work with, then maybe it's time for you to find another job.  You will spend more time with them than anyone else, including your significant other."


Wow!  He couldn't be more right.  We spend about 45 hours a week at work, whether we like it or not and in order to get through the week, we have to deal with each other.  These are the people who often see almost every side of you and at the end of the day, become like a family.  You may fight it with all your might, but it's true.  I speak my first words of the day to them, vent my frustrations, swap shortened versions of stories, laugh with them.  These people have seen me knocked out in the break room when I am so tired that I can't keep my eyes open during lunch.  They are the ones who have to deal with me BEFORE I have any food or caffeine in my system.  Brave souls, I say.


In the six months that I have been with this place, I have come to like most, if not all, of my coworkers for various reasons.  I wonder if the main reason is the fact that it is not overrun with drama, being that most of the people that I work with are men or insanely cool women.  That if there is an issue, they call each other out on their crap, talk it out and move on.  Or could it be that they just genuinely like each other.  When I started, it's like I was accepted into the fold without question once I made it clear that I would let them do their jobs, be there for support and not add any unnecessary drama.  Like any family, they want to find out what the have in common and see what they can include you in.  Kickball, gun range, dinner and drinks after work, possible movie nights, debates, lunch, coffee runs...etc.  


Last week, I found myself defending "my people" when someone from another division made a crack at them.  Silly, but that's when I realized that I had claimed them as my own.  I have no idea when that happened, but I really don't see the point in fighting it.  


Of course, each person has their quirks that drive the other people crazy.  Lack of communication, forcing others to pick up the slack when they decide not to do the work or show up, moodiness.  These things happen, but what family doesn't have to deal with this?


At the end of the day, it's what brings them closer. 


At the end of the day, they have each other's backs.


It's what makes them a functionally dysfunctional family and I consider myself lucky to be included.

Monday Randoms

In the past week or two, I have started a few different blog posts, thinking that I would post them later.  As you can see none of them have made it on here unfortunately.  So here is a quick update on the life of Shareece:

• Decided to visit Chicago next month during the long weekend, thanks to Veterans Day
• Read an article about men pole dancing for sport.  Yes, you read that right....pole dancing!  These guys now have their own competitions now.  Like most people, I find this just a little disturbing.
• I'm thinking that my mini writing break may be over.  After Thanksgiving, I'm thinking about taking a weekend, closing myself up in a room and work on my second book.  We'll see how that goes.
• I have totally slacked off on trying a new dish every week or so.  Hell, I've slacked off on my no meat during the week rule for myself.  Last week, I was terrible and now, it's time to get back on track
• Slowly but surely, I've been taking more time for myself and I think that it's beginning to show with the people who call me impatient and find it hard to deal with me.

Out of all the blog posts that I started, but didn't pos

Hometown Rivalry

While I was checking Facebook this morning, this caught my eye:

 

Working in an office near MSU full of UM fans, let's just say that I will not be passing this one around. 

It just amazes me how far some people will take this rivalry.  It's almost like a war.  Homes are divided until the last second of the game.  Feelings will be hurt.  All over a freaking football game?  To some, this may seem crazy, but to a sports fan, UM and MSU fans, its just how things go.  A way of life.

With that said, I say:

GO STATE!

Diverse Upbringing

Great achievements are not born from a single vision but from the combination of many distinctive viewpoints. Diversity challenges assumptions, opens minds, and unlocks our potential to solve any problems we may face. -- Unknown

Last weekend, my family and I went to the Apple Festival at Wolcott Cider Mill and Winery.  We have gone almost every year since we moved back to Michigan in the early '90's.  Over the years, it has really expanded (the winery was added in the last few years) and the crowds have gotten larger.  For my family, it has become a yearly tradition that we have all come to enjoy. 


While we were sitting in the barn area eating donuts and got to talking about how more often than not, we would visit museums and aquarium's when traveling or in the cities around us and go to festivals like this one.  It was just how Mom and Dad raised us, despite the fact that they weren't.  When we were little, they would just put us in a car and they would find things to do just because they wanted to and now that all of us are older, its like second nature.  We never felt like it was forced upon us, but how things are supposed to go.  Maybe this is why we are all as tolerant of different cultures and people. 


A good example of this is during the conversation, a country song came on that I knew and had recently downloaded and I started singing along with it, while still listening to the conversation.  Jay stopped the conversation and asked, "Are you seriously singing this song?"  They all know that I will listen to anything if it sounds good.  Mom just said that it's just like what we are talking about, how you have to be open to anything.  Music included. 


In today's world, I feel like is it an advantage to have a diverse upbringing where almost anything is tolerated and is almost necessary.  Even more so as a minority, whether it be racial, gender, whatever.  As I look back, I love that I was raised this way and know that if I ever had a family, I would continue this way of thinking and set the same example that my parents did.

A little while ago, I submitted my book for the second time since I started this blog.  As soon as I hit submit, I've got to say, I was anything but relieved.  Self doubt had poked it horrid little head as I watched the the confirmation page pop up.

What if they hate it and say no?

What if they say yes?  

What do  I do then?

Wait...STOP!  This means that I have taken a huge step in the writing process.  

Did I know that there would be moments of self doubt along the way?  Of course I did and that's all this is.

Now, I feel like this is just a step in the right direction.  Now, the search is on for me to look for other publishers who are accepting work from new writers.  It's time!  Marie Curie seems to put it the best:

“We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something. ”

Now that that's done, at least for the next week or so, I need to get back to my attempt to cut out meat and trying different dishes.  

Earlier this week, I did make 4 cheese baked ziti and have decided to make it again soon.  I think what I really liked about this was how easy it was and being that I am barely ever home, this is perfect for my type of lifestyle.  I'll admit that I did cheat.  The recipe asked for few different white cheeses, but I used an Italian mix, which had all three mixed in.  I think it worked out well.  I am not entirely sure I would use half and half that it called for again, mainly because of the loud milky smell that I could almost do without.   I did like the kick that the red pepper added though.

Thumbs up in my book!

Have a great weekend! 

What is wrong with me?!

Last year, I said that my goal for 2011 was to resubmit my first book.  Guess who has yet to do so?  Yeah, that would be me.  Last night, or should I say this morning, I couldn't sleep, so I started going through to see who I could send my work to and came across one of the publishers who I had looked into earlier.  They only accept manuscripts 3 times a year.  Yes, you read that right.  September is the last time they will accept anything until next year.  Being that it is September 19th, I need to get my act together and get that out before next Friday!  


I just can't believe that I forgot something as important as that.  Time to get back to work!


Enjoy the rest of your dreary Monday.

Same Words, Different Voice

While I was getting ready for work this morning, the article about MI's new governor pushing for a healthier Michigan popped in my head and like I had when I read the article last week, I shook my head.  Careful not to drop the scorching hot curling iron on myself, mind you.  I shake my head at everything and everyone, but this was a little different.  This was a "Are you freaking kidding me?" kind of head shake.  People who know me know which one I'm talking about.

Let me just say this: I hate politics because most of these people in office are really in it for the name recognition and perks, rather than representing the people who elected them or to make the changes that they claimed that they would fight for when they were elected.  Mind you, I said "most" not all, because there are some who really do want to make a difference and those are the ones who I have some serious respect for.  I mean, I worked for one for over five years. 

Back to the point here.

So, in this article, Governor Snyder was speaking at an event in Grand Rapids last week about making it so that Michigan was healthier and how the state needs to pay more attention to what we are feeding the children.  How Michigan is the 8th in the nation as far as obesity problems.  Then he turns around and announces to the crowd that he needs to lose a few pounds himself since he is considered overweight. 

Raising hand

If I remember correctly, Governor Granholm, his predecessor, tried to push the same thing while she was in office.  She tried to lead by example by biking to work, running across the Mackinac Bridge with the citizens of this state every year, promoting a healthier lifestyle, but yet, this was ignored.  Oh, but let this new governor say the same thing and it's okay.  It is accepted.  I guess I don't quite understand the difference. 

Could it be that it is easier for people to listen to the same message a second time by a different voice or by someone who will be going through the same struggles as the public?

Where Did The Time Go?

Wow...it's almost Fall.  Oh my goodness, it's almost FALL!!!  Why am I so excited about this you ask?  Well, it mean a couple things.  Time for donuts and cider as well as Fall season premiere's.  It seems like just last week, we were watching Castle scrambling to knock Beckett out of the way before she was shot and telling her that he was in love with her as she was fading.  That Bones told Booth that she was pregnant with their child.  That JJ came back to the BAU on Criminal Minds after being shown the door at the beginning of the season.  That H and Natalia were nearly killed in the season finale on CSI:Miami. 

I mean, I could go on, but I won't.  Can you tell I am super excited about these shows?  Well, until I get to the fact that Bones doesn't come back on until November 3rd, but even that could be worse.

The only thing that I am a little antsy about is the NBA season.  This time of year, we, the fans, should be watching as the teams get ready for the preseason, finalize the rosters and so on.  Instead, we are watching as the players union and the owners battle back and forth about money.  Whatever happened to playing for the love of the game while being paid in the 5,6 figures?  This way of thinking has been the cause of a lot of issues in this league and is now starting to trickle into the NCAA.  I understand that playing professionally can be stressful and take a toll on their bodies, but come on!  Stop playing around, get the work done so that there is a season! 

With the cool weather coming up, it means staying closer to home or near the fireplace at the library...meaning that I will be catching up on some writing.  Not just keeping up with this, but some serious, "work on my book" writing.

Stay warm, friends!

Where were you?

On my way home a few nights, I was thinking about the fact that 9/11 was only a few days away.  I think that day will always hold some type of place in my heart, as well as others, due to the blow that was dealt when those planes were hijacked and slammed into the twin towers, the Pentagon building and a field in Pennsylvania.  The United States was not prepared for this type of attack, but did its best to bounce back.  Hundreds were killed, while hundreds more are still waiting to be identified.  This day reminded our young nation that we were not invincible.


This day also did two things: It brought the people together while alienating and discriminating the Arab American population for being who they were.  It forced us to open our eyes in one area and step back in how we treated each other in another.  Is that fair?  Absolutely not, especially when Arab Americans were victims like anyone else that day.  


I remember when it happened, I was getting ready to walk into my third hour class during my senior year of high school, almost every teacher had their televisions turned onto the news to watch replays of the planes crashing into the Twin Towers and hearing students talk about how they had a loved one who worked one of the towers that were shown collapsing on the screen.  Not knowing anyone in either tower, and later the Pentagon and Pennsylvania, my prayers still went out to the people who were there and the families who would never see their loved ones again, due to this tragedy.  


A few years ago, I was in Washington DC visiting KT Mac and we went to the Pentagon's 9/11 Memorial and I couldn't help by get a little choked up when I saw where the building had been rebuilt after that day.  Seeing the memorial made things a little more real to me, maybe because to see it on television and the news was one thing, but to see it in person was totally different.  Seeing the names and ages throughout the memorial was something that no one should ever have to see, but I have to admit that it was so beautifully done.


Ten years ago, this nation was attacked out of hatred, pulled into an unnecessary war and lashed out at its own citizens who just happened to look like their attackers.  At the same time, our beautiful nation came together and supported those families who lost (or nearly lost) a loved one, gave props to the heroes (policemen, firemen, and common folk who thought about more than themselves) that day and continues to try to move on, never forgetting.


Before I call it quits, I am going to leave you with a beautiful poem that Billy Collins wrote  in memory of this tragic day called "The Names".

Yesterday, I lay awake in the palm of the night.
A soft rain stole in, unhelped by any breeze,
And when I saw the silver glaze on the windows,
I started with A, with Ackerman, as it happened,
Then Baxter and Calabro,
Davis and Eberling, names falling into place
As droplets fell through the dark.
Names printed on the ceiling of the night.
Names slipping around a watery bend.
Twenty-six willows on the banks of a stream.
In the morning, I walked out barefoot
Among thousands of flowers
Heavy with dew like the eyes of tears,
And each had a name --
Fiori inscribed on a yellow petal
Then Gonzalez and Han, Ishikawa and Jenkins.
Names written in the air
And stitched into the cloth of the day.
A name under a photograph taped to a mailbox.
Monogram on a torn shirt,
I see you spelled out on storefront windows
And on the bright unfurled awnings of this city.
I say the syllables as I turn a corner --
Kelly and Lee,
Medina, Nardella, and O'Connor.
When I peer into the woods,
I see a thick tangle where letters are hidden
As in a puzzle concocted for children.
Parker and Quigley in the twigs of an ash,
Rizzo, Schubert, Torres, and Upton,
Secrets in the boughs of an ancient maple.
Names written in the pale sky.
Names rising in the updraft amid buildings.
Names silent in stone
Or cried out behind a door.
Names blown over the earth and out to sea.
In the evening -- weakening light, the last swallows.
A boy on a lake lifts his oars.
A woman by a window puts a match to a candle,
And the names are outlined on the rose clouds --
Vanacore and Wallace,
(let X stand, if it can, for the ones unfound)
Then Young and Ziminsky, the final jolt of Z.
Names etched on the head of a pin.
One name spanning a bridge, another undergoing a tunnel.
A blue name needled into the skin.
Names of citizens, workers, mothers and fathers,
The bright-eyed daughter, the quick son.
Alphabet of names in a green field.
Names in the small tracks of birds.
Names lifted from a hat
Or balanced on the tip of the tongue.
Names wheeled into the dim warehouse of memory.
So many names, there is barely room on the walls of the heart. 

So I ask this: Where were you on this tragic day? 


On a sidenote: I have no idea why the first paragraph is highlighted. Have a great week! 

A Friendly Thought

You know, there was a time when I thought mixing friends from different circles was something that you just shouldn't do, mainly because you just never know if they will get along or not.  After a few attempts at mixing these groups over the past few years have been somewhat of a success mainly because most of the people that I am friends with are similar to me in some way or another.

Last night, I met up for dinner and drinks with Randelle and Amy, to celebrate my birthday and had a blast.  Let me give you a little background on these two.  I have known Randelle since middle school and for the most part, we are pretty similar, including brothers who were the same age and similar family dynamics.  I met Amy while working in the Governor's Office in 2005, but didn't become friends with her until Summer of 2006 when we found out that the glares were really 'I can't hear you's.  Since then, she and I have become really good friends.  

Back to the point...

Well, last night, talking to them was almost like talking to two other versions of myself and the fact that they got along as though they known each other forever was awesome.  Maybe I feel this way because of the fact that these are two of the three friends that I would go to when I need a second, third or fourth opinion and who I can count on to call me out on my crap when I need it.  I am a believer in the fact that your friends are a reflection of yourself because all I have to do is look at the people that I keep around me.

When we were getting ready to leave, Amy said, "I hate that not everyone showed up tonight."  In response to this, I said, "Not really.  The people that I really wanted to be here were here."  Now that I think about it, we were missing one person: KT Mac. 

After things finally quieted down last night, I realized that some people would consider them crazy to be friends with me, since I am not always the easiest person to get along with.  I don't agree.  I consider myself blessed to have them in my life, because, other than my family, they make me a better person.

Goodbye 26!

“Maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had, and what you've learned from them, and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.”  ~Unknown

In the final hours of 26, I can't help but wonder where the time went.  It's like it was just yesterday I was back in the Appointments hoping to avoid telling my earliest birthday moment with my work family surrounding me in Jim's Office.  I remember thinking how incredibly sad it was that this would be the last birthday memory with many of those people.  

Is it possible that it has been eight months since I stood outside of the Romney Building with Amy and Jessica, saying our final goodbyes to the office?  How I managed to finish writing my second book during those insanely long 4 1/2 months of unemployment or starting another job the day after Easter outside of the Governor's Office.  

I have to admit that this year was a little different for me, but I find that maybe different and pushed a little out of my element is what I needed.  Not all of it has been great or something that I would wish on someone else, but situations that will now make me think twice.  Like driving after it has taken me more than an hour to scrape the snow and ice off my car after a horrible snow storm or watching what I say to the people around me, when I know for a fact that they won't take my jokes as jokes, but disrespect.

In the next year, I would like to make a few changes.  Not really changing who I am, because that will never happen, but change how I do things.  Like eating better, know when to keep my comments to myself or working on my patience with people even when all I want to do is tell them to go somewhere.  Or putting a little more effort in my writing and posting on this more often.

I remember telling KT Mac that I wanted to stay 26 another year, but now that I think about it, I don't know what I was thinking.  Well, other than the fact that 27 is another year closer to 30.  Now, I think that I should consider 27 as year of new beginnings, a clean slate.

So, to my family, who put up with me day after day, good or bad, you are saints in my eyes.  To my friends, there are days when I don't know what I would do without you and consider you a blessing.

Here's to 27!

Late Night Final Thoughts

• Tried my hand at felafel burgers tonight and goodness, let's just say that that attempt was a messy, slightly frustrating failure.  My kitchen was a mess, with flour and mashed chickpeas all over the counter, but whatever.  At the end of the day though, I'm okay with this.  I tried it and may try again another time and do things a little differently, but for now, I will leave that one to the professionals.  Ha!  

• I knew the basics of cooking before I started this whole thing, but this has been a serious test of skill and patience.  This has also taught me to branch out a bit and try different recipes that I wouldn't normally.   

• Can I just say that I have never used as much olive oil as I have since I started this?  I know its good for you and a better substitute than most, but wow!