Larger Than Wife

Day 16 - Music I Like

2011-02-13T22:34:00.000-08:00

The music I like varies day to day, sometimes hour to hour. I've always been very attracted to music, and played instruments through middle school and high school. My tastes are wide-ranging, as my iTunes collectoin can attest, but here are a few of my faves and when I'm most likely to tune in.

FUNK - Ever since I was a little girl, I've loved funk music. The Dazz Band, Ohio Player, Rick James... I loved them all. Whenever I'm in need of a little pep in my step, I queue up some "Superfreak" or "Play That Funky Music White Boy" and everything gets better.

OLD SCHOOL HIP-HOP - When life gets too heavy and I need a mood lift, nothing puts a smile on my face like "Rappers Delight" by the Sugarhill Gang or "Baby Got Back" by Sir Mix-A-Lot. For extreme doldrums, I break out "Bust A Move" by Young MC. And those who done me wrong best come correct when I start blasting LL Cool J's "Mama Said Knock You Out".

CLASSICAL - Nothing turns scattered brain waves into orderly little soldiers like a dose of Tchaichovsky or Bach. There are also a few modern classical artists in my playlist, such as Bond, that make violin solos sexy.

ELECTRONICA & DANCE - Great for workouts or getting the party going. Modern faves are Kevin Rudolf and David Guetta, but there are several obscure and under-recognized artists in my list.

90s TOP 40/POP - This works for lifting moods, working out and generally shaking my booty. Faves? Britney Spears & old school N'Sync. Yeah, I went there.

80s HAIR METAL - Nothing beats fist pumping, blood rushing anthems by bands like Skid Row, Guns N Roses, Warrant and the Bulletboys for getting pumped up and ready to go. When I need a dose of testosterone, this is the genre I turn to. Modern band Rev Theory channels this type of music brilliantly.

MODERN TOP 40 - Katy Perry, Rhianna, Usher and Pitbull all make my booty shake.

BURLESQUE - Ever since I can remember, I've been obsessed with strip culture, starting with Gypsy Rose Lee. I love that down-and-dirty trombone and drum beat boom-bop-bop-boom. While not easy to find, I have quite the collection available when I need to reafirm my "girly" side and get my sexy on.

BIG BAND SWING - Bring on the Benny Goodman! If one believes in reincarnation, I must have been alive in the Big Band era. Though not a practicioner of Swing dancing, I'm sure a light hypnotic trance would be all it would take to bring out my inner Swing Kid.

Day 15 - A picture of my favorite bracelet

2011-02-07T21:34:00.000-08:00

This is a pic of my favorite bracelet... that I don't own! I have always aspired to Tiffany, though. I like it's simplicity, the silver color, the casual elegance. The heart closure is unexpected and sweet, just the right detail to set this apart from other Tiffany link bracelets.

Day 14 - A hairstyle I'd like to have

2011-02-07T21:25:00.000-08:00

I have long, thick, massive hair. The kind of hair wispy-locked lasses look at and instantly hate me for, but they don't know the whole story. Thick hair is very high maintennance. I would love to shampoo, rinse and walk out into the world with nothing but a shake of my fingers and a dab of styling gel to whip my 'do into shape.

My hair is also fairly coarse and frizzy if left to its own devices. I have to be diligent with conditioners, anti-frizz serum, leave-in treatments and a flat iron to make it silky smooth. Skip one step, and it's like a giant red tumbleweed on top of my head. I also don't have hair that cooperates with me, swooping over my face and falling to the sides to the point I grab a hair elastic and pull it away. If it would behave while loose, I covet the wavy, effortless locks Julia Roberts is sporting above.

More realistically, a style like the one on J-Lo here would work because the parts that want to fall into my face are the ones that are cropped into bangs. However, bangs and I have always had a love-hate relationship: I always love the look of them, but hate the maintennance I have to do once I have them (see: anti-frizz serums and straightener, above). My hair also grows so fast, they need to be trimmed frequently or they risk being pushed into a barette or headband, neither of which is ultimately flattering on my head.

For special occasions, I covet the locks of 1940s movie stars. Deep, soft waves and strategically placed rolls are both attractive to me (see: my wedding photo). I have never been able to figure out how to make my unruly locks smooth and seductive like this, but I vow to keep trying. After all, if women in the 40s could do these styles without flat irons, anti-frizz serums and electric curlers, I should be able to do it, too... right? Sigh. Time to hit YouTube for some tutorials...

Day 13 - Style & Fashion Icon

2011-02-07T21:13:00.000-08:00

When it comes to style, I have always greatly admired Katharine Hepburn. The 1940s actress best known for rocking pants in a world that liked women in dresses (and, preferrably, at home with the children), she was strong, sassy and was nobody's fool, all while maintaining her femininity. She was gorgeous, glamorous and totally in charge of her own life. These days, strong women are everywhere, but I have to tip my imaginary hat to the woman who made the mold.

Day 6 - Anything Hello Kitty

2011-02-04T19:49:00.000-08:00

Apologies, blog readers! I posted this entry in my gardening blog; I apologize for the out-of-order post!

Today's topic is "Anything Hello Kitty"; sadly, as a 40-year-old woman, I'm not really a fan of the bow-headed cat. Never was. Even when I was a pre-teen girl. I never got the plethora of celebrities and grown women who are gaga for HK. Sure, it's cute. But not cute enough to pony up $600 on bejewelled HK sneakers.

That said, there is actually one place Hello Kitty can be found in my house... my daughter's new big-girl underwear. A fan of all things animal, I thought they'd be the purr-fect reward to inspire her to go pee pee on the potty.

Not so much.

The teeny panties are cute as can be, but she still prefers her Huggies Pull-Ups. Potty training is a tricky business, made even harder by the relative comfort of diapers and the like. After all, if you're wearing a garment that allows you to continue playing with your Legos when nature calls, why not utilize them?

This is why, after much thought and research, we've decided to try putting her ONLY in the underwear. She is capable of using the potty (and even went an entire day doing so), but when she's engrossed in an activity all thoughts of visiting the loo go out the window. Maybe, just maybe, if she feels the discomfort of walking around in wet undies she'll be more likely to answer nature's call after all.

Day 12 - My Favorite Color

2011-02-04T17:34:00.000-08:00

My favorite color is -- leopard print! I know, I know. That isn't a color. But if there's a choice, I will almost always choose the leopard print option.

If I were pressed to choose a single color, pink and red are neck and neck. I love the fire of red, and the confidence I feel wearing it, but pinks make me feel feminine and sweet (nice on days when I'm feeling neither).

Day 11 - A Bag I Want To Have

2011-02-03T22:39:00.000-08:00

So it's like this: I'm not really a fan of most designer handbags. For the most part, their styling is uninspired and far too bland for the money being asked. Sure, I can appreciate your basic Vuitton tote or Dior saddlebag, but I'm not about to part with hundreds of dollars to carry them. The aforementioned ShoeDazzle and JustFab are my main sources of handbags and totes these days.

That said, if there's a bag out there that I truly consider aspirational, it would be the pearl gray Togo leather Birkin bag by Hermes. Now, imitators abound of this classic tote...I found several online from $149 up to about $300. But the point of carrying this bag isn't the look of it--it's the price tag.

Wearing a Birkin says "I have arrived." It also says "I'm loaded" and "I know people," because this bag isn't just available off the rack. A wait list of nearly 10 years is in place for genuine Birkins, though a few reputable online resellers have genuine bags to peddle (this one can be had for around $14,000--yup, that's right fourteen thousand.) See, it isn't about the type of bag or how many gym socks you can tote. My ideal bag is ideal because, if I'm carrying one, it means my fortunes have definitely taken a turn for the better.

Day 10 - Current Style That I Covet

2011-02-03T22:38:00.000-08:00

1940s pinup style has become the hallmark of rockabilly chicks, flaunting the sweet femininity as a juxtoposition to bodies covered with tattoos and piercings. But, once upon a time, this homage to Bettie Page was simply about being feminine, flaunting your curves and being secure in your sexy self.

From that perspective, pinup style is 100% for me. Which is ironic, because my current style could only be described as bland, uninspired and as androgynous as one can get. But still, I covet the leopard print pumps and finger rolled hair, the red, red lips and seamed stockings that say "I am woman, hear me roar." I think I'll try to incorporate a little more pin up into 2011, just to see how it feels. You never know, by the end of the year, I might be convinced to do a pinup shoot just for the hell of it!

Day 9 - Your favorite pair of shoes

2011-02-03T22:33:00.000-08:00

I may not be that girly in everyday situations, but I do confess to having a softspot for shoes. Though I'll gravitate toward the more comfy pairs since having my foot broken and carrying a child both impacted my feet, I still find myself googly-eyed at the more femme styles.

A new trend in shoes is the platform and even double platform, allowing the stilts to reach greater heights while the impact on the foot is minimized. I think, overall, these shoes are soooo sexy, and very pinup-y in their appeal.

The shoes I adore most right now are a black satin platform with a peep of pink named Monet from ShoeDazzle. They remind me that in a world full of basics, the smallest unexpected detail can help you stand out.

Day 8 - A Photo That Makes You Laugh

2011-02-03T22:25:00.000-08:00

Thanks for the laugh, iStock Photo!

It's a chihuahua. In a bunny-eared robe. Pushing a shopping cart. Of baby carrots!

I dare you not to laugh at this photo.

Go ahead.

I dare you.

That's what I thought.

Day 7 - My favorite animal

2011-01-30T22:39:00.000-08:00

My favorite animal is--hands down--man's best friend. My earliest memories all feature canines of some variety. I remember Tina, the Irish Setter (who, in later years, I found out was actually 2 or 3 Irish Setters, as they are prone to running away); Max, the cocker spaniel; my grandparents' cocker, Rusty; my other gradparents' Jack Russell, Buffy; a mangy mutt of questionable heritage named Whiskers; my aunt's cocker named Rusty, followed by a black cocker named Rufus. Add to that the various aunts, uncles and neighbors with pooches and it's been a dogs life for me.

As I got older, I acquired a few dogs of my own. First was Tuppy, the most neurotic little cocker spaniel ever; if Cesar Milan (the Dog Whisperer) had been offering his wisdom back then, my family and I would have had a much better experience, to be sure. She came to me via classified ad, riddled with phobias (motorcycles, men in uniform) and with the worst separation anxiety I had ever seen. While it eventually evened out over the years, to the day she passed on she was definitely "quirky".

Our current pet, a long hair-short hair mixed Chihuaha named Whiskey, doesn't even live with us. We moved into a 2 story home when he was 8 months old and I was 6 1/2 months pregnant, stumping around with a broken foot. The doctors had me on very limited activity and there was no way I could handle taking this very energetic little guy out for his walks every day, so my husband's brother and his family took over caretaking for awhile. We didn't want to bring him back immediately after the baby was born, for fear he would view her as a new chew toy (he had a bit of an agressive tendency, though neutering him eventually tamed that).

As time passed and the baby became a toddler, then a preschooler, it seemed cruel to take him away from the family he'd been with for so long, though I do miss him very much.

Day 5 - My favorite thing to do

2011-01-27T21:57:00.001-08:00

Raindrops on roses? Whiskers on kittens? Not a chance.

These days, my favorite thing to do is sleep!

I'm pretty sure there isn't a mother or father of young ones who doesn't have the same hobby--even those with full-time nannies. Somehow, my old favorites (curling up with a book, listening to music, going to clubs to hear bands play) have lost luster when compared to getting a full 8 or so hours of rest.

As the parent of a toddler who loves to cuddle up between Mommy and Daddy, I can tell you that restful sleep is not usually on the agenda. Most days, I would kill for a nap... even a short one! I feel certain that a week of such prolonged rest might even allow my brain to recharge enough to find a way to kick said toddler OUT of the bed.

Until then, movies, hiking and long, leisurely bubble baths will have to wait.

* Hey posters, here's a tip everyone in the world probably knows but me: When you're done writing a post, be sure to PUBLISH IT. That's why you'll find 3 posts from the same day. A little gem from me to you.

Day 4 - Fave Foundation

2011-01-27T21:57:00.000-08:00

I've lived in the desert Southwest all of my life, so foundation and I haven't been the closest of friends. For those not familiar with the climate, daytime temps in the summertime are typically triple digits, and, in late summer, there is the added bonus of humidity. So it seemed like a total waste of time to apply a product that would only run down my face and be gone as I walked to my car in the morning.

Age and a renewed interest in grooming led me to reevaluate that recently, and there are two products I use often enough to say they're favorites. First, Neutrogena's Healthy Skin Enhancer, a tinted moisturizer-anti-aging serum-sunscreen combo that goes on light and disappears into my skin. The product claims to help "enhance" the tone and quality of skin as well, but I truly don't remember to use it often enough to say.

On days when I need a little more polished look, I take the time to use Mary Kay's Mineral Powder Foundation. This little gem gives an airbrushed finish, and can be used in layers to customize coverage (if, say, you got a little more sun than you bargained for). It's lightweight, matches my skin-tone perfectly, and doesn't slip and slide at the first sign of perspiration. I will admit to having to use a fan in the bathroom on the days I apply this in order to stay cool and avoid clumping, but once it's on and the stray powder has been brushed aside, it's darn near flawless. Used in combo with the Neutrogena, I get my sunscreen, anti-aging and moisturization with sweet, sweet coverage that doesn't look mask-y or cakey. What more could a Southwest girl ask?

Day 3 - My favorite lotion

2011-01-27T21:56:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time, I thought lotion was lotion was lotion. My only considerations were Did it smell ok? and Does it come in a huge bottle for very little money? Jergens, Vaseline, St. Ives, Suave... the brand didn't so much matter as cost. I was, after all, not exactly rolling in the dough.

Not long after I moved to Phoenix, however, I learned that there were other factors to be considered when selecting a body moisturizer. How fast did it evaporate? How long would my skin stay hydrated? And, most importantly, what is this delectable scent called Cucumber Melon?

My journey to find the perfect lotion took me through ever smaller bottles at ever increasing costs. After Cucumber Melon came Victoria's Secret Peach Hyacinth (still a winner in my book), then Body Shop's Olive Oil Body Butter and, ultimately, Origins' Ginger Souffle. All were great and relevant to the time I used them, but it wasn't until Bath and Body Works released Rice Flower and Shea that I was hooked.

The scent is best described as clean. It's subltle enough to hang in the background, but intriguing enough for strangers to stop and ask what the fragrance is. Although it's only available at certain times of year (when they trot out the discontinued scents), I use pretty much the entire line: shower gel, lotion, body cream and body spray.

Any dear readers who run across some in a store in the Las Vegas area, be sure to let me know! Otherwise, the website is my only source of fresh, clean light-scentedness.

(As a side note, though this post is about lotion, my fave body scrub from the aforementioned Bath & Body Works is by far Twisted Peppermint. So creamy, it melts in the shower as it exfoliates, tingling into the skin and leaving you smelling like a candy cane and feeling as smooth as one of Santa's rosy cheeks. If you can find it, GET IT! It's worth the hunt.)

30-Day Challenge, Day 2 - My Favorite Bag

2011-01-23T19:30:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I think I was born with a girliness deficiency. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate a well thought-out outfit, nice hairstyle or perfectly done manicure, and I have definitely been known to lust after a beautiful pair of shoes. The thing is, while my tastes run toward the fashionable, my actual appearance is, well... less so.

Once upon a time--many, many years ago--I paid more attention to my grooming and comportment. I never left the house without doing my hair, wearing makeup and accessorizing with jewelry, hats or jackets. Back-Then Me would have been horrified at the lack of time Present-Day Me takes to get ready every day. She would scoff at my peeling nails and ponytailed hair, the unlined eyes and naked earlobes. "You'll see," I would snap back. "Once you're a mother, and working full time. Other things will become more important than eyeshadow and lip-liner."

But one thing Back-Then Me could hardly fault me for today is my taste in handbags.

While I'm a long way from being a label-whore, I've come a long way with regards to handbag quality. Back in "the day", I'd use one purse for months on end, until it needed repair or the amount of "stuff" i had to have with me outgrew the container it was stuffed into. I'd follow a cycle of having a bare-basics, small bag, then graduate to a hobo or handbag, moving all the way up to a small tote bag before shoulder or back pain would cause me to start the cycle over again. I didn't care much about matching the bag with the outfit (except when attending a dance or other formal event), and I certainly didn't care about the designer of the moment. Most of my bags were purchased at K-mart, Walmart or Payless. If a purse cost more than $10, it wasn't likely to come home with me.

Gradually, however, I learned a little more about the benefits of quality and investment. I still won't spend a week's pay on a bag, but I'll look for styles that will outlast fashion and construction that will hold up with the demands of my "stuff".

So, after all that, we come to my current favorite bag. There is a somewhat complicated answer to this question. First, I purchased the Bermuda bag from Kim Kardashian's online venture, ShoeDazzle. For those not familiar, customers sign up and are quizzed on their style preferences. Then, once a month, their team of stylists will provide you with a showroom of shoes, bags and jewelry that match your preferences. Customers can choose as many items as they wish for $39.95 each, or can skip the month if budgets are tight or fancies aren't tickled.

When this bag arrived, it was perfect. The faux leather was soft and buttery, and the perfect shade of neutral gray. The interior fit everything I feel I need to tote around day-to-day with room to spare, and the handles fit precisely over my shoulder. It was perfect in all respects, save one: In less than 30 days, I had lost two zipper pulls, the handles separated from the body of the bag to the point that they were held on by mere threads, and near the bottom and side seams, the body of the bag had developed several small holes and rips.

Saddened, I had to find another solution to my day-to-day "stuff" toting. A Christmas shopping trip to Kohls yielded a suitable alternative, Nine & Co.'s Triple Shot Hobo in red giraffe (very similar to the image at right). Though much smaller than Bermuda, this small wonder managed to fit most everything I carried in the larger bag easily. Plus, it was on clearance for half of what the other bag cost! The stitching and zippers are sturdy and the interior pockets make it super easy to find what I'm looking for. Plus, the styling says "adult" loud and clear.

Now if only I could remember to get my nails done...

30 Day Challenge - Day 1

2011-01-22T23:06:00.000-08:00

So I created a blog. And then I posted a few tidbits. A few months later, I added a sweet header and named my musings "Larger Than Wife". Then...

Nothing.

Not that it's such a hard thing to do, in theory. Write a few lines a day, maybe add a photo or cool graphic. But it's not as easy as it looks. I follow several people on Twitter (another social media forum that I've neglected lately) who blog almost daily. It's usually interesting, relevant information... and that's intimidating as hell! Who needs the pressure of coming up with gems every day? I'm not paid to be a columnist, am I? Who has the time?

Well, it's thoughts like those that have kept me from my keyboard, and now I realize that they're pretty hollow excuses. After all, it's like any other skill...the more it's practiced, the easier it is to do. So, with the knowledge that not every entry will be a gem, but at least I'll be getting my feet wet again, I've accepted fellow blogger Miss October's challenge to write a blog entry for each of 30 days (which she, in turn, found the Makeup, Beauty and Fashion blog). The topics aren't necessarily in my wheelhouse, but that's not really the point. The point is to write, and create, daily.

So that is why I am pleased to tell the world all about my favorite eyeliner: Glimmersticks eyeliner by Avon. I like dark liner, so my color of choice is Black Raincoat.

I'm not alone in my love of this product. Allure magazine has featured this several years in a row as a top reader pick. The reasons I love it are the consistent dark black color; the smooth, even application; and the long wear of the color (even though I rub my eyes constantly). It also doesn't flake or irritate my sensitive peepers, and that's a huge bonus when I'm wearing my contact lenses. But the biggest plus of all? The price tag. I often order when they're priced at $2.50 each.

Join me tomorrow to learn all about my favorite bag... can't wait, can you?

The easier way to record interviews

2010-01-22T00:29:00.000-08:00

Any writer who has ever conducted a phone interview has dealt with the issue of recording that conversation. Typically, the setup involves a recorder, a telephone, and a suction-cup type device that hooks onto the telephone. Results vary, but the caller generally sounds as if he or she is in an underwater tunnel, while the interviewer’s voice resonates as if spoken through a bullhorn. When the sound of your own breathing is louder than the voice on the other end of the phone, it can make transcribing a nightmare.

However many bad dreams that scenario evokes, it pales in comparison to discovering that the recorder malfunctioned or ran out of memory, so that nothing was captured. Suddenly the sparse notes you scribbled, as you didn’t want to distract yourself from your interview, become your lifeline as you frantically try to piece together your talk from memory.

Option two for many new-media types is doing the interview via Skype and recording it in order to have a digital on their computers. This is a great solution if you’re super tech-savvy, as it involves installing multiple third-party applications, setting up loads of behind-the-scenes gizmos, buying microphone-equipped headsets and of course being near your computer come interview time.

If neither of those scenarios seem attractive, rest assured. There is another way to get a recording straight to your computer, with optimum quality sound, without paying a single dime. It’s Google Voice.

What the heck is Google Voice?

In the words of Google themselves:

Google Voice gives you one number for all your phones—a phone number that is tied to you, not to a device or a location. Google Voice isn't a phone service, but it lets you manage all of your mobile phones, desk phones, work phones, and VoIP lines. There's nothing to download, upload, or install, and you don't have to make or take calls using a computer.

The most important thing to note in that statement is that THERE’S NOTHING TO DOWNLOAD, UPLOAD OR INSTALL! And you don’t have to make or take calls using a computer! Boiled down, that means you can conduct your interview on ANY PHONE YOU LIKE, be it at work, at home, on your cell or all of them at once (more on that feature later).

And best of all? You don’t pay for any of it.

Tell me more…

The process for setting up your Google Voice account is quick and easy. The hardest part was deciding which custom phone number I liked best. Once I selected that, I went to the Settings link on the top right of the page, selected the phone tab and added my home and cell phone numbers. I then activated them both by clicking the check boxes next to each one. That’s pretty much it.

Don’t call me…wait, DO call me!

Google Voice makes it super-easy to record an incoming call, but I have to repeat: it only records INCOMING CALLS. So the subject of your interview (or their publicist) needs to call you. Just give your brand-new Google Voice number as your contact number. Again, give them your GOOGLE VOICE NUMBER.

If multiple phones are registered, the call will ring through to all checked phones. You choose which is most convenient to answer. This is brilliant, because I’m sure you’ve had an interview call scheduled for noon, and as the time crept ever closer to 1, the urge to grab a snack from the vending machine grew stronger and stronger until made a mad dash down the hall, only to see your voicemail light cheerily blinking as you returned moments later. Completely frustrating!

Now, let’s say you made that dash to the vending area with your cell phone in your pocket. That would ring along with your desk phone, so you’d be able to start the call as you dropped quarters into the slot, then continue as you headed back to your desk with that Snickers bar.

For the record…

After you’ve verified that it is, indeed, your interview subject on the line, it’s a simple matter of pressing “4” on your keypad to enable recording (after you’ve asked permission, of course.) You’ll know it’s begun because you’ll clearly hear the words “call recording on,” sparing you that queasy feeling in the pit of your stomach when you realize none of your two-hour exposé on rising cafeteria prices was caught on tape.

When finished, pressing “4” a second time disables the record feature (and prompts the helpful “call recording off” message, so you’re never a victim of accidentally disabling this feature). See this feature at work here.

But there’s another issue at hand now, isn’t there? Cell phone minutes being as pricey as they are, you’re probably cursing the need to take that call on your RAZR, using anytime minutes when you’re so close to the end of the month. Don’t fret… did I mention that Google Voice also lets you transfer calls to another phone IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CONVERSATION?

Seamless transition

I’m not talking about hanging up and having your party call back. All you have to do is press the “*” key on the phone you’re using. The other checked phones in your profile will then ring, and you can pick up the handset of the desk phone, press “END” on your mobile and the interviewee is none the wiser.

See how it works here.

Playback is (not) a… well, you know

Once your interview is wrapped, how do you review the gems of knowledge you were just given? By logging into your Google Voice account—your masterpiece will be waiting in your inbox. A word of warning: if your conversation was lengthy, it might take a few minutes for it to appear. Don’t go trashing my good name just yet… give it some time and it should show up.

Once it arrives, click on the Play button to listen to your recording. With a pair of headphones (any ones you have lying around should do), and a word processing program, you can transcribe right onto your computer. You can also e-mail, embed or download the file as an MP3 if you choose.

Where do I sign up?

There are many, many more cool features of Google Voice that I didn’t get into here, and they can all be found by clicking here if you’re interested. This service is technically still in its ‘testing’ phase, so Google Voice is presently only available by invitation (click here to request one). My invite arrived in less than a week; I’ve heard others waited almost three, so there’s no telling when yours will arrive. If you don’t like waiting, those who already have a coveted Google Voice account are granted 3 invites upon signing up, or you can probably “buy” one on eBay or Craigslist (though that totally goes against the idea of it being FREE).

Hope you found this article useful, my fellow interviewers. Happy transcribing!

It's Never Too Late...

2009-11-03T00:28:00.000-08:00

"It's never too late to become what we might have been." - George Eliot

This time, I'm doing it.

Finishing something.

Putting that final period on that final sentence, then typing "The End".

Since I was 6 years old, I've known that I wanted to write stories for a living. When I was in high school, all I could see myself doing was becoming a book editor in New York, then a best-selling novelist. Between book tours and days at the typewriter (computers weren't super-popular just then, you see), my life would unfold in fabulous places amid fascinating people.

Champagne on the Riviera? Mais Oui!

Tropical drinks poolside as I did 'research' for my next book? Why not?

Touring with rock bands for the sole purpose of chronicling their experiences? Never a doubt in my mind it wouldn't happen.

But somehow, amid the daydreams and wishful thinking, I forgot to pursue that very dream. I took other jobs just "to pay the bills," then time slipped away. If only I had made as many excuses to do what I really wanted as I made NOT to, I would have been as prolific as Nora Roberts or James Patterson by now!

Thus, I have begun a new adventure: NaNoWriMo.

The National Novel Writing Month (aka November) has kicked off in style, and I'm determined to do that one thing that has eluded me all these years—finish that novel.

It's well past time. These characters have been stuck in limbo for going on 20 years now. Lately, they've grown quite antsy, popping up during the day to whisper in my ear, "Hey, what about me? Did you forget about me?"

So I have begun again. I've taken the concept, the characters and my new appreciation for editing and I'm bringing their story to life. In a mere 28 days, Robin, Alex, Jackie, Dianne and my favorite, Ronnie, will have find their story at a satisfying end.

And mine will once again be beginning.

Missing El Paso...

2009-05-25T13:24:00.000-07:00

My very first blog post! Kinda underwhelming, actually, but as I was missing my El Paso roots, I got to thinking about things I had there that I'm missing today and my thouughts naturally went to... Chico's Tacos! Crisp rolled tacos enveloped in a gooey-cheesy-tomatoey sauce that make me want to call the airlines! Well, the craving got so strong, I actually hit the web looking for a substitute, and found this recipe. It wasn't perfect, but it hit the spot. Yummy!!!

The recipe I used for Chicos Mock-os (with my tweaks):

Chico's-Style Tacos (makes 24-30 tacos)

1.5 lb. ground beef
1-2 tsp. garlic salt, to taste
3 large (or 4 small) jalapeños, stems removed
1 c. canned crushed tomatoes
2-3 cloves of garlic, crushed
24-30 corn tortillas
cooking oil
Finely grated, mild cheddar cheese

Combine raw ground beef and 1 c. water in a medium-size pot. Heat nearly to simmering, stirring to break up the meat, and add 3 1/2 c. water. Bring mixture to a simmer, skimming off any film that rises to the surface. Lower heat, add garlic salt and jalapeños, and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes, or until jalapeños are soft. Strain mixture, reserving broth in a large pot. Remove jalapeños and set aside, leaving meat to cool.

Bring strained broth to a simmer, add tomatoes and 2-3 crushed cloves of garlic and continue simmering for 20 minutes to 1 hr. Lower heat, keeping broth warm.

While meat-chili mixture cools, prepare jalapeño sauce: Remove seeds and veins from jalapeños, if desired. Combine chilies, 1/2 tsp. garlic salt, and 3/4 c. water in a blender, and purée; set aside.

Unless the tortillas are very fresh (they can be rolled up tightly without cracking or unrolling), you’ll need to soften them. (Fry one at a time in hot oil for 5-10 seconds, or just until softened; drain on paper towels.) Place a heaping tablespoon of cooked meat just off center of each tortilla, roll into TIGHT cylinders, and secure in the middle with a toothpick. (If you're baking instead of frying, no toothpick necessary; just place seam side down on baking sheet). To fry: Place tacos in 1/2-inch-deep hot oil; fry a few minutes, or until crisp and golden-brown, turning once. Drain well on paper towels, removing toothpick when cooled. To bake: Place tacos in 475° oven for 15-20 min, until golden brown.

To serve: Place 3-6 tacos in a large, shallow soup bowl. Top each serving with cheese, ladle reserved hot broth over them and serve with jalapeño salsa. Close your eyes and hear the inner mariachis play! Mmmmmmm!!!

Now if only we knew how to make those fries... :p

Original recipe by Jim Peyton, via Yahoo! Answers