Pre-Departure Announcement (CRJ200)

I hope it's okay for me to post this...typing it out helps me remember it.

Once again, welcome on board _____(Delta Connection, United Express) flight ____ operated by SkyWest Airlines, with service to _________.

Your Flight Crew today is Captain_______ and First Officer_______ my name is Kathy and I am here to assist you in the cabin.

Located in the seat pocket in front of you is a passenger safety card, describing the safety features of our Canadair Regional Jet. Please follow along as I cover some very important information.

There are 4 clearly marked exits onboard, two forward doors and two overwing exits. Please locate the exits nearest you, in some cases they may be behind you. In the event of a power loss, follow the floor illumination system to the exits.

The cabin is pressurized for your comfort and safety, in the unlikely event of a loss of cabin pressure, oxygen masks will automatically fall from the panels above your head.

Pull the mask firmly towards you to start the flow of oxygen. Place it over your nose and mouth and secure with the elastic strap. Although the bag will not inflate, oxygen is flowing. Please secure your mask first before offering assistance to others.

To fasten your seatbelt, insert the flat metal fitting into the buckle until it clicks. To tighten, pull on the loose end of the strap. The seatbelt should be worn low and tight. To release, lift up on the buckle and pull apart.

Your seat cushion can be used as a floatation device. Pull the cushion from the seat and place your arms through the straps and grasp your wrists.

Federal Law requires passenger compliance with the no-smoking and seatbelt signs as well as Crewmember instructions.

Smoking is prohibited at all times and Federal Law prohibits tampering with, disabling or destroying any smoke detectors onboard.

Tray tables and seatbacks must be in their upright and locked position. All carry-on items must be stowed underneath the seat in front of you or in an overhead bin.

If you need assistance throughout the flight, please press the call button located in the panel above your head. I appreciate your attention and invite you to relax and enjoy your flight.

I will now demonstrate the oxygen and seat belt operation for you.


Uhhhh! That's a lot to learn. Hey, wait a sec...isn't there another flight attendant demonstrating the operation of the oxygen mask and seat belt while the other one is talking?

Yep.

So, what's with that last line?

Simple. This aircraft is a 50 passenger plane and Federal Law only requires 1 flight attendant. The EMB-120 carries 30 passengers.

2 Flight Attendants are required for aircraft carrying over 50 passengers.

This announcment is very similiar to the Pre-Departure EMB-120 except for a few little differences. The EMB has 1 foward entry door exit and one additional exit on the righthand side. Also I must say that the floor illuminations system is indicated by red lights. Oh yeah, and the oxygen masks fall from the center aisle NOT from the panel above your head.

I have to know 4 announcements (I am almost there). The pre-taxi for the EMB-120 and CRJ200 and the pre-departure for the EMB-120 and CRJ200.

There are several more announcements I will learn while in training. I'm taking it one step further. I already memorized the SkyWest mission statement. What a kiss butt!

Dead Phone

"Life's mazes may frustrate you, but they also lead you in interesting directions."

Yesterday my phone line died. Ah, the peace and quiet!!!

We had some wicked lightning and thunder roll through and stike the ground in 50 places (according to the news). At 1330 I was sitting in my big comfy chair writing out my definitions, when the LOUDEST thunder/lightning struck and rattled the walls of my whole house. It shocked me so bad that all my papers went flying from my lap. It sounded like an explosion. I even went to the back door to see if any smoke was rising from the house or surrounding trees. I didn't see anything. It was raining hard, so I didn't venture out to check. Soon after that, quarter sized hail dropped down like thousands of little ice cubes. Ever since this event, my land line has been unresponsive.

One news report showed a tree hit by lightning in Meadow Vista. Hmmm. I wonder if one of our trees was hit and I just don't see it? Time to go walk the property. I'll let you know if I find anything exciting.

Pre-Taxi announcement (EMB-120)

Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome on board (Delta Connection, United Express) flight number____ operated by SkyWest Airlines with service to___________.

For those of you seated in row 6 or seats 9B and 9C, please review the exit row information on the passanger safety card in the seat pocket in front of you. You must be able to clearly see the exit, hear instructions, physically open and direct others to the exit. You must be able to accomplish these tasks without causing harm, obstructing the exit or being pre-occupied with other attentions. Children under the age of 15 are not permitted to occupy and exit seat. I will be passing throught the cabin asking for verbal confirmation that you will accept these responsiblities. If you cannot or choose not to perform these functions, please let me know and I will reseat you.

All seat belts must be fastened and all carry-on items stowed in an overhead compartment or completely underneath the seat in front of you leaving the isle and all exits completely clear. I will be through the cabin to assist you.

All portable electronic devices and two-way pagers must be turned off and put away at this time. You may continue the use of cellular phones until the main cabin door is closed. After takeoff I will let you know when you may use the approved electronic devices. Once again welcome on board.


I leave for training in 2 weeks. This is the shorter of the two announcments that I must have memorized with 100% accuracy before I even get there. Also, I have a ton of abbreviations and definitions to learn. I will be tested on these plus time zones and the 24 hour clock within the first hour of my first day of training. I need to recieve a score of 80% or higher. If that wasn't enough stress, I must also pass a physical agilty test while wearing pumps! This should be interesting. I can barely walk in high heels, let alone exercise in them!
If I fail to pass any of these intial tests, I'll be sent home.

I have two weeks...

Nutrition Fuels Fitness

Megan at the end of her 1/2 mile kids run

Me giving Megan the high five at the end of my 10k (6miles)

MB ran the 5k (3miles) and did great!


Weather was terrific, just a little windy. Megan finished 2nd in her age group. I finished 9th in my age group. MB finished 14th in his age group. There were far more people running the 5k than 10k runners. I placed 101 overall in over 200 runners in the 10k.

My time was 52:12, with a 8.25 minute mile pace.

This was fun!

SkyWest Airlines

So, I've been kicking around the idea of re-entering the work force for about a year now. I find all kinds of reasons NOT to go back to work. The main reason? I couldn't think of anything I really wanted to do. It's been nice and comfy in my current job...raising the girls and doing whatever else I felt like (running, writing, shopping, sleeping).

But something happened. I've had an itch to see the world. All of a sudden I want to fly to Florida, just so I can tour Kennedy Space Center or sink my feet deep the soft white sands of the southern coast.

That takes money.

About a couple months ago, MB and I were channel surfing on our TV. We stopped at a very interesting looking reality show. I think it was just called "Flight School". It followed the lives of men and women in training to become a flight attendant. Most people don't have a clue how intense this training is! I know I didn't. It is hard! But to me...it looked fun!

The idea never left my head. One day MB came across the website for SkyWest Airlines that announced a group interview event was going to be held in Sacramento on the 23rd of March. All you had to do was submit your application and resume online and show up. I can do that, I thought.

Only the more I thought about it, the more I talked myself out of it. First off, you have to be flexible...working days, maybe weeks at a time and most difficult...you have to be willing to relocate. Did you hear me? RELOCATE!
I HATE moving. And how can we move for my job? It's not like I'm going to be the main provider. Still, I feel a growing need to venture out of my warm little caccoon and into the world around me. This might be the perfect time.

Yet, I haven't mentioned the MOST important factor in this crazy idea...the girls. My kids need me! How am I going to go off for days at a time and leave my kids to fend for themselves?
Uhhhh!!!! That just screams BAD TERRIBLE MOM!! What if something happens and I'm thousands of miles away? Can I really do this? Even if I can, is it fair to Katie, who just turned 13, to dump all this responsibility on her so fast?

Okay- so I had a lot to think about. I kept changing my mind...I'll go...no I won't go...I'll go...no I can't go!!! Finally this morning, I decided to write a resume and fill out the online app. I had to go to Kinco's to print out my resume because at home I'm to cheap to buy my printer a new ink cartridge.
I wasn't really sure how to write a resume...Thank GOD for pre-installed templates! I'm sure mine was entertaining. Under 'experience' I put FULL TIME MOM and listed some interesting skills that I thought applied to this job description.

I reminded myself, it's just an interview!! Let's have fun with it. Be myself! I probably won't get it. If nothing else, I'll go for the experience. I mean, c'mon...I haven't had to sit through an interview in 10 years! I'm rusty. They'll never offer it to me.

Well, guess what? THEY DID!

Yeah! I was blown away. Here's how the evening went...

I got there (thanks to the directional help of Denise!) at 4:50pm. Doors close at 5. I remembered from the TV program that being punctual is extremely important!
I entered a nice hotel and was directed to the 3rd floor by the desk clerk. In a medium sized conference room, I sat down down in the back row. Most of the seats were already taken. Several other people shuffled in after me. Some even after it began.

The first hour was talk. We were given most of the information regarding the job that was already available on the website.
Except I must have missed the part that said you're only given 4 days to relocate. 4 DAYS!! The panic button was going off inside my head.

Questions? Of course I had questions! How long does it take to transfer?!?!

Once that part was done, we took a short break. 5 minutes. Then we were asked to get up, one at a time and speak. Sell yourself in 60 seconds! But don't go on about personal stuff (they want to know about YOU not your kids) and please, please, please...DON'T tell them that you're a people person and you love to travel! They get that all the time.

Okay. When they called me, my heart started beating out of my chest! I tried taking a deep breathe and focused on visually controlling my heart rate. It helped. I did great. A little shaky, but no 'ums' or 'you knows'. I hate using those crutches.

After that, they separated us into 3 groups of around 10 each. We were asked to plan a party. That's it. We had to come up with everything else. Including who it was for, why, where, guests, budget, etc. I wondered what the gals were looking for in this exercise. Assertiveness? Ability to cooperate? Working together? Collaboration! Yep, I think that was it. I made sure to talk enough, but not to much. I didn't want to run the show. I made suggestions and made sure other peoples ideas were considered.

After a while of listening to our fake party planning, the gals sent us all out into the hallway. We talked with each other until a list of names was posted on the door. If you were on that list, you got to stay and be interviewed one-on-one.

Only six names were on the list.
Mine was one of them.

Many ladies (and one man) left with a frown. I was surprised that I was selected to stay.

We were asked to fill out two forms. Easy. Then we were taken by two's and interviewed separately. I was happy to get the one gal that did most of the talking the entire night. She was sweet and kind. I felt very comfortable around her. I'm sure we could have been friends if placed in the right environment.

I don't remember all the questions she asked me, but one definitely sticks out in my memory.

"Why do you want to be a flight attendant?"

Typical question and one I had already thought about. My answer goes back to my childhood. No, it hasn't always been my dream to be a flight attendant! That's a textbook answer.

Get real...

I love space and the great vastness of the universe fascinates me. As a kid, I always wanted to be an astronaut. I was crushed when I learned how much physics and math are involved to reach that goal. I'm an artist, not a mathmetition! I talked about other ways I am finding to fulfill this need, minus Einstein's brain cells. I decided flight attendant would be a good compromise.

She was very impressed ( I know she was because those were her exact words) about my interests. Running, writing, painting and home improvement. She also liked that I am very confident, funny and sure of myself.

So that's it. She offered it to me right there on the spot. She told me to be discrete. I tried, but the other interviewees pretty much beat it out of me when I was trying to leave. Not all of the six got offered jobs.

Now what?

I have some work to do! I have a lot to learn even before I get on the plane headed for Salt Lake City on April 10th. 24 days of intense training await my boggled brain. I have to be able to recite that "welcome on board" speech with 100% accuracy within the first hour on the first day or I go home! Also a test given on time zones, abbreviations and definitions. Uhhh, I hope I can make it through training.

So far, my family is supportive. We'll see. You know...so much went upside-down this week. I hope my dad can come and help out. I'll need my friend's help as well. All the help I can get really. This will mean a huge change for all of us.

I'm so tired! It's after 1am. Good night all.

Interview

I have an interview!

Wish me luck!

My Soul Speaks Music

What else could drag my sorry butt out of bed?

Music.

I just gotta dance!

I still have a headache, but my legs are running for the door! Bye.

Hide and Seek

Hide and Seek by Imogen Heap

Where are we?
what the hell is going on?
the dust has only
just begun to fall
Crop circles in the carpet
Sinking feeling

Spin me round again
and rub my eyes
this can't be happening
when busy streets a mess with people
would stop to hold their heads heavy

Hide and seek
Trains and sewing machines
All those years
They were here first

oily marks appear on walls
where pleasure moments hung before
the takeover
the sweeping insensitivity
of this
still life

Hide and seek
trains and sewing machines (you won't catch me around here)
Blood and tears
They were here first

mm what d'cha say?
mm that you only meant well, well of course you did
mm what d'cha say?
mm that it's all for the best, of course it is
mm what d'cha say?
hmmm that it's just what we need, you decided this?
ooh what d'cha say?
mmmm what did she say?

Ransom notes keep falling out your mouth
Mid sweet talk newspaper word cut outs (echo:paper word cut outs)
Speak no feeling no I don't believe you (echo: I don't believe you)
you don't care a bit
you don't care a bit

Ransom notes keep falling out your mouth
Mid sweet talk newspaper word cut outs
Have no feeling no I don't believe you
you don't care a bit
you don't care a bit

Hide and Seek

Oh no, You don't care a bit
Oh no, You don't care a bit
Oh no, You don't care a bit
You don't care a bit
You don't care a bit

My comments: If you get a chance give a listen to this song. Tell me what you think. I happen to LOVE it. I've done a lengthy analysis on it.

MAYDAY! MAYDAY!

Alpha Bravo...this is Annie1. We've lost the right engine.

We're going down!

MAYDAY! MAYDAY!

Alpha Bravo...this is Annie1

Repeat...We are going down...requesting permission to crash!

Quiz

You Have A Type B+ Personality

B+ You're a pro at going with the flow You love to kick back and take in everything life has to offer A total joy to be around, people crave your stability. While you're totally laid back, you can have bouts of hyperactivity. Get into a project you love, and you won't stop until it's done You're passionate - just selective about your passions

Do You Have a Type A Personality?

Amizetta

Last night I spent a couple hours at Border's writing. That was nice until a group of high school idiots took over and spread their rain of gossip so loud that I couldn't take it any longer.

I packed up and left. I headed over to the food court and ordered my usual chicken teriyaki rice bowl. The place was crawling with teenagers.

Not quite ready to go home yet, I exited the freeway and drove through the old part of downtown Auburn. This is a very small area with few parking spaces, so when I spotted one, I pulled in and parked. I sat there for a few moments trying to decide what to do.
I starred at the sign that read "The California". It's a bar. The same bar that was used in the film Phenomenon. That movie came out a while ago and stared John Travolta.

There were several people hanging around the entrance. They looked creepy. Me go into a bar? ALONE? I don't think so. Right next to the bar was a much nicer looking place. It actually had windows with lights on inside. The sign overhead said, "Wine Bar, Tasting Room and Art Gallery."
Okay- so maybe I am a California yuppie, but I knew this had to be safer. It catered to my sense of class and elegance. Bars are for getting hit on...I don't need to get hit on. Besides, I don't like beer and hard alcohol is fine when you've got a ride home.

So, I gathered my courage and walked into the tasting room. The music was soft and soothing. Hundreds of dark wine bottles rested on wall mounted hooks that stretched from floor to ceiling as you walked in the front door. All the other walls displayed beautiful paintings and prints that depicted various scenes of wine and fast cars or city lights.

I approached the bar and asked to taste their Merlot. The bartender introduced himself and we talked for a little while. I decided to purchase one glass of the wine, if only to have a reason for sitting there a little while longer.

Drew (the bartender) pointed to a door just on the other side of the bar. It was an old wooden door with wide, warn down planks. It's rustic hinges hinted at it's age, but I wondered if it were one of those reproduction pieces made to look old.

"Go peak your head around that door." Drew said with a smile. "There's an old building back there. It's the oldest building in Auburn. We discovered it not to long ago and now we use it for wine dinner parties."

I hesitated.

"Go ahead, it's a neat room."

I got up and did as he suggested. First thing I saw was a narrow alley way between the two buildings. A large heater greeted me with a blast of warm air. It felt great. The narrow space had been decorated with candles and nice outdoor patio furniture. A waitress was coming out of the newly discovered "old building" and informed me that this narrow alleyway is their smoking patio.

Ah, that's nice- but I don't smoke.
"Drew told me about this old building and wanted me to peak my head in."
"Of course" said the waitress, "go right ahead."

I wasn't sure. I could see behind the heavy iron door that there was a dinner party going on right then. I didn't want to interrupt. I could hear music. But the temptation was to great. I love old buildings and this one looked to be promising with it's crumbling old bricks and mortar.

With one foot I leaned my body forward to see the rustic walls of tiny room. Immediately everyone looked at me and I quickly said to them, "Hi, I'm just wanting to look at the room. It's so pretty."

Three rectangular tables had been placed in the room which allowed just enough space for the waitresses to serve their guests. There couldn't have been more than 25 people, as the space simply couldn't hold more than that. The farthest corner was saved for the guest of honor to perform his music. His name was Spencer C. Clark.

My eyes explored with delight the many cracks and crevices of the crumbling walls. Candles had been placed in many spots where the walls had shifted over time. Wax dripped and splattered, landing in the most interesting formations, adding to the beautiful ambiance of the place. Above, 2 black iron chandliers hung from a puffy style canvas roof top. At least 10 votive candles illuminated softly from each one.

I hadn't really had much time to look around when I was immediately ushered in and invited to stay. An older man (named Gary) poured me a glass of wine and asked my name. For some reason they liked me and I found them equally interesting. Everyone was older than me and the subject of my age soon came into question.

Married- 2 kids- 35 years old. They couldn't believe it! Seriously, I had to get out my drivers license to prove it. Spencer thought I was 20. Then it was my turn. I was asked to guess HIS age.
Hmmm, I'm not very good at this. I'm an artist-not a mathematician. Wanting to be polite, I aimed low and guessed 43. I was 10 years off. He is 53.

Gary chimed in and said he was 55 and said to Spencer "You're my little brother!" He's not really, of course.

I tried to be very outgoing since they invited me to stay and all. I talked mostly with a lady named Lynn. Also with Gary's wife, whose name escapes me, but she looked exactly like a friend I have that moved to Kansas 2 years ago.

Spencer owns a vineyard (click the title of this post for his website) in Napa. He also writes and sings songs. The music you hear on his site are all songs that I heard him perform last night. It was a full course meal that I interrupted. I came in just before the main course. Fillet Mignon. It was delicious. So was the wine. I couldn't believe they were sharing this with a stranger. The lowest price on this wine is $80.00 a bottle, and you have to buy it by the case! I wish I could have afforded to buy some. O'well.

Everyone was so nice and friendly. Spencer would sing inbetween courses and talk to Lynn, me and Gary the rest of the time. It was fun. Gary kept calling this a "happening". I learned that Gary is a publisher of a magazine (Sacramento magazine, I think- which explains the VERY nice camera resting on the table in front of him) and the owner of the tasting room I was currently sitting in.

Dessert came next; a chocolate cookie sandwich with ice cream in the middle and hot fudge poured on top served with Spencer's port wine. I didn't have much of the port. Not that I don't like port...I certainly do! But I know port is at least 18% alcohol and I'll be driving home soon. I took a couple sips. It was so sweet and yummy! The dessert, I picked apart and carefully tried to consume as little ice cream as possible. They were being so generous to me that I didn't want to tell them about my dairy issues. I know that seems crazy- but it was how I felt.

Drew came in and set down next to me the glass of wine that I had been drinking earlier. He smiled.
I never did finish that glass. It was good, but the Amizetta was better. Honestly, when am I going to get a chance to drink this stuff again? It was their finest reserved cab!

Before I knew it, 2 hours had passed by. The tasting room was closed and the night was coming to an end. I worried that MB would be upset with me for staying out so late (11 is late?). It is when he expected me home around 9.
Anyway- I tried to pay for my earlier drink, but Lynn waved me off. They weren't going to let me spend one dime.

I shook hands and said good bye. I was in such a hurry that I had forgotten to thank Gary and Drew for their kindness. I did wish Spencer a safe flight, as he was scheduled to fly to Chile the next day to visit his son.

I had a great time with some very classy and talented people. Just thought I'd share that with you. I know this post was long...so kudos to everyone who took the time to read it!

Which way is up?

I haven't wrote a poem
in such a great long time
I fear I lost the words
to make this sing song rhyme

Where shall we go?
Let's get it right
to find the gold
be day or night

Red wine is fine
looks great from the sky
inside or outside
It will take you so high

Happiness giggles
and it doesn't really matter
which way is up
or who took the ladder

You look like you mean it
and oh, you're so busy!
when everyone knows
dang, you're just dizzy

Wake Up

What is there to do on a Thursday morning when the dishes are done, the laundry is folded and I'm taking a rest day from running?

DANCE AND SING LIKE A CRAZY GIRL!! Oh yeah, I love to do that.

How about this song. Megan and I love it. WAKE UP by Hilary Duff.

There's people talking
They talk about me
They know my name
They think they know everything
But they don't know anything
About me

Give me a dance floor
Give me a dj
Play me a record
Forget what they say
Cause I need to go
need to get away tonight

I put my makeup on a saturday night
I try to make it happen
Try to make it all right
I know I make mistakes
I'm living life day to day
It's never really easy but it's ok

Wake Up Wake Up
On a saturday night
Could be New York
Maybe Hollywood and Vine
London, Paris maybe Tokyo
There's something going on anywhere I go
Tonight
Tonight
Yeah, tonight

The cities restless
It's all around me
People in motion
Sick of all the same routines
And they need to go
They need to get away
Tonight

I put my makeup on a saturday night
I try to make it happen
Try to make it all right
I know I make mistakes
I'm living life day to day
It's never really easy but it's ok

Wake Up Wake Up
On a saturday night
Could be New York
Maybe Hollywood and Vine
London, Paris maybe Tokyo
There's something going on anywhere I go
Tonight
Tonight
Yeah, tonight

People all around you
Everywhere that you go
People all around you
They don't really know you
Everybody watching like it's some kind of show
Everybody's watching
They don't really know you now
(They don't really know you)
(They don't really know you)
And forever
(Wake up Wake up)
(Wake up Wake up)

Wake Up Wake Up
On a saturday night
Could be New York
Maybe Hollywood and Vine
London, Paris maybe Tokyo
There's something going on anywhere I go

Wake Up Wake Up
On a saturday night
Could be New York
Maybe Hollywood and Vine
London, Paris maybe Tokyo
There's something going on anywhere
I go
Tonight
Tonight
Yeah, tonight

Get 'em while they're hot

Hey Girls!

Swimsuits are on sale at Target! Better get them now. I've made the mistake in years past of waiting until it was warm outside. Learn from me girls...that is way to late! All the good ones will be gone, or at least all the good sizes will be.
I don't think I like this new mix and match idea of selling the tops and bottoms separately. In theory it's a good idea, but then you end up with a large top, desperately looking everywhere for a med bottom. But the worst part is they get you twice on price. The tag says $17.99. That's fine if you are only buying a onepiece. Uhhhh!

I'll spare you the picture of me in the suit. I think it looks good on me...but maybe not for internet viewing.

Never stays for long...

Yesterday morning the landscape looked like this...

Now it looks like this...
Katie made this snowball yesterday afternoon. Somebody has already smashed it with their car. I guess it was to tempting.

Canyon Hike

Turkey Vultures
We were greeted by these turkey vultures at the start of Stagecoach Trail. Don't let the distance of this photo fool you. Their wing span is roughly 6ft wide.

I thought this was extremely funny
We are on a trail with NO vehicle access...unless you count bikes (which counts as a vehicle, I know) but this sign seems very out of place. Especially given the fact that this trail is Stagecoach Trail. Many years ago this trail was traveled upon by horse and coach. I wonder if they were going 15mph? How fast can they go? Now, can you see the little sign in the background? It is a picture of a bike with a line through it. No bikes allowed on that narrow trail that veers off. What a warning...You hikers better not break the speed limit!

View of the confluence from the bench
This is the view of the canyon from a bench on the trail. You are looking at the confluence...the place where the middle and the north forks of the American River converge. The trees are blocking the middle fork, which is on the right side. Pretty huh? If you look REALLY hard you can see my car parked to the left of the river, just before the furthest bridge.

I told you Gary, we're just friends! haha


MB down at the waters edge


Me in my big baggy jeans and 2 long sleeved shirts...hey, it was cold!


Quarry Trail
This is one of several spots on the Quarry Trail where a water is cascading down the side of the hill, flowing across the trail and continuing on down to the river below.

The fall below the trail
Man, these photos don't do it one ounce of justice.

Long waterfall that dumps into the middle fork of the American River.
This photo was taken towards the end of our hike. We covered a distance of 9 miles. We walked, jogged & lightly ran.

What do ya think?

I just finished this barn scene. It took me a little longer. I'm not really happy with how low the barn is located on the board, so that's why I added the geese. Be honest...what do you think?

Nap Time

THIS JUST IN...Naps are good.

Bacon Potato Soup

As you know, I don't like to cook. I don't "hate" it. I'm just not one of those people who "enjoy" it. I don't consider cooking as a means of relieving stress nor do I find it in any way relaxing. I cook for the soul purpose of survival. However, I have been known to spend HOURS in the kitchen, going to MUCH trouble with the only hope of bringing a bright happy smile to the faces of my loved ones.

If you share my lack of love for cooking...it's you lucky day! I'm about to give you one of my favorite winter weather meals. I made up this recipe one day when I was searching frantically for an answer to the daily haunting question, "What's for dinner?"

Bacon Potato Soup

What you need:
3 or 4 large potatoes
4 or 5 slices cooked bacon
organic squash or corn soup (comes in a box in the regular soup isle)
a little salt, pepper

Note: It doesn't HAVE to be organic...I'm just a snooty Californian. :-)

What to do:
Peel and cut up the potatoes and boil them in some water. Kinda like you're making mashed potatoes only not as much water. When they are nice and soft, add some of the soup (NOT the whole box) and salt/pepper. Then break up the pieces of bacon and throw them in the pot too. Bring back to a boil and then reduce heat. Cook for a little longer, but not much.

You can tell, I don't like to measure things...just put in how much seems right.

Yum!

Isn't everything better with bacon?

Let Go

LET GO singer- Imogen Heap, Band- Frou Frou

drink up, baby down
mmm, are you in or are you out
leave your things behind
'cause it's all going off without you
excuse me, too busy you're writing your tragedy
these mishaps
you bubble wrap
when you've no idea what you're like

so let go, jump in
oh well, whatcha waiting for
it's alright
'cause there's beauty in the breakdown
so let go, just get in
oh, it's so amazing here
it's alright
'cause there's beauty in the breakdown

it gains the more it gives
and then it rises with the fall
so hand me that remote
can't you see that all that stuff's a sideshow

such boundless pleasure
we've no time for later now
you can't await your own arrival
you've 20 seconds to comply

so let go, jump in
oh well, whatcha waiting for
it's alright
'cause there's beauty in the breakdown
so let go, just get in
oh, it's so amazing here
it's alright
'cause there's beauty in the breakdown

This songs basic message is an encouragement to take chances and live life. Don't waste it by feeling sorry for yourself. However it has a somewhat different message for me. I see it from a runners point of view.

My favorite line is "you can't await your own arrival." I can't stand in the cheering crowd and watch myself cross the finish line. The journey is the training. The race is the reward.

My second favorite line is " cause there's beauty in the breakdown." I can't tell you how good it feels to run yourself into the ground. To push yourself so hard that you shed your outer skin like a snake. All matter exists in a constant state of change. We change ourselves. We change others. We change our environment.
Each day I learn something new. My opinion changes. My body changes. My spirit changes. There is only one thing that doesn't change and I am keenly aware of it all.

It's so amazing here.
Beauty in the breakdown.
amazing breakdown.

One more thought...don't let the bad things that happen to you put you in box. If you do, you'll never come out to face it.

So ya had a bad day...

It was just one day...

You're coming out of a haze of indecision into a clear, bright future. Move forward.

Really? That's it? That's all ya got for me?

Yeah, sure, right....Whatever.

Horoscopes...gotta love 'em.

I don't know about indecision, but haze? Oh yes.

All week I've been engaged in a constant battle. A few close calls, but no direct hits. This mornings heavy artillery caught me off guard. My barricade sustained major injuries. I was left vulnerable and exposed.

It all comes down to this...RETREAT! Do not wave the white flag. I will NOT surrender. I request time to regroup before the final fight. Victory is mine!

Viruses beware. I will destroy you before you can make my nose runny. You may have ripped my voice into stringy shreds, but my secret weapons will shatter you into a thousand pieces and my strong system will spit you out in the sink.

Today I rest. Tomorrow I run you over with my big metal tank.

Hasta la viesta virus.