2009: A Year of Miracles

You look tired. Are you tired?

No. No I'm not. But thanks.

Easy Eggnog Cheesecake

I made this cheesecake for a work party this weekend. It was a huge risk, given that I've never made the recipe or even a cheesecake for that matter! BUT it was a huge hit and I've had people asking me for the recipe! And I'm only a little proud of how popular it was. :)

Easy Eggnog Cheesecake

CRUST
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
2 tablespoons white sugar
3 tablespoons melted butter
Dashes each of cinnamon and nutmeg

CHEESECAKE

3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup white sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 and 3/4 cup eggnog
2 eggs
2 tablespoons rum or vanilla extract
1 pinch ground nutmeg

TOPPING
2 cups whipping cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
Dash of cinnamon

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
In a medium bowl combine graham cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons sugar and butter, cinnamon and nutmeg to taste. Press into the bottom of a 9 inch spring form pan. (Cover bottom of pan with foil for easy removal later.)
Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes. Place on a wire rack to cool.
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
In a food processor combine cream cheese (softened in the microwave), 1 cup sugar, flour and eggnog; process until smooth. Blend in eggs, rum/vanilla and nutmeg. Pour mixture into cooled crust.
Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes.
Reduce heat to 250 and bake for 45 minutes, or until center of cake is barely firm to the touch. Remove from the oven and immediately loosen cake from rim. Let cake cool completely before removing the rim.

Whip cream with powdered sugar in blender or mixer until peaks form. Spread generously on top.

Chill for 1-2 hours.

Serves 16.

My big break

So I've finally launched my modeling career. Yes, it's late, but through hard work I'm finally a cover girl.

Or maybe my friend writes for a news magazine and asked me to do their cover as a favor.

But what a fun favor!

I got all dressed up while my friend did my makeup, then we headed over to the 99 Cent Store, who graciously let us roll around their aisles throwing coupons around. The cadre of ogling onlookers was a bonus.

So check out The Times publication next month to see the final copy of yours truly. I'm sure my phone will be ringing off the hook!

Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?

I love Christmas. I really do. The music, the treats, the family traditions. All bring joy to my soul.

So imagine my disappointment this weekend when I went to buy Christmas decorations for J Place, Tony's new house that will become ours in May.

My priorities were pretty simple going in: I was looking for garland and lights to hang outside; a tree and centerpiece for inside. I didn't think I would be looking for something more.

But as I looked at the displays in Target, Wal-Mart and Michaels, I noticed that anything resembling Jesus or the nativity is a little hard to come by. Sometimes they are even banished to one seemingly "Christian Corner" out of all the rows and rows of items. Instead, you can choose from fancy Santa, cute Santa, toy Santa, NASCAR Santa and any number of snowmen, reindeer and elves.

The worst was the row that offered Christmas decorations in hot pink and neon green.

I was surprised at my own revulsion. I happen to own a little white tree with pink lights. I buy into the commercialism every year it seems.

But this year was different. Maybe I was just looking for something unique. I hope it is because for the first time I am decorating MY HOUSE, the future site of a 2-person family with hopes for more. And I want Christmas to be about Christ. About joy. About the brave Mary and her loyal husband. About the grand sacrifice for mankind.

I want my home to feel warm and loving all the time, not only during Christmas. But you'd think it would be a little easier to create a Christian environment during such a holiday.

My first wedding gift

This 8-piece Serva-Snack came from my Nana Payne. She said she received it when she first got married but never really used it. I think that makes it 50 or 60 years old.

Inside are glass cups and dishes just right to Serva Snack to your friends. I love it for its 50s authenticity. And that it came from Nana.

She's 92 years old and frequently has falls or little trips to the emergency room. I'm honestly not sure she will be around for my wedding, but I really hope so. She is an anchor to a family of hundreds, with three generations proudly bearing her name. She is sweet and tough as nails, ready to give a word of encouragement or an honest assessment.

I feel honored that she would give me such a personal gift. I hope it will serve to remind me to be hospitable, generous and lighthearted like my Nana.

Yes We Can

yes we can.

Third favorite holiday of the year!

OK so maybe every two years.

I just couldn't contain my excitement to vote today. Even when I showed up and the line was down the street. I really think Election Day should be a holiday. I almost didn't have a chance to go this morning, and I could have been stuck going tonight and waiting in an even longer line!

But why don't we have the day off? Would too many people go boating instead of voting? Maybe we could save it for national election years.

I think more people would vote. And then I would also have more people coming to my Election Party!

Fiber is #1!

I met with a nutritionist this week, and it was very enlightening. Most of it was not new info (take half your meal to go, portion your meat to the size of a playing card), but it WAS nice to have the official word on food.

I am easily swayed by the advice from the last article I read, be it "focus on protein" or "carbs are OK," or "it's totally cool to eat Zebra Cakes for breakfast and lunch."

I took two major messages away from our meeting (and several minor ones): 1. Eat little snacks between meals. 2. Focus on being fiber-iffic!

Already the little meals are helping a lot. I'm not nearly as famished by dinner when I've had an apple or something at 4 pm.

And as for fiber, I was sadly uninformed about where it's found. Apparently it is in ALL fruits and vegetables! Wow! So I was given carte blanche for all fruits and veggies. I can go crazy with it.

So if you want some free second-hand nutrition advice, eat 2 snacks a day, and add veggies, fruits, beans and whole wheat to your menu.

A dyslexic man walks into a bra

We saw David Sedaris at Gammage last night, and it was wonderful! He is one of my favorite writers and so very hilarious. This was the second time we've seen him, and both times were fantastic.

Adding to the enjoyment was something I didn't expect: The sign language interpreter. (Aside: Why would a deaf person attend a book reading? Much of the humor comes from the author's vocal nuances. Oh well)

The interpreters stood to Sedaris' left onstage and did a phenomenal job of keeping up with his fast-paced stories.

The best interpretations:

"Throwing up gang signs," where the interpreter promptly put her hands up in front of her chest with index and pinkie fingers at attention.

"Slave monkey," where the interpeter curls her arms under her armpits in classic monkey fashion.

"Human feces," which is some kind of gyrating stomach movement.

Anyway, good times had by all. Oh, and he shared the joke listed in the title, in addition to "A baby seal walks into a bar. Bartender asks, 'What'll it be?' Seal says, 'Anything but a Canadian Club.'"

An open letter

I stole this idea from my shore. I was feeling a little sentimental tonight, so I thought I would partake.

Dear Colin Powell: Thank you. Your wisdom and courage has inspired me and given me hope for my future.

Dear Stress about the wedding: Can you please wait? How bout just a month or two? do I really need to decide everything now?

Dear Worries about my weight: I know you're important. I want to address you. And I'm going to try. But in the meantime, maybe you could just take a break.

Dear Tony: I love you more every day. I'm so lucky. None of this would be worth it without you.

Dear Starbucks: Thanks for making a little treat for me when I need one. I can't wait to try your salty caramel hot chocolate.

Dear Halloween: I love you! You're so fun!

The BIG News!

Collect your bets! Tony and I are tying the knot!

Last night, Tony invited me to come by his (well, almost his) new house in Mesa. There, he was waiting with a table and a vase of flowers. On our ninth anniversary as a couple, Tony proposed to me -- and I said YES! Then we had to leave because technically we were trespassing.

Stay tuned for more details on a May wedding.

The worst 'healthy' foods

I really appreciated this blog by David Zincenko and Matt Goulding, authors of Eat This, Not That.

It talks about supposedly healthy foods that are lined with corn syrup or full of fat. Like granola bars -- held together by high-fructose corn syrup. Or bagels -- up to 700 calories if you get the schmear (and I always get the schmear!).

I really appreciate blogs like these. I get totally suckered into thinking, "oh it can't be that bad," and basically ignoring the facts or calorie counts.

However, I almost always come across blogs like these at the wrong time -- like how I just bought a huge box of granola bars. :)

Oh, who are the people in your neighborhood?

You meet a lot of interesting people when you run at 6 am on Sunday mornings:

Shopping cart guy

Pretty harmless. Usually has a destination. Still, avoided by me when possible.

Punk rock guy

This is one that threw me for a loop. I saw two separate guys dressed all in black, smoking and walking down the street at 6:30 a.m. Was he up all night? Is this when he does his best thinking? Is he trying to get his cholesterol down?

Bikers

Very flashy outfits. Extremely muscular legs. Usually good about warning you before they run you over.

Other runners

Pretty friendly. Generally running faster than me. But hey, they're out there. And so am I.

Borrrrrring!

Have you ever been so bored you actually get tired because of it? It's so sad to go to bed at the end of a day feeling like you didn't deserve the rest.

PS don't you love Google image search? Fun time-filler: Google words that should not have an associated image (divorce, humiliated, or yay!) and see what pops up.

Happiest Race on Earth

Yesterday my good friend Catharyn and I ran the Disneyland Half Marathon in Anaheim. It was wonderful! The path took us through the actual park, where we were greeted by Pinocchio, Buzz Lightyear, Belle and the Beast, Alice and the Mad Hatter and many more.

The medals are awesome, too. Golden Disney castles. I plan on wearing mine for the next month.

The only disappointment was the time. I finished my last half marathon, PF Chang's, in 2:25 (two hours 25 minutes). This one was 2:47, due to the several times we actually had to come to a dead stop during the race because the running path was too narrow and we had to wait to get through.

But aside from that small setback, we had a great time and I would definitely do it again!

So what, did they use real moles?

Last Saturday I ran 9 miles in anticipation of the Disneyland half marathon on Aug. 31. I've spent the past two days nursing three blisters and two sore shoulders.

Today I bought insoles, moleskin and $25 socks. These accessories are in addition to the $80 shoes, $100 GPS tracker and $249 iPod.

I can't help but wonder...why do I NEED all of this crap? And I really do need it, unfortunately. My feet blister at the very mention of cotton socks. And I can't go 5 minutes if I don't have some overly peppy song blasting.

But the cavemen didn't need Adidas or moleskin to chase sabre tooth tigers and wooly mammoths. All they needed was an empty stomach and a spear.

I would have made a terrible cavewoman. I would have been forced to be a vegetarian, because carrots don't run that fast.

Halloween spirit

This week I walked in Michael's to see they had put out all of their Halloween decorations. Fall-colored leaves, pumpkins and spooky characters were on display. It made me so cheerful, because I love Halloween! Of course, it's the beginning of August so it seems a little premature, but it made me want to decorate and start planning my costume.

Tony and I have pulled together some pretty sweet duos in the past, but sometimes it can be hard to come up with an interesting couple costume. Any ideas out there?

Ricky and Lucy Ricardo





Poison Ivy and Two Face











Illegal Immigrant and Border Patrol Agent

The Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie

This recipe was compiled by a New York Times Writer after interviewing several top chefs. Turns out, the secret recipe is letting the dough sit for 24-36 hours. Maybe that's why store bought dough is always SOOO delicious.

Time: 45 minutes (for 1 6-cookie batch), plus at least 24 hours’ chilling

2 cups minus 2 tablespoons (8 1/2 ounces) cake flour
1 2/3 cups (8 1/2 ounces) bread flour
1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt
2 1/2 sticks (1 1/4 cups) unsalted butter
1 1/4 cups (10 ounces) light brown sugar
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (8 ounces) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons natural vanilla extract
1 1/4 pounds bittersweet chocolate disks or fèves, at least 60 percent cacao content (see note)
Sea salt.

1. Sift flours, baking soda, baking powder and salt into a bowl. Set aside.
2. Using a mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream butter and sugars together until very light, about 5 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla. Reduce speed to low, add dry ingredients and mix until just combined, 5 to 10 seconds. Drop chocolate pieces in and incorporate them without breaking them. Press plastic wrap against dough and refrigerate for 24 to 36 hours. Dough may be used in batches, and can be refrigerated for up to 72 hours.
3. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat. Set aside.
4. Scoop 6 3 1/2-ounce mounds of dough (the size of generous golf balls) onto baking sheet, making sure to turn horizontally any chocolate pieces that are poking up; it will make for a more attractive cookie. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt and bake until golden brown but still soft, 18 to 20 minutes. Transfer sheet to a wire rack for 10 minutes, then slip cookies onto another rack to cool a bit more. Repeat with remaining dough, or reserve dough, refrigerated, for baking remaining batches the next day. Eat warm, with a big napkin.

Yield: 1 1/2 dozen 5-inch cookies.

Note: Disks are sold at Jacques Torres Chocolate; Valrhona fèves, oval-shaped chocolate pieces, are at Whole Foods.

Scrub

I observed my first surgery today!

It was very cool. Got to see the appendix, liver, uterus and ovaries thanks to a laproscopic camera. It was pretty short, but I was very impressed with the stuff I did get to see, which was all broadcast on a screen.

I just kept saying "Wow" under my breath.

Technology!

Victoria's Secret shame

Look, I am the last person to criticize how someone looks at the gym. That would be due to my usual getup: 80s scrunchie, high school band Tshirt, Wal-didas pants and sweaty, lobster-red face.

But there is a certain look I just can't stand. And this one goes to all the ladies. It begins with the hair. Leaving your hair down, perfectly placed? That means you're probably going level 1 on the elliptical. For 18 minutes. Just enough to avoid breathing hard. Then comes the jewelry. Big hoop earrings? Hope they don't get stuck in your luxurious hair.

The rest has to do with the outfit. Victoria's Secret tank top with matching "exercise" pants? Or the halter top sports bra? Listen, folks. This is Pure Fitness, one of the cheapest gyms in the Valley of the Sun. The only thing you're going to attract is some sweaty riff raff. And this is some of the riffiest raff you've ever seen. This is not LA Fitness, or even the gym at Arizona State. Put on a freakin T-shirt! Please! Show off your Bud Lite abs at Martini Ranch, why don't cha?

I'm not saying everyone should look like me. I probably shouldn't even look like me. But if you aren't there to run until you're coughing, you don't even deserve to beep your card at the door.

The quarter life crisis

Well, it happened. I turned 25 on Monday. Quarter of a century. The Arizona quarter was released on my birthday. How appropo.

I've had two parties - both were raging successes. And, as usual, everyone was way too generous with the gifts and just made it an absolute blast. I am truly blessed to have such friends and family as this.

As usual on my birthday, I like to reflect on the past year and what I've accomplished. Or not. I was looking at what I posted last year, which was a list of things I wanted to do. Of all the things - getting closer to being debt free, publish three freelance articles, win an award, get a passport, run another half marathon - I only did one or two.

Since this time last year:
- Visited Boston and Washington, DC for the first time
- ran my second half marathon
- quit my job and got a better one
- remodeled my bathroom
- did NOT publish three freelance articles, win a journalism award or get a passport. I guess the new job will help me get debt-free, so that counts.

By next year, I want to:
- remodel my kitchen
- run a full marathon
- get a passport and make plans for international travel
- get involved in charity work
- take a web design class
- hire a Spanish tutor

Anyone else have some good life goal ideas? I'm taking suggestions.

Summer 2008 superlatives

Lindsay's best ____ of the summer:

song: "A-punk" by Vampire Weekend
blockbuster movie: "The Dark Knight"
non-blockbuster movie: "Sex and the City"
book: "Bonk" by Mary Roach
food: bacon-wrapped hotdog
drink: cantaloupe juice
activity: lounging by friend's pool
hangout: Cheeburger Cheeburger for the chocolate malt
phrase: "It happened!" (to be used when the inevitable occurs, such as getting paint on your new tile shower)
vacation spot: local hotels offering sizzling deals for AZ residents
reunion spot: Austin, TX

worst summer experience so far: pool at Fernwood Manor found CHAINED with a padlock at 10:30 p.m. first swim of the summer ruined! lame, Fernwood. LAME.

The moment of triumph!

My bathroom is finally done! It went from fiberglass countertop and bathtub held together by stains to tile and walk-in shower. In short, I feel very fancy. Next stop: kitchen. Here come the cabinets.

See below for the bathroom transformation from when I moved in September '06:

Food at the Tempe Marketplace

While some might say Tempe Marketplace is just another power center, I can't help but find myself hanging out there almost once a week. Usually for dinner or happy hour. If you haven't been there, here's a few highlights:

Maria Maria: Carlos Santana's restaurant has a lot going for it, but one of the top qualities is the atmosphere. The patio is big, the music is live on the weekends and the crowds tell you it's a pretty popular place right now. The food is also good, but not really the reason you go.

Cheeburger Cheeburger: Any place that has 80 different kinds of shakes or malts has my vote. I recommend the chocolate malt or the birthday cake shake. The burgers are also pretty tasty, with nearly limitless toppings.

Kabuki: If you're not a sushi purist, but enjoy rolls and cheap happy hour appetizers, this place is for you. A good place to introduce someone to sushi.

Other assorted chains: Chipotle, California Pizza Kitchen, Paradise Bakery, Cold Stone Creamery, etc.

new tastes!

Today I tasted cantaloupe juice and a bacon-wrapped hotdog.

Cantaloupe juice was cold and sweet. I'm in love.

Bacon-wrapped hotdog? Kind of a disappointment. But I think if I were running the grill it could be improved.

Had both of these during a trip to Rocky Point, which was fabulous. Got a nice toasty tan, spent some time with the gals and haggled to get some Coach-knockoff sunglasss down from $12 to $9.

That's what I call a successful vacation!

PB, J, and C

Here's an idea for a snack that is both cute and delicious.

Peanut butter and jelly crackers. I prefer wheat thins, creamy peanut butter and strawberry preserves.

The benefit? no bread crust

A Bathroom Obsessed

I am having my bathroom redone this month. The look I'm going for is on the top. But given the fact that my bathroom is the size of a postage stamp (see bottom pic), it will have to be a little abbreviated.

I am extremely excited about the remodel, however I am really bad at making these kinds of decisions. I'm wracked by the numerous options in tile, glass, cabinets. I just want to give someone an idea and let them make it wonderful.

Are there people you can hire who already know what you want?

got tagged!

OK this was a little more personal than I planned, but oh well...

10 Years Ago...
I was finishing my freshman year in high school

5 Things on my To-Do list today...
* find out what breakfast cookies are
* work on a memoir for my business, Your Legacy in Print
* make pizzas with Tony
* watch the Suns

Snacks I enjoy...
• Wheat thins
• peanut butter MMs
• cheese with said wheat thins
• almonds

Things I would do if I were suddenly a billionaire...
* buy a house
* fix car
* new wardrobe
* TRAVEL: italy first, then france, England, japan, brazil

3 of my bad habits...
* Bossing people around
* eating too much, exercising too little
* swearing

Jobs I've had...
• ABCO grocery store associate
• Dancing monkey at Zoolights
• Take-away girl at Outback Steakhouse
• Tour guide at Zoo
• News reporter


5 Things people don't know about me...
* I love karaoke
* I want to get married
* I wish I were thinner
* Driving my car makes me feel sassy
* I would do my job for free if it were possible

DUH

Breaking news from New York Times story about texting:

"Children increasingly rely on personal technological devices like cellphones to define themselves and create social circles apart from their families, changing the way they communicate with their parents."

New York Times: Reporting news from the 90s for your busy schedule

blast ye tiny peddlers of sweets!

Ahhh.....Girl Scout cookies. So good. Yet so short-lived.

The question: Would they be as good if they were available year-round? Methinks not. It makes them more valuable and delicious.

My problem is choosing between my two favorites - Tagalongs (chocolate and peanut butter) and of course Thin Mints. So I don't actually choose. I just hand over 8 bucks to some sports writer's adorable 8-year-old daughter.

What are your picks for the best Girl Scout cookies?

I'm all, like, cultured and junk

Last night Loc took me to see the Phoenix Symphony. Loved it! The music was amazing. I'd forgotten how much of a difference a live performance can make.

This is another in our series of seeing live shows: We saw a taping of Wait, Wait, went to a discussion with actress Cloris Leachman, and, well, saw The Shins a while back, but that was more of a rock concert.

I would still like to see Ballet Arizona, another opera, a play and a jazz orchestra.

Wait Wait......WAIT!

Thursday we got to attend a taping of Wait Wait, Don't Tell Me! The NPR News Quiz. It was awesome! I got to meet the host, Peter Sagal, who incidentally looks exactly like his voice sounds, if that's possible. We also got to learn some of the secrets of the show:
- The callers leave a message at NPR. They are chosen by wit and conversation skills. Then they are told to wait by the phone Thursday nights, when the show tapes.
- To get Karl Kassell's voice on your home answering machine, winners write out the message they want, he records it and a CD is sent to your home.
- After the taping, they retape certain parts that didn't go well or got flubbed.

Overall it was freakin awesome! Listen on Saturday to see how much AZ Governor Janet Napolitano knows about college basketball coach Bobby Knight.

The future of the Suns?

I hope he has some kind of magic power to stay off the injured list.

one thing I HATE SO MUCH

Tonight I ran into someone I see from time to time. Someone I met in high school. We worked at the zoo together. We went to a Blink 182 concert together. He criticized me for driving my mom's van too fast. I have seen him at other events. So in other words, he's an acquaintance, right?

Well apparently that's wrong. He had no idea who I was. Didn't know my name, barely showed recognition that we'd met before.

And it kills me. Because, you see, this is something that happens ALL THE TIME. People I have met before completely forgetting me. Tell me the truth - is it my face? Do I just have a forgettable face?

Ruined my night. I could barely enjoy my overpriced tiramisu.

can i get a witness?

This morning I was cleaning out the litter box when I heard a knock on my door. I never get knocks on my door! I checked the peep hole and opened the door - but left the chain on. I was still in my pajamas after all!

And who was at the door? Some Jehovah's Witnesses. Two ladies who wanted to give me literature. They didn't want to come in from what I could tell, and I didn't invite them (pajama factor).

But I felt like it was a big step as a homeowner.

an oldie but a goodie

on my mind

Totally stolen from Beckbot's blog
--
On My Bedside Table:
cup of undrank water
Outrageous! The Charles Barkley story
Naked by David Sedaris
Born Standing Up by Steve Martin
New Kings of Nonfiction
lotion
sore throat lozenge wrappers that I inevitably use as bookmarks

Latest Interests:
old James Bond movies
sewing on my new sewing machine!

On My Mind:
running marathons
working on my business

Learning:
sewing (Ok I haven't sewn anything yet but I want to!)

[Thinking about] Making:
floor pillows for Tony
little purse
tilapia with white sauce made of neufchatel

Looking Forward To:
Shanna's 1992 prom night
April trip to Boston

Enjoying:
Daily Show now that we have cable
tamales

Amused By:
Tony, who always makes me smile

It's done!

Today I crossed the finish line for my second half-marathon, this time in Phoenix. I cut about 20 minutes off my original time (still one of the slowest of the people I know - ask me if I care) and had a pretty good time the whole way.

It was sunny, but not too hot. Came off with a little sunburn. Also feeling a LOT of soreness in my hips (who knew that you have to use your hips for so much?) which means I'm hobbling around like an old woman. And some overall tiredness. I've been fighting off a cold for two days, and now I'm scared that since the race is over it will wash over me with a vengeance. Stay tuned for an "I'm sick!" blog in the next couple days.

Overall, another great experience. One of the things I was talking to my sister Amy (time 1:43 because she is a rockstar) about was the urge to cry when you cross the finish line. We decided that it's not so much that you conquered the impossible - since thousands of people finished the race. It's more that you have been aching and blistering and burning for two hours or so, suppressing the urge to slow down or give up. And when you see the finish line and you know that you conquered the urge to quit, it's just too much and you kind of choke up. Even watching the finish line at a marathon can be very emotional when you see people near the end.

Though I may take it easy for a couple weeks here, I think I'm still aiming for a full marathon on June 1 in San Diego. You all are invited!

calibrate good times

So I just realized that my iPod Nike+ hadn't been calibrated this entire time. That means when it told me I ran 4 miles, I actually ran about 3.75.

It also means I'm an ol slow poke, just as I suspected.

Countdown to half marathon: 5 days

Looks like mom's gettin a box of Omaha steaks!

Diamond Auto Glass has a commercial out right now where some kids are playing baseball and it hits a windshield. The gimmick is that with a new windshield you get a box of Omaha steaks. Aside: Is it weird to be getting meat from your windshield guy? I guess the only meat I associate with windshields is road kill.

Anyhoo, it reminded me of a time when Dallace and I were playing softball in our backyard and we sent one right through a kitchen window. No adults heard it, so we just took the softball from where it had lodged itself and went to the front yard.

Later my mom found out somehow - did we tell her? can't remember - and got so mad at us for just taking the ball out and continuing to play. I felt pretty sheepish, but on the other hand I didn't really see any reason to stop playing. Minor setback, right?

The Magnificat

My soul doth magnify the Lord / and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
For he hath regarded / the lowliness of his handmaiden.
For behold, from henceforth / all generations shall call me blessed.
For he that is mighty hath magnified me / and holy is his Name.
And his mercy is on them that fear him / throughout all generations.
He hath shewed strength with his arm / he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He hath put down the mighty from their seat / and hath exalted the humble and meek.
He hath filled the hungry with good things / and the rich he hath sent empty away.
He remembering his mercy hath holpen his servant Israel / as he promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed for ever.

Christmas I hardly knew ye

I find it so sad that Christmas has already come and gone. I'm not even sick of it yet. In fact, I was just really getting into the Christmas spirit. I was wildly blessed by some generous elves this year, which of course made me really happy. I also like the gifts I gave, including a scrapbook for a certain F Minus artist, a recording I made for my nephew of a curious George book and a gift wrapping bin that I was eyeing jealously the whole time I put it together.

whatever Target cashier

Every time I go to a store, I try to use the least amount of bags possible. If I'm buying a book, I don't need a bag. Orange? no bag. You get the picture.

The other night I bought some stuff at Target and I tried to tell the cashier I only wanted two bags. But she INSISTED I take three.

She said - why does it matter?
I said - I'm trying to save the planet. It matters.
She said - just reuse them. use it as a trash liner
I said - that would be fine, if I had 600 trash cans, but I don't. I have too many bags already at home.

...and she hands me my third bag. screw you target cashier.

Personal Best!

So tonight was supposed to be an 8 mile run, but I didn't plan for it and got started too late.

Instead, I decided to go for 3 miles, and ended up running a personal best! It was so exciting. I've never run that fast before, and it felt so good, despite it being really cold and close to 11:30 pm.

And I have to say that I love having the nike ipod+, which gives me little messages of encouragement through my headphones, like congratulating me on my run.

Pet peeve

Cold bread.

Attention restaurants: no one likes cold bread. stop serving it. it's hard to put butter on it and it never tastes as good. So throw it in a warmer or something, huh? One repeat offender is California Pizza Kitchen. Another was a place I visited in DC tonight called Pesce, which had cold bread and small portions.

Anyone else got some pet peeves out there?

Sixer

So I finished the sixer tonight. Now I'm icing my feet with some frozen spinach. It's not as gross as it sounds.

PS, if you haven't caught on yet, this forum is going to be part of my motivation for the Half Marathon Jan 13. 13.1 or bust! That's a pit stop on the way to the full marathon in June, when I turn 25.

And I would be absolutely remiss if I didn't acknowledge my coaches/bike posse: Camilla, my sister, and Tony, my boyfriend. They come with me on my long runs and keep me going strong. How will this play out on race day? Well, let's hope it works out.

Finally, I'm always looking for new iTunes to rock my workout. Please suggest your faves!

Worst pickup line ever

A few years ago I worked at a restaurant that had a fairly young staff. Naturally, the inter-kitchen dating was rampant, but the absolute worst line I heard was this:

Another server asked me out. I told him I have a boyfriend. His question?

"Are you interested in any sidework?"

If you are unfamiliar with the term, sidework refers to the little chores everyone is assigned to do before they leave, like refilling salt shakers or ketchup bottles.

So he was asking me if I wanted to cheat on my boyfriend in the same manner that I might mop the floor. Hot.

What are the worst lines you have ACTUALLY heard?

That would be a fiver

So I ran five miles tonight. yay! Another step closer to the PF Chang's half in January.

One question, though: Why is it when I step just a little bit faster do I suddenly turn into a grandma?

My nose runs, my stomach gets bubbly and my hip feels like it is a rusty hinge.

Oh, and my hair turns white. EVERY TIME

Any other runners out there? Share your war stories!

I knew it!

My dream has come true.

I have an action figure set on my desk featuring Superman, Lois Lane and the American flag.

Ordinarily, they are posed in a normal stance.

Yesterday, Superman had his arm around Lois.

I now have plans to set up a hidden camera overnight to catch them in the act.

I KNEW dolls came alive after dark!

The Fave Five

I haven't blogged in a while because every time I sign on, blogger takes about 6 years to load. Somehow today I got lucky.


These are my top 5 restaurants lately. Tell me what else I should try!

1. radioMilano: On 40th Street and Campbell. I fell in love with their hand-made pasta with vegetables and goat cheese. I am a huge sucker for goat cheese, yet I don't particularly enjoy goats. Catch-22? No, more like Double Jeopardy. I also adored the olive oil cake, served with jam and cream. I know what you're thinking - jam? gross! But actually jam is quite delicious. The staff also was incredible. We were running late for a Shins concert, and they got us out of there in 30 minutes.

2. Swaddee Authentic Thai Cuisine in Tempe: Just named Best of Phoenix by the New Times. I had "Coconut Princess" and enjoyed it v much.

3. La Grande Orange in Phoenix: Always. Especially the egg pizza. love it!

4. Four Peaks Brewery in Tempe: Mainly the french fries, which are some of the best I've ever had. Add to that the sweet jalapeno dipping sauce and you got yourself a party.

5. Giovanni Pizza Bistro: In Tempe, Baseline and Mill. This best-kept secret is so unknown, the last time we went there we were the only patrons for about 2 hours. Then we left, so we may have been the only patrons that night. Despite the sketchy service, the food is really good and the tables always have real flowers on them. I especially like the rolls - order pepperoni or spinach.

P.S. This is my second attempt to post this blog today. Blogger froze the computer.

you bet your fanny

http://www.azcentral.com/style/seasons/articles/090407fannypack.html

So according to this article, fanny packs are back. Strange, it seems for some people they never left.

I for one lament the return for these reasons: 1 - "fanny" in the name. 2 - seems to sit at the very point on one's body that needs the least packing. 3 - It reminds me all too much of a certain family's mom who was not very nice.

Can we not just carry bags like civilized people?

This better be the best Thai food ever

The other day I went to get some Thai takeout. The staff was very nice and poured me some water while I was waiting. Then the waitress brought me my bill: $110.68.

She had added an extra zero. But here's the catch: they didn't know how to cancel the transaction. Or they didn't want to. I heard the owner grumbling about the 50 cent fee. So they gave me $100 cash back.

Ordinarily I would be pretty annoyed. But it was some damn good pad Thai.

Newest Member of the Family

Meet Beverly. She's 7 months old and she is meant to keep Merriweather company. And chase her around so she loses weight.

I chose the name Beverly because it sounds like an old lady. One of my favorite names for a pet was Lazy Dan. What are some of the best pet names you've heard?

Fun with Photo Booth

chocolate guilt

The other night I ate something called a "chocodile." I think it's a cross between a Twinkie and a Ding-Dong. It was good, but not chocolicious. And not worth gaining 2 pounds.

The explanation

I got kicked out of Bashas' because I was doing a story about people who volunteer their time and drive elderly, homebound people to do their errands. One such errand that day was a trip to the grocery store. I had a photographer with me, so I was a little more obvious than usual. We got about halfway around the store before we were met with two store managers who told us very nicely to park it outside. we sat at the deli in the front and waited. Neither their photos nor their name got a mention in the story.

Where You've Got a Friend

Today I got kicked out of a Bashas' grocery store

oh brother

Today while driving around in my parents' neighborhood, I saw a man outside his house with no pants on. He had a shirt. Luckily it was a long shirt. Kind of like a night shirt I guess. But mostly it's kids you see wearing night shirts, and really, this was kind of a button-down shirt. And he was no kid.

Settling in Mesa

Starting tomorrow I will be working out of Mesa. It's a good thing, despite having to say goodbye to my beautiful desk and my two windows. And the loads of wonderful eating options available in Scottsdale. Mesa has The Sandwich Mile. And a reputation for bug problems. Yahoo!

Deathly Hallows

I just finished reading the last Harry Potter book. It didn't take me too long - I was pretty much rushing all the way through it to see how it ended. I finished it at about 1 am or so. Then I went to use the bathroom and the toilet overflowed onto the floor.

Other than that, though, I really enjoyed the book. I think if I could find fiction meant for adults that grabbed me as much as that series did, it would be a good thing -- seeing as how I am not 12, teach grade school or have an 11th grade reading level.

Homemade web site

Wanna see a very simple Web site?

www.yourlegacyinprint.com

I made it. It's my first try. I have big plans to make it better soon. In the meantime, you can enjoy some Microsoft Clip Art photos that I found under "seniors."

And if you happen to know anyone who wants to write down their life story, have them contact me.

My brutally honest personality results

Your Score: Busy Body- ENFJ

73% Extraversion, 60% Intuition, 46% Thinking, 73% Judging

You manipulative busybody! You're what some might call the "backseat driver" of life. You know, the one who knows exactly what everyone else is doing wrong and how they should go about fixing it. You're always trying to change everyone else.

The strange thing is, you can generally get whoever you want, to do whatever you want. What's that? You want me to stop insulting you...well, alright...but only because you asked so nic...WAIT A MINUTE!

Stop sticking your cumbersome nose where it aint't wanted. You're like an oversized sniffer dog, trained to sniff out everyone else's problems, yet oblivious to your own.

For one you worry excessively. The fact that you're also incredibly sensitive to criticism probably has you on the verge of tears right now. Get a grip.

You have powers of manipulation unlike any other. You know all the gossip and you know how to ultimately use it as blackmailing material.

You could potentially be the ultimate evil villain... if not for the fact you choose to use all of your powers for good, rather than evil. How honourable. How admirable and praiseworthy. How pathetic.

While you're helping others out and pushing them into the limelight, you're left in the background to inhale the dirty smoke of their success. Nice one.

*****************

If you want to learn more about your personality type in a slightly less negative way, check out this.

*****************

The other personality types are as follows...

Loner - Introverted Sensing Feeling Perceiving

Pushover - Introverted Sensing Feeling Judging

Criminal - Introverted Sensing Thinking Perceiving

Borefest - Introverted Sensing Thinking Judging

Almost Perfect - Introverted iNtuitive Feeling Perceiving

Freak - Introverted iNtuitive Feeling Judging

Loser - Introverted iNtuitive Thinking Perceiving

Crackpot - Introverted iNtuitive Thinking Judging


Clown - Extraverted Sensing Feeling Perceiving

Sap - Extraverted Sensing Feeling Judging

Commander - Extraverted Sensing Thinking Perceiving

Do Gooder - Extraverted Sensing Thinking Judging

Scumbag - Extraverted iNtuitive Feeling Perceiving


Prick - Extraverted iNtuitive Thinking Perceiving

Dictator - Extraverted iNtuitive Thinking Judging

Link: The Brutally Honest Personality Test written by UltimateMaster on OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the The Dating Persona Test

MORE elbow grease

Did lots of work on the ol sticks n bricks in the past couple weeks.

In the "before" photo, you can see a blank white wall on the left. That's the wall we painted.

And in the updated pics of the dining room, we added a darker color of green on the wall and a new light.

Next stop: the bathroom!

I'll keep it brief

Yesterday I finally faced my fear. It had been lurking in my storage closet, which already was scary because it had spiderwebs and leaves.

This was the fear: A pair of men's white briefs that someone (construction worker? previous tenant?) had left on the top shelf of my storage closet.

I decided to tackle it with this tiny broom I have. The handle is maybe 3 feet long. So I carefully hooked the undies on to the end of the broom and walked with it dangling in front of me to the dumpster. That was when I discovered the second pair. I HAD thought there was just one pair. No. Two. So yet another trip to the dumpster, with some neighbors eyeing me cautiously. Oh, and one dirty white sock, too.

The guy's a pro

On Sunday, as I was exiting the Flagstaff Wal-Mart, I met a professional hobo. He was a grungy, bearded man on a bike with a cock-a-mamie story about needing money for bus fare so he could get to a train station then to Las Vegas then to Wyoming or something.

"Now since I'm a professional hobo," he said, "I have a service to provide." His services featured mostly window cleaning. And he pointed out the difference between a hobo - who is willing to work for his handout - and a bum - who just wants to leech off people.

Well, his scheme worked. I didn't need the window washed, but I did need a little karma. PROFESSIONAL karma.

Can we use the vacuum for this?

Today an electrician came to the house to look at installing motion sensor lights. He brought his little boy with him. He was about 9.

I tried to be hospitable: I gave the kid Capri Sun and some fruit snacks. (Just ignore for a minute the fact that I already had this stuff in my cupboards and eat like a preschooler.)

By the time the two were leaving, the little boy was complaining that he didn't feel too good.

He was right.

He threw up in my doorway.....and my carpet....and my walls....and some of my picture frames.

Tonight on 24

A few days ago I turned 24, an age I consider respectable. Non-respectable ages include 11, 15 and 19. I realized I've had this blog just over a year, and last year I went through a few things as I turned 23 (semi respectable). So I guess I'll turn it into an annual tradition.

Things I've accomplished since June 2, 2006:
- moved into my own house
- dropped a dishwasher off at Goodwill even though it still had some water in it
- ran a half marathon in San Diego
- bought a newER car. My first SUV. Look out environment!
- rode a horse in a parade
- survived a midnight break-in at said house

Things I'd like to accomplish in the coming year:
- move closer to being debt free
- nourish the memoir-writing business I'm starting with my friend
- publish at least three freelance articles
- win a journalism award
- get a passport
- run another half marathon, possibly a full
- become more spiritual

If anyone has any more suggestions of things I should/should not do in the coming year, please comment!

Me encanta la musica latina

Lately I've been loving Latin music, including artists like Juanes, Shakira, Nelly Furtado and Bebe. I have my friend Amanda to thank for this - she burned me a rockin CD. Although I guess Bebe is from Spain - does that count as Latin? I say yes.

I also realized in the past year or so that technically I am a quarter Mexican. Not Hispanic. But Mexican. My grandmother was born in Mexico and maintains dual citizenship. So boom - I could've had so many more scholarships. I'll keep it in mind for grad school. Then they will take one look at me and send me back to WASP-ville.

the irony

I was looking for a nutrition book at Changing Hands the other day and noticed they put all the diet books next to the cook books. Sadistic.

Albuquerque is for spellers

I stole this from my sister's blog. It's awesome! You can type in whatever you want and it becomes a sign:
http://www.redkid.net/generator/roosevelt/
Click this and scroll down.

Bad Car-ma

I just had to leave my car in a Target parking lot overnight, causing waves of stress and grouchiness. Luckily, it only meant buying a new battery, which is under 100 bucks and easy to install. It also inspired me to look for a "Basics in Car Repair" class, because I'm just about the most clueless person on the planet when it comes to cars. I've never even checked my oil. But on the plus side, I have a very good relationship with my mechanic!

Sometimes I imagine myself buying all the right tools and spending a couple hours on a Saturday morning tinkering with my car, alone with my thoughts, Hank Hill style. Then I think about shopping at IKEA instead, and just dropping off the car to let someone else do it. And it sounds a lot better.

Cupcake fever

Today I spent $10 on two cupcakes and a bottle of milk. The cupcake WAS pretty delicious, but worth $3.25? Prob not. Apparently cupcakes are all the rage now. There are going to be 3 in Scottsdale alone. The verdict is in: cupcakes are the new gelato.

Jury Doodie

First time at jury duty. So far nothing has happened except I'm sitting in a room full of slightly annoyed people. And the cafeteria is in another building or something, and requires another pass through security to get back. No juice for me I suppose. Oh, now we're watching a movie about jury duty. I'll check back in later.

Update:

Well, after sitting the entire morning without being called, I finally joined a group after lunch. It had something to do with guns, and apparently I'm not the gun-lovin type so I didn't get picked. However, I DID get to sit all day in a government building on my precious day off. The system works.

Ways to spend your Saturday

Things I'm excited for:
Trip to Orlando in two weeks
My birthday June 2. I'll be 24. A good age I think.
The new Batman movie, though it won't be out for a while.
Adding egg to pizza
Summer camping trips

Things I'm not excited for:
Jury duty on Monday. My first time. I predict it will be a big waste of 6-8 hours
Summer heat that makes it so I can't roll down the window.
Cleaning out the litter box
HOA fees kicking in soon

Grumpy Old Men

Last night I had two run ins with grumpy old men, or GOM. The first occurred at a gelato shop, when a GOM in a fancy grey suit cut in front of hordes of people to order in front of us. He was rebuffed by his fancy old wife. Yet, just seconds later, he tried to cut us in line again at the cashier, and gave us the evil eye as we blocked his maneuver.

The second entanglement occurred at a bridge. This time the GOM was guarding the pathway, like a fairy tale troll, and tried to convince me that the bridge had been closed for two months. Actually he said it like this: "Sweetheart, I work here every night!" And I tried to explain to him that I had crossed the bridge just the previous week. I left in a huff, angry that I didn't have the right password for the ol troll and that he called me "Sweetheart".

Elbow grease

We installed moulding today - which was pretty simple but time-consuming. And I love the way it's turned out! Home repair is fun! And expensive!

Community College non-credit courses

All class titles are real. Descriptions...not so much

AARP Driver Safety Program: Basics in sitting at green lights, leaving the blinker on and achieving that "Fresh from 1961" smell
Crystal Healing Power: See also Make Money Selling Rocks
Makeup: The Tammy Faye Bakker method
Be a Modern Nomad: Will need backpack, compass, trust fund
Who's walking around in your head: Seriously. Who?
Family Violence: Via satellite from cell block D
Get Funny!: Or else
Where does all my money go?: Class fees $475
The magic of hypnosis: See also Filing Your Small Claim
Wow, What a Great Event!: Planning your own funeral

* http://www.mc.maricopa.edu/schedules/noncredit.html

4 Things You will Learn Today

* I just bought the soundtrack to "Romeo and Juliet." No, not the black and white one you watched at McClintock High in Benvenuti's class. The one with Leonardo DiCaprio. The CD sort of takes me back to my junior high days, so very full of angst and wishing I looked like Claire Danes.

* Did I ever tell you I always wanted to be a ballerina? I was the only one of my sisters who didn't get to do it. But I did play soccer, which is how I broke two pairs of identical glasses. In identical ways: hit in the face with a soccer ball. Good bye soccer. Hello band.

* I still have my trumpet. Sometimes I wonder how I could get hired to play at churches and weddings and make thousands. Then I remember that there are some people out there who are actually talented or professionals.

* I just finished "Nickel and Dimed," by an author who spent months in different "American" jobs: waitressing, maid for hire, Wal-Mart associate. It's a little depressing. I think my next book should be more whimsical. Oh yeah, I'm reading "Spook: Science tackles the afterlife." That's pretty whimsical.

Mr. and Mrs. Lindsay Butler

Lately I've been getting a lot of mail addressed to Mr. Lindsay Butler. I guess I could go on and on about how cruel it is that they assume the name on the deed must belong to a man, but instead I'll just post a picture of the REAL Mr. Lindsay Butler. You hear that, Discover Card? Get it right!

Can you put a cat on a leash?

Short answer: Yes, but it's not very successful.
Since I moved into my condo, I have asked my cat Merriweather (pictured above on her 4th birthday) to move in with me. She no longer has a backyard to play in, but I try to let her go outside once in a while. The challenge is not losing her, and past attempts have meant chasing her around the complex as she darts from car to car to hide underneath. So, natch I thought I could solve the problem by using a leash. I pictured her tied to a tree, lazily rolling in the grass, enjoying her controlled freedom.
Well, it didn't exactly turn out that way.
She fights against the leash and always manages to tangle herself up in some way that almost chokes her to death. Today I found her perched on top of some horribly scratchy bush, her zebra-striped leash wound around all the branches. And of course, the Canadian neighbor next door was watching the whole time.
At this point, I'm not exactly sure what to do. I hate to leave her cooped up in my 1-bed condo, but I can't have her running around all over tarnation.
Maybe I could just get the neighbor to move.

Just call me wheels

Well my old car - the Batmobile - sort of ran out of life. So I got a new (to me) car. It's a CR-V, and I seriously never thought I would be one of those SUV girls. Let me explain: Every time someone is cutting me off or doing something stupid on the road, it always seems to be a woman in an SUV on her cell phone. And I hate them! But when I got in this car, I felt a little fun! It was up high, it was peppy, and it felt safe. So I got it, and to celebrate I went to Starbucks the next morning......and promptly spilled in my car and backed into a fence. But at least I wasn't on my phone. I only save that for the freeway.

Beauty and the Geek

Although this is another in a slew of ridiculous reality shows, I recently have become hooked on the show "Beauty and the Geek." For the uninformed, it pairs a group of "beauties" with a group of "geeks" and they have to compete in contests that do not appeal to their most natural abilities. For example, in one episode the women were challenged to find a library book. They were terrible. And the men then had to get a stranger to rub sunblock on their backs. Oh the antics that ensued!

At any rate, I think I like the show because I have always been a sucker for nerdy guys, since they usually are also genuinely nice and caring. And I can only hope that my children also are geeks, for though junior high will almost kill them, they will turn out to be some of the best people in the world.

I also included a picture of me and Tony as beauty and the geek. You decide, America!

Black is back

Guess what? Black nail polish is fashionable. I know! Weird!

I put some on, and I have to admit it feels strange. I haven't worn black nail polish since I was, oh, 11. And it wasn't because it was cool, no sirree.

But apparently now it's OK to wear black - it doesn't mean you're goth anymore! But there are rules. This isn't Nam. You have to keep your nails short. And it doesn't have to be just black - dark brown or maroon are OK, too.

Black (polish) power!

Ho ho hum

This year's Christmas season was sort of mixed for me. I was looking forward to Christmas like I always do, but I never really got the butterflies in my stomach or felt the magic -- even on Christmas Eve. Is that an adult thing? The weight of the world becomes so heavy that you focus more on how much it's going to cost, or worrying that you didn't get enough presents for your nephew to open? When I was little I used to get so excited on Christmas Eve I would eat way too much and throw up. I threw up three years in a row! Now I'm a little better at controlling my portions (although I think I'm still working off that "baby" fat), so I haven't vomited in a while. I also used to be the first one up, rousing everyone out of bed so we could get the party started. One year I woke up at 1 a.m. and tried to wake up my brother, Dallace. I played out in my mind how my mom would tell our neighbors that crazy ol Lindsay woke us all up in the middle of the night and we had Christmas PRETTY early. Well, that plan didn't really work. No one wanted to get up -- Dallace just rolled over again. And I eventually went back to sleep.

These days I cover my face with a pillow and pray for a few more minutes, then I get grumpy with everyone for not starting Christmas fast enough so I could go to work. Where did my Christmas spirit go? Do I need to go work at a soup kitchen or something to remember what it's like to feel peace and joy? Do I need to make all my presents by hand to make them more meaningful? What's the secret, Santa?

A bicycle built for one

Yesterday I saw a middle-aged couple/possibly retired riding their bikes together in Tempe. And I began to wonder why so many people - myself included - get joy out of riding a bike. I decided it's a number of things: 1) since so many people learn to ride in their childhood, it reminds them of being a kid. 2) the open air whooshing by is so much more enjoyable than the one you feel walking or driving, and 3) you get to see so many things up close that you normally miss if you usually drive.

I have a bike, but I don't go out as often as I'd like. It's red, with an automatic transmission, which means it changes gears for me. Yeah, it's pretty sweet. I am part of a Tempe bike gang called BONES. Maybe you've heard of it? Bikers of the Night East Side? No? OK. Anyway, we go on rides to freak out the establishment. It's pretty rad. My code name is Lady Death, and when I go on BONES rides I bring along a little skeleton lady I got at Target.

As far as the helmet issue goes, here's my thoughts: I probably should wear a helmet, and maybe one of these days I'll break down and buy one. But the problem is that the only helmets available for purchase are very unattractive, and though they are good for safety, not good for coolness. Someone should design a bike helmet with some style! I'll accept designs and choose a winner.