Woops!

Errr, so it has been a little while I guess since I have written anything. I could not possibly begin to play catch up, as it has been a whirlwind past few months, but I am well and still so happy to be here! I find that I am continually making new friends and discoveries every day.

While there is not much to report in regards to my career, I have been auditioning whenever possible. My hope is to really return my focus on my reason for moving here in 2011. That said, 2010 is still alive and kicking so there is much to do in the interim!

I am swiftly approaching the anniversary of signing the lease on my first New York apartment. My, how time flies. I will spend my first Thanksgiving here, which I am very excited about, and then will return home for a week at Christmas.

There have been quite a few firsts this summer. I had my first out of town visitors (my best friend, followed by my parents), first New York birthday (hosted by two amazing gal pals), my first gig (a background role as a ballet student in an independent short film), first reallllll New York slice at Lombardi's, lots of fun things. One first that I had not expected and am most grateful for, is the beginnings of community. I have met some wonderful people through a young adults network, who participate in events such as faith based discussion groups and other types of fun get togethers. I also would love to participate in some volunteer programs this season. After so many blessings this year, I feel it is crucial and only natural to give back.

Well, that is all for now!

Happy Thought

On March 12th, my nephew was born. He is, of course, so tiny and precious and fills me with a sense of wonder I cannot accurately describe.

I was able to visit my sister, brother in law and little Ben for a few days. It was emotional, to say the very least, as one can expect when on borrowed time... bittersweet, as they say.

I also knew it would be hard work but that does not matter to me. I was only too glad to be of help. Even having nearly thirteen years of babysitting under my belt, I was unsure of how I might be around an infant. It has been a while after all. I know that a short week does not a parent make, but I was pleased to find that I was actually pretty good with him and that we "clicked"! I think much of that had to do with the fact that he is my sister's child and therefore a part of me. My sister told me that she could not believe it, that he was really here and her very own.

I feel secure in the promise my family has made to be close, forever and always. I know Ben and I, too will be a part of eachother's lives. I am exceedingly proud of them all and love them with all my heart.

My Latest Concoctions

Easy Pasta Salad

Box of rotini pasta (plain or whole wheat), I'd use about 2/3 of it
1 large jar Giardinara, drained
1 large can chickpeas, drained & rinsed
4 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp. light or plain mayo (can also use a palmful of grated parmesan instead)
Generous pinch or two of dried Italian herb seasoning
Salt & pepper, to taste
Pinch or two of red pepper flakes

Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain & transfer to a large mixing bowl. Roughly chop the vegetables & add them to the bowl. Also add the chickpeas. In a smaller bowl, whisk oil, mayo, herbs & seasonings until smooth. Drizzle into the bowl & toss all the ingredients together. Store in the fridge overnight for best results & give it another toss before serving. The longer it sits the better it tastes (like almost everything)!

Veggie-Lite-Wich with Curry Mayo

For the bread:
Whole wheat/grain deli thins/flat bread
*I suggest either Pepperidge Farm/Sara Lee, 100 cal. sandwhich thins. I keep my bread in the fridge most of the time to keep it fresh longer and in this case it totally worked with the chilled veggies

For the spread:
2 tsp. mayo (could use regular or low fat, maybe even Greek yogurt)
1/4 to 1/2 tsp curry powder (depending on your taste)
Pinch of garlic flakes or garlic powder

Mix ingredients together & spread on both slices of bread

For the filler:
Good handful alfalfa sprouts
Sliced cherry tomatoes
A few slices of cucumber, skin on, thinly sliced & cut lengthwise
* I highly suggest Persian baby cucumbers if you can find them, or
English hot house

Layer between the bread, cover with other end & press down slightly
for a more compact sandwich. I cut mine in halvsies of course ; )

Suggested pairings:
Had mine with a huge navel orange, but I wish I would've had
some root veggie chips to go with!
I really think you'll like the subtle curry taste, but if you're truly skeptical, go for a nice flavored hummus.

ENJOY!!!!!

Four Legged Friend

Okay, so I know everybody says their dog is the best dog in the whole world, but I really and truly think my dog is the very best in the whole world!

Daisy is our basset hound who thinks she is a lap dog. She is smallish for her breed, but there is nothing little about her! Even when she drives you crazy, you cannot help but fall for her big eyes, dopey ears, ungraceful gate, and the way her lips purse up like a caroler when she howls. She knows when you are sick or sad and how to make you laugh. She knows when you get up every morning (or should be up in order to be with her), anticipates your daily activities and moods, but above all, she knows how to be loyal and comforting as only a dog can.

I miss her.

Here are some facts about Daisy:

Age- 5 (human years of course)

Nickname- Sissy

Favorite foods- peanut butter, carrots, apples, cheezits/nips, oatmeal, and ICE CREAM

Favorite toys- Dad's socks, stuffed squeaky pink purse, mitten ornament (snatches it off the tree every year)

Favorite place- home, next to you or on you

Sports- mischief making, sleeping

Skills/Tricks- sit, lay down, jump, speak (sometimes all at once), can catch food in her mouth, various bird calls, facial expressions

Biggest fears- deer, frogs, mean dogs, extra strength Tylenol pm (yeahhh, long story)

Best friend- me (heeheehee)

Auld Lang Syne

One month exactly today.

I do not know whether or not I am learning new things about myself, or if I am just more aware of what has been true before. Some aspects are negative, some positive. Like most changes, this has all been a test of patience, humility, and courage, and it continues to be. I suppose I am brave, in small ways. I guess I should give myself a lot more credit. That is something very tough for me to do though and I argue with myself--about everything. I do not know if I have accomplished much so far. I try to focus on the present rather than the grand scheme of things, past or future. If I try to estimate the uncertain, 2010 will have lost all promise and isn't that the whole point of "New" in "New Year's"? The promise of what may come? The promises we make to ourselves? I never make resolutions, they are too easy to break and then we become upset with ourselves as if we have failed. I think the best anyone can do is make a vow to live to the best of our ability, with fortitude and conscientiousness.

My hope as always, is to be happy (a year from now, five or ten years from now), happy in the life I have chosen and with what has been given to me by the grace of God.

Have a blessed new year.

Comfort & Joy

I was eating a gorgeous orange the other day and reflecting on Christmas. If ever I am patient enough to go through the bother of peeling them, it is this time of year. The smell and taste of all fresh fruit has always resonated with the season for me, but especially citrus fruit. It's been a tradition in my family since I can recall, to place a ripe orange in the bottom of our stockings. The heat from the fireplace warmed it just slightly, spreading a subtle but lingering fragrance, combined with the perfume of pine and chimney smoke. It was one of my most favorite items to count on. I would cup it in my hands and hold it up to my nose for a few precious moments. Also, we used to read this children's book about a family of bears that was "scratch 'n sniff". Each page had a holiday smell: cocoa, apple pie, Christmas tree, candycane, and orange. We scratched and sniffed until it was practically gone!

Some other treasured moments: decorating the tree to Nat King Cole, Dad reading "The Polar Express" sandwiched between my sister and I on Christmas Eve, watching movies as a family, attending mass at the church we grew up in, waking up with my sister on Christmas morning, making cookies with my sister, playing in the rare Texas snow, Mom fixing breakfast in her nubby old robe...oh, so many good times.

As I have mentioned this is my first Christmas away from my family. I have plans this year that I am very excited about though. I know it was my choice and that it will not be the same, and I am admittedly saddened, but I have to remember there will be many more Christmases, God willing. After all, we are meant to keep our family and Christmas in our hearts every day, always, not just once a year. That way, we are never truly apart. So hopefully I'll be home for Christmas next year. Until then, I will patiently peel another orange.

I Really Did It

Where do I even begin?

I have been in New York exactly one week (well, only four and a half days actually living in the new apartment). Getting set up was pretty stressful and we about ran ourselves all over Queens. My parents were here to help me move in, thank God. Saying goodbye to them was so hard. The day I left Texas, I had bravely fought back emotions parting with my best friend and my dog, but I just couldn't anymore when my Mom and Dad had to leave. We squabble from time to time, but being with them makes me want to be a better person and make them proud.

We did get to spend our last night here together in Manhattan. Everyone has to brave the hoopla at Christmas time at least once in their lives and go see Rockefeller Center with hot cups of Dean & Deluca, and go to Macy's. It truly is magical. We even spied a couple mid-proposal. I waited and offered to take their picture! It even snowed a few flurries, too!

Since then, I have not ventured far past the nearest surrounding blocks only because I am attempting to memorize the neighborhood. Hahaha. For someone so directionally challenged, I sure do choose to live in very big cities. The good thing about New York is that, when all else fails, you can easily circle the block and go back the way you came! Tonight I am making my first attempt at a subway trip by myself. Keep your fingers crossed.

It has been very quiet thus far and I have felt a little cooped up, although I try to get out and walk around a while every day. I am not one who needs to have excitement all the time or go out every night to enjoy myself though. Though I feel isolated at the moment, I have some activities lined up for the month that I am excited about! I even bought myself a little bitty tree and hung a little strand of lights on it. This is the first Christmas away from home for me, but I will be okay I think.

I do not have a new job yet, though I did have one lead that may or may not work out. In the mean time, I am submitting resumes and applications, and trying to organize contacts. I will find something, I am sure.

Tomorrow however, I think I shall enjoy myself a little and make use of my Metro Card, perhaps re-visit the Met Museum!