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)