Question of the Week.....

Thursday, December 31, 2009....



I've decided to make Thursdays my "Question of the Week" day because I always have questions and am always interested in people's answers.


This Week's Question:When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone?

Throughout my life, I have stepped outside my comfort zone by either creating a physical challenge (walking a marathon in Dublin) taking on an intellectual challenge (switching careers and having to think very quickly to stay afloat) or learning to survive a difficult situation by being strong or through laughter (e.g, divorce, job loss and health scare).

However, when is the last time I truly stepped out of my comfort zone?

I admit, losing my job has been eye opening, but having worked for wireless start-up companies around the turn of the century (translation -- before people thought it necessary to have a ringtone, headline or stock quote on their wireless device) I found myself pounding the pavement (never for a long time) because the companies I worked for went under financially.

I think the last time I truly stepped out of my comfort zone was when I decided I could open my heart up again. Specifically, when I looked at my husband and knew I wanted to grow old with him.

Having met my ex at 20 and divorcing him at 35, I spent a number of years exploring me. After the initial shock of "wow, my life plan went up in smoke", I actually enjoyed living alone. I had no intention of ever marrying again. But Bill came along.

We've been together almost 4 years and I grow closer to him everyday. Every time I've moved outside my comfort zone, I've had such a positive experience that I think it's time to challenge myself again in 2010.

Not sure what, but when I do, I'll let you know how it goes.

So, when is the last time you stepped outside your comfort zone and did you survive?

Rant and Rave Wednesday

Wednesday, December 30, 2009.....

As many readers know, Wednesdays are earmarked for me to rant and rave about the previous week. This week I'm taking a break from ranting and raving. I figured it is the last Wednesday of the decade and maybe it's time to look ahead to 2010.

In the upcoming year, I'd like the following to happen (other than the obvious of finding the perfect job):

- I like traffic to completely disappear from my world.

- I like to only have encounters with friendly, courteous people.

- I'd like to reverse time in regards to aging and not have to worry about what skincare product I SHOULD be buying.

- I'd like all foods, except lima beans, to have zero calories. Because I do not eat lima beans it can contain 1000 calories per bean.

Okay, okay...I'd seriously like to live a healthier lifestyle without feeling it is a burden or punishment and I'd like to never utter a bad word about anyone. My 87 year old father does not speak ill of anyone and I am in awe of this.

Next week, I will back to ranting and raving as there will always be something stupid that annoys me and something that puts a smile on my face.

Another Brilliant Idea From Hubby....

Tuesday, December 29, 2009....

I was going to post about Christmas, but other than learning a new card game, Phase 10, the holiday was drama free (last year made up for drama for the next ten years).

Instead, I thought I'd share my husband's brilliant idea for a calendar --- The Penis Calendar (seriously, do men ever mature past the age of 7?).

I told him there was probably one out on the market and he made me google it to shut him up. He was right and I was wrong (yes, I can sometimes admit I'm wrong, but only over stupid stuff that will never impact me). I found a cartoon one, but it was out several years back.

Personally, I thought the calendar was going to be 12 months displaying a penis-a-month, but he thought outside the box (a marketing term I loathe) and came up with what he believes to be a brilliant idea.....READY....Dress the penis up. Not with a top hat, but he had more creative solutions.

For instance, April, start of baseball season (see where I'm headed on this one) a bat and two balls...November a turkey and at one point he suggested dressing the penis up as Cinderella. Cinderella? Seriously? I told him if he did that they'd take away his balls for that shot.

Hubby discussed his calendar idea with YogaGirl. She was...ummm.. appalled (not sure why as she has never seen his penis -- at least I think she hasn't). After she expressed her disapproval for wanting a copy of this calendar, he told her she has two cats and they'd probably appreciate looking at the penis calendar on her fridge.

She politely told him they might, but since her fridge was stainless steel, she couldn't use a magnet to hold it up.

Hubby, always thinking, said: "Ya know, they have this revolutionary invention called tape".

For some reason the conversation stopped.

Question of the Week.....

I've decided to make Thursdays my "Question of the Week" day because I always have questions and am always interested in people's answers.


This Week's Question: If you were given the wrong leftovers from a restaurant would you eat it?

Last week at my food pantry dinner, the subject of sharing food with others came up, but the discussion went one step further.

One person recounted her recent visit to a local restaurant for lunch. She had a fish sandwich, but only had 1/2 of it and asked her waiter to wrap it for her. The next day she went to have the leftovers, but when she opened the container finds a fresh chicken salad -- obviously another patron's take-out order.

While she got a fresh salad, the take-out person got a 1/2 eaten fish sandwich.

If you were that person would you eat the leftovers?

Would you eat them if starving and no time to get anything else?

If a Freegan, would you eat the leftover if someone tossed it in the trash that day?

Rant and Rave Wednesday

Wednesday, December 23, 2009...


Any readers following me on a regular basis know if it's Wednesday, it's time to Rant and Rave about the past week. Without further adieu, here are my Rants and Raves from the past week:

Rant: Shopper in a Walmart parking lot. The Walmart by my house is in a plaza that includes a liquor store, Staples and Japanese restaurant. I was going to the liquor store and parked far away from Walmart. I'm in my car, about to leave (back up lights on) when a Walmart shopper (parked next to me) decides to open her car door. To get to her car she would have seen the lights, but if she hadn't, she definitely saw me in the car. She was taking her time (she wasn't pulling out yet) and I saw I could back out without hitting her or the minivan. I'm slowly pulling out and bump into something. Her cart. No damage, but really? How do you miss the back-up lights? Why not put the cart on the other side of your van WHERE - THERE - WAS - NO - OTHER -CAR? She moved slowly to move the cart.

Rave: I went to Walmart on Saturday morning to pick up a present and no one was there. I also called them prior to ensure they had the game I wanted and they did. I was surprised they picked up the phone, but they did.

Rave: The fun dream I had last night. I dreamt I set up Justin Timberlake and Oprah. They were having an engagement party and I was invited. I was wearing these shoes (most uncomfortable and ugly) and every fashion magazine was snapping a picture of my feet as I became a trendsetter. This dream cracked me up. I like comfortable shoes, rarely shoe shop and could care less about them (I can imagine all the people cringing at this comment -- also, I'm in yoga pants and slippers at the moment). Best part is waking up with the song SexyBack in my head. Very fun song to start the day with (no, I don't have an alarm clock that plays music).

Rant: Listening to a store salesman yell at a customer (the store had only been open for 15 minutes) instead of walking 10 feet to help her. All I heard was "yes, that bookshelf, now further down, no further, to your right" it was a bit longer and actually made giggle and fear help from this guy as he was a screamer and very hyper.

Rant: Christmas season wouldn't be complete without one rant about drivers on the road. This one is about the entitled driver. The person that thinks I'm too good to wait in the line of cars to go straight so I'll zip up in the left turn lane and cut off people because I'm too important to wait. Yeah, these people suck.

Rave: Christmas shopping done and we got our tacky gifts. One is tacky and made us both laugh - can you say perfect?

That's it for me. Okay, I'm in the process of chopping and simmering so very little time to think. But I would love to hear if you have any Rants and Raves you want to share? I would love to read them. Just click on the linky thing for anyone that wants to participate in Rant and Rave Wednesday -- or leave them in the comments section here. Please be respectful and do not use the linky thing if you are just promoting your blog (yes, this is another Rant of mine).

My Experience with Julia Child's Beef Wellington....

December 22, 2009....

This past summer, I read the Julie & Julia book and wondered if I had Julia Child's famous cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, in my collection. Surprised to say, I didn't.

Borders had an amazing sale on the book so I snatched it up. I made plans with a friend to have her over for dinner before going to see the Julie/Julia Project. I made Julia's famous Beef Bourguignon and a chocolate mousse. Both came out wonderfully, but the time involved was insane.

Fast forward 4 months and as I decided to make Beef Wellington, I searched my cookbooks only to discover Julia's MtAoFC was the only one with the recipe. I think I had forgotten how freakin insane this woman was.

What I mean to say, is that she really had A LOT of time on her hands. This recipe had 3 recipes embedded within it (note - one of the recipes referenced also had you off to refer to another recipe).

Other than not making brioche and using puff pastry, the wellington and the sauce accompanying it (which took 2 hours of simmer time) was wonderful. However, Julia Child was right in her notes about puff pastry, it just didn't work for me (although, I think has more to do with just wanting to finish putting the roast together and having very little counter top space to roll out the pastry dough).

As much as I question her ingredients and think some steps are a bit insane, I know if you follow her directions (which you have to read several times to ensure you've incorporated all the recipes into one) and set aside a boat load of time, you will have yummy food.

I was happy to have had leftovers because there is no way I really wanted to cook the next day or last weekend.

For Christmas Day, I will be serving Julia's Beef Bourguignon along with chicken parmesan and Martha Stewart's Mac & Cheese (YogaGirl is bringing) as main courses. However, I know to make the Beef Bourguignon 2 days prior because the clean up is a bitch.

Respect

Monday, December 21, 2009.....

Some people believe respect is earned, others believe it's earned by one's status, age or title within a company. I believe respect is associated with all these scenarios and one more: acceptance.

I have many friends from various walks of life with various beliefs. Some I've known for 30 + years, some under 5, some conservative and others very liberal. Although many differ from me, they all have one thing in common -- my acceptance.

I think in a friendship one has to respect a person by accepting who they are; how they live their life, basically, just appreciate who they are and how they compliment your personality. In friendship, acceptance of a person means you respect who they and how they live their life.

So why is it that people can't accept others? Why try to correct or change them to fit your standards? If it bothers you, end the friendship, but don't make the person feel horrible through your words or actions that really do nothing more than have the person on the receiving end feel hurt, unworthy, and basically crappy.

Someone was recently disrespectful in my home. Through their mocking words and an action they thought I wouldn't notice, but did, they hurt me. To others it may have seemed trivial, but to me, it wasn't.

It showed me that this person really doesn't accept me and ultimately has little respect for me. Maybe they didn't realize this, but it did.

Question of the Week.....

Thursday, December 17, 2009....





I've decided to make Thursdays my "Question of the Week" day because I always have questions and am always interested in people's answers.


This Week's Question: What is the best advice you've received?


Over the years I know that I've received advice whether I asked for it or not. I admit to being stubborn when unsolicited advice is thrown at me and even if I dismiss it, I do mull it over and typically use it (without telling the solicitor of said advice).

Recently, someone gave me a great piece of advice. I was commenting that I was applying for a position, but mentioned the company had the position as both full and part time. As much as part time appeals to me, I need to apply for the full time one.

She said this "LMB, you could never apply for the part time one because you care too much and work as though you're in a full time position".

She's right and things were much easier when applying for the full time position. No hopeful delusions of working part time because I know I would make a part time position into a full time one.

Rant and Rave Wednesday

Wednesday, December 16, 2009...


Any readers following me on a regular basis know if it's Wednesday, it's time to Rant and Rave about the past week. Without further adieu, here are my Rants and Raves from the past week:

Rant: Shopping at a specialty spice store where no one really can be of assistance and hearing "my bad" from the help.

Rave: Tomorrow is my food pantry dinner and I've lost a net of 6.8 lbs this month (I actually lost 9.4, but gained 2.6 the week of Thanksgiving) and am happy with the number.

Rant: I'm insane in the fact that I'm making Julia Child's Beef Wellington for tomorrow night's dinner and am hand chopping the mushrooms and making brioche from scratch (never had this).

Rave: See above. I love trying new things.


That's it for me. Okay, I'm in the process of chopping and simmering so very little time to think. But I would love to hear if you have any Rants and Raves you want to share? I would love to read them. Just click on the linky thing for anyone that wants to participate in Rant and Rave Wednesday -- or leave them in the comments section here. Please be respectful and do not use the linky thing if you are just promoting your blog (yes, this is another Rant of mine).

My Holiday Letter

Tuesday, December 15, 2009....

I love receiving Christmas cards with the letter inside telling me what wonderful things people have been doing throughout the year. I admit, I don't do a letter and it's a hit or miss if you get a card from me.

This year, I'm going green. No cards. But...if I were to write a letter it would read like this:

1. traveled nowhere (unemployment will put a damper on going to exotic places, hell, I went to RI, it's an island, but exotic I think not).

2. job front - well, I interviewed at a lot of places over long periods of time that were window shopping (translation - they would pull the position).

3. volunteer -- I did raise monies for my local dog park (I don't own a dog, but why not pretend I have one) participating on a plant sale committee. When it was over, the president sent a shout out to the volunteers and mine was for making people laugh with my outlook on things (hmmm...note to self, behave oneself and remember all thoughts don't have to be turned into vocal words).

I also started a monthly food pantry dinner party based upon the weight I lose each month. I'm overweight and am at a point where I can't motivate myself to lose the weight for me, but if I can help others, I will. It breaks my heart to drop off the food every month.

4. marriage - it's been a year and Bill still tells me he loves me. I'm starting to think he's deaf and doesn't hear 1/2 the shit I say out loud. Who knows, but I'm not complaining. Love him to pieces.

5. how do I stay out of trouble -- well, I have no kids (which may be a blessing because who knows how they'd turn out under my influence - oh, that thought scares me) but I blog and people, other than my family, read my blog. Why? Who the hell knows. But I love it, met some great bloggers and learned new stuff to fill my brain(the Jersey Shore Drinking Game)

I also making a crack in my cookbook collection (it might be easier if new ones didn't magically appear).

See, that's my Christmas letter. Short and sweet. Now...if I were a superhero imagine how packed it would be full of fun stuff.


Happy Holidays from LMB....


p.s. I've learned my husband is a romantic guy...his ideas for romantic dates leave me speechless.

p.s.s. I've also learned my husband will not be naming any pets we get. Yesterday he told me if we got a male cat he'd call it boogers, female cat would be called snot. If a dog, well, he thinks "Crap" is the perfect name while out on a hike and your dog runs ahead of you. As he said, yelling out "crap" in the woods sounds so much better than yelling out "fuck." I think I have to give him this. Just glad we didn't have kids together. They'd probably get picked on for the names he'd come up with.

0 to 100 in 10 Seconds Flat

Monday, December 14, 2009....

No this isn't a post about me driving around a racetrack (although that would be cool to do), but one about how my sister can push my buttons with 2 words: Gay Olympics.

Yes, every time she brings up the subject, it gets me spiraling on an out-of-control diatribe talking faster and faster about how stupid and wrong I think it is.

I understand the Special Olympics and am inspired by everyone involved, but the Gay Olympics just seems like a place for all participants who couldn't qualify for the Olympics to have a second shot.

Hello? Does anyone not remember Greg Louganis? He won gold medals and gay.

When I watch an event, I don't think he or she is great for a gay athletic. I think "wow, I'm a lazy shit watching this from my couch and why don't I go run a marathon" then I click the remote because I don't want to be depressed. But, did you notice I didn't once think wow, wonder what their sexuality is?

I understand being second choice. As a child who was not coordinated, I was not chosen first to be on any team, but I didn't go off and start my own league that only allowed little blond girls to participate (Yoga Girl, I am aware of the fact that my hair is very dark today, but when little it was blond)

Is it just me? Does this not bother one other person out there? Will people who didn't make it to the real Olympics now fake their sexuality to participate in the Gay Olympics? What if you're bi-sexual? Are you not allowed to participate in the Gay Olympics?

See where I'm going (okay, maybe I'm like a train going off my tracks)....

Dang that Yoga Girl, she managed to get me worked up writing this post.

Question of the Week.....

Thursday, December 10, 2009....





I've decided to make Thursdays my "Question of the Week" day because I always have questions and am always interested in people's answers.


This Week's Question: What is/was your favorite holiday tradition?

For me, the holidays have changed drastically since I was a child. As a child, the magic of Santa and the elves we hung over the fake fireplace have been replaced with years where I put up no tree because it's just me and year where I over decorated because I could.

Even the years I haven't put up a tree, I've loved this time of year. The hustle, the bustle and the decorations always put a smile on my face.

As a child, I remember going to midnight mass on Christmas Eve and when we arrived home we were allowed to open one gift and my mother put out a meat/pork pie out for the tasting.

I don't know the name of the actual meat/pork pie, but it is a French Canadian tradition. I was one of the few members of the family who loved this pie and as my mom got older, she stopped making it for one or two people.

I never thought to ask my mom for this recipe and now, with her Alzheimer's, it's too late.

I wish I had this recipe.

As an adult, my traditions appear to be ever changing. I married Bill in October 2008 and opened our home to a Christmas Day buffet. We both love to cook and enjoy loved ones in our home. However, one constant tradition has happened for the past 20 years....the tacky Chinese grab bag gift.

Adults always had the grab bag where you buy for another person, but the tacky Chinese grab bag allowed my nephews to join in the fun with the adults. As the youngest of 5, I loved when I was able to participate in what the adults did.

I'm still looking for the perfect gaudy gift. It's always great when you brought the tackiest gift to Christmas...in fact, it's a high honour in my family. Besides, who wouldn't want to brag they brought the tackiest gift.

By the way....my husband was so proud of his $25 date that he thought I should have the question for the week be -- Is My Husband a Genius?

Rant and Rave Wednesday

Wednesday, December 9, 2009...


Any readers following me on a regular basis know if it's Wednesday, it's time to Rant and Rave about the past week. Without further adieu, here are my Rants and Raves from the past week:

Rave: My ear ache and infection are pretty much gone. It's nice hear and great that I don't feel miserable.

Rant: I'm annoyed how some doctors show absolutely no respect for their patients and think they're God.

Rant: Weight Watchers giving corn points. Seriously, they're the only food that comes out looking the same way as it went in. The corn is just taking the intestines park ride.

Rave: Date night did happen, BUT...because I ate a late lunch, we just went to see Blindside. We skipped the rest because I actually like to be warm. I know, I'm high maintenance. [Side note: My husband appreciated all the comments which has fuelled him to come up with more clever suggestions].


Rave: I got these great kick-ass sneakers which controls my supination problems with my feet. It's amazing what a great pair of sneakers will do for you.


That's it for me. Okay, I have a brain cramp and my mind has gone blank. But I would love to hear if you have any Rants and Raves you want to share? I would love to read them. Just click on the linky thing for anyone that wants to participate in Rant and Rave Wednesday -- or leave them in the comments section here. Please be respectful and do not use the linky thing if you are just promoting your blog (yes, this is another Rant of mine).

I Married the King of Romance.....NOT....

Tuesday, December 8, 2009....

Last night, when hubby got home after several days being away, he suggested we go out to dinner Tuesday. I was like sure. Love the idea. Love when he does the planning.

Right after I said 'great idea' he told me his plans......the $25 date....

#1` We go to Burger King because they're running some sort of hamburger special where we can get 4 for $4 and I can get a diet cola with extra ice (this he threw in because he knows I love extra ice in my drinks whenever possible).

#2 We drive across the street to McDonald's to get a small order of fries and 2 apple pies (he thinks you can get 2 for $1 and I'm thinking maybe if it were 1970). According to hubby, a classy guy always gets his dates dessert.

#3 After going through the McDonald's drive thru (did I forget to mention we're going through the drive thru of these places) we drive back across the street to the multi-plex where movies are $6 on Tuesday ($12 for 2 people).

but....the classiest part of the date is coming up.....

After the movies we get ourselves a quart of Colt 45 and 2 straws. Why 2 straws you say...well, straws get you drunk quicker and it's easier for him to take advantage of me AND he'd keep the date to under $25.

After he revealed his plan for the perfect date he wanted to know if I was going to blog about him and how romantic he is... I said...I'm going to blog about you, but not thinking many will find the straws and Colt 45 too romantic. He said...their loss.

The Impact of People.....

Monday, December 7, 2009....

Today I was going to write about my horrendous visit to the ENT doctor on Friday, but have decided after a couple of events over the weekend to change the direction of this post.

There are three individuals I want to profile representing the good and bad of mankind.

Obviously, the ENT doctor gets my vote for the bad. He wasn't mean, but desrespectful and ARROGANT. Can you repeat after me, ARROGANT.

Never mind getting the appointment even with an ear problem took 7 business days, or the wait in the waiting room was 1 hour and another 20 minutes sitting in a patient office (who knew ear docs were so busy), but that's not what got me going. Nope. It was his disregard to LISTEN to me. Funny how an ear doctor doesn't listen to his patient.

After explaining my issue and going over my past medical history (I have partial paralysis from Bell's Palsey episode in 1997) he told me I needed a hearing testing because Bell's causes hearing loss and I'd probably need a hearing aid. What? I don't think so.

I'm not opposed to having a hearing aid IF I NEEDED IT, but since I had the same issue a month ago and antibiotics cleared it up I knew I wasn't going deaf.

Long story short, hearing was above average, I met with the doctor in his office and within seconds of me being in his office, he took a personal call and CHATTED FOR A GOOD 5 MINUTES. He prescribed steroids and when I asked if there are any side effects I should be concerned about -- his response -- "Don't worry, I'm not turning you into Jerry Lewis".

Really? For this, he gets the Ass Award. How sad that my first meeting with him has left a burning impression of arrogance with me.

The second person I want to talk about is my sister, Yoga Girl. I post about her, she comments and yesterday it was her birthday. I'm fortunate to have someone like her in my life. We're different, yet, we compliment one another. She's my biggest cheerleader and words can not begin to express how blessed I know I am to have her in my life.

I can only wish that everyone has such a great individual in their life that inspires you, supports you and makes you laugh.

The third person is a childhood neighbor. He passed away very early this morning.


His son and I grew up together and this man taught me how to swim at a very young age by throwing me in a pool. Of course, he also created a fear of bald men till the age of 30 because of this life lesson. I mentioned this to my friend in my early thirties and the next time I saw his dad he bent over and rubbed his head for me.

He was a very kind man, a bit colorful, but always welcomed me into his home and made me laugh.

I wonder if people actually know that they can make a significant difference in another person's life without knowing. I hope, if I've made an impact on anyone, I've left them with a smile. If not, I hope there is still time for me to change that.

Carl Jung

Friday, December 4, 2009....

Last night, I had a dream in which Carl Jung came to me. I can't remember what he said, but remembered to google him this morning.

Prior to googling him, I knew him to be an equivalent to Freud in the psychology (note: I'm not saying one theorist is better than the other, just they are respected man in the field of psychology).

Turns out Jung is the father of analytical psychology (also known as Jungian psychology). What really caught my eye is that he emphasized understanding one's psyche through exploring the worlds of dreams, art, mythology, religion and philosophy.

I didn't know this and I find it bizarre that he came to me in a dream.

So....how did you sleep? Any unusual dreams?

Question of the Week.....

Thursday, December 3, 2009.....





I've decided to make Thursdays my "Question of the Week" day because I always have questions and am always interested in people's answers.


Today's Question: Would You Rather Have Fame, Fortune or Power?

Over the years, I've been asked this question many times and I've always had the same answer. I thought it apropos to raise this question with the media coverage in the U.S. regarding Tiger Woods and the White House party crashers.

Power: I've been fortunate to have worked with some great people who I watched change before my eyes once their status and power increased. In my opinion, they couldn't handle the power given to them and they eventually fell off the pedestal and became humbled by the experience.

However, during their rise, I witnessed the change in personalities -- the selling out of their beliefs and the lies. It was quite sad to watch and I no longer respected these individuals, but pitied them.

So for me, Power is out!

Fame: I know many individuals would want to be recognized on the street and to have people want to be near them. It's nice to be recognized for one's accomplishments and I admit, I love having followers (I consider this a form of recognition), but do I want every high or low point of my life to be over inflated by the media? Do I need people knowing I had a Mocha Latte at Starbucks. I think not. Why? Because I'm just an average person and would be bored watching or reading about me 24/7.


So for me, Fame is out!

Fortune: Yup. That's the one for me. Having money would give me the opportunity to help others behind the scenes without the spotlight. It would also allow me the opportunity to own a home with adequate storage for all my cooking stuff :-).

So, what would you want? Fame like a famous athletic, author or movie star? Power like the leader of a country; or Fortune to allow you to spend at will without a care in the world?

Rant and Rave Wednesday

Wednesday, December 2, 2009...


Any readers following me on a regular basis know if it's Wednesday, it's time to Rant and Rave about the past week. Without further adieu, here are my Rants and Raves from the past week:

Rave: Thanksgiving went off pretty drama free. Only twice did I change the subject. The first time was while I was eating. My sister went into too much detail about the lady who was mauled by a monkey. Monkey face lady (sorry, not a knock on this person, just shorter name) went to our local hospital and my sister is in the medical field. Did I need to know your butt can one day be your nose. She stopped when asked. Second time, I changed the subject when a tiff between my sister and nephew went on. It worked.

Rant: My ear problems have come back. I called last Wednesday for appointment and the earliest one is this Friday. Hoping I can make it without another trip to the walk-in clinic.

Rant: The great tickets YogaGirl got for us to see the Top Chef judges, well, Tom isn't able to make it.

Rave: However, Eric Ripert will be sitting in for Tom. Although, I would love to see Tom. I admire Chef Ripert, like his show and love his restaurant in NYC. Looking forward to it.


Rave: Spent the day with a good friend last Friday. She has 2 kids and time is limited so it was a real treat.


That's it for me. Any Rants and Raves you want to share? I would love to read them. Just click on the linky thing for anyone that wants to participate in Rant and Rave Wednesday. Please be respectful and do not use the linky thing if you are just promoting your blog (yes, this is another Rant of mine).

Definition of a Hero....

Tuesday, December 1, 2009...

I subscribe to the magazine Outside, a magazine where extreme sportsmen meet living green. I'm not an extreme sport's person, but get a guilty pleasure from reading about people who do.

This month, I skimmed an article "Reader of the Year", which is Outside's pick of extreme do-gooders with an amazing life background. One was a Navy Seal purple heart recipient, another helped rebuild a fallen government and under the age of 35.

For a moment, I felt a twinge that I couldn't be a hero because I didn't have the backgrounds posted in the magazine, but then I woke up.

I realized not everyone is meant to live the extreme lives these individuals have lived, BUT, could still be a hero without knowing.

I guess I define "hero" a bit differently than Outside magazine. For me, a hero can be a parent who teaches their child to say "thank you" and "please" or an adult who holds open the door for another (especially when their arms are full), or a person who drops one canned food item in one's grocery store food pantry box to help out a hungry person.

Not every act has to be over-the-top, but I've noticed as I've gotten older, people connect less and less to strangers and move about in their own world. Why is that?

In the end, I define "hero" as one's ability to connect with another person....and in many cases, put a smile on their face or make their life a bit easier by performing simple small acts.

I will probably always have a subscription to Outside, but based upon my definition of hero will probably never be featured in their magazine....and I'm okay with that.