Ten On Tuesday: Ten New Years Resolutions

Instead of the "eat healthy, loose weight, find more balence" general resolutions that I always want to make but never know how to achieve, this year I'm making some more concrete resolutions for 2009. So here they are in writing, so the universe can hold me to them.

Take my husband on a perfect date.
Edit and "publish" a few of my writings.
Set up a photo shoot with friends in a cool place with lots of photoworthy subjects.
Make the Timbalo from a Big Night.
Learn to make a decent pie crust.
Update my address book with new family addresses.
Get the first round of family tree questionairres out and back.
Scan and archive my old photos for preservation (and friend humiliation) purposes.
Pay off my credit cards, leaving only one for emergencies.
Be happy if I don't do any of the above.

Meme Pilfery Pilfery

Since my bud was nice enough to use one of the nicknames I gave him back in the days of college theatre, I decided to procrastinate my holiday list making chore and have some fun!


1. Five names you go by:
a. Mickeyg
b. French Fry
c. Crazy Aunt G
d. my real name
e. (can't think of a 5th, I need more nicknames)

2. Three things you are wearing right now
a. jammie pants
b. jammie shirt
c. unmentionables

3. Three things you want very badly at the moment:
a. A massage
b. A vacation
c. ice cream from the bent spoon

4. Three people who will probably fill this out:
since I'm not emailing.....anyone in? Let me know

5. Two things you did last night:
a. Did some photo editing
b. Ate the last of the Thanksgiving meatballs

6. Two things you ate today:
a. The last of the Thanksgiving antipasto
b. a blackberry cinnamon muffin from Wilkow Orchards

7. Two people you last talked to on the phone
a. Hubby
b. a board member

8. Two things you are going to do tomorrow:
a. Have three meetings
b. Write up menu for christmas dinner

9. Two longest car rides:
a. NJ to Asheville to visit the hubby (prior to hubby status)
b. NJ to VT for a cool table ski weekend

Thankful...

Thanksgiving is over, the weekend of eating, sleeping, eating, wishing, eating and festiviting (is that a word? who cares) is over. I always fell a little bad for Thanksgiving. By Friday its Christmas, Christmas, Christmas and poor little thanksgiving is getting pushed out of the minds and hearts even before you can say grazie. So while Cyber Monday (whaaa - when did that come into the lexicon) gets everyone on the gift parade, I just wanted to give a little thanks for some things:

My family. All hundred of them.
A glass of wine at the end of the day.
That my husband always gives me the last piece of pie.
That I have cats who make me laugh.
That my friends love me even when I'm a bad friend.
My favorite green sweater.
My earring collection, and the memories they represent.
That I like the people I work with and still find joy in my job.
Flannel sheets.
Campfire Chili.
My family. Even when they are crazy.

All in all, I'm feeling pretty thankful lately and wanted share.

CBS Holiday Message

Boy, for actors, they didn't sell that well at all.

All I have to say now is yippee!

My playlist for the night:

Let's Get It Started (Spike Mix) [Bonus Track], Black Eyed Peas
Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours, Stevie Wonder
Election Day, Lyle Lovett
Politician, Cream
Election Year Rag, Steve Goodman
Political Science, Randy Newman
Born In The U.S.A., Bruce Springsteen
Lawyers, Guns and Moeny, Not Hungry
What's Going On, Marvin Gaye
Waiting On The World To Change, John Mayer
Aint No Mountain High Enough, Marvin Gaye & Tamye Terrell
Sweet Home Chicago, Eric Clapton
Feeling Alright, Joe Cocker
You Can't Always Get What You Want, The Rolling Stones
Proud Mary, Creedence Clearwater Revival
Higher Ground, Eric Clapton
I'll Take You There, The Staple Singers
Change The World, Eric Clapton
There's Hope, India.Arie
(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding, Elvis Costello & The Attractions
The Times They Are A Changin', Billy Joel
The Star Spangled Banner, U2

Playlists, Auntie Style

I had been musing this post for a while, but been lazy about doing it. But when I saw the post from my often inspiring friend, I had to complete the post.

In January, the Fashionista turned 4. Wanting to give her something special, and try to keep her from becoming a Hannah Montana fan, I decided it was time to make her a CD. And I could make her one each year for her birthday, as a special treat from Crazy Aunt G. Since she was only four, I focused on lots of peppy songs, that could make her dance. Of course, no mix by me would be complete without a little Eric Clapton. And Fashionista needing to learn her Jersey roots brought out the Bon Jovi fan. And I think it worked, at least a little. Because now, even though she watches Hannah Montana, she asks for the Indigo Girls in the car.

So here's the 2008 Mix for Fashionista.

Here Comes The Sun, The Beatles
When You're Smiling, Louis Prima
Optimistic Thoughts, Blues Traveler
Shake It Up And Go, B.B. King
Honey In Your Hips, The Yardbirds
Corn on the Cob, Chris Bayne
I Sing The Body Electric, Me First & The Gimme Gimmies
Happy, The Rolling Stones
Uptight (Everything's Alright), Stevie Wonder
Precious Time, Van Morrison
Heavy Cloud No Rain, Sting
I've Got A Rock N' Roll Heart, Eric Clapton
Spanish Harlem, Aretha Franklin
Minnie The Moocher, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Crazy in Love, Kane
Woman In Love, Bon Jovi
Sugar Magnolia, Grateful Dead
Baby I Love You, B.B. King
Midnight Train To Georgia, Indigo Girls
Banana Pancakes, Jack Johnson
Her Majesty, The Beatles

Since I LOVE Fall, I stole this meme from Tosy and Cosh. I'm so predictable, aint I?

Have you ever been apple picking?
Almost every year of my life. Usually with the Her-Chicks, since me and Pippy apple picked through our youth together, we thought it was only fitting to continue climbing trees and making pies with her kids.

Is there a dish you make/eat only during this time of the year?
In some ways, many of the things I like to cook I will also make through the winter, but I think I have to say pumpkin/sweet potato ravioli are pretty much a fall dish for me. Although many of the desserts I make are strictly fall - pumpkin/apple streusel cake. Wow, when I think about it, there are few "fall specific" foods.

Will you attend a tail gate party this season?
Probably not, since I'm not a big football fan. But I will probably go if the situation's right.

When do you turn on the heat?
When my landlord decided to. Actually - today this year.

How many sweaters do you own?
Too many. About 20. Mostly ribbed sweater turtlenecks.

Are you fond of Nouveau Beaujolais wine?
Not really, although it makes me fondly think of Kyle.

Do you get excited about Halloween?
Sort of, since that was me and the hubby's first date. But work usually gets in the way of me having too much fun on the day, and I don't have any friends that throw parties anymore.

How about Thanksgiving?
Love it. Big Italian family thanksgiving with food, food, and more food! Macaroni, meatballs, antipasto, pudding pie, apple pie, cavatelli, and maybe some turkey.

Is there an activity you do only in the autumn?
Always do a pumpkin/apple picking day. Also do some canning (75lbs of tomatos this year).

Have you ever burned leaves?
No.

Do you own any ‘scarecrow’ decorations?
No. My mom has enough for the whole family!

Do you plant bulbs?
That would mean that I actually have a place to plant things.

Your fondest autumn memory?
Apple picking with the Her-Chicks. Almost every Thanksgiving.

When does fall begin for you?
Mid September, as soon as pull out my slippers.

What is your favorite aspect of fall?
Cool weather. Love that I can wear sandals and a sweater on the same day.

What do you like to drink in the fall?
I start my hot chocolate cravings, but sometimes I will actually do a "pumpkin" drink. Like a frappacino. Maybe.

What is fall weather like where you live?
Sunny, around 60, and lovely.

What color is fall?
Reddish Gold

Do you have a favorite fall chore?
Since I don't own the home, there are really no seasonal chores. But I love cooking again. With the oven on.

What is your least favorite thing about fall?
Too short.

What is your favorite fall holiday?
Thanksgiving, hands down.

What’s your favorite kind of pie?
Chocolate Pudding Pie. I don't know why, but since I only eat it at Thanksgiving and Christmas I love it! Apple's second.

Do you have a favorite fall book?
Books are definitely not seasonal fall me, but I will say "the Stupidest Angel" by Christopher Moore is a GREAT Christmas book.

Slow Food Nation....

IMG_4206.JPG, originally uploaded by mickeyg27.

and a snail made of bread!

I came. I ate. I sold memberships. I reveled. I came home. I caught a cold.

But at least this time I got sick AFTER the event, instead of having to work for 5 days with a 102 degree fever.

Really good event. More photos will be uploaded to my webgallery after this dose of Nyquil wears off.

YCTIWY Cast Photo

YCTIWY Cast Photo, originally uploaded by mickeyg27.

Found this on a friends facebook page. My first show in college, and some of my dearest friends.

Vay-cay-shun

Beach Shells, originally uploaded by gfiorillo.

Sandy beach, 88 degree water, and uncle J as a jungle gym for 4 days. Oh, and a trip to Busch Gardens.

All topped of with a 7 hour delay in the Tampa airport. Damn weather. Supposed to get home by 8:30, instead my body didn't meet my bed till after 3:30.

Lots of pics of the vacay

Photo Friday: The Great Outdoors

A little summer day in the woods, J and I spent some time hiking in Stokes State Forest. I liked the fact that I was taking pictures of pine cones while I was sweating my *ss off.

Me, in the West

IMG_3353.JPG, originally uploaded by gfiorillo.

I finally made it west. Ok, yes, I've been to northern California, but that's not the "west". I'm talking jerkey and mountains and mining towns west.

Here's me at Red Rocks, with Corky and Luke keeping me company. I had a great weekend in Colorado - a few days in Vail for work meetings (and we all know that my work meeting involve eating yummy foods) and then a day in Denver with one of my favorite leaders and his family.

And while all you east coasters were dealing with 90 degrees and 90 percent humidity; I got snow! Take that!

Getting Out To the Woods...

IMG_3205.JPG, originally uploaded by gfiorillo.

Yay, we made our first camping trip of the season. this year it was just four of us, and we didn't get lost in the woods. Also, the air mattress worked, and for some reason everyone gave us their firewood.

Of course, I was the savior again with the coffee pot but alas, J forgot the coffee so we were stuck with Maxwell house all weekend.

Anyway, it was great to get back into the woods, with perfect weather and perfect company and perfect food. It actually made me forget about work for a few days and feel relaxed!

Cry, baby, cry

I always knew I was a pretty emotional person. There are tons of songs that bring the tears up, I weep through half of my books (well, maybe not the sci-fi ones), and the first time I saw the ASPCA commercial with Sarah McLachlan - cried. So I'm not surprised when movies bring a tear to my eye.

Of course, I think I hit a new low when I flipped on the tv today and Steel Magnolias was on, you know the scene at the funereal where Shelby's mom has her outburst. I had only seen 3 minutes before the weeping began.

Yes, I'm a bit of a sap.

Another one of those quizzes...

OK, since the post I WANT to write is a "grumble, work, grumble" post and I don't want to share that with the world, I decided to put my craving for writing and sharing with a quiz that my cousin had posted a while back. Enjoy, or don't - whatever!

1. What was the first thing you thought about when you woke up?
When I woke up at 3 am I thought "we need a bigger bed cause someone keeps pushing me over" and when I woke up at 7 on the sofa (cause someone woke me up) I thought "mmmmm, comfy couch"

2. What did you do last night?
Worked late, then ate a big bowl of 'ronis and a small bowl of peppers while watching Bones.

3. What is the most important part?
Of what? Of life - joy and family. Of last night - the 'ronis (meaning macaronies)

4. What would you rather be doing right now?
I don't know. At this moment I'm pretty content cause I'm not at work, and I had a good dinner and my hubby should be home any minute and I've got good TV on the DVR. But if I had my druthers, I'd like to be throwing pots in a cabin on a lake while the sun was setting and a meal was warming over a nice firepit.

5. What did you last cry over?
A really bad weekend where I was sick, hubby was grumpy and there was lots of moodiness flowing around the family.

6. What always makes you feel better when you’re upset?
Sappy music and my sweetie - oh and bubblebaths where I can listen to sappy music and wallow

8. What’s the most important thing you look for in a significant other?
makes me laugh and accepts all my crazy

9. What are you worried about?
My family staying healthy, how we can afford to start a family, and how to get rid of the dark circles under my eyes

10. What are you looking forward to most in this week?
A quiet weekend at home before a marathon 2 weeks of travel for work

NINE HAVE YOU’S:
1. Have you ever liked someone while you had a girlfriend/boyfriend?
Yup, crushes are the greatest fun

2. Have you ever had your heart broken?
Uh...yeah, who hasn't

4. Have you ever been out of the country?
Yes (finally can say that) three times now

5. Have you ever done something outrageously dumb?
Most likely, none of which involves anything illegal

6. Have you ever been back stabbed by a friend?
Again, uh.....yeah....

7. Have you ever had the cops called on you?
Technically no, but there was that time that we kidnapped G for his birthday and his mom called the cops and road blocks got set up on Rt. 22.....

8. Have you ever dated someone younger than you?
Yes - and married one.

9. Have you ever read an entire book in one day?
I'm pretty sure, although not so much recently.

EIGHT WHO’S:
1. Who was the last person you saw?
the husband and the Pharmacist who still didn't have my prescription

2. Who is the last person you shopped with?
Ms. E - a lovely day in New Hope where I got awesome new shoes!

3. Who was the last person you texted?
I don't. One line of technology I'm not interested in getting involved with.

4. Who was the last person to call you?
Daddy

5. Who was your first crush?
Robert Capko in the 3rd Grade

6. Who is the last person who texted you?
My boss, although it was months ago cause, again - not a texter.

7.Who is the last person you freaked out on?
Major screaming rant - that would be the husband....and the cats

8. Who did you last hug?
Actually, Max the cat.

SEVEN WHEN’S:
1.When was your last shower?
This morning before work

2. When did you last see your mom?
Last Thursday during my va-cay

3. When was your last time u saw your dad?
Same as my mom.

4. When did you last dress up?
Jeez, can't remember and how fancy is dress up. I did pull some special jewlery out for the anniversay.

5. When was the last time you cried?
Ummm, probably last weekend with the sick and the grumpy and the crazy

6. When did you last go to the movies and with who?
About 2 months ago with J.

7. When did you last listen to music?
Driving home tonight

SIX WHERE’S:
1. Where does your best friend live?
Hoboken

2. Where did you last go?
Umm, go where - I guess techinally I last went to Seattle for a board meeting.

3. Where did you last hang out?
Besides home, had a day in New Hope and then dinner at a sweet place here on the Island

4. Where do you go to school?
Nada now

5. Where is your favorite place to be?
in the kitchen, cooking - preferably in a nice cozy home in the woods.

6. Where did you sleep last night?
Mostly my bed but the couch since someone was Snoring!

FIVE DO’S/DOES:
1. Do you like someone right now?
Yes, lots of people.

2. Do they like you too?
I think most do

3. Do you ever wish you were someone else?
Not really, but sometime I wish the me had a few different things (like a house, and better memory)

4. Do you know the muffin man?
I am the muffin man

5. Does the future scare you?
Sometimes

FOUR WHY’S:
1. Why are you best friends with your best friend?
She rocks. And belives that I'm sane (how crazy is that)

2. Why did you get a myspace?
Friend led me too it and I was bored one night so I barely pay attention which is why this is being posted on my blog and not on myspace

3. Why did your parents give you the name you have?
they liked it

4. Why are you doing this survey?
avoiding writing about a grumpy work sit that will make me even more bitter

THREE IF’S:
1. If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Fly (so I could get to work really quickly and not have to take the subways)

2. If you could go back in time and change one thing, would you?
Maybe, but only if there was no ripple effect, but just changed that one thing.

3. If you were stranded on a deserted island and could bring one thing what would it be?
An all in one portable kitchen with a magic garden.

TWO WOULD-YOU-EVER’S:
1. Would you ever get back together with any of your ex’s if they asked you?
Well, I guess the answer would be yes since I did and then married him.

2. Would you ever shave your head to save someone you love?
Sure, could always get a wig.

ONE LAST QUESTION:
1. Are you happy with your life right now?
Pretty much - although winning the lottery would always make it better.

My Nephew, the giver

Cute as a button, and always sharing. He gave me both his stomach virus AND a little bit of the sniffles. Which of course, me being me has turned into a nice, big, cold.

Of course, the timing was great too - my office move was on Thursday, just in time for me to get over the tummy, get the scratchy and still have to figure out how to reconnect our network, set up our phone system, and get the office up and running in 48 hours. (Well, I failed and we still don't have our print network working - but email was up and running).

And so, I have now slept for about 30 hours since friday. But at least I saw the season premiere of BSG. Nice hair starbuck!

Happy Birthday Dear Wammy!

Wammy, AKA Bam Bam (as of late) celebrated his first birthday this week. Auntie G was on hand as the photographer for the day. The Fashionista as well as the cousins were on hand for the meatballs and cupcakes. For pics of all the cuteness of the day, including cousin E's great expressions, visit my web gallery.

Photo Friday: Emotion

CPWedding.jpg, originally uploaded by gfiorillo.

This was actually taken by my dad at Pippy's wedding. I just loved the spontaneous laughter - it really captures the joy of the day.

180 degrees

After going through a patch where it seemed all I was getting was bad news, things have flipped around again. Welcome Cassandra and Carley to the clan. Born a day apart, there are now 6 little ones bringing up the next generation. the Fashionista, Wammy, EC and little G have 2 new cousins to play with.

And to top it all off, dear cool table bud's dad made it to the top of the transplant list and received his new kidney this week.

I like this good news much better!

Death Sucks...

I've started and erased the post so many times, but I want I feel I need to say it to the universe. Death sucks, especially when it's someone young. And in the past month, there's been WAY to much of it in my universe these past few weeks. So I'm screaming and crying and not understanding how things like this happen. A child with cancer who never made it to his 9th birthday next week. A husband and father who will never see his daughters become teenagers. The wife of an old friend whose preschool twins will never get to know.

Death Sucks.

In some ways, even as I mourn, I feel safe knowing that for at least today I have my family, my friends. And I really just want hug them and love them and have fun with them. I don't think I'll ever spend as much time as I want with everyone. If I did, I'd never go to work, have to steal for money and probably wind up in jail since I'm a lousy crook. But I try to make it count when I do. And maybe one day I'll be able to balance my job and my life better. Or maybe it's just balancing my life and my life better. Who knows.

In the meantime, say a prayer Harrison, Peter and Jennifer.

Photo Friday: What is That?

Blob 2, originally uploaded by gfiorillo.

Although it's not my favorite "pomegrante blob", I had used the other really cool shot for the previous Photo Friday entry and the obsessive in me wouldn't let me repeat.

So for this week's theme, I decided to show off another image of the great cooking disaster that was supposed to be syryp for a cocktail. Yes, we played with this for days and let it slowly move across the bookshelf.

Taken with Canon Powershot G5; shutter 1/15; f 2.2

Photo Friday: Disaster

I consider myself a pretty good cook. Some even say excellent. But occasionally, there are things that should rather be left off my accolades. So when I saw the theme for this weeks photo, I couldn't decide between these two photos.

This first one, well, I wanted to make a pomegranate cocktail. So I needed to make a pomegranate syrup. So I boiled it to reduce it. Except, I went a little too long and wound up with what I can best describe as a slow moving blob.
It had the consistency of taffy, and a gorgeous ruby color, even if it never met it's end in a champagne glass.

The second one tasted delicious, but a word to the wise. When making little polenta shells, make sure they are either a bit crispier or don't over oven them, otherwise they fall apart.

Food Tour of NJ

This weekend, J and I celebrated our first year of wedded bliss in our favorite places. Lunch at Tumulty's Pub dinner at Stage Left, breakfast in bed and then a trip down for ice cream at the Bent Spoon. If I didn't think I would explode, we would have figured out hto get Makeda into it, but I don't think I could eat that much in one weekend. And of course, to top it all off, we did a drive through at Griggstown for a few pot pies and chickens.

Cause Nothing says I love you like ice cream and pot pie!

Photo Friday: Passage of Time

IMG_2212.JPG, originally uploaded by gfiorillo.

I really wanted to take a photo doing some time lapse photography, but in my neighborhood, I'm not leaving my camera unattended overnight.

So i chose this recent photo of some great old farm equipment. The field was full of ice, it was nice and early in the morning and all was quiet.

Taken with Canon Powershot G5, 1/100, f3.2

2007 In A Nutshell

1) Where did you begin 2007? Asleep, on my couch.

2) What was your status by Valentine's Day? Newlywed, at the same job, with the same 2 cats, and 1 niece.

3) Were you in school? Nope, except for the school of life

4) How did you earn your money? Promoting a change from an industrialized food system to one that celebrates the pleasure of the table.

5) Did you have to go court? No, but I did have to finish our audit (which is funnier if you know how much I suck at math)

6) Did you have any encounters with the police? Only the nice cops who took my report when my car was broken into

7) Where did you go on holidays? Well, there was the honeymoon in Costa Rica, some summer camping trips, a visit to the in-laws up north and some time at the Jersey Shore.

8) What did you purchase that was over $1,000? Does the honeymoon count? Or our wedding album.

9) Did you know anybody who got married? ME! And a few others.

10) Did you know anybody who went famous? It depends on how famous - more in the food biz than in the entertainment world.

11) Did you like someone? tons of people - although no real crushes lately, other than my obsession with EC!

12) Did you move anywhere? Nada

14) What concerts/shows did you go to? Inherit the Wind, and maybe some other things that I can't remember.

15) Are you registered to vote? Yes, although I'm still registered in my former state of residence cause I can't admit that I'm not a Jersey Girl any more.

16) Who did you want to win Big Brother? No Idea...out of the loop

17) Where do you live now? Outside of Jersey on the Island of Staten

18) Describe your birthday? Worked, but got a 10K donation in the mail that day so all was good. Then got home, drank a bottle of wine with the hubby and ordered fettucine Alfredo while watching bad sci-fi. Perfect. Oh, and then had my annual Christmas party with all the cool people I know!

19) What's one thing you thought you'd never do but did in 2007? Rappelling down a waterfall

20) What has been your favorite moment? Single moment, don't really know but to be cheesy, some moments on the 13th of January were pretty special.

21) Where did you go on vacation? Didn't I answer that with the holidays question?

22) Any new additions to your family? A newphew, Wammy.

23) What is your favorite month? December

24) How much have you partied? Not as much as I want, worked way too much but made up for a lot of it at my Christmas Party.

26) Made new friends? I think so....

27) What did you do for 4th of July? Visited the hubby while he was doing summer stock and sat in the rain.

28) Favorite Night out? MMMMMM.....Makeda.

29) Name the instance in which you had most to drink. Did I mention my christmas Party - that's what I get for partying in my own home.
Keep New: Posted on: Fri, Jan 4 2008 4:06 AM Updated: Fri, Jan 4 2008 4:08 AM Email This Clip/Blog This

Music for the Fashionista

I really like music. And to me, there's no better way of expressing feelings is through a tune and recently, through a friend I began getting hooked on making CD's. To me, coming up with the theme, and then picking all the songs - not just because I like them but because they flow, and there's a message, and together the whole CD is a journey.

So this Christmas I decided that the Fashionista needed to begin her introduction to music from CAG (Crazy Aunt G). So I spent some time coming up with a mix that introduces her to some of my favorite artists, as well as will get her up and dancing and having fun. And not dancing to Britney Spears.

Here Comes The Sun, The Beatles
When You're Smiling, Louis Prima
Optimistic Thoughts, Blues Traveler
Shake It Up And Go, B.B. King
Honey In Your Hips, The Yardbirds
Corn on the Cob, Chris Bayne
I Sing The Body Electric, Me First & The Gimme Gimmies
Happy, The Rolling Stones
Uptight (Everything's Alright), Stevie Wonder
Precious Time, Van Morrison
Heavy Cloud No Rain, Sting
I've Got A Rock N' Roll Heart, Eric Clapton
Spanish Harlem, Aretha Franklin
Minnie The Moocher, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Crazy in Love, Kane
Woman In Love, Bon Jovi
Sugar Magnolia, Grateful Dead
Baby I Love You, B.B. King
Midnight Train To Georgia, Indigo Girls
Banana Pancakes, Jack Johnson
Her Majesty, The Beatles