Hopefull Phoenix

It's so sunny today that I decided to lay out in the green backyard with the birds. Then I was met by the largest blackbird ever! I'm really not certain what type he is... anyone know? sharp beak, large sleek body and struts around the lawn like a little general. I call him Napoleon! Anyway, I've started theDukan diet. With all the press why not... I did Atkins and it worked, then I stopped. I know, diets aren't a solution. I simply need a jumpstart. Upon returning from a 9 day vacay 5 lbs heavier, I am furious! (already 20 over!) So the fridge is stocked with greek yogurt, cottage cheese, fish and veggies.... Sounds nice, but I am craving anything but! Need distractions and exercise!!!! In other words... Time to log off and move the booty! Have a great sunny day all!!! Love you!

Welcome from my garden! I was outside soaking up a bit of San Jose sunshine while it lasts (what a springtime!) and noticed the overgrowth of dandelions. Remembering a recent blog I read about cooking with this little weed, I decided to give it a try. After all, what is the worst reaction? Death? Gotta give it a try, I'm unemployed, so I really don't see any BAD choices here!! (just joking) Anyhoo, the recipe for sauteed leaves with meat (don't have but am using Jasmine Rice) call for about 4 cups of the weeds. Is it a bad thing that I don't have that many? Who knew? Plucked and rinsed in salted water about 1 cup of leaves, then dumped them into a pot of also salted (hey, recipe called for it and I hate salt but for the sake of research am a willing guinee pig) they boiled for about 10 min, then add onions, seasonings ( chili powder, garlic and herb mix) and saute til done. Had to add more water. but then the mixture look like spinach. Took one nibble, tasty but VERrrry...

Love is everything. It really is as simple as that! There is so much wonder and beauty around us and yet most of us are too busy or distracted that we fail to notice. When you sip your morning coffee, take a second and just glance outside your kitchen window. Take in everything out there. What do you see? A lovely tree, the wind rustling lime-colored leaves which sing on the breeze. There, to the right, is a little brown dove just waiting to be noticed. Take another sip of your warm coffee and give thanks for another beautiful day on this planet. Peace and love to all

One trip through my emails brought out this little tidbit, the Lash Dip. We have all seen the ads about brushing on the other stuff.. I have a few friends who have tried that. While it does work (one poor lady does have a bit of darkening which totally turned me off!!!) the main prob is that you MUST KEEP BUYING THE STUFF!!! (sorry for shouting-- just bothered) Anyhoo, there is this! Intriguing, but I still love my mascara... Now for other news, I'vebeen updating my podcast library and came upon a wide range of yoga casts. Some good, some ok, some reaaaallly awful! I wonder how itunes decides upon these things sometimes. I was watching one and through the grainy image and over the static of sound, I almost caught a bad view of a chair pose. Not certain though! But for a good site, I am intrigued by No More Boring Fitness. Check it out! There's a nice range of workouts! I'm into the Bollywood one right now.. well, must run -- til tomorrow!!! workout---30min, plus one...

Ok, I'm not so happy today. My jello body is just too much. Once upon a time I could actually see my muscles but now? That's another story. Of course, It has to do with not exercising as much as before. I am getting that back on track, it's just hard to deal with the current state of my flabbiness! Check out Ex hot girl's blogpost on the sneaky extra calories in your recipes. It's all about how we tend to round up the measuring scoop and not even think about it. This got me to admit how much of those "little" extras I consume without a thought. The flip side is also how much I could add to my exercise routine without a thought! What ways do you add a little extra into your routine? wall squats while brushing teeth? just one example. I do miss the burn after a good workout. This is where a job comes in handy, I would finally be able to afford to reactivate my gym membersip and get back into the kickboxing class I adore! Yes, I have dvds, but a trainer just ...

I ran out of coffee this morning! What a horrid way to start my jobsearching. How is a brain to function without the caffeine igniting the cells? Simple... It Cannot!!! Truly Answer? Starbucks!!!! Love you! Okay, truth be told, not as much as actually being in Italy and drinking a true espresso at the counter, but it works. Especially when you have RUN OUT at home okay, I'm better now. Komodo blend isn't all that bad. If I wasn't broke and jobhunting, I would buy some to inhale at home tonight(yes, I AM a night coffee drinker) So, if anyone wishes to donate really good coffee to me, I am open to takers! I have no shame! Oh, as to the job search? Well, since I am sitting here in Casa Starbucks typing away to you dear children, apparently... not.... well...... I went to College why? seriously To distract myself and keep the depression at bay, I have begun crafttime at night. Knitting is first. Difficult. But I made a scarf!!! Simple stitch... I will post a pic when I get hom...