Comfort. Hold the mayo.

Cold days like today make me want to cook like Paula Deen. Ok, it's probably not THAT cold. High 50s, low 60's, but definitely colder that we're used to in San Diego. Since I became a vegetarian, I've gotten more into cooking and trying new things in the kitchen. I went vegan after watching a pile of documentaries on nutrition and animal cruelty. Vegan was a bit out of my league. I missed cheese, and even though I never really ate many before that, I craved eggs. I gave up the vegan lifestyle not long after I started and went strictly vegetarian. A few years back I was feeling really chunky after the holidays and decided I would go on the Jorge Cruise Bellyfat cure diet, which is stricly meats and vegetables. No sugar, starch or anything tasty. The re-addition of meat and poultry in my diet did a number on my digestive system, so after a week with Jorge, I returned his book and went back on the vegarian bandwagon. It's not for everyone, and my reasons aren't easily defined, except for the fact that I feel better than before, and I have no desire to bite into a steak anytime in the forseeable future. So my craving of the day was potato salad. Not the one I grew up with, made with hard boiled eggs and mayo, but one with my own stamp. I love the traditional potato salad, but never really mastered it. My Mom and Sister can make it with their eyes closed but I never really had much success, and I'm not a huge mayo fan. I've made my version several times over the years and each time it changes a bit, depending on what I have on hand, but the basic premise remains. 5-6 white potatoes (unpeeled, cause I'm lazy) Artichoke Antipasto (Trader Joe's) Chopped Olives Chopped Cucumber (The kind in the wrapper, it's just better) Chopped Red Pepper Cardini's Caesar Dressing Italian Dressing Garlic and Onion Powder Chopped up Peperoncini Pepper Flakes Salt and Pepper Chopped Bread and Butter Pickles

The ratio of everything varies, depending on my culinary mood, but the ingredients stay mostly the same. You have to chill it, overnight is preferrable, but the next day you are rewarded with a power punch of potato realness. Try it. You'll thank me later.

Cigars and Sunsets

The second day of the new year and my list is long. I got up early this morning after waking from a dream that Angelina Jolie and I had just been arrested for shoplifting from Blooomingdales. She was so courageous. She insisited we deny everything. She was right. I love her for that. Famous folk have a tendency to guest star in my highly elevated dreams. I blame melatonin, but in fact it is actually my own subconscious that is to blame. I had so much I wanted to accomplish today. Take down the remnants of Christmas decor and pack it safely for the oh too soon holiday season that approaches without fail. Clean this ridiculously filthy house to a level that I'm proud of. And to make a memory. Regardeless of its' impact I want to make each day count. And I did. Once I made my peace with Ms. Jolie-Pitt, I ventured over to Home Depot to find a plastic reel that I might be able to coil my red clearance lights from the tree out front to a safe, untangled place that they might spend their year in the shed out back and be easily retrieved for next years display. I got sidetracked by the need for groceries, so I made my way to Trader Joes to stock up on cheap vodka as well as bean and cheese taquitos. Next stop, Sprouts. Filling my basket with fresh fruits and vegetables (Ugh) for the coming week. I am now stocked with potatos. Cheese and potatos. Sure I picked up a three pack of romaine hearts and a few avacados, but alas, the intention lacked as the actual journey brought me what I craved. Al in all it wasn't a bad day. Once the sun began to set, Shawn lit up one of his recently acquired mail order cigars and we spent time on the back porch pontificating out future. What will make this year different for us? What we anticipate 2015 being for us, both financially and personally. And the sun sets. I really love my life. My drink needs a refill and there's a chunky Netflix cue. Goodbye first Friday of the new year. Here's to the first weekend.

Another Happy New Year

Another year down the toilet. 2014, you gave as much as you took. You stole Robin Williams and Joan Rivers from us. Many other celebrities took their last breath last year as well. I even lost a tooth. To be honest, I didn't lose it. I know exactly where it went. To the bloodsucking dentist office along with thousands of hard earned dollars. But you gave us so much. My beautiful grand niece came into our lives over the summer. I also obtained gainful (debatable) employment. Since the end of May I have been Visually Merchandising and Sales Associating the shit out of a California based garden center. Most of my paycheck goes right back to them as I endlessly strive to create a magical garden setting in the land surrounding our humble abode. I'm not one to make resolutions. Maybe drink a little less, and eat healthier, but no strict guidelines as of yet. My first day of the new year started out much the same as any other. Hungover and queesy, and decidedly earlier than my days used to begin before I started working again. We managed to get on our bikes. We rode all the way to the local pizza place so I could load up on carbs before binge drinking. I do have a few goals. I would like to have more time with my butt on the seat of my bike than on the living room chair. I would like to do more for others. (Just kidding, I don't know where that came from.) I would like to treat each day as a new adventure and never take for granted the fact that I have a ridiculously enjoyable life. I'm ready for the ride 2015. Bring it on!