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2014: The Year I Carpe Diem'ed the F*ck Out Of Life and Became My Own Hero

At the start of the year I made a resolution to myself.  (So cliche, I know.)  Katy Perry's song Roar had recently come out and it was the song of the year.  I love her music and I usually resonate with her lyrics.  This song, however, SPOKE to me.  As I'm very much a wallflower, I have become highly skilled in blending into my surroundings.  I am often lost in the crowd and rarely do people notice me.  I'm very proud of this ability and carry it with me everywhere.  I read the other day that "shyness is the fear of social judgement."  And yup, that's me - and for many reasons.  My father taught me early to speak only when spoken to.  I saw him display very conservative, traditional behavior to my mother: cook, take care of the child, and don't speak up.  While I'm definitely a product of my upbringing, I've never dared to stray.  I rarely voice my opinion (unless to my husband, because dammit we cannot watch The Terminator for the 68th time!) and I hate confrontation.  As an only child, I've never had to fight my way for attention or try to stand out amongst the litter of children. I grew to grow into my own skin, adapt to my surroundings, provide my own entertainment, and blend into the crowd.

So, back to Katy Perry.  Here are the lyrics to Roar (minus the chorus):

I used to bite my tongue and hold my breath
Scared to rock the boat and make a mess
So I sat quietly, agreed politely
I guess that I forgot I had a choice
I let you push me past the breaking point
I stood for nothing, so I fell for everything

Now I’m floating like a butterfly
Stinging like a bee I earned my stripes

I WENT FROM ZERO, TO MY OWN HERO

I vowed for 2014 to seize life and all opportunities and to finally become my own hero.  I wasn't sure how I was going to do it or if I could.  With only a handful of weeks left of the year, I can say my resolution is complete.  And, here's why...

Adventurously, (and admittedly, very safely) I rock climbed and went to a trampoline park.  Checking off Bucket List items, I saw Jerry Seinfeld perform and and MET Sarah Mclachlan and comedian Gina Brillon after seeing their live shows.  Traveling, I went to Tahoe and Hawaii - where birds ate out of my hand!  Domestically, I hosted my first Brunch and finally completed my backyard. (Not in the same day.)   Cosmetically, I finally converted all my make-up to organic and cruelty free.  Fashionably, I bought my first few skirts (I'm a jeans kinda girl) and skinny pants. (Their adorable!)  Getting in touch with my animal spirit, I attended Oakland's first Cat Festival and slightly adopted a second cat.  (Another story, another time.)   Check out a few of my memories below!

Scary as hell, but rewarding as f*ck! 

We're so exhausted (er, old) someone couldn't figure out where to look. 

Best day of my life!

We installed that wood flooring all by ourselves!

While all of this contributed to the best year ever, none of this is why I became my own hero.

At the beginning of November I attended a three day event planning retreat.  Attendees came from all over the US and most were entrepreneurs who had already paved their way into the industry.  Located in gorgeous Sonoma and held at Ramekins Culinary School and Inn, I was excited and nervous to arrive.  I came alone and knowing only one of the hosts.  I do not own my own business, nor am I yet properly placed in the event planning industry.  I'm no florist, photographer or planner, but I've placed my hands in all aspects on a smaller scale.  I'm proud of what I've accomplished but, for obvious reasons, did not feel properly placed within the group I was sitting in with and wasn't sure if I would be able to make friends.  I was a nervous wreck for a solid week before coming.

The event has ended, and I'm sad it's over. My gratitude to the three hosts and their team is endless.  They created an environment of beauty, indulgence, knowledge, fun, and decadent food.  (And, wine!!)  Friendships were made, laughter was abundant, and the stories were enriching.  I left FULL in so many ways.

I proud of myself for trying something new, stepping out of the box and saying "YES." 

I can't wait for the next journey, but for now, I'm just glad to finally be my own hero.

First Night: Cocktails/Meet and Greet

Setting was simply stunning.

The cutest cookies at the dessert table!

I wish school was this beautiful and comfortable!

Cooking Class: Us ladies making our own lunch.

Calligraphy Class held by the incredibly sweet Maybelle Imasa-Stukuls

Our custom boxes were amazing!  

Day 2 Dinner: Wine Cave!

The food was to die for!

Day 3: The food was no joke.  Best bacon I've ever had!  (Thank you Ramekins!)

Adorable picnic lunch.

Floral Class hosted by the little firework Nancy Liu Chin!  Her energy is endless as is her kindness.

Sketch Class held by remarkably sweet Mary Phan.  I loved hearing her passion for her work.  (Simply stunning cookies by I Dream of Cookies.)

"Keep it sharp!"

I mean, honestly?!?  Movie Night donuts.

Plus, a popcorn bar! 

Movie Night: Bridesmaids.  (One of my favorite nights.)

Day 4: Breakfast.  

The "Reality" table my team (Team: Awwwesome) created. 

The amazing Marcy Blum.  She is filled with so much advice and good stories. So many of us just felt honored to be in her presence while she generously shared her nuggets of wisdom...and wine!

Last Night: The Gala

Table Nine!!

New friends!

Thank you, OSI!!  The food, the memories and the swag were unforgettable!

Project #1 (June 2014)

Project Number 1

Getting started on anything is never easy.  Inspiration is required. So, I went on the web (Pinterest, duh) and searched high and low for something to make.  I may have looked like this...

 

Once the idea popped into my noggin', I found the designs needed and off I headed to my favorite new store!  I began by purchasing the items: perler beads, perler bead board, tweezers, wax paper, magnet roll, super glue & iron.

All the colors made me so happy. No, I wasn't high. 

Then, got to work...

 

Money shot!

After all the beads were in place, I got out my trusty iron, let it get good and hot, and placed it over the completed piece - with wax paper between hot metal and plastic beads!

I circled around the beaded area for about 10-20 seconds and checked periodically.  I wanted the beads just melted enough to bond together but not too melted that it reduced the height of the project.  (Also, watch out for parts more melted than other parts - this will result in an un-leveled piece.)

And then: let cool, flip over and...as if by magic...

...project complete!

(Note: for items like the question mark, make backwards.)

I also added a magnet strip to the back for fridge display.  Off in the mail it goes!  I hope she likes it!

Wide World of Crafts

Do you know what's amazing?  Discovering new things.  I'm sure Edison was OVER the moon when he figured out that whole electricity mumbo jumbo and got that little light bulb to shine like a diamond.  Imagine being in the room when good ole Alex Bell made the first phone call?! (You know he totally made a prank call to one of his other long bearded fellas across town.) My point is this: I discovered a new craft store in town recently, and I'm sure the euphoric feelings running through my veins were identical to theirs.

My dear friend is in the heart of middle America, where the Cheeseburger came to life, where a game called Cornhole is a past time and not a naughty joke, and where bourbon is swallowed down by the barrel full. It is also a location to a fine craft store called Hobby Lobby.  She has regaled me with tales of its massive size and its large collection of "things."  Apparently, according to her, anything I could possibly imagine is located within its walls.

As I was not privy to the access of this business establishment, I deleted her words from my memory just as quickly as I had heard them.  But then...

 

As I strolled down the tiled floor with my mouth agape, my mind went blank.  What do I make?  Where do I start?  I passed by spools of ribbon, towering rows of fabric, walls of colored paper that must have taken forests of trees to equate! There was wrought iron house decor, smelly candles, party supplies, baking supplies, yarnpillowsframesbeadscardsandsomuchmore...aaahhh!!

It was the Willy Wonka Factory of textiles - and I was in lurve.

So I contacted Middle America Friend (my MAF) and together we brainstormed a crafting project: each month we would make each other a little something from the heart.  Something tasteful and something non-stinky (no perfumes, no candles, no soap, no innocence - no shirt, no service).
And because I so enjoy adding salt to wound - I'm going to blog about my projects!

The fun starts soon!

Crossroads

I feel like I'm at a crossroads in life.  Or, maybe I'm just bored.  Either way, I need...something.  For those of you who don't know (and that's most all of you), I work as a Resident Services for an apartment complex.  Overall, I love my job and it truly is a dream come true.  I have been in this position for over 4 years and it was a blessing that it happened at all.  But, after doing the same job now for almost half a decade, I feel restless.  I don't know if it's the job or my environment.  Do I want a new job?  Do I want to move to a new work location?  Do I want to move altogether: new city, new home, etc?  I don't know!

I've been looking online at real estate - but not thrilled with what's out there.  So now, I'm looking at schools or credential programs that can enhance my current field at work.  It's not cheap and will make a little dent in my pocket book, but maybe on the grand scheme of life it will seem like nothing.  I mean, what is the price of happiness...or a bit more knowledge in my noggin?

You see...crossroads!

I mean, honestly!

Have you ever been at a crossroads?  What did you do?  What made you decide to go in one particular direction?  Or, are you still lost...like me?

Melissa's Spaghetti w/ Parmesan Zucchini

Alrighty, I'm at it again.  I mean, I've cooked since we've last "spoken," but it always takes a little more effort and conscience thought to take pictures from start to finish.  But, I'm back! This time I bring you "my" spaghetti. Yum!!

Monkey and I are frugal folks. We were once in a really tight spot where we were not only living paycheck to paycheck, but we were down to dollars and cents each day.  It was rough. What we learned early on was that the eating out had to stop, and the eating in had to begin. But even though we were eating in, I found that in the beginning I was having to cook different meals every night...which when you are living dollars to the day (budget wise), even this wasn't working for us. So, I learned to buckle down even further.  

There is only two of us in the house (minus a feline), and this meal always lasts us an entire work week (5 days).  We got used to this way of eating, but I realize it's not for everyone. If this is "too much" food, feel free to scale down on whatever you wish.  

"Melissa's Spaghetti" 

The Ingredients

Step One (1) - Chop peppers into tiny pieces.

Teeny tiny pieces.

Step Two (2) - Slice mushrooms - even more.

(I like thinly sliced mushrooms)

Step Three (3)

I love my onion chopper!!

Step Four (4) - Heat pot with Olive Oil and Garlic

I use garlic oil and garlic cubes from Trader Joe's

Step Five (5) - Sauté onions, garlic and oil

Inhale aroma. Smile deeply.

Step Six (6) - Add turkey meat and seasonings (salt, garlic pepper, "Mrs. Dash", Italian seasoning and a few flakes of chili flakes.)

Add so much seasonings you can barely see meat. ;)

Step Seven (7) - Once meat is cooked through, add chopped bell peppers.

Colorful!

Step Eight (8) - Stir together, add sauce. (I like to use one "cheesy" sauce + one marinara type sauce.)  Simmer on stove on lowest setting. (No picture)

Step Nine (9) - While the sauce simmers, Sauté mushrooms. Get pan and heat oil.

Fancy pan.

Step Ten (10) - Add mushrooms.

Mushroom-y!

Step Eleven (11) - Once the mushrooms start to get really watery, add butter. (I use garlic and herb butter from Trader Joe's.)

Mmmmmm....garlic herb butter.....

Step Twelve (12) - Let cook until water evaporates on its own. Here, add salt and pepper.

Patience is a virtue here and reward of deliciousness is guaranteed.

Step Thirteen (13) - Like this!  Now, add my secret ingredient: 1 tsp. sugar. (shhhhhh!!)

Yummy!!

Step Fourteen (14) - Place sautéed mushrooms in sauce, stir, simmer.

The perfect sauce!  Proof at the end.

Step Fifteen (15) - Cook noodles, simmer sauce, drink wine!  

The perfect tri-fecta!!

Parmesan Zucchini

The Ingredients.

Directions: (1) Clean zucchini. (2) Slice in half length-wise. (3) Drizzle olive oil on top. (4) Season with salt and pepper. (5) Lay parmesan cheese on top. (6) Set to broil on low for 15 minutes. (7) Set to broil on high for 5-10 minutes to toast cheese.

Like this!

Final Presentation

Ta-dah!!

And as promised...

Good to the last lick.  (Photo-bombed by Mittens.)

That's my stuff. Lemme know if you have any questions! :)  

Enjoy and Bon Appétit!!