Proverbs 20: 1
1 - Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
Well, duh. How true is that?? I see it every day as a bartender. People either fakely happy, sad, angry...raging against life and not dealing with things. Celebrating, averting, comiserating, socail lubricating...
It's all part of it.
How many times have I said that I will never take a drink again?? Countless... My friends have said that many times. Or asked me to cut them off, or called to "go get a drink" for happy hour. It usually turns into 7.
But as old as this adage is...it is still SO applicable. You know...January is coming sooner than I think and my NYR of totally chemical and stimulant free is gonna be here for my NEW bootcamp. I think I like the idea of not getting drunk...
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Sunday, December 20, 2009
Open Letter to Life
Dear Life –
Let me begin by saying that I love you very much.
I normally cannot wait to fling open my eyes and bound into each and every day that you deliver to me. As you know, and are well aware of, I am a nerve-wracking chipper kind of guy. I actually enjoy people and challenges and the act of living. I’ve come to realize that I am journey kind of guy and not a destination kind of guy…
I’ve been reflecting a lot lately about you.
Growing up, we had a hard relationship. I never knew that the hardships and tests and things that you gave me were ways of making me stronger and more durable. I accused you of being unfair and I must confess that in my heart…I momentarily hated you many times. You threw parental issues, selfishness, divorce, hateful step-parents, hard family issues, and tons of “growing up too fast” stuff at me. Still, overall…I loved you. If I am just being honest and not conceited…I even kind of excelled at you.
You made me sensitive and crazy and ADHD and OCD. I dealt. I deal. I will deal. And, still…there I was/am: Full of wonder and love and curiosity. And to give credit, I must say…we’ve had a great run, so many wonderful experiences and so many nice times and things that I am truly blessed to have seen, done and been a part of. I mean, even with the mucho crazy and family weirdness…I have a great family (most of the time and circumstance), great friends (the few of you know who you are), and tons of acquaintances and people to know. Also, I must say that I was always lucky in life and work with so many treasured experiences and things I’ve gotten to see and accomplish in a short, short life… I mean, I got a great career early on…did tons of government and ESRD stuff that I will always hold dear. Thanks a lot! It was super great!
However, lately it seems that either choices (or forced choices), and time and people and just…well, YOU, dear life…have become day by day, increasingly difficult. Increasingly challenging. Increasingly…well, sucky and full of hard decisions and disappointing people and situations. So what gives? What is it with all of these new tests and trials and things that are hard, difficult and painful??? Why shouldn’t I get my sunset, happy ending and blah blah blah?
Okay, I am nauseating myself. I am getting on my OWN nerves…
Wow. Too much has happened in the past year…year and a half… To the casual observer, it would seem like you take joy in making me doubt my sanity, my sobriety, my religion and my own very self. And in thinking about all of that, and taking some great self inventory. Really searching my soul and my actions and my life…here’s the deal: I got news for you, dear Life – you need to be on notice. I asked for a break. You said, “No.” Well, I am not asking anymore. I am taking. “Meh?” you say.
Taking.
Back.
My.
Life.
As in… Moving forward. Not turning around, not asking questions, not caring about answers. Me. Mine. My goal, vision, mission…
Be.
On.
Notice.
Sigh…since I am giving notice…and since I am putting this out there publicly…allow me an indulgence of the worst sort: The Spring Cleaning Whine.
Dear Life and those in it…for all of my great “friends” that I haven’t heard from, barely hear from, or otherwise hear from ONLY when you want a drink, a good time, or some kind of hook up, tickets, information, introductions, money, or anything besides just…well…being a friend.
Delete me.
Don’t call me.
Don’t text me.
Don’t know me.
Don’t get drunk and tell me you love me when your card declines and you owe me 40 bucks or you need a shoulder to cry on when your life isn’t great. If you can’t be a good reciprocal friend, then don’t be any kind of friend. Don’t text me when you are already at a party for two hours and wonder where I am.
Because I’ll tell you where I’m gonna be. With me. Figuring some stuff out. Relearning who I am and what I want and just how I’m gonna get it. And that might just not include you.
Peace.
Let me begin by saying that I love you very much.
I normally cannot wait to fling open my eyes and bound into each and every day that you deliver to me. As you know, and are well aware of, I am a nerve-wracking chipper kind of guy. I actually enjoy people and challenges and the act of living. I’ve come to realize that I am journey kind of guy and not a destination kind of guy…
I’ve been reflecting a lot lately about you.
Growing up, we had a hard relationship. I never knew that the hardships and tests and things that you gave me were ways of making me stronger and more durable. I accused you of being unfair and I must confess that in my heart…I momentarily hated you many times. You threw parental issues, selfishness, divorce, hateful step-parents, hard family issues, and tons of “growing up too fast” stuff at me. Still, overall…I loved you. If I am just being honest and not conceited…I even kind of excelled at you.
You made me sensitive and crazy and ADHD and OCD. I dealt. I deal. I will deal. And, still…there I was/am: Full of wonder and love and curiosity. And to give credit, I must say…we’ve had a great run, so many wonderful experiences and so many nice times and things that I am truly blessed to have seen, done and been a part of. I mean, even with the mucho crazy and family weirdness…I have a great family (most of the time and circumstance), great friends (the few of you know who you are), and tons of acquaintances and people to know. Also, I must say that I was always lucky in life and work with so many treasured experiences and things I’ve gotten to see and accomplish in a short, short life… I mean, I got a great career early on…did tons of government and ESRD stuff that I will always hold dear. Thanks a lot! It was super great!
However, lately it seems that either choices (or forced choices), and time and people and just…well, YOU, dear life…have become day by day, increasingly difficult. Increasingly challenging. Increasingly…well, sucky and full of hard decisions and disappointing people and situations. So what gives? What is it with all of these new tests and trials and things that are hard, difficult and painful??? Why shouldn’t I get my sunset, happy ending and blah blah blah?
Okay, I am nauseating myself. I am getting on my OWN nerves…
Wow. Too much has happened in the past year…year and a half… To the casual observer, it would seem like you take joy in making me doubt my sanity, my sobriety, my religion and my own very self. And in thinking about all of that, and taking some great self inventory. Really searching my soul and my actions and my life…here’s the deal: I got news for you, dear Life – you need to be on notice. I asked for a break. You said, “No.” Well, I am not asking anymore. I am taking. “Meh?” you say.
Taking.
Back.
My.
Life.
As in… Moving forward. Not turning around, not asking questions, not caring about answers. Me. Mine. My goal, vision, mission…
Be.
On.
Notice.
Sigh…since I am giving notice…and since I am putting this out there publicly…allow me an indulgence of the worst sort: The Spring Cleaning Whine.
Dear Life and those in it…for all of my great “friends” that I haven’t heard from, barely hear from, or otherwise hear from ONLY when you want a drink, a good time, or some kind of hook up, tickets, information, introductions, money, or anything besides just…well…being a friend.
Delete me.
Don’t call me.
Don’t text me.
Don’t know me.
Don’t get drunk and tell me you love me when your card declines and you owe me 40 bucks or you need a shoulder to cry on when your life isn’t great. If you can’t be a good reciprocal friend, then don’t be any kind of friend. Don’t text me when you are already at a party for two hours and wonder where I am.
Because I’ll tell you where I’m gonna be. With me. Figuring some stuff out. Relearning who I am and what I want and just how I’m gonna get it. And that might just not include you.
Peace.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Recipe of the Day - Stuffed Zucchini
4 8in zucchini
1/2 cup matzo meal
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
1/4 cup grated sapsago cheese
3/4 cup skind and diced fresh tomato
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup finely chopped green pepper
1 cup cooked rice
1 tablespoon diced pimento
1/4 teaspoon celery seed
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Slice the zucchini in half lenthwise. Scrape out the pulp from the centers and set it aside. Place the zucchini in a pan in a little boiling water and simmer it gently for a few minutes. (The zucchinni should be firm enough to withstand stuffing.)
Combine the pulp and the other ingredients in a bowl. Drop whole tomatos in a boiling water for a couple of minutes to facilitate removing the skin. Skin and dice the tomatos and add them to the other ingredients. Stuf the zucchinni and and lay them in a nostick baking pan or casserole dish. Cover and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 45 minutes. Then uncover and brown.
Serve plain or with a spaghetti or tomato sauce...
1/2 cup matzo meal
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
1/4 cup grated sapsago cheese
3/4 cup skind and diced fresh tomato
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup finely chopped green pepper
1 cup cooked rice
1 tablespoon diced pimento
1/4 teaspoon celery seed
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Slice the zucchini in half lenthwise. Scrape out the pulp from the centers and set it aside. Place the zucchini in a pan in a little boiling water and simmer it gently for a few minutes. (The zucchinni should be firm enough to withstand stuffing.)
Combine the pulp and the other ingredients in a bowl. Drop whole tomatos in a boiling water for a couple of minutes to facilitate removing the skin. Skin and dice the tomatos and add them to the other ingredients. Stuf the zucchinni and and lay them in a nostick baking pan or casserole dish. Cover and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 45 minutes. Then uncover and brown.
Serve plain or with a spaghetti or tomato sauce...
Saturday, December 19, 2009 - Proverbs 19:1
Proverbs 19:1 "Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool."
You know...as cliche and "common sense" as it sounds...it is better to be honest, just and poor than a liar or a corrupt rich dude.
I've made lots of money before...and I was happy...but when it came to politics and money and back scratching... Well, let's just say I am much happier as a person working at the gym and Rainbow and bar. I'd rather work in those settings and feel that peace and hard work satisfaction and sense of purpose. Just sayin'.
You know...as cliche and "common sense" as it sounds...it is better to be honest, just and poor than a liar or a corrupt rich dude.
I've made lots of money before...and I was happy...but when it came to politics and money and back scratching... Well, let's just say I am much happier as a person working at the gym and Rainbow and bar. I'd rather work in those settings and feel that peace and hard work satisfaction and sense of purpose. Just sayin'.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Recipe of the Day
Fish Fillets with Orange Salsa
½ cup unsweetened organic orange juice
2 – 3 tablespoons mild salsa (homemade preferably, but if store bought…use freshest and most salt/sugar free)
10 to 12 oz fish fillets, something like orange roughy, sole, or halibut
½ cup all purpose unbleached white flour (get it from your local health food store)
2 tablespoons chopped green onions
In a small bowl, compine the OJ and salsa and set aside. Dry the fish fillets with paper towels.
Spray a nonstick skillet with nonstick cooking spray and put the pan over high heat. Dredge the fillets in the flour, shaking off the excess, and then sauté on one side until they are lightly browned (about 2 or 3 minutes). Gently turn the fillets over and brown for 2 minutes. (Note: Don’t try to move the fillets around in the pan…they’ll probably start sticking and then tear…) Remove the skillet from heat and allow to cool for a minute before continuing.
Stir up the salsa mixture and pour it over the fish (the fish will now unstick easily). Lower the heat to medium and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, basting the fish with the sauce. Do this until the fish is cooked and the sauce has been reduced to a glaze.
Garnish with a sprinkling of green onions and serve.
Serves 2, each serving is only 245 calories, 33g carbs, 25g protein, and 10g of fat
½ cup unsweetened organic orange juice
2 – 3 tablespoons mild salsa (homemade preferably, but if store bought…use freshest and most salt/sugar free)
10 to 12 oz fish fillets, something like orange roughy, sole, or halibut
½ cup all purpose unbleached white flour (get it from your local health food store)
2 tablespoons chopped green onions
In a small bowl, compine the OJ and salsa and set aside. Dry the fish fillets with paper towels.
Spray a nonstick skillet with nonstick cooking spray and put the pan over high heat. Dredge the fillets in the flour, shaking off the excess, and then sauté on one side until they are lightly browned (about 2 or 3 minutes). Gently turn the fillets over and brown for 2 minutes. (Note: Don’t try to move the fillets around in the pan…they’ll probably start sticking and then tear…) Remove the skillet from heat and allow to cool for a minute before continuing.
Stir up the salsa mixture and pour it over the fish (the fish will now unstick easily). Lower the heat to medium and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, basting the fish with the sauce. Do this until the fish is cooked and the sauce has been reduced to a glaze.
Garnish with a sprinkling of green onions and serve.
Serves 2, each serving is only 245 calories, 33g carbs, 25g protein, and 10g of fat
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Recipe of the Day - Tomato/Rice Soup
1 Onion, chopped
2 small carrots, chopped
3 stalks of celery, chopped
1 large green pepper, chopped
1/2 head cabbage, chopped
1 28oz can whole-packed tomatos, chopped, with juice
3 cups canned tomato juice (mix with water if thinner soup is desired)
1 15oz can of salsa (or homemade salsa...it's good too!)
3 cups of Brown Rice, half cooked
Seasonings: Bay Leaf, Garlic Powder, Oregano, Chili Powder, Celery Seed
2 small carrots, chopped
3 stalks of celery, chopped
1 large green pepper, chopped
1/2 head cabbage, chopped
1 28oz can whole-packed tomatos, chopped, with juice
3 cups canned tomato juice (mix with water if thinner soup is desired)
1 15oz can of salsa (or homemade salsa...it's good too!)
3 cups of Brown Rice, half cooked
Seasonings: Bay Leaf, Garlic Powder, Oregano, Chili Powder, Celery Seed
- Fresh Veggies are ground to provide a flavor base for the soup. ;)
- Put the onion, carrots, celery, green pepper, and cabbage in a blender and grind it up. Add some tomato juice in as you go to make the grinding easier.
- Transfer the ground veggies to a soup pot.
- Add the rest of the tomato juice, canned tomatos(including juice), and salsa to the soup pot.
- Bring the contents to a boil and then simmer gently for about 15 minutes.
- Add the partially cooked rice and seasonings(to taste) and simmer gently for 15 minutes.
- Check the consistency of the soup, and add more tomato juice or water to suit your preference.
This makes about 16 servings. And the soup is amazing! Enjoy.
Proverbs 16
Alright, so I do this thing everyday where I read Proverbs. Kind of like a horoscope-y thing. There are 30ish days every month and 30 chapters, so I read it.
Amazingly enough, every day, something applies. Also, because of all of the different verses, you never run out of cool stuff that is common sense to help with your day and life. Very meditative and very helpful.
Today's is:
Proverbs 16: 33 - "The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord."
Okay, so basically, making plans, casting lots, fate, everything....we plan for. Man plans for. But no matter what, the end outcome is of God.
Well, what does that mean??? I am living in the 21st Century already and some old guys from Proverbs days with abilities to be wise and see the future. There are several ways that we can interpret the whole lot casting thing:
1. Most people think that "What happens, happens..." I have always liked that one. Sometimes, Life just happens. Juse because you get a flat tire, doesn't mean you are getting punished...just because you break a nail, etc...
2. Pre-Ordination - And there are people and religious sects that believe that everything everyone does of every day is pre-ordained. Call if Fate, call it whatever you like.. It takes away choice and change-ability. Which is comforting on a level if you want NO responsibility in your life. Which I don't so much care for.
3. No Interference - Some people believe that God just sits up there and watches...kind of like we are an ant farm or a social experiment. I dunno, maybe that might have a ring of truth to it. But aside from the Gary Larson-like humor of that...it makes a higher being seem....cold. Which I don't personally like or want to subscribe to.
4. Collaboration - I guess if there was a point I'd have to pick...it'd probably be this one. It's one where I believe that God let's live our lives...and we get to ask for guidance, direction, help...growth. Belief. It makes sense that if God is viewed as a parental figure...that we are meant to live our lives, make our mistakes...and get veered or directed as needed. I kind of like that view. For me.
Sooo, I guess that no matter what you believe, or what you decide you can do or not do in the "Grand Scheme" of things...seems like we have lots to cast. ;)
Amazingly enough, every day, something applies. Also, because of all of the different verses, you never run out of cool stuff that is common sense to help with your day and life. Very meditative and very helpful.
Today's is:
Proverbs 16: 33 - "The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord."
Okay, so basically, making plans, casting lots, fate, everything....we plan for. Man plans for. But no matter what, the end outcome is of God.
Well, what does that mean??? I am living in the 21st Century already and some old guys from Proverbs days with abilities to be wise and see the future. There are several ways that we can interpret the whole lot casting thing:
1. Most people think that "What happens, happens..." I have always liked that one. Sometimes, Life just happens. Juse because you get a flat tire, doesn't mean you are getting punished...just because you break a nail, etc...
2. Pre-Ordination - And there are people and religious sects that believe that everything everyone does of every day is pre-ordained. Call if Fate, call it whatever you like.. It takes away choice and change-ability. Which is comforting on a level if you want NO responsibility in your life. Which I don't so much care for.
3. No Interference - Some people believe that God just sits up there and watches...kind of like we are an ant farm or a social experiment. I dunno, maybe that might have a ring of truth to it. But aside from the Gary Larson-like humor of that...it makes a higher being seem....cold. Which I don't personally like or want to subscribe to.
4. Collaboration - I guess if there was a point I'd have to pick...it'd probably be this one. It's one where I believe that God let's live our lives...and we get to ask for guidance, direction, help...growth. Belief. It makes sense that if God is viewed as a parental figure...that we are meant to live our lives, make our mistakes...and get veered or directed as needed. I kind of like that view. For me.
Sooo, I guess that no matter what you believe, or what you decide you can do or not do in the "Grand Scheme" of things...seems like we have lots to cast. ;)
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