Ingredients:
Turkey Breast Cutlets
Sweet Potato
Parsnips
Brie (Optional)
Cranberry Sauce - with whole berries
Onion
Rosemary - minced fine
Butter
Salt & Pepper
Flatten the Turkey Breast to approx 1/2 thickness by placing between pieces of tinfoil and hammering with the flat side of a meat tenderizer.
Cube Sweet Potato, Parsnip, and Onion, place in a pan with the Rosemary, cover with water and cook over high heat until boiling. Turn to medium and simmer until soft. Drain, add butter and mash.
Place the Turkey Cutlets on tinfoil large enough to roll and wrap them. Spread Cranberry Sauce on the Cutlets, Place 1/2" thick slices of Brie on the Cranberry Sauce and spread Sweet Potato mash mixture over Cranberry Sauce and Brie.
Roll the Turkey Cutlets, sprinkle with Salt & Pepper and then roll up in tinfoil, sealing the ends. Bake in 350 degree oven for approx 1 hour.
Use caution when opening tinfoil packets as steam will be extremely hot. Let rest 5 minutes, slice and serve.
Enjoy!
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
He's Different
Ah, the self-proclaimed "different from all the other guys"...
There are plenty of them out there, though they never really say what it is that makes them different. Don't they know by now that all human beings are pretty much alike and that no amount of claiming to be different actually makes you different?
His profile includes a wide selection of photos of himself, himself with his dog, & himself with a good buddy or 2 (and one with some really odd thing on his head with the caption "Don't ask. lol" Begging for an ask!). They all look pretty happy and his headline proclaims that he is "hoping to find the one". The ever elusive "one", eh?
Let's have a look at his likes: Sports, red wine, travel, nice restaurants, and fitness - I ask you, how subjective is a "nice restaurant"? No matter, he likes to travel and is into fitness, sports, and red wine. Can't be all that bad.
About himself: "Well now where to start. I love most sports and enjoy working out and staying active a great deal. I believe in "eating clean" although I also believe in very rewarding treat days.lol I love to laugh and believe in laughing as much as humanly possible. I like to think of myself as different than most guys. I pride myself on being one of the few out there who really appreciates the little things in life and respect and trust are both earned. I don't expect anyone to believe I'm a great guy just because I say I am. All I'm looking for is a chance to prove all that I say and write about myself. I'm an accomplished professional with a great job but my personal life is lacking. While I spend a lot of time at the gym and outside with my dog, some things are still lacking. I'm hoping to find someone with whom I can share my life with and that of course includes my successes and failures. I've been on this site before and have experienced moderate success. I've since moved to a new city though and would like to try again to see what fish are out there.
Drop me a line and we can see where this life is supposed to take us.
cheers,"
Here is a bit more in way of what he likes - eating clean, laughing, has a great job (subjective), spends time at the gym and outside with the dog (I've got a dog and I go to the gym - a LOT), Wants to share his life with someone, thinks he is different than most guys, appreciates the little things in life and all he is looking for is a chance to prove himself. What say we give him a chance to prove what he says about himself and that he is different? Are you with me? OK!
My email:
"Hello,
Where did you move here from and why? What is your favorite "treat" food that you don't normally eat? And I have to ask, what on earth is that thing on your head in the pic? Looks like maybe a dog toy that has had all the stuffing ripped out of it? Yeah, I have a couple of those laying around courtesy of my dog. :D
So, what makes you different from other guys? I have to warn you, the other guys don't usually respond to emails so... that would be one way you can be different."
Now, I've just given him the way he can be different. Nope, didn't hint, came right out and said - the other guys don't respond, so if you want to be different.. respond.
And he said: DELETE
Guess he isn't all that different after all...
There are plenty of them out there, though they never really say what it is that makes them different. Don't they know by now that all human beings are pretty much alike and that no amount of claiming to be different actually makes you different?
His profile includes a wide selection of photos of himself, himself with his dog, & himself with a good buddy or 2 (and one with some really odd thing on his head with the caption "Don't ask. lol" Begging for an ask!). They all look pretty happy and his headline proclaims that he is "hoping to find the one". The ever elusive "one", eh?
Let's have a look at his likes: Sports, red wine, travel, nice restaurants, and fitness - I ask you, how subjective is a "nice restaurant"? No matter, he likes to travel and is into fitness, sports, and red wine. Can't be all that bad.
About himself: "Well now where to start. I love most sports and enjoy working out and staying active a great deal. I believe in "eating clean" although I also believe in very rewarding treat days.lol I love to laugh and believe in laughing as much as humanly possible. I like to think of myself as different than most guys. I pride myself on being one of the few out there who really appreciates the little things in life and respect and trust are both earned. I don't expect anyone to believe I'm a great guy just because I say I am. All I'm looking for is a chance to prove all that I say and write about myself. I'm an accomplished professional with a great job but my personal life is lacking. While I spend a lot of time at the gym and outside with my dog, some things are still lacking. I'm hoping to find someone with whom I can share my life with and that of course includes my successes and failures. I've been on this site before and have experienced moderate success. I've since moved to a new city though and would like to try again to see what fish are out there.
Drop me a line and we can see where this life is supposed to take us.
cheers,"
Here is a bit more in way of what he likes - eating clean, laughing, has a great job (subjective), spends time at the gym and outside with the dog (I've got a dog and I go to the gym - a LOT), Wants to share his life with someone, thinks he is different than most guys, appreciates the little things in life and all he is looking for is a chance to prove himself. What say we give him a chance to prove what he says about himself and that he is different? Are you with me? OK!
My email:
"Hello,
Where did you move here from and why? What is your favorite "treat" food that you don't normally eat? And I have to ask, what on earth is that thing on your head in the pic? Looks like maybe a dog toy that has had all the stuffing ripped out of it? Yeah, I have a couple of those laying around courtesy of my dog. :D
So, what makes you different from other guys? I have to warn you, the other guys don't usually respond to emails so... that would be one way you can be different."
Now, I've just given him the way he can be different. Nope, didn't hint, came right out and said - the other guys don't respond, so if you want to be different.. respond.
And he said: DELETE
Guess he isn't all that different after all...
Monday, July 8, 2013
Cherry Chocolate Dream
Ingredients:
1 Medium Banana - sliced
1/2 Cup Milk
1/2 Cup Greek Yogurt
1 Cup Frozen Sweet Cherries
1 TBSP Hemp Hearts
1 TBSP Flax Meal
1 TBSP Chia Seeds
1 1/2 TBSP Cocoa Powder
1/4 - 1/2 Scoop Protein Powder
Blend Milk, Banana and Yogurt until smooth. Add Hemp Hearts, Flax, Chia , and Cocoa Powder and blend again until thoroughly mixed. Add Cherries and blend again until smooth. You may need to add up to 1/4 cup additional milk or water depending on consistency to get the Cherries to blend in. Add Protein Powder to taste as a sweetener.
Pour and enjoy!
1 Medium Banana - sliced
1/2 Cup Milk
1/2 Cup Greek Yogurt
1 Cup Frozen Sweet Cherries
1 TBSP Hemp Hearts
1 TBSP Flax Meal
1 TBSP Chia Seeds
1 1/2 TBSP Cocoa Powder
1/4 - 1/2 Scoop Protein Powder
Blend Milk, Banana and Yogurt until smooth. Add Hemp Hearts, Flax, Chia , and Cocoa Powder and blend again until thoroughly mixed. Add Cherries and blend again until smooth. You may need to add up to 1/4 cup additional milk or water depending on consistency to get the Cherries to blend in. Add Protein Powder to taste as a sweetener.
Pour and enjoy!
Sunday, July 7, 2013
He Wants Unlimited Options
Headline: I have a good feeling about this.
Okay, he's optimistic anyway. And he has a lot of interests that range from camping, mountain biking, and nature to photography, concerts, and road trips. Seems like a well rounded individual. Let's have a look at what he is looking for!
"Like many, I'm here just checking things out. Will internet dating be my saving grace? Chances are slim, but 'm not going to limit my options at this stage of the game.
I like to see new places and try new things. I like to discover old bands and albums that aren't in the mainstream anymore. I like to pretend I'm a musician and photographer, but day to day responsibilities tend to get in the way of developing these talents. I'm looking to adore, and be adored. The right girl will find out how genuine and generous I can be, and together we will explore the world - and each other - and it will be a fantastic journey. If you haven't noticed yet, I'm also a dreamer:)"
Well, he has a good attitude. He isn't going to limit his options at this state of the game. Not sure what stage he is at in this game but hey, he likes music and photography. A little sappy with the "right girl" schpeal but hey, who doesn't want to be adored and explored? :)
His idea of a first date: "steal a car, rob a bank, graffiti a rail car.. or maybe just grab a drink, whatever - I'm easy."
I'll play along, seems like he has a bit of a sense of humor. I mean, no one REALLY wants to steal a car or rob a bank on a first date, right? Let's see how "easy" he is.
My email: "Ooooo! How about jumping a train, holding it up for the bankroll and then graffitiing the conductor? :) THAT would be fun."
His response:
That's right, folks! Nada! I think my criminal sense of adventure scared him off.
Okay, he's optimistic anyway. And he has a lot of interests that range from camping, mountain biking, and nature to photography, concerts, and road trips. Seems like a well rounded individual. Let's have a look at what he is looking for!
"Like many, I'm here just checking things out. Will internet dating be my saving grace? Chances are slim, but 'm not going to limit my options at this stage of the game.
I like to see new places and try new things. I like to discover old bands and albums that aren't in the mainstream anymore. I like to pretend I'm a musician and photographer, but day to day responsibilities tend to get in the way of developing these talents. I'm looking to adore, and be adored. The right girl will find out how genuine and generous I can be, and together we will explore the world - and each other - and it will be a fantastic journey. If you haven't noticed yet, I'm also a dreamer:)"
Well, he has a good attitude. He isn't going to limit his options at this state of the game. Not sure what stage he is at in this game but hey, he likes music and photography. A little sappy with the "right girl" schpeal but hey, who doesn't want to be adored and explored? :)
His idea of a first date: "steal a car, rob a bank, graffiti a rail car.. or maybe just grab a drink, whatever - I'm easy."
I'll play along, seems like he has a bit of a sense of humor. I mean, no one REALLY wants to steal a car or rob a bank on a first date, right? Let's see how "easy" he is.
My email: "Ooooo! How about jumping a train, holding it up for the bankroll and then graffitiing the conductor? :) THAT would be fun."
His response:
That's right, folks! Nada! I think my criminal sense of adventure scared him off.
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Weight Loss - Getting Started
Having been working at, and succeeding in, losing weight for the past 8 months, I am asked a lot of questions about weight loss, nutrition, fitness, and what I am doing to be successful. This post is intended to give you the framework and tools that you need to get started on your health, fitness, nutrition, and/or weight loss journey. Remember, health & fitness are not a diet and exercise program, they are a lifestyle. You should expect to be making changes that you are going to stick to for the rest of your life.
Please note that before you make any big lifestyle changes (nutritional or exercise), you should check with your doctor to be sure that you don't have any underlying conditions that may prevent you from performing certain exercises or may cause you to have special dietary needs.
Tools:
BMR Calculator Online: http://www.bmi-calculator.net/bmr-calculator/
Calorie Count Online: http://www.caloriecount.com Also available as an APP for download
A notebook & pen - to use as a journal of your progress
A tape measure
A bathroom scale
Measuring cups & measuring spoons
Someone to support you and for you to be accountable to - This can be the other people using CalorieCount.com, a trainer, a friend, a family member. Basically anyone who you can call, email, etc to let them know how you are doing, ask questions to, & receive support from.
Assess your state of mind - The biggest road block that we face is our own mind. Are you ready to make and stick to your goals? Are you ready to be honest with yourself and push yourself? Are you ready to be accountable for your health and fitness? Are you ready to stop making excuses? Are you ready to make a lifestyle change? Do you believe that YOU CAN DO IT? If so, you are ready to start setting your goals.
Set your goal(s) - This is the "WHAT" goal. You need to decide what you want to do. Be specific. "I want to lose X pounds in Y time frame." With this in mind, remember that your goals must be reasonable. They must be achievable, actionable, & measurable. As much as we would all like our extra weight to magically drop off overnight, that isn't going to happen. It is reasonable to set a goal to lose anywhere from 1/2 to 2 lbs per week depending on how much weight you want to lose and how hard you are willing to work on your goals.
Set your supporting goals - These are the "HOW" goals. You need to determine how you are going to reach your "WHAT" goal by setting a series of "HOW" goals. These too should be achievable, actionable, and measurable. Some examples:
1. I am going to learn what my BMR is and then use this to calculate how many calories I need to eat per day to maintain my current weight.
2. I am going to use the number that I figured in item 1 to determine how many calories I need to eat per day to lose my goal of 1/2 lb per week. (it takes a deficit of 1750 calories per week to lose 1/2 lb per week or a 250 calorie deficit per day).
3. I am going to track the number of calories that I eat each day so that I am sure that I am only eating the amount that I figured in item 2.
4. I am going to learn more about the food that I am eating so that I can make healthier food choices. NOTE: This should be an ongoing goal. You can always benefit from learning more about healthy eating choices throughout your life.
5. I am going to park my car as far from the entrance as I can at work, the supermarket, the bank, etc. and walk.
6. I am going to (insert exercise) X times per week for Y amount of time. NOTE: Exercise can be anything from a brisk walk, run, bike ride, or structured exercise class to strength training in your own home. It does not have to be at a gym as long as you make a plan and stick to it. Hold yourself accountable and push yourself to improve no matter how small you start.
7. I am going to measure my foods so that I know I am eating proper portion sizes.
8. I am going to drink at least 8 cups of water per day.
It is important to write your goals down so that you can refer back to them, make notes on them as you work towards reaching them, and measure them. Remember, it is important that your goals be measurable. Write down how many minutes you exercise, what your calorie goals are, the healthy foods you are learning about, etc. Over time, as you reach your goals, you'll make new goals and it will be helpful to look back on your "old" goals and see what worked for you and what did not.
Remember, you don't have to start more than 1 new goal at a time. Just because you made a long list of goals does not mean you should tackle the entire list at once. You must be 100% certain that you can accomplish a goal in order to start a goal. Only take on as many goals as you feel that you can handle at a time. In the list above you may pick goals 1, 2, & 3 to start with and work on them for a couple of weeks until you feel really comfortable with your calorie needs and calorie counting. In the meantime, it might be easy for you to include goal 5 but you may want to wait a couple of weeks to start on goal 6. The point is, you want to be successful and you don't want to overwhelm yourself. Once you have a goal down, you are ready to add a new goal while maintaining the "old" goals.
Weigh & Measure Yourself - It is important to have a starting point and to track your progress. Take a measurement of your tummy at belly button height. You may also want to measure your hips (top of hip bone), thighs (stand with hands at sides and measure where the tips of your fingers end), upper arms, and chest but at the very least, your tummy will be a good indicator of size lost. Weigh yourself and write down your starting weight. IMPORTANT: Don't weigh yourself more than 1x per week. Our body weight fluctuates greatly from day to day and more frequent weighing in can be frustrating and defeating. Stick to 1x per week and record your weight. You are looking for a losing trend over time. Don't be discouraged if you begin lifting weights and gain a little weight as muscle weighs more than fat but is leaner than fat (you'll look thinner but might weigh a bit more as you start building muscle). And it is important to strengthen your muscles as the stronger they are, the more calories they burn.
Accountability & Support - it is important to be accountable to someone for your goals and progress. This can be anyone who you are comfortable talking about your weight loss journey with. Caloriecount.com has a lot of forums where people are very active with supporting each other and offering suggestions (remember, just like what you are reading here, make sure the suggestion is right for you, and healthy, before you follow it). It is very very very difficult to be accountable only to yourself as you will find that you occasionally need a shoulder to lean on, a cheerleader, or a drill sergeant.
Have questions still? Just ask. Good luck - YOU CAN DO IT!
Please note that before you make any big lifestyle changes (nutritional or exercise), you should check with your doctor to be sure that you don't have any underlying conditions that may prevent you from performing certain exercises or may cause you to have special dietary needs.
Tools:
BMR Calculator Online: http://www.bmi-calculator.net/bmr-calculator/
Calorie Count Online: http://www.caloriecount.com Also available as an APP for download
A notebook & pen - to use as a journal of your progress
A tape measure
A bathroom scale
Measuring cups & measuring spoons
Someone to support you and for you to be accountable to - This can be the other people using CalorieCount.com, a trainer, a friend, a family member. Basically anyone who you can call, email, etc to let them know how you are doing, ask questions to, & receive support from.
Assess your state of mind - The biggest road block that we face is our own mind. Are you ready to make and stick to your goals? Are you ready to be honest with yourself and push yourself? Are you ready to be accountable for your health and fitness? Are you ready to stop making excuses? Are you ready to make a lifestyle change? Do you believe that YOU CAN DO IT? If so, you are ready to start setting your goals.
Set your goal(s) - This is the "WHAT" goal. You need to decide what you want to do. Be specific. "I want to lose X pounds in Y time frame." With this in mind, remember that your goals must be reasonable. They must be achievable, actionable, & measurable. As much as we would all like our extra weight to magically drop off overnight, that isn't going to happen. It is reasonable to set a goal to lose anywhere from 1/2 to 2 lbs per week depending on how much weight you want to lose and how hard you are willing to work on your goals.
Set your supporting goals - These are the "HOW" goals. You need to determine how you are going to reach your "WHAT" goal by setting a series of "HOW" goals. These too should be achievable, actionable, and measurable. Some examples:
1. I am going to learn what my BMR is and then use this to calculate how many calories I need to eat per day to maintain my current weight.
2. I am going to use the number that I figured in item 1 to determine how many calories I need to eat per day to lose my goal of 1/2 lb per week. (it takes a deficit of 1750 calories per week to lose 1/2 lb per week or a 250 calorie deficit per day).
3. I am going to track the number of calories that I eat each day so that I am sure that I am only eating the amount that I figured in item 2.
4. I am going to learn more about the food that I am eating so that I can make healthier food choices. NOTE: This should be an ongoing goal. You can always benefit from learning more about healthy eating choices throughout your life.
5. I am going to park my car as far from the entrance as I can at work, the supermarket, the bank, etc. and walk.
6. I am going to (insert exercise) X times per week for Y amount of time. NOTE: Exercise can be anything from a brisk walk, run, bike ride, or structured exercise class to strength training in your own home. It does not have to be at a gym as long as you make a plan and stick to it. Hold yourself accountable and push yourself to improve no matter how small you start.
7. I am going to measure my foods so that I know I am eating proper portion sizes.
8. I am going to drink at least 8 cups of water per day.
It is important to write your goals down so that you can refer back to them, make notes on them as you work towards reaching them, and measure them. Remember, it is important that your goals be measurable. Write down how many minutes you exercise, what your calorie goals are, the healthy foods you are learning about, etc. Over time, as you reach your goals, you'll make new goals and it will be helpful to look back on your "old" goals and see what worked for you and what did not.
Remember, you don't have to start more than 1 new goal at a time. Just because you made a long list of goals does not mean you should tackle the entire list at once. You must be 100% certain that you can accomplish a goal in order to start a goal. Only take on as many goals as you feel that you can handle at a time. In the list above you may pick goals 1, 2, & 3 to start with and work on them for a couple of weeks until you feel really comfortable with your calorie needs and calorie counting. In the meantime, it might be easy for you to include goal 5 but you may want to wait a couple of weeks to start on goal 6. The point is, you want to be successful and you don't want to overwhelm yourself. Once you have a goal down, you are ready to add a new goal while maintaining the "old" goals.
Weigh & Measure Yourself - It is important to have a starting point and to track your progress. Take a measurement of your tummy at belly button height. You may also want to measure your hips (top of hip bone), thighs (stand with hands at sides and measure where the tips of your fingers end), upper arms, and chest but at the very least, your tummy will be a good indicator of size lost. Weigh yourself and write down your starting weight. IMPORTANT: Don't weigh yourself more than 1x per week. Our body weight fluctuates greatly from day to day and more frequent weighing in can be frustrating and defeating. Stick to 1x per week and record your weight. You are looking for a losing trend over time. Don't be discouraged if you begin lifting weights and gain a little weight as muscle weighs more than fat but is leaner than fat (you'll look thinner but might weigh a bit more as you start building muscle). And it is important to strengthen your muscles as the stronger they are, the more calories they burn.
Accountability & Support - it is important to be accountable to someone for your goals and progress. This can be anyone who you are comfortable talking about your weight loss journey with. Caloriecount.com has a lot of forums where people are very active with supporting each other and offering suggestions (remember, just like what you are reading here, make sure the suggestion is right for you, and healthy, before you follow it). It is very very very difficult to be accountable only to yourself as you will find that you occasionally need a shoulder to lean on, a cheerleader, or a drill sergeant.
Have questions still? Just ask. Good luck - YOU CAN DO IT!
He's Manscaped!
He's manscaped...
Okay, I don't know what that means either but it's the headline to his ad. Further, he is not seeking a relationship or commitment of any kind. What he is seeking:
"just here for someone to workout with or go to movies or shows. to hangout with even if it's just coffee or maybe go to a pub and have some laughs.
i was a competative bodybuilder and i'd like to get serious about it again, so you should like going to the gym also. i'm looking for mew adventure- maybe beginner mountain climbing, hiking, tenting, digging up stuff like artifacts...
skidiving again would be fun. survival stuff. canoeing or better yet kayaking would be fun."
So I thought to myself, hmmmmm, this might be interesting. I like to hike, tent, dig up artifacts, canoe, kayak, and I like the gym (4 days per week!). He is looking for a workout partner. I could do that a couple of days a week. Let's email him and see.
My email: "Hello manscaped man who is looking for a workout partner. What sort of workout do you do at the gym? I bike, hike, and kayak (been a while but I have my own boats and looking to get back into it). Care to chat a bit and see if maybe we can stand each other enough for some outdoor activities? :D That is a joke, by the way, the standing each other part. :)"
His response: chirp, chirp, chirp.... that would be the sound of crickets chirping, he didn't respond. Guess email responses are too much of a commitment.
Okay, I don't know what that means either but it's the headline to his ad. Further, he is not seeking a relationship or commitment of any kind. What he is seeking:
"just here for someone to workout with or go to movies or shows. to hangout with even if it's just coffee or maybe go to a pub and have some laughs.
i was a competative bodybuilder and i'd like to get serious about it again, so you should like going to the gym also. i'm looking for mew adventure- maybe beginner mountain climbing, hiking, tenting, digging up stuff like artifacts...
skidiving again would be fun. survival stuff. canoeing or better yet kayaking would be fun."
So I thought to myself, hmmmmm, this might be interesting. I like to hike, tent, dig up artifacts, canoe, kayak, and I like the gym (4 days per week!). He is looking for a workout partner. I could do that a couple of days a week. Let's email him and see.
My email: "Hello manscaped man who is looking for a workout partner. What sort of workout do you do at the gym? I bike, hike, and kayak (been a while but I have my own boats and looking to get back into it). Care to chat a bit and see if maybe we can stand each other enough for some outdoor activities? :D That is a joke, by the way, the standing each other part. :)"
His response: chirp, chirp, chirp.... that would be the sound of crickets chirping, he didn't respond. Guess email responses are too much of a commitment.
Friday, July 5, 2013
Rock It!
Last night I attended my first concert in YEARS! It was amazing! How did I end up at a rocking concert on a Thursday night in Edmonton? Well, I've joined a couple of meetup groups and was lucky enough to score tix off of a gal who couldnt' go. The best thing? I got to meet a cool chicky who also wanted to go and we ended up scoring the tix together! :)First up was Monster Truck. I'd never heard of this band before. From Wiki:
Monster Truck are a Canadian rock band from Hamilton, Ontario, who have released two EPs. Their album Furiosity will be released on Dine Alone Records on May 28, 2013. It will be distributed on Universal.
Their sound was a little noisier than I like but overall a great band with a highly energetic bassist. He pretty much hopped around the stage through the entire set. :D Fun to watch.
Next up, Chevelle!
Again, a band I'd not heard of. From Wiki:
Chevelle is an American rock band that formed in 1995 in Grayslake, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. The band was originally composed of two brothers: Pete Loeffler, Sam Loeffler and Matt Scott. Scott was later replaced by brother Joe Loeffler.
First off very excited to hear a band from the Chicago area (my son is living in Chicago) and they had a great sound! Plenty of angst and feeling = LOVE AT FIRST NOTE! The light display was pretty interesting too. Here are a couple of shots of the lead singer and bassist. Why do the drummers always hide at the back of the stage?
Chevelle is an American rock band that formed in 1995 in Grayslake, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. The band was originally composed of two brothers: Pete Loeffler, Sam Loeffler and Matt Scott. Scott was later replaced by brother Joe Loeffler.
First off very excited to hear a band from the Chicago area (my son is living in Chicago) and they had a great sound! Plenty of angst and feeling = LOVE AT FIRST NOTE! The light display was pretty interesting too. Here are a couple of shots of the lead singer and bassist. Why do the drummers always hide at the back of the stage?
And finally - the headliner - ALICE IN CHAINS! OMG! OMG! OMG! What a band! :D
Now this one I've heard of and even know a couple of their songs. Did I mention that I was standing on the floor, front and center at the barrier? Oh, yeah. I was. :D
The light show was amazing, the large LED screens were pretty cool (reminded me of Tool in some of the imagery), and the music was wonderful. I loved every second of it. Unfortunately being squished to the barrier by the undulating mosh pit doesn't leave much room for taking pictures. Here is the best I got before having to put the camera away for the night.
Perhaps a short video of each band will help! :D - coming soon.
Thursday, July 4, 2013
He's New to Edmonton
Up next in the world of online dating, Mr. New to Edmonton.
At least that is what his headline says. You know, the catchy phrase you write to, you know, catch someone's attention. It reads: "New to Edmonton, wanna hang out!?" Maybe he's a bit confused about how he feels about being new to Edmonton or hanging out or whatnot but proper punctuation as a strong point is not his.
Looks like maybe he is starting slow and wants to make friends first. This is backed up by the fact that he is looking to date but nothing serious. Well hey, relationships start with friendships don't they? And I'm new to Edmonton too. So we have something in common! Let's see what he is all about:
He says: "Looking to find somebody to share fun times with and see where it goes. I like being active especially outside in the summer. I also like to kick back and watch a movie or have a few beers and bbq.
I am a hard working carpenter, I have owned and operated my business for ten years. I am looking to move into doing more renovations as I find it more satisfying work than constructing large commercial projects. Although I am a carpenter by trade I am also a nutritionist with a keen interest in fitness and personal training, and I am also a reiki practitioner. Long term I would like to have a health and fitness retreat in a tropical location. I could also thatch huts, lol!
I like most music, except country, jazz, opera (can this even be called music?)"
Well, he is a bit limited on his musical preferences but likes to be active, is a hard worker, owns his own business, and is into nutrition, fitness, and personal training. All things that I've got listed on my profile and that are pretty key in my life right about now. Hmmm, he is a tiny bit humorous and likes to LOL (not a good thing guys).
His pics show him in a Tough Mudder T-shirt (several of his pics do) and he has hiking, biking, health, and nutrition among his interests. Might be worth writing, at the least I may gain a hiking/biking partner/friend. You don't know unless you try.
My email:
"Hello there! :D
Happy Canada Day Weekend. I am new to Edmonton too. Where did you come from before here? Being able to thatch huts is a very handy talent indeed! :D Especially in the tropics. I don't think thatch would hold up too well in Alberta. Though you would get many call backs to replace collapsed thatch.
Doing anything interesting this weekend? No, perusing POF is not interesting in the least :P Where did you do the Tough Mudder? Was that recently and how did you like it?
Hope to hear from you."
Thought I'd toss in the "Hope to hear from you" to let him know that I was expecting a response to my email.
His response: He read it. pfffffffffffffft nothing. zip. zilch. nada.
What is with the men in Canada? Is it just Alberta or Edmonton or Canadian men who behave this way or is it all men? Hey, you, man who is reading this blog. Yeah, you. What is up with men not responding when a woman emails them on (of all things) an online dating website. I think we have the equivalent of the non-returned phone call here.
Geesh, who's up next?
At least that is what his headline says. You know, the catchy phrase you write to, you know, catch someone's attention. It reads: "New to Edmonton, wanna hang out!?" Maybe he's a bit confused about how he feels about being new to Edmonton or hanging out or whatnot but proper punctuation as a strong point is not his.
Looks like maybe he is starting slow and wants to make friends first. This is backed up by the fact that he is looking to date but nothing serious. Well hey, relationships start with friendships don't they? And I'm new to Edmonton too. So we have something in common! Let's see what he is all about:
He says: "Looking to find somebody to share fun times with and see where it goes. I like being active especially outside in the summer. I also like to kick back and watch a movie or have a few beers and bbq.
I am a hard working carpenter, I have owned and operated my business for ten years. I am looking to move into doing more renovations as I find it more satisfying work than constructing large commercial projects. Although I am a carpenter by trade I am also a nutritionist with a keen interest in fitness and personal training, and I am also a reiki practitioner. Long term I would like to have a health and fitness retreat in a tropical location. I could also thatch huts, lol!
I like most music, except country, jazz, opera (can this even be called music?)"
Well, he is a bit limited on his musical preferences but likes to be active, is a hard worker, owns his own business, and is into nutrition, fitness, and personal training. All things that I've got listed on my profile and that are pretty key in my life right about now. Hmmm, he is a tiny bit humorous and likes to LOL (not a good thing guys).
His pics show him in a Tough Mudder T-shirt (several of his pics do) and he has hiking, biking, health, and nutrition among his interests. Might be worth writing, at the least I may gain a hiking/biking partner/friend. You don't know unless you try.
My email:
"Hello there! :D
Happy Canada Day Weekend. I am new to Edmonton too. Where did you come from before here? Being able to thatch huts is a very handy talent indeed! :D Especially in the tropics. I don't think thatch would hold up too well in Alberta. Though you would get many call backs to replace collapsed thatch.
Doing anything interesting this weekend? No, perusing POF is not interesting in the least :P Where did you do the Tough Mudder? Was that recently and how did you like it?
Hope to hear from you."
Thought I'd toss in the "Hope to hear from you" to let him know that I was expecting a response to my email.
His response: He read it. pfffffffffffffft nothing. zip. zilch. nada.
What is with the men in Canada? Is it just Alberta or Edmonton or Canadian men who behave this way or is it all men? Hey, you, man who is reading this blog. Yeah, you. What is up with men not responding when a woman emails them on (of all things) an online dating website. I think we have the equivalent of the non-returned phone call here.
Geesh, who's up next?
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
He's Open Minded
This is actually becoming quite fun...
So, up next we have Mr. Open Minded. Let's see how this works out. Not a bad looking guy (for some reason most guys on this online dating site are 6ft tall or taller (Good lord! What is a short girl to do?). He doesn't list any interests but he has this to say about himself:
"Hi ladies, i am out going, adventurous and enjoy the outdoors. Little about me i come from a family of 4 and i am the youngest and only boy! So i have a great understanding of women :-D ! I love taking out my side by side and get some mud on the tires ! My goals are be the best i can be everyday and always give 110 percent at my job and of course a relationship! You get out of things for which you put in! I am a very easy going individual and always have an open mind and a soft shoulder. I enjoy setting around a campfire with a guitar. or a nice evening enjoying. Music or just a nice conversation. Hope i may peak your interest?"
Okay, he doesn't know the difference between "peak" and "pique" but come on ladies, let's be open minded about this. That is a hard one so let's give him a pass as he does have a great understanding of women. Not sure what a side by side is but it must be a toy that can be taken out in the mud. 4x4 maybe? Who knows. And he knows that you have to put into something to get something out of something - yeah, I know what he was trying to say but um, how he said it left a bit to be desired. Well, let's have a look at his idea of a first date, shall we?
"Well my first date would. Be at first a phone conversation to break the ice, for we have just meet via pof? Lol and possibly make arrangements for. A drink and dinner just to get to know each other and to see if there is some chemistry? And if all goes well possibly set up a second and third date! :-D for i am new at this and just a little shi! Just saying lol"
Okay, looks like a bit of a serial LOL'er but perhaps he is nervous. He is "shi" afterall but interested in having a phone conversatoin and then maybe a drink and dinner. Oh, and he knows that a second and third date may follow a first date. He can count! While I won't post these guys' pics or most of their profiles, his profession is listed as "supervisor". Okay, let's email him and see what happens shall we?
My email - he doesn't seem to have an obvious sense of humor but claims to be adventurous so let's stick with something basic. Let's say hi and ask a question or 2:
"Hello,
What is the best adventure you have ever been on? What are your favorite outdoor activities and what do you supervise (your work is listed as Supervisor)."
His response: BOOM! He didn't even read it. He deleted it.
Interesting response to a woman emailing you and asking you a couple of ice breaker questions based on your profile. Is it just me or does the internet cause people to lose all social skills? In my opinion, this behavior is the equivalent of turning your back and walking away when someone is talking to you. In what reality is that even acceptable?
Stay tuned for more adventures in online dating...
So, up next we have Mr. Open Minded. Let's see how this works out. Not a bad looking guy (for some reason most guys on this online dating site are 6ft tall or taller (Good lord! What is a short girl to do?). He doesn't list any interests but he has this to say about himself:
"Hi ladies, i am out going, adventurous and enjoy the outdoors. Little about me i come from a family of 4 and i am the youngest and only boy! So i have a great understanding of women :-D ! I love taking out my side by side and get some mud on the tires ! My goals are be the best i can be everyday and always give 110 percent at my job and of course a relationship! You get out of things for which you put in! I am a very easy going individual and always have an open mind and a soft shoulder. I enjoy setting around a campfire with a guitar. or a nice evening enjoying. Music or just a nice conversation. Hope i may peak your interest?"
Okay, he doesn't know the difference between "peak" and "pique" but come on ladies, let's be open minded about this. That is a hard one so let's give him a pass as he does have a great understanding of women. Not sure what a side by side is but it must be a toy that can be taken out in the mud. 4x4 maybe? Who knows. And he knows that you have to put into something to get something out of something - yeah, I know what he was trying to say but um, how he said it left a bit to be desired. Well, let's have a look at his idea of a first date, shall we?
"Well my first date would. Be at first a phone conversation to break the ice, for we have just meet via pof? Lol and possibly make arrangements for. A drink and dinner just to get to know each other and to see if there is some chemistry? And if all goes well possibly set up a second and third date! :-D for i am new at this and just a little shi! Just saying lol"
Okay, looks like a bit of a serial LOL'er but perhaps he is nervous. He is "shi" afterall but interested in having a phone conversatoin and then maybe a drink and dinner. Oh, and he knows that a second and third date may follow a first date. He can count! While I won't post these guys' pics or most of their profiles, his profession is listed as "supervisor". Okay, let's email him and see what happens shall we?
My email - he doesn't seem to have an obvious sense of humor but claims to be adventurous so let's stick with something basic. Let's say hi and ask a question or 2:
"Hello,
What is the best adventure you have ever been on? What are your favorite outdoor activities and what do you supervise (your work is listed as Supervisor)."
His response: BOOM! He didn't even read it. He deleted it.
Interesting response to a woman emailing you and asking you a couple of ice breaker questions based on your profile. Is it just me or does the internet cause people to lose all social skills? In my opinion, this behavior is the equivalent of turning your back and walking away when someone is talking to you. In what reality is that even acceptable?
Stay tuned for more adventures in online dating...
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
He Has No Manners
Online dating.
Have you ever tried it?
It's an interesting concept, online dating is. You take hundreds of people and throw them all onto a website, get them each to write a tiny snippet about who they are (from their own point of view where they can be anyone), pepper it with a few pictures that users have uploaded of themselves (typically bathroom mirror selfies), and you try to make a match out of this primordial soup.
I have yet to be convinced that any of the people on an online dating website are actually real or, better yet, actually have any real intention of doing anything other than looking for the perfect ideal (god or goddess) that they have dreamed up as a mate.
Take this guy for example. He comes across with a good sense of humor and appears to perhaps be genuinely interested in dating. He says (in part - and I'm only including the good parts):
"So I’ve got a proposal for you. How about we both go for coffee, hang out with each other for a few days/weeks, then write each other’s ‘profiles. Deal? I’d rather Suck the hairspray out of Donald Trump's comb-over than have to write this thing. Anyway, you've come to be entertained so I’d better get this song and dance on the road before you lose interest and click on the pic of that OTHER hot, rugged, mountain man up at the top of the page (did you seriously just scroll up?)."
Now the above is a pretty good opening line. He's funny! Let's see what else he has to offer:
"I was raised by 4 sisters (like being raised by wolves, only instead of claws and teeth, they had eyeliner and mascara), I LOVE to laugh, I work as a professional, I'm physically active (runner, skier, mountain biker, rugged mountain man), outgoing, inquisitive, social, warm and friendly, interesting conversationalist, a hopeless romantic, pleasantly immature when the time is right, hard to be nervous around and easy on the eyes (at least that’s what my mom says). I laugh at my own jokes and sometimes make others choke on their food (or leak root beer from their nose)."
Leaning a little toward class clown but not badly enough to say, nah.. this guy has got me smiling a little at his silliness.
Some more humor and his hobbies follow:
"When I’m not on POF creeping your profile, you can find me climbing rocks, traipsing across glaciers, assessing a slope for avalanche danger before shredding it mercilessly or hitting a DH run on my mountain bike. In other words, I love the outdoors.
I am fit, and only getting fitter (this does not mean I look like Channing Tatum, but I guarantee you can see at LEAST one of my abs). I’m also no Chef Ramsay, but I love to cook and take the time to eat well. "
Okay, he admits he creeps profiles, perhaps that should be a red flag but I think he means it to be funny. Moving on to what he is looking for:
"If any of these apply to you, you should likely find a different person to reply to. In other words, it isn't me, it really IS you: Lethargic, unkind, closed minded, think drugs are cool (pharmacists and anesthetists excluded), still infatuated with an old flame (or at least be kind enough to not blab endlessly about him/her), intolerant, cold and unfeeling and thinks chemistry is for nerds in lab coats.
My ideal match would be witty, well educated (formally or informally), active and healthy, outgoing and kind, loving and compassionate. She would also be riding a unicorn wearing a white dress.
Catch the sarcasm? What I mean is that this is a guideline, not a list that I’m going to be checking off when we meet. Ultimately, I believe that the measure of a person is how they treat people who can do nothing for them. If you understand what that means, then ignore everything I said above because there is a good chance we may click.
Feel free to send me a message or a wink if you are impatient and want to stoke the fire . I know having the girl make the first move is not traditional, but how traditional is online dating anyway?!?"
Okay, this can be me. I'm witty (no, really, I am!), active (gosh, I go to the gym 3-4 days a week and I bet there aren't many who could make it through the workouts that The Boxing Club offers. Oh, and I bike 1-2 days a week too), outgoing (well, I do blog for the world to see), kind, loving, compassionate (hmmm, is it egotistical to say I am?), riding a unicorn - I CAN DO THAT! Yes! Oh, and I know what it means to treat do well for others even if they can do nothing for me (aka, don't expect anything in return). Hmmm, he wants someone to make the first move.. okay, I'll bite and email him!
Does he have any more requirements? Oh, he must see a photo (check, got that) and this tidbit: "And don’t just send me a message saying “Hey Baby”. Think of something interesting to say. Here, I’ll give you a leg up - start by tell me an item on your bucket list. Aaaaaaand, GO!"
And so I responded (keeping in mind that he has a sense of humor and all):
"You've got a great profile. Now if only I could find my unicorn and white dress. Perhaps the red one will do? The dress, not the unicorn. I think all unicorns are probably white though a good dye job may result in another color. But I digress...
Fully intending to stay as far from root beer as possible in your company, should I ever make your company. Oh, and here I am not following the rules already.. Bucket List, huh (that would be instead of eh, which so isn't me)? hmmmmm, bucket list. Hike in the Rockies, Visit Italy (again), get back to kayaking, complete the longest bike ride of my life (August so I'm well on my way to checking that off), meet a great guy whom I can become friends with and have excellent adventures with. I'm sure there is more. Oh, you said 1. Well, at least I've already answered the question, "What else is on your bucket list?". :D"
His response: He read it, he didn't respond, and he deleted it. Guess he is right, it isn't a list he is going to be checking off when we meet, it is a list that he is checking off RIGHT NOW.
Is it just me or is he lacking in manners? IMHO, if someone takes the time to email you, is somewhat amusing, and answers your silly questions, perhaps you could at least write back and say "Thanks but no thanks".
Men, be warned, you have just become blog fodder (think Bantha poodoo).
Have you ever tried it?
It's an interesting concept, online dating is. You take hundreds of people and throw them all onto a website, get them each to write a tiny snippet about who they are (from their own point of view where they can be anyone), pepper it with a few pictures that users have uploaded of themselves (typically bathroom mirror selfies), and you try to make a match out of this primordial soup.
I have yet to be convinced that any of the people on an online dating website are actually real or, better yet, actually have any real intention of doing anything other than looking for the perfect ideal (god or goddess) that they have dreamed up as a mate.
Take this guy for example. He comes across with a good sense of humor and appears to perhaps be genuinely interested in dating. He says (in part - and I'm only including the good parts):
"So I’ve got a proposal for you. How about we both go for coffee, hang out with each other for a few days/weeks, then write each other’s ‘profiles. Deal? I’d rather Suck the hairspray out of Donald Trump's comb-over than have to write this thing. Anyway, you've come to be entertained so I’d better get this song and dance on the road before you lose interest and click on the pic of that OTHER hot, rugged, mountain man up at the top of the page (did you seriously just scroll up?)."
Now the above is a pretty good opening line. He's funny! Let's see what else he has to offer:
"I was raised by 4 sisters (like being raised by wolves, only instead of claws and teeth, they had eyeliner and mascara), I LOVE to laugh, I work as a professional, I'm physically active (runner, skier, mountain biker, rugged mountain man), outgoing, inquisitive, social, warm and friendly, interesting conversationalist, a hopeless romantic, pleasantly immature when the time is right, hard to be nervous around and easy on the eyes (at least that’s what my mom says). I laugh at my own jokes and sometimes make others choke on their food (or leak root beer from their nose)."
Leaning a little toward class clown but not badly enough to say, nah.. this guy has got me smiling a little at his silliness.
Some more humor and his hobbies follow:
"When I’m not on POF creeping your profile, you can find me climbing rocks, traipsing across glaciers, assessing a slope for avalanche danger before shredding it mercilessly or hitting a DH run on my mountain bike. In other words, I love the outdoors.
I am fit, and only getting fitter (this does not mean I look like Channing Tatum, but I guarantee you can see at LEAST one of my abs). I’m also no Chef Ramsay, but I love to cook and take the time to eat well. "
Okay, he admits he creeps profiles, perhaps that should be a red flag but I think he means it to be funny. Moving on to what he is looking for:
"If any of these apply to you, you should likely find a different person to reply to. In other words, it isn't me, it really IS you: Lethargic, unkind, closed minded, think drugs are cool (pharmacists and anesthetists excluded), still infatuated with an old flame (or at least be kind enough to not blab endlessly about him/her), intolerant, cold and unfeeling and thinks chemistry is for nerds in lab coats.
My ideal match would be witty, well educated (formally or informally), active and healthy, outgoing and kind, loving and compassionate. She would also be riding a unicorn wearing a white dress.
Catch the sarcasm? What I mean is that this is a guideline, not a list that I’m going to be checking off when we meet. Ultimately, I believe that the measure of a person is how they treat people who can do nothing for them. If you understand what that means, then ignore everything I said above because there is a good chance we may click.
Feel free to send me a message or a wink if you are impatient and want to stoke the fire . I know having the girl make the first move is not traditional, but how traditional is online dating anyway?!?"
Okay, this can be me. I'm witty (no, really, I am!), active (gosh, I go to the gym 3-4 days a week and I bet there aren't many who could make it through the workouts that The Boxing Club offers. Oh, and I bike 1-2 days a week too), outgoing (well, I do blog for the world to see), kind, loving, compassionate (hmmm, is it egotistical to say I am?), riding a unicorn - I CAN DO THAT! Yes! Oh, and I know what it means to treat do well for others even if they can do nothing for me (aka, don't expect anything in return). Hmmm, he wants someone to make the first move.. okay, I'll bite and email him!
Does he have any more requirements? Oh, he must see a photo (check, got that) and this tidbit: "And don’t just send me a message saying “Hey Baby”. Think of something interesting to say. Here, I’ll give you a leg up - start by tell me an item on your bucket list. Aaaaaaand, GO!"
And so I responded (keeping in mind that he has a sense of humor and all):
"You've got a great profile. Now if only I could find my unicorn and white dress. Perhaps the red one will do? The dress, not the unicorn. I think all unicorns are probably white though a good dye job may result in another color. But I digress...
Fully intending to stay as far from root beer as possible in your company, should I ever make your company. Oh, and here I am not following the rules already.. Bucket List, huh (that would be instead of eh, which so isn't me)? hmmmmm, bucket list. Hike in the Rockies, Visit Italy (again), get back to kayaking, complete the longest bike ride of my life (August so I'm well on my way to checking that off), meet a great guy whom I can become friends with and have excellent adventures with. I'm sure there is more. Oh, you said 1. Well, at least I've already answered the question, "What else is on your bucket list?". :D"
His response: He read it, he didn't respond, and he deleted it. Guess he is right, it isn't a list he is going to be checking off when we meet, it is a list that he is checking off RIGHT NOW.
Is it just me or is he lacking in manners? IMHO, if someone takes the time to email you, is somewhat amusing, and answers your silly questions, perhaps you could at least write back and say "Thanks but no thanks".
Men, be warned, you have just become blog fodder (think Bantha poodoo).
Butterfly
As I moved through the woods I came to realize that I was surrounded on all sides by a darkness, much like walking through fog but thicker and so deep that the trees where hidden until I was startled by the sudden appearance of each thick, black trunk. I strained to see the tops but they were blended into the blackness that hung above me.
I could not make out the forms that I could hear flitting between the trees though I knew they were there, at least in my mind. Glancing quickly to each side I hoped to discover what might be sharing this woods with me. Holding my breath and wondering if I might really wish to know. It was in vain and I moved on, holding my hands in front of me in a small attempt to keep myself from walking into the solidity of a tree. At times my fingers would brush through a cobweb that would cling to my skin and cause me to shiver as I realized that the slightest vibrations would bring the spider, that wove it, running to overcome its prey. I hoped that they weren't close and shivered again at the thought.
It seemed forever that I walked, stumbled, over roots and through the undergrowth. I could feel the tearing of my clothes as they caught on branches, sometimes on thorns that in turn would pierce through and sting my flesh. I signed heavily, frustrated by the fog that seemed to have crept into my mind as well, hiding what knowledge I had held on how I had come to be here. Fighting to hold back the fear and confusion did nothing but cause my concentration to falter, letting the memories slip in from the forgotten past. Letting myself utter a small moan, I lost the tenuous grip that I held on the thread of my sanity. I sank to the cold ground and sobbed, not knowing the passing of time nor even caring. Curling myself into the smallest ball that was physically possible, I let go and was rushed along on the tide of emotion that flowed from my soul. Fear being the strongest , I shook violently wrapped in its embrace. As each crested and began to sing back into the whole, another was on its heels, eager to push upwards until, in turn, it too sank again into the depths carrying me with it.
When I again began to grasp at reason it was out of instinct, and not choice, that I fought. The animal inside proved stronger than my desire to slip into the void, where all feeling could be lost, though coming to consciousness I could feel a desperate emptiness inside. Much had been taken from me and laying there, feeling the hardness of the earth, I knew I would never regain it. A strange lightness seemed to fill me but it was not a joy, only the realization that I was now hollow. As I moved to stand, a slight rain began to fall. The strangest thing was the echo that it caused within my mind.
It was then that, standing in the darkness, I became aware that I could see ahead of me to what appeared to be a clearing. A warning flared deep within my mind but so far away that I paid it no heed. It did not seem at the time odd that where had but a moment before been only blackness was now a meadow bathed in the pale morning sun. The swallowing blackness remained behind me and wrapped around all sides of the clearing as, from the silence of the dark forest, I took a step onto the soft grass.
As I moved slowly into the light a gentle breeze brushed against my face and on it floated the most curious butterfly that for the briefest of moments hung transfixed in my thoughts, its colors sliding outward across its wings. Frozen in awe, I held my breath but it was gone. Wandering the clearing I would catch a glimpse of the butterfly, from time to time, as I moved and longed to look full upon it again. I stopped and waited, willing it to come just a bit further into view. When I realized that it would not, I began to explore the clearing again and it came to me that I had but to turn and look and the magnificent creature would be there before me.
Seeing a big of color off to my right, I turned and took a step towards it, slamming into something that I could not see. The clearing began to fade and my head spun with the blurring of the scene in front of me. I closed my eyes to stop the vertigo and when I opened them, the meadow was as clear as the moment before. I reached out and found nothing but the air in front of me. I shook my head and frowned but again my attention was caught by a bit of color far off across the clearing, there for a bit and then gone.
I sighed and moved on, marveling at the incredible space that was filled with the warmth of the now bright sun. As I moved, I sensed that the butterfly had again returned, perhaps to inspect my reason for entering its space. Walking slowly, I formed a plan. I would walk around the clearing in a circle, slowly enough that the butterfly would not realize that I was coming upon it until I could stand to face it. If it sensed the plan on which I had embarked, I could not tell but somehow it stayed ever just beyond my view. Growing weary of this game I took a breath and quickly turned to look upon it again. As before, I struck an invisible wall. Gasping to relieve my dizziness as the clearing lost definition, the colors and light blurring together into shadow, I slipped back into darkness...
I could not make out the forms that I could hear flitting between the trees though I knew they were there, at least in my mind. Glancing quickly to each side I hoped to discover what might be sharing this woods with me. Holding my breath and wondering if I might really wish to know. It was in vain and I moved on, holding my hands in front of me in a small attempt to keep myself from walking into the solidity of a tree. At times my fingers would brush through a cobweb that would cling to my skin and cause me to shiver as I realized that the slightest vibrations would bring the spider, that wove it, running to overcome its prey. I hoped that they weren't close and shivered again at the thought.
It seemed forever that I walked, stumbled, over roots and through the undergrowth. I could feel the tearing of my clothes as they caught on branches, sometimes on thorns that in turn would pierce through and sting my flesh. I signed heavily, frustrated by the fog that seemed to have crept into my mind as well, hiding what knowledge I had held on how I had come to be here. Fighting to hold back the fear and confusion did nothing but cause my concentration to falter, letting the memories slip in from the forgotten past. Letting myself utter a small moan, I lost the tenuous grip that I held on the thread of my sanity. I sank to the cold ground and sobbed, not knowing the passing of time nor even caring. Curling myself into the smallest ball that was physically possible, I let go and was rushed along on the tide of emotion that flowed from my soul. Fear being the strongest , I shook violently wrapped in its embrace. As each crested and began to sing back into the whole, another was on its heels, eager to push upwards until, in turn, it too sank again into the depths carrying me with it.
When I again began to grasp at reason it was out of instinct, and not choice, that I fought. The animal inside proved stronger than my desire to slip into the void, where all feeling could be lost, though coming to consciousness I could feel a desperate emptiness inside. Much had been taken from me and laying there, feeling the hardness of the earth, I knew I would never regain it. A strange lightness seemed to fill me but it was not a joy, only the realization that I was now hollow. As I moved to stand, a slight rain began to fall. The strangest thing was the echo that it caused within my mind.
It was then that, standing in the darkness, I became aware that I could see ahead of me to what appeared to be a clearing. A warning flared deep within my mind but so far away that I paid it no heed. It did not seem at the time odd that where had but a moment before been only blackness was now a meadow bathed in the pale morning sun. The swallowing blackness remained behind me and wrapped around all sides of the clearing as, from the silence of the dark forest, I took a step onto the soft grass.
As I moved slowly into the light a gentle breeze brushed against my face and on it floated the most curious butterfly that for the briefest of moments hung transfixed in my thoughts, its colors sliding outward across its wings. Frozen in awe, I held my breath but it was gone. Wandering the clearing I would catch a glimpse of the butterfly, from time to time, as I moved and longed to look full upon it again. I stopped and waited, willing it to come just a bit further into view. When I realized that it would not, I began to explore the clearing again and it came to me that I had but to turn and look and the magnificent creature would be there before me.
Seeing a big of color off to my right, I turned and took a step towards it, slamming into something that I could not see. The clearing began to fade and my head spun with the blurring of the scene in front of me. I closed my eyes to stop the vertigo and when I opened them, the meadow was as clear as the moment before. I reached out and found nothing but the air in front of me. I shook my head and frowned but again my attention was caught by a bit of color far off across the clearing, there for a bit and then gone.
I sighed and moved on, marveling at the incredible space that was filled with the warmth of the now bright sun. As I moved, I sensed that the butterfly had again returned, perhaps to inspect my reason for entering its space. Walking slowly, I formed a plan. I would walk around the clearing in a circle, slowly enough that the butterfly would not realize that I was coming upon it until I could stand to face it. If it sensed the plan on which I had embarked, I could not tell but somehow it stayed ever just beyond my view. Growing weary of this game I took a breath and quickly turned to look upon it again. As before, I struck an invisible wall. Gasping to relieve my dizziness as the clearing lost definition, the colors and light blurring together into shadow, I slipped back into darkness...
Monday, July 1, 2013
Salmon with Ginger, Lemon, Tarragon, & Carrot
Ingredients
2 LB Salmon - cut into 4oz servings
1 Jars Ginger Jam
2.5 TBSP Dried Tarragon
1.5 Large Shredded Carrots
Half a Lemon
Aluminum Foil - Heavy Duty
In a medium bowl, mix Ginger Jam, Dried Tarragon, and Shredded Carrots. Squeeze the Lemon into the mixture. You don't want it to be too runny so start with less Lemon Juice and add more until you get a spreadable mixture.
Lay out a piece of Aluminum Foil that is large enough to wrap a piece of Salmon in by taking the 2 sides together and folding it down across the Salmon and then curling the 2 remaining long ends in. You are making a packet to cook the Salmon in.
Place the Salmon on the Aluminum Foil and spread with the Carrot, Ginger, Tarragon, Lemon mixture. Cover entire top of Salmon approximately 1/2 inch thick with the mixture. Create the Aluminum foil packet, sealing the edges so that the packet won't leak. Repeat with remaining Salmon pieces.
Place on a pre-heated grill and let cook approximately 15-20 minutes depending on thickness of Salmon. Open carefully as the packet will be full of hot steam.
Serve and enjoy!
8 Servings.
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