Some things are an acquired taste, such as caviar and escargot. At least for most people, others seems are born to it. It seems to happen if you born into a moneyed family and are introduced to such delicacies then of course you enjoy them.
For those of us not born with the proverbial ‘silver spoon,’ it would seem that the opposite would be true, that these things so out of our reach would be things we would have to try to like. That the more foreign the more exotic the less we would take to it. Preferring hamburgers and beer to champagne and strawberries with sour crème and brown sugar.
Having said all that and understanding the reasoning behind it, I still find that in my case, luxury goods have always seemed natural and expected. I have tried very hard to find these things for myself; I have just always been attracted to them. Whatever happens to be the finest and most decadent is what I find for myself.
It’s not as if it happened over time, I just seem to have been born to it. When my mother was in her mid-to-late twenties, and divorced with two girls. Once she was asked out by an older gentleman, for a date. He lived in L.A. and us in Orange County. We had been on welfare for quite some time and my father was not faithful in his child support payments. On the times he did pay my mother used it to pay bills and counted as part of her monthly income, rather than making more money herself and taking that as extra and maybe even saving it for us girls for college.
At any rate, we were used to beans and rice and simple fair. Her date took all of us out the ‘The Velvet Turtle’ a now defunct chain of restaurants that catered to the more sophisticated. As I walked in, I did not gawk or even take the time to look around much at all. I felt no need to stare, that was for sure. I took my seat, in the best dress I had, which my mother had sewn for me.
Taking the menu I quickly found what I wanted, “I’ll have the duck, mother what will you have?” My mother looked at me in shock not knowing who this little girl was in front of her, all of the sudden. I had never eaten Duck, but I wasn’t going to give up my shot at having some. I don’t even know how I knew to order it, had I seen that in a movie? I was only five or six years old.
As a child I was always sickly and in bed, as a consequence I wanted fine sleepwear. Now this I know for sure I saw in a movie. So once, I announced to my grandmother that I wanted a nice nightgown, and it had to trail behind me. I was six, and I was trying to tell her I wanted a negligee with a train.
It is not the price tag either since some things that are shoddily made can be pricey. It is the quality that I go for. It does go with out saying that the most expensive things are what I end up buying, and my taste does put a strain on my pocket book. This is not to say that I don’t buy things on sale or look for discounts. It’s better to have a few nice things that a lot of cheep things.
As I have gotten older I have discovered that this mentality I have is a decidedly European one. Most of my American friends have had to learn this were I have always known these truths in my bones. Now that I have had a chance to travel and have been in Europe, this part of me fits in. Even though to them, I could not look any more out of place. My saving grace has been good manners and use of at least the local greeting. Once they see that I am polite and then they see that I appreciate good things, they smile and are pleasant.
I have no explanation as to why I have this seemingly inborn sense of style; I do know that it can be cultivated. The lesson to be learned? Luxury goods require some thought and lots of money…….Manners on the other hand, cost nothing.
So while I like good quality things, I don’t make it the main thing in my life. Luxury goods can’t hug you when you are feeling low. They don’t tell you that things will work out in the end. They don’t listen to you when things are falling apart and they don’t complement you for doing a good job. They can be a reward for working hard and it’s nice to treat yourself everyone in a while. They don’t take the place of spending time with the people you love and they don’t share a laugh with you. For that you have to call your friends over and have dinner.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Friday, January 18, 2008
Fairy Tales
In recent years there has been much talk about the fairytales of the past and how they mess people up. That Cinderella and other tails from the Brothers Grim make women grow up with an unrealistic view of men and what life will be like once married.
I can see that point, but there was only woman I have ever met that was waiting to go to a castle upon marriage. Most other women understood that they would work for the house they and their husbands would be buying
There are life lessons to be learned by fairy tails. In the story of Snow white, her stepmother was going through the worst case of a ‘mid-life-crisis’ ever! Constantly looking at herself in the mirror and the genie was like the gay friend telling her she was still hot. She was so out of touch that her mirror had to let her know, "Um sorry, Snow White is now the little hottie." Her reaction was to drive her from the house and tried several times to have her killed. There is a warning for men too, talk about a bad mother in-law; this one turns into a fire breathing dragon! After going through all that and helping take care of the dwarfs she gets rescued by the prince.
As for Cinderella, she was not a social climber, but her father had property and she was from a good family. Her stepmother did a number on her and degraded her into being a servant. Her daughters we selfish and spoiled who didn’t deserve a good husband. The stepmother was so jealous of Cinderella, and deep down must have known she was much better than both of her daughters put together.
As for Cinderella herself, she was a good person and everyone loved her. It was not just her good looks but that she was giving person and even the mice and birds loved her! She had spent time helping others and was not afraid of hard work. In fact both of these girls knew how to roll up their sleeves and help out.
The reward for all their hard work and since they had good hearts, then yes, they get the Prince in the end. Why do they happily every after? It is beaucase they are women that would be giving and helpful and not selfish. So what man wouldn’t want either of them for a wife? Is it really that hard to figure out these ‘fairy tales’? Does it really mean that women shouldn’t wait for the right guy, or that men shouldn’t be gallant? It seems there should still be room in the world for noble men and industrious women.
I can see that point, but there was only woman I have ever met that was waiting to go to a castle upon marriage. Most other women understood that they would work for the house they and their husbands would be buying
There are life lessons to be learned by fairy tails. In the story of Snow white, her stepmother was going through the worst case of a ‘mid-life-crisis’ ever! Constantly looking at herself in the mirror and the genie was like the gay friend telling her she was still hot. She was so out of touch that her mirror had to let her know, "Um sorry, Snow White is now the little hottie." Her reaction was to drive her from the house and tried several times to have her killed. There is a warning for men too, talk about a bad mother in-law; this one turns into a fire breathing dragon! After going through all that and helping take care of the dwarfs she gets rescued by the prince.
As for Cinderella, she was not a social climber, but her father had property and she was from a good family. Her stepmother did a number on her and degraded her into being a servant. Her daughters we selfish and spoiled who didn’t deserve a good husband. The stepmother was so jealous of Cinderella, and deep down must have known she was much better than both of her daughters put together.
As for Cinderella herself, she was a good person and everyone loved her. It was not just her good looks but that she was giving person and even the mice and birds loved her! She had spent time helping others and was not afraid of hard work. In fact both of these girls knew how to roll up their sleeves and help out.
The reward for all their hard work and since they had good hearts, then yes, they get the Prince in the end. Why do they happily every after? It is beaucase they are women that would be giving and helpful and not selfish. So what man wouldn’t want either of them for a wife? Is it really that hard to figure out these ‘fairy tales’? Does it really mean that women shouldn’t wait for the right guy, or that men shouldn’t be gallant? It seems there should still be room in the world for noble men and industrious women.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Same old, Same old
After I graduated High School I went into a funk. I entered a City College and that was nice. The teachers no longer treated you like a child and it was no up to you to sink or swim. That was a refreshing change and that made me happy. But in all it is disappointing to enter into the real world. It’s never exciting to come to terms with a ‘normal life’.
As the years have gone by and I have a very scheduled life so it may be tempting to tell people that I am doing the “same old thing”. What is that any way?
For me it this: wake up shower and have only one cup of coffee. (Too much caffeine dries out the skin and can make you edgy; as well it can give you female problems later in life.) At work I have herbal tea and a scone or a protein bar. In the afternoon, I might have a soda, but more often than not, some mineral water.
I have been trying to have my big meal be lunch and a lighter dinner and no eating after 7pm. I know that’s hard when you have a lot of home-work and are up late, try some veggies like apples or carrots. Since I sit at my desk quite a bit, I work out to four times a week, on Monday I do two classes back to back Belly dancing and Pilate’s and Sunday I try to take my board out.
I use my eye creams and face wash twice a day. Once a week I will do my Biore noise strips and maybe a mask and scrub with my sugar exfolant on my feet and other rough spots. I wish I had the time and money to get a regular manicure, but once a month is the most I can manage. I don’t get that every month either.
On Monday afternoons I cook for the week and make several meals at a time. That way I can just open the fridge, and see what I want and warm it up and eat. It prevents going out for fast food. I take my lunch to work and eat what I have cooked. I should be skinner with all the work-outs, not eating after 7 is a new thing. I will let you know how that goes. I have my paper work in the office to do, as well as getting scooter parts and I also write these blogs, soon I will start my screen-play.
It may seem like too much and too scheduled for you. I find it works for me and I get a lot done since I am not wasting time cooking every night and going to the store or to get fast food. I don’t mind staying at home as long as I have something good to eat. It’s okay I’m a good cook.
In the evenings after my work out I do watch TV, but not always. I do read a lot and right now I have a litter of pups to take care of. Next Monday it starts again and I will be doing my “Same old” once again. :-)
As the years have gone by and I have a very scheduled life so it may be tempting to tell people that I am doing the “same old thing”. What is that any way?
For me it this: wake up shower and have only one cup of coffee. (Too much caffeine dries out the skin and can make you edgy; as well it can give you female problems later in life.) At work I have herbal tea and a scone or a protein bar. In the afternoon, I might have a soda, but more often than not, some mineral water.
I have been trying to have my big meal be lunch and a lighter dinner and no eating after 7pm. I know that’s hard when you have a lot of home-work and are up late, try some veggies like apples or carrots. Since I sit at my desk quite a bit, I work out to four times a week, on Monday I do two classes back to back Belly dancing and Pilate’s and Sunday I try to take my board out.
I use my eye creams and face wash twice a day. Once a week I will do my Biore noise strips and maybe a mask and scrub with my sugar exfolant on my feet and other rough spots. I wish I had the time and money to get a regular manicure, but once a month is the most I can manage. I don’t get that every month either.
On Monday afternoons I cook for the week and make several meals at a time. That way I can just open the fridge, and see what I want and warm it up and eat. It prevents going out for fast food. I take my lunch to work and eat what I have cooked. I should be skinner with all the work-outs, not eating after 7 is a new thing. I will let you know how that goes. I have my paper work in the office to do, as well as getting scooter parts and I also write these blogs, soon I will start my screen-play.
It may seem like too much and too scheduled for you. I find it works for me and I get a lot done since I am not wasting time cooking every night and going to the store or to get fast food. I don’t mind staying at home as long as I have something good to eat. It’s okay I’m a good cook.
In the evenings after my work out I do watch TV, but not always. I do read a lot and right now I have a litter of pups to take care of. Next Monday it starts again and I will be doing my “Same old” once again. :-)
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Finally
Some things I have been waiting for are finally happening. I have been waiting for my website to be finish and it has happened. I have been waiting for some recognition for the all the hard work I do and that is happening and I have been waiting to see some more results from my work out routine and that is finally happening.
Without some kudos and some pats on the back how do we find the courage to keep doing what we do? For some their motivation is money and as long as they get their paycheck that is reward enough to keep them going.
When we are creating and writing some times there is not a paycheck waiting for us for many months. For me it has been years. So what has been my motivation?
I know this is going to sound silly to some and a bit melodramatic but when all is said and done my motivation has been love. Love for the written word, love for my book project and wanting to see it get published. It has been a bit like watching a child growing up, only with out late night feedings and teething cries. I did stay up many nights working on my book, so maybe not that different.
Love for my friend has helped me work tirelessly to see them succeed. Since it makes me happy to see that businesses grow and do well, and it makes them happy as well. Love for my home motivates me to keep it clean and keep my puppies happy and healthy.
When it comes to the ones I love I will work my fingers to the bone to help them. As long as it is appreciated, the moment it is not then that generosity can go away pretty fast. As for my mother and sister, they have trampled on my good will and so no longer get so much as a phone call.
In my life I have seen that love goes a lot further than any monetary reward. When that love is reciprocated than it can keep you going for months and you can keep waiting for things to work out, finally.
Without some kudos and some pats on the back how do we find the courage to keep doing what we do? For some their motivation is money and as long as they get their paycheck that is reward enough to keep them going.
When we are creating and writing some times there is not a paycheck waiting for us for many months. For me it has been years. So what has been my motivation?
I know this is going to sound silly to some and a bit melodramatic but when all is said and done my motivation has been love. Love for the written word, love for my book project and wanting to see it get published. It has been a bit like watching a child growing up, only with out late night feedings and teething cries. I did stay up many nights working on my book, so maybe not that different.
Love for my friend has helped me work tirelessly to see them succeed. Since it makes me happy to see that businesses grow and do well, and it makes them happy as well. Love for my home motivates me to keep it clean and keep my puppies happy and healthy.
When it comes to the ones I love I will work my fingers to the bone to help them. As long as it is appreciated, the moment it is not then that generosity can go away pretty fast. As for my mother and sister, they have trampled on my good will and so no longer get so much as a phone call.
In my life I have seen that love goes a lot further than any monetary reward. When that love is reciprocated than it can keep you going for months and you can keep waiting for things to work out, finally.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Waiting
It is always hard to wait for things. Be it plans to come together or changes to be made or goals to be met.
It seems that sometimes in an attempt to take action we are in fact pushing ahead and it doesn’t work. I wanted things to get done and was tired of waiting and thought I was being proactive by taking in a seminar for my writing and taking action to get things done for my notary commission.
In both instances, which happened in one week by the way, all my plans blew up in my face and I was asked to get back to work. Which was fine, it just wasn’t the time for me to be looking after my career and it was meant for me to be helping out in another avenue.
I have been waiting for things to get done so I can progress in my writing and it has been killing me. So I have to take yet another deep breath and remind myself that I have to wait some more, I have to be patent. I don’t like it, but pushing ahead didn’t get my anywhere.
It is never easy to have to wait, and no one wants to feel like they are not doing anything positive to make progress. It leaves you feeling as though your life is just wasting away and you will never achieve anything. It may sound a bit melodramatic but that is how it seems sometimes.
So to get through this time, I have been working on my writing and doing what I can around the shop to be a helpful and as productive as I can. No matter what, there is always cleaning to be done. That helps me a lot. I don't like feeling totally useless.
Will all this waiting and being patent pay off in the end? I will get back to you on that one. It has happened in the past so that’s the only thing I have to go on. So here I am………..still waiting.
It seems that sometimes in an attempt to take action we are in fact pushing ahead and it doesn’t work. I wanted things to get done and was tired of waiting and thought I was being proactive by taking in a seminar for my writing and taking action to get things done for my notary commission.
In both instances, which happened in one week by the way, all my plans blew up in my face and I was asked to get back to work. Which was fine, it just wasn’t the time for me to be looking after my career and it was meant for me to be helping out in another avenue.
I have been waiting for things to get done so I can progress in my writing and it has been killing me. So I have to take yet another deep breath and remind myself that I have to wait some more, I have to be patent. I don’t like it, but pushing ahead didn’t get my anywhere.
It is never easy to have to wait, and no one wants to feel like they are not doing anything positive to make progress. It leaves you feeling as though your life is just wasting away and you will never achieve anything. It may sound a bit melodramatic but that is how it seems sometimes.
So to get through this time, I have been working on my writing and doing what I can around the shop to be a helpful and as productive as I can. No matter what, there is always cleaning to be done. That helps me a lot. I don't like feeling totally useless.
Will all this waiting and being patent pay off in the end? I will get back to you on that one. It has happened in the past so that’s the only thing I have to go on. So here I am………..still waiting.
Friday, December 21, 2007
The No Kid Club
I know, the name says it all. It is sort of joke, the members are couples I know that have decided not to have children. The thought of be woken up to baby’s cries sends a shiver down our backs, much like sitting out side during a snow storm.
While I am nice to other people’s children, sometimes that makes them think I want one of my own, nothing could be further from the truth. I do love my life, and it is the one I have chosen. One that involves a lot of travel, not something I want to do with Moses’ baskets and strollers and diaper bags.
Recently I saw my friends from Germany; they are Russian and live in a small town near the Bodensee. It stuck me that my inner teenager would be very proud of me. I always wanted to go to Europe and I now I have, four times since 2003. I have friends in all these countries and I can crash at their homes and they at mine. Something I always wanted and the reason for my guest room.
The photos I have of Paris, and when I look at them again, I sometimes can’t even believe I was really there. I now know the lay of the land and don’t get lost (not that I did in the first place, but I’m really getting to know the place now.) When I see my fellow countrymen being scared about flying, or when they are over there waiting in line at Garde de Norde and have their laptops for translating just to find out there are English speaking people at the train station, it makes me laugh.
Now it is not as if I look down on people with kids, as long as they are smart. I give them gifts and support their decision. I am the first one to want to spoil their kids! My friends in Europe have great kids that are sharp as tacks, and I love them. It’s great to spend time with their kids, without all the worry about paying for schooling and day care. I know it’s a hard job. I also know I couldn’t do it. I have too many miles yet to travel.
To my friends with kids, I don’t know how you do it and my hat goes off to you. As for the members of “The No Kid Club,”……..I’ll meet you at the pub for a drink! Of course my European friends will just take their kids with them to the pub and meet up for that drink. ;-)
While I am nice to other people’s children, sometimes that makes them think I want one of my own, nothing could be further from the truth. I do love my life, and it is the one I have chosen. One that involves a lot of travel, not something I want to do with Moses’ baskets and strollers and diaper bags.
Recently I saw my friends from Germany; they are Russian and live in a small town near the Bodensee. It stuck me that my inner teenager would be very proud of me. I always wanted to go to Europe and I now I have, four times since 2003. I have friends in all these countries and I can crash at their homes and they at mine. Something I always wanted and the reason for my guest room.
The photos I have of Paris, and when I look at them again, I sometimes can’t even believe I was really there. I now know the lay of the land and don’t get lost (not that I did in the first place, but I’m really getting to know the place now.) When I see my fellow countrymen being scared about flying, or when they are over there waiting in line at Garde de Norde and have their laptops for translating just to find out there are English speaking people at the train station, it makes me laugh.
Now it is not as if I look down on people with kids, as long as they are smart. I give them gifts and support their decision. I am the first one to want to spoil their kids! My friends in Europe have great kids that are sharp as tacks, and I love them. It’s great to spend time with their kids, without all the worry about paying for schooling and day care. I know it’s a hard job. I also know I couldn’t do it. I have too many miles yet to travel.
To my friends with kids, I don’t know how you do it and my hat goes off to you. As for the members of “The No Kid Club,”……..I’ll meet you at the pub for a drink! Of course my European friends will just take their kids with them to the pub and meet up for that drink. ;-)
Friday, December 14, 2007
Favorite Things
Is it just needle-point wisdom and lyrics from Rogers and Hammerstein musicals that tell us to surround ourselves with our favorite things? Possibly, but there is some thing to be said for having items around than bring a smile to our faces.
For me it’s my board, or more to the point the monument I take it from the garage and walk it over to the car and start to strap it to the rack. Just another ritual that takes me from the everyday to a relaxing place, and normally I turn up my radio as I head out. Just to complete the effect.
Another favorite thing is the little teapot for one; it is made of bone china, that I keep in my desk drawer at the office. I bought it in Scotland last summer with my good friends Maddy and Andy and their daughter Morvin. I only drink one cup off coffee in the morning to get going and the rest of the day I drink herbal teas. So the teapot and tea I drink helps me to calm down and focus on my work. I sometimes think about the good times I had in Scotland.
I do love my car and my scooter. I like my 2001 VW beetle the color makes me happy, its periwinkle blue. My Vespa GTR ‘73, represents years of longing. I had wanted one since if first saw them at age 13. The fact that I finally have one is great. I used to drive it to work everyday. These days I need my car more, no big both are fun to drive.
I like the laptop I am working on right now. It’s a Mac, Blue and white clamshell. I don’t know all the specs, so don’t ask. It’s about the color combo of blue and white. One of my favorites, I could paint everything various shades of blue and white. I suppose it’s like water and sand, I do know that it calms me down.
I also love blue Hydrangeas and pink and red tulips. I like to bring flowers into the office, like lilies of the valley. Then there is my pink new Ipod, another girly thing. One more favorite thing, is sipping beer on a hot summer night at the Beer Garden in down town Fullerton with my friends. I don’t get to go all the time, but when I do I make the most of it. Ahh, I can just about taste the beer on the tip of my tongue.
It may not be raindrops on roses, but here are just a few of my favorite things.
For me it’s my board, or more to the point the monument I take it from the garage and walk it over to the car and start to strap it to the rack. Just another ritual that takes me from the everyday to a relaxing place, and normally I turn up my radio as I head out. Just to complete the effect.
Another favorite thing is the little teapot for one; it is made of bone china, that I keep in my desk drawer at the office. I bought it in Scotland last summer with my good friends Maddy and Andy and their daughter Morvin. I only drink one cup off coffee in the morning to get going and the rest of the day I drink herbal teas. So the teapot and tea I drink helps me to calm down and focus on my work. I sometimes think about the good times I had in Scotland.
I do love my car and my scooter. I like my 2001 VW beetle the color makes me happy, its periwinkle blue. My Vespa GTR ‘73, represents years of longing. I had wanted one since if first saw them at age 13. The fact that I finally have one is great. I used to drive it to work everyday. These days I need my car more, no big both are fun to drive.
I like the laptop I am working on right now. It’s a Mac, Blue and white clamshell. I don’t know all the specs, so don’t ask. It’s about the color combo of blue and white. One of my favorites, I could paint everything various shades of blue and white. I suppose it’s like water and sand, I do know that it calms me down.
I also love blue Hydrangeas and pink and red tulips. I like to bring flowers into the office, like lilies of the valley. Then there is my pink new Ipod, another girly thing. One more favorite thing, is sipping beer on a hot summer night at the Beer Garden in down town Fullerton with my friends. I don’t get to go all the time, but when I do I make the most of it. Ahh, I can just about taste the beer on the tip of my tongue.
It may not be raindrops on roses, but here are just a few of my favorite things.
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