Mood:  irritated

After I fell asleep early last night, I woke up feeling great. I was well-rested and ready to face the day. 

Until I got to work.

The coffee smell didn't bother me, but around 10, I started to drag ass. I had basically the same thing today, snacking on fruits and veggies, and brown rice and beans. I could hear the soda cans cracking open that sweet sound (oh that beautiful sound of clinking nickels) to reveal a bubbly cola awaiting me...not. Damn!

Sitting at my desk was no big deal, but a trip up and down the stairs made my head throb. After lunch, I felt like I had a fever—body aches and cold sweats.

I totally wanted to answer the phone a la Ferris Bueller...."mmhhhheelloooo." All I needed was that barf keyboard of his and I'd be set.

Everyone around me was giving me a hard time—it's only day 2, they said, it's going to be  LONG two weeks. Yeah, you're right asshole, but while you're sitting at your desk chowing down on milk duds and cream puffs, I'm recharging my organs—who is jealous now, fatty?

Detox will not cleanse my attitude problem, don't worry.

I stopped by the spa and told them my problem; they said it was probably the caffeine and I should feel better in a few days when my body adjusts better.

"You can have a small cup of coffee in the morning if you want, it's not going to kill you."

Uh no, the ladies at the spa also told me I could use artificial sugar if I wanted...are you kidding me? I didn't buy all this detox crap just for funsies. I have a feeling the spa employees think detoxing is ordering a salad instead of a burger. It is, like, soooo much more than that.

But anyway, yeah, I'm still feeling like shit. I had a yummy dinner of whole grain bow-tie pasta with olive oil, garlic, sesame seeds, and some steamed snap peas. It was tasty, but my head is throbbing.

So I'm off to bed. As of 8:46, I weigh 124.2

Day 2-kiss my ass! 

Posted by wittywriter7 at 8:59 PM CDT

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Mood:  lazy

Today is the day I've been anticipating and dreading all at the same time. Today is the kickoff of a 14-day detoxification plan I'm doing. Since the summer began, I've realized that I've taken on a few pretty unhealthy habits, such as eating disgusting food and drinking...a ton. 

Since I'm a member of a spa, I noticed their nutrition line included a detox program. So I told myself that as soon as my wine class wrapped up, I would detox my body. Luckily, several of my friends jumped on board, so at least I'm not in this alone.

For starters, let me share a little information on the detox program. It is a 14-day program that includes herbal supplements along with a strict diet in order to rid my body of the daily poisons I face (sounds scary, huh?). According to the spa's website:

"Detoxification is not a fad diet designed to temporarily shave off a few pounds. It is the amazing natural ability of the body to renew and recharge itself. Just as you would spring clean and maintain your home, detoxing cleans and maintains your body."

Signs you may need to detoxify—allergies, bad skin, body odor or sweating, dependency on sugar, caffeine, alcohol (check, check, check), headaches (check), lack of energy (CHECK), absent-mindedness and confusion (check and check!). 

Benefits of detoxification—increased energy, improved mental clarity, reduced dependencies and cravings, restored digestion and elimination.

Umm...amazing! Now, it's the nitty gritty—the diet plan. The goal is to eat 4-6 small meals each day, which are made up of healthy foods. What this really means:

No processed foods, canned goods, artificial sweetener, soda, white sugar, white flour, alcohol, caffeine, red meat, salt, or dairy.

Welcome to reality.

What will I eat? I've been pondering this question for months, and I've found that, the more I look, the more I find healthy items that are detox-compatible. According to my YES/NO list, I can eat white meats (turkey, chicken, and seafood), rice, fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts (unsalted and unroasted), seeds, whole grains, olive oil, sea salt, and soy sauce. 

The soy sauce thing throws everyone for a loop—even me. But I'm taking it—I love salt, and I LOVE soy sauce. I was amazed when I realized I can eat sushi, provided there are no fried parts or condiments. I can also have turkey burgers and turkey tacos, with whole grains. I hope you readers will join me on yet another personal journey, this one a completely different kind, and see how well it turns out.

I don't talk much about my eating habits on here, but I guess now is the time. I rely heavily on caffeine, something I've done since my freshman year in college. I have an insanely high tolerance for it—how my heart hasn't jumped out of my chest is beyond me. It takes at least 2 RedBulls before I even notice a difference. Each morning, I drink a solid six cups of black coffee before lunch. At lunch, I drink a diet coke. When I get home from work, I usually drink wine or beer. And I wonder why I can't sleep. 

As for food, I don't feel like I eat incredibly unhealthy things. If I do crave fast food or sweets, I eat in moderation and be done with it. I do not, however, workout. Frankly, I refuse to. I don't like doing it and I don't feel guilty about my laziness. It's my life and I do what a want, cuz I'm a gangsta like Lil Wayne.  

Everything I just listed is on the NO list for detox.

Over the weekend, I went shopping for all of my detox-friendly foods. I didn't buy everything, since most things need to be fresh, but I found a variety of foods I enjoy. I bought a protein shake that was approved by my spa, unroasted nuts with sea salt, raw fruits and veggies, unsalted and unraosted seeds, hummace, brown rice, red kidney beans, corn on the cob, lean chicken, whole grain pasta, and low-sodium V8. I also purchased a large water jug and lots of lemons, because I have to drink at least 3 quarts (100 ounces) of water every single day.

Now that the basics are out of the way, onto the business of Detox Day 1:

I woke up at 4 am, with two problems—1, I was incredibly congested with a sore throat (awesome, because I can't have orange juice or chicken noodle soup) and 2, I was hungry. I did the only thing I knew to do—took a tablet of Vitamin C, drank a glass of water, and watched QVC for an hour.

Needless to say, when I actually had to get up at 6:30, I was tired as hell. I had already packed my food for the day, so I made my protein shake and drank it in the car on the way to work. Upon arrival of the office, the smell of coffee plagued me. Oh, how I miss the sweet nectar already. 

By 9:30 I was starving, so I reached for my first snack of the day—a handful of fresh berries. This held me over for a bit, but around 10:30, I felt horrible. I was dragging ass, so tired with no pick-me-up in sight, and I was hungry. Not to mentioned I'd already made five trips to the bathroom because of all the water I chugged.

For lunch, I had 3/4 cup of brown rice, and a 1/2 cup of red beans, with sea salt. In the afternoon, I had a few raw veggies with hummus. I was ready to go home and cook myself some meat, so for dinner, I had a small baked chicken breast, with 1/2 cup of brown rice, and 1 kabob (pineapple, squash, mushroom, onion, bell pepper). It was the first filling and pleasant meal I had all day.

However, after dinner, I suffered from what my spa calls a "healing crisis," which basically means you feel like shit during this process. It could come in the form of flu-like symptoms, body aches, etc. I had an amazing headache, but hey, it's not like I have any bars to go visit, restaurants to go eat at, or dairy farms to raid for the next 14 days, so I didn't feel guilty about being lazy (I actually used this time to finish reading Bill Clegg's Portrait of an Addict as a Young Man).

Even though it's Day 1, it was rough. My body has some adjusting to do with this diet; I feel like I ate all day, but I'm still hungry. I can't lie, I have already been dreaming of a steak, or a big leg of king crab with butter sauce...sigh.

Although the detox program is not supposed to be a method of losing weight, I figure, how else am I going to see if this healthy eating thing really works? So, as of 8:45 this evening, I weigh 124.6 pounds, which is what I expected.

I have yet to finish my third quart of water. However, I am boiling water for some caffeine-free rose and lavender tea, alongside more fresh berries and my herbal supplements.  

Day 1—done!

Posted by wittywriter7 at 9:10 AM CDT

Updated: Wednesday, July 21, 2010 8:59 PM CDT

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Mood:  accident prone

I had the pleasure of adding another male to my hate list yesterday. 

Lucky me!

Since my breakup, I wouldn't necessarily say I jumped into the dating pool head first (I understand I've got a bout of crazy to clear up) but I haven't been sitting at home either. After previous breakups, I often wait awhile before meeting new people and going on dates. There have even been times when I've met someone I really liked, but worried if it was too soon, because I never want to find myself in a rebound situation. 

I figured my most recent ex probably moved on to someone new before we even broke up, so why should I hold back? A little over a month ago, I started going on dates with a guy I met out at a bar. Things were clicking and he was working the magic—taking me to dinners, buying me flowers, bringing me bottles of merlot...

Then he delivered the blow via text-message: "Honestly, I feel like a barely have enough time for myself, let alone a girlfriend. I like you, but I feel like I've been spread really thin lately."

Remember last week's final episode of The Hills, when the background behind Brody rolled away? Umm yeah, that's what happened to me. Instead of standing in my kitchen reading that text message, I was standing in my ex's dining room as he poured me a glass of wine and said, "I'm too busy for a girlfriend, y'all are so needy."

Obviously what happened after that was three years down the drain paired with months of emotional repair.

Not again.

My solution to relationship drama is simply to eliminate it. I understand there is a give and take with dating, but I know enough to understand that Mr. Right isn't going to tell me he's too "busy."

I've given you my rant on the busy excuse before—it's just a nicer way of saying "I'm just not that into you." Everyone is busy. We all have work or play or television or volunteering or drinking to do, it's just a matter of how we manage our time. Some people spend all their time reading, while others may work 60 hours a week, and some people, believe it or not, spend time with their significant others. Imagine that!

I prefer a balance of all—I need time to myself, some time with my girlfriends, and time with my boyfriend. But I haven't found the right guy who is interested in that just yet. And that's okay. 

In the meantime, I'm cutting my losses, and reclaiming myself. I haven't slowed down since my breakup, and I think I need a little relaxation.

Months out from my breakup, I am doing well, despite a few setbacks. When people go through a breakup, often the solution seems to be to run out and find someone new. However, going on a bad date freaking blows worse than sitting at home with Ben and Jerry.

Last week, I had a jarring reality check when my route to work forced me into a detour, passing my ex's house. How fabulous!

But hey, such is life. When it rains, it pours; I don't have an umbrella, but I'm patiently waiting for the sun to shine.  

Posted by wittywriter7 at 10:08 AM CDT

Updated: Friday, August 6, 2010 6:48 AM CDT

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Mood:  blue

"Setting aside alone time can be a challenge, even in the privacy of our own homes. Whether big or small, these bathrooms provide a quiet getaway for their homeowners and guests . From the modern Mediterranean escape with an aromatherapy steam shower, and the feminine shimmer in the pretty powder room all the way to the natural spa setup with river stone flooring, the dark tea-stained half-bathroom, and the spacious slate shower, these spaces provide a private oasis."

Aah, thus is the first paragraph of my story, Soaking Up The Surroundings, in the July 2010 issue of House & Home Magazine. Once again, I got to write about bathrooms. I think I say this every time, but really, this group of bathrooms was really amazing—roll a mattress in there and plug in a fridge and I would never leave.

Seriously.

LIMITLESS LUXURY—the first bathroom featured in the story is owned by a gentleman who's home has been featured two other times before: once for his insanely beautiful pool and again for his breathtaking kitchen. This bathroom is nothing short of amazing. Literally, when I saw the first glimpse of it, I said ddddaaaamn!

Designed and decorated in a Mediterranean flair, this is a stunning room. The focal point is a large square tub in clean, white porcelain, surrounded by two columns of yellow travertine (imported from Turkey), weighing 1500 pounds each. The ceiling above the tub was hand painted, raised, and completed with a octogonal chandelier.

Behind the bathtub is a shower/steam room, complete with aromatherapy and teak seats for relaxing. The shower floor is a tiled mosaic of yellow travertine, while the walls are all honey onyx.

HINTS OF GLIMMER—While this bathroom isn't as large as the first, I love the feminine qualities it features. The walls are painted in a faux finish, using a light color palette. My favorite parts about this bathroom are the crystal chandelier hanging in the center of the room, along with the glass bowl sink with textured swirls.

GRANDEUR APLENTY—The third home features a powder room, along with a bathroom. The powder room is simply a small room under a staircase that has an antique chest with a sink. Above it is an immaculate mirror, flanked by candlesticks. The best part about the powder room is the wallpaper—a shimmery olive background with a damask silvery turquoise print. The baseboards are taller than usual, which looks very chic.

The highlight of the master bathroom in this home is definitely the shower, which has a commercial grade steamer along with three body sprays. My favorite part of the shower is the entry: a double set of frameless glass doors.

NATURAL ELEMENTS—Although this bathroom is only 45-square feet, it looks much larger because the space was used so efficiently. The shower wall is a frameless piece of glass, which opens the room up, instead of sectioning it off with a tub or a shower curtain. The counter with the sink was custom built, made from stained concrete in a curved shape to provide more room to move. The bowl sink sits atop the counter, in colored glass. The coolest part about this bathroom is the flooring, which is made up of pebbled-tile.

DAY & NIGHT—This home had two bathrooms, one decorated in white marble and the other with dark, tea-stained elements. The white bathroom featured a large jacuzzi tub, surrounded in white marble tile with black granite inlays. The walls are a faux-finished cream, matching the marble.

The half-bathroom had tea and tobacco-stained walls, that appear endless as their seaming is curved into the ceiling—no sharp edges. The chandelier, mirror, and chest are all finished in dark stains.

For the upcoming August issue of House & Home Magazine, I completed a feature on children's rooms, which includes a bathroom, a study nook, a playroom, and a bedroom. Completing this assignment made me wish I was a kid again (as if I didn't already).  

Posted by wittywriter7 at 12:38 PM CDT

Updated: Monday, July 19, 2010 12:39 PM CDT

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Mood:  cheeky

Last night, I did something I haven't done in a long time—I read. In complete silence. For hours. 

I was on pins and needles trying to finish Audrey Niffenegger's first book, The Time Traveler's Wife. So far, I haven't read much this summer, and frankly I blame that on drinking too much, and not having my usual amount of alone time. So, I was happy to come home to a quiet apartment, leave the television off, and curl up with about 300 pages of good writing.

I did finish it, and I really, really liked it. However, I have no clue how to explain this book. In a nutshell, it's about a girl, Clare, who is in love with a man who travels through time. They try to have a friendship, then later a relationship and a marriage, all while he travels back and forth through different periods of his life.

At the end of the book, there is a reading group guide that might help me explain myself a little further. Here is the last question of the guide, question 16:

How does the author use time travel as a metaphor: for love, for loss and absence, for fate, for aging, for death? To what extent are Clare and Henry a "normal" couple?

Technically, we are all "time traveler's," it's just that we are traveling forward through time, living our lives in the order of the sun, seconds, minutes and hours, as they fall. Henry, on the other hand, has lived his entire life once, and moves back and forth through it again, jumping back through time or into the future with no warning or notice.

Time travel as a metaphor for love is an interesting concept. It's like when people say, "maybe it was just bad timing." There is something to be said about timing and the effect it has on love. In order for things to work, both people in the relationship have to be at the right moment in their life. So as each person is traveling through time, they must cross each other's paths at exactly the right moment, or the relationship may fail.

This idea goes hand in hand with using time as a metaphor for fate. To blame a relationship's failures on bad timing is to ignore fate. If we rely on fate to get us to our match ultimately, then it wasn't bad timing, it was fate leading us to The One.  

Henry and Clare's relationship didn't work until they officially met in the present, in 1990. Before that, Clare was too young, or Henry was too old. Once Henry reaches the present, their relationship seems to grow, they fall in love and time seems to stop.

Now, as for time travel as a metaphor for loss, absence, death, and aging? This is a little less clear to me, but it comes in the form of Henry and Clare and their attempts at starting a family. While they argue about their miscarriages and how there is a chance Clare could die—Henry has seen her give birth, live, and seen his daughter as a young lady. So he knew somewhere that Clare wouldn't die. Same as the scene when Clare is 16, driving down the road with her eyes closed, she says she knows she doesn't die, so why not? Both of them, mess with fate and often don't seem to trust it. 

BLAM! Look who's the English major...I can still analyze text. Go me.

Seriously, I enjoyed this book. It made me think. I love the characters and their struggles—it wasn't so polished and clean like most fiction novels are. I haven't seen the movie yet, but I will—even if I already know it won't be as good as the book.  

Posted by wittywriter7 at 12:44 PM CDT

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Mood:  mischievious

For this week's class, we made it to Spain—another wine territory I know very little about. But that will change, I hope. 

Like Italy, Spain has classification systems and definitions for aging. 

DO or DOCa must follow these terms and guidelines:

Vino Joven: red and white, no oak, minimum of one year aging.

Crianza: reds—24 months minimum aging, 6 months minimum in cask, down from the previous one year. Whites and Rosado—12 months minimum aging, 6 months minimum in cask.

Reserva: reds—minimum aging of 36 months, 12 months minimum in cask the remaining time must be in the bottle, not in a tank. Whites and Rosado—24 months in minimum aging, 6 months minimum in cask, remaining time in a bottle.

Grand Reserva: reds—60 months minimum aging, 18 months minimum in cask, the remaining time must be in a bottle. Whites and Rosado—48 months minimum, 6 months minimum in cask, remaining time in the bottle.

As Spain is one of the largest wine territories in Europe, they have many different grape varietals (according to a handout from my teacher), including:

THE WHITES 

Airen—the most widely planted grape in the world, but planted only in the center part of Spain. The million acres of Airen sited in Spain's Meseta amount to far more than all the acres of Cabernet in the world, as well as any other grape you can name. It is generally used for Brandy and for simple whites.

Albarino—depending upon the vintage and the subregion of Rias Baixas, the indigenous variety of Galicia in northwest Spain can be rich and expressive, with peach and apricot notes or tart and bracing, like green apples and lemon peels.

Godello—a relatively unknown variety that can express depth and character in Valdeorras, and increasingly more in Ribeiro.

Hondarribi—a cause celebre in some markets, this produces the bracingly tart, txakoli-style white wine of Basque Country.

Parellada—the bulk ingredient of most Cava and a few pleasant table wines. 

Pedro Ximenez—generally speaking, a variety used in the production of sweet Sherry. In Montilla-Moriles, this grape can produce great dessert wines but also a few dry-styled wines.

Verdejo—a delightful and textured grape, with citrus elements covering notes of melon, apple, and stone fruits. Often it is blended with Sauvignon Blanc in Rueda.

Viura—A grape that performs differently in different places. In Penedes, especially in Cava production, it's the fat and friendly part of a blend. But in Rioja or Navarra, you can find partisans who believe it simply requires careful vinification to unlock its character and even longevity.

Xarel-lo—one of the principle constituents of Cava, this surprisingly interesting variety goes into the production of some lovely wines from the slate soils of Alella. It can be the layered and age-worthy part of Cava.

THE REDS

Alicante—sometimes called Garnacha Tintorera, it's one of the few grapes to have not only color in the skins but also colored juice.

Bobal—ironically, better known for its blending attributes than for its stand-alone abilities, but there are now delicious Bobals being made in the Valencia region.

Carinena—known as Carignan in the rest of the world, but its rightful name is Carinena, just like the eastern Spanish town from which is probably originates. It's called Mazuelo in Rioja and doesn't get much respect anywhere except in Priorat and Montsant, where old vines can produce a powerful, notable wine.

Garnacha—known as Grenache in the rest of the world, it ought to be called Garnacha, as it originates in Spain, and traveled to southern France in the eighth and ninth centuries. The rap on the grape is that it is only great when it's powerful and alcoholic. That's not necessarily true, but Grenache does need to grow in a warm spot to display its best character. It's the critical grape in Priorat, and it is often bottled as a rosado elsewhere in Spain. It's the third most planted grape in Spain and the second most planted variety in the world.

Graciano—a very minor player in Rioja but one that has its fans. It can have beautiful aromatics, color, and tannin.

Juan Garcia—grown in Zamora, but is more about potential than reality.

Listan Negro—a grape that offers excellence on the Canary Islands.

Manto Negro—grown on Minorca and Mallorca and offering occasional excellence.

Mencia—some folks think its Cabernet Franc. It's not, but it's easy to understand why. It carries the red-cherry intensity and herbal note often found in Cabernet Franc. Like Cabernet Franc, Mencia can often be underwhelming. Even at its best, it is more structured than lush. 

Monastrell—known in the rest of the world as Mourvedre, it's a grape of Spanish origin. As in France, it is capable of producing truly great wines, but so few people are focused upon that goal. The grape shows the most promise in Jumilla and Yecla.

Moristel—a light and fruity grape in Somontano that almost never makes serious or powerful wine but can be a charming wine nonetheless.

Tempranillo—the reigning indigenous red variety of Spain. Its various clones that are grown in different parts of Spain have very different characteristics: in the south, it ripens early; in Penedes, growers say that it's low in acidity and doesn't age well; in Ribera del Duero, it's an ideal ager with moderate tannins and alcohol; and even in Rioja, growers accuse it of low acidity, yet it ages far better than its structure suggests. The variety has performed exceedingly well in the traditional style of Rioja; the soft, modern style of red wine; and also in powerful, rich, international school-style wines.

The wines we tasted in class include the Paul Cheneau Cava "Lady of Spain" from Penedes, the 2008 Rioja from Monopole, the 2008 Rioja by Rioja Vega, the 2006 DOC Rioja by Lorinon Tinto Crianza, the 2004 Labastida Reserva, and the 2006 DO Cava/DO Penedes by Can Feixes Negre Seleccio. 

Posted by wittywriter7 at 12:01 AM CDT

Updated: Thursday, July 15, 2010 8:14 AM CDT

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Mood:  crushed out

The final episode of The Hills, ever, begins in a cheesy fashion—Lo, Stephanie, KCal, and Audrina are all hanging out together, discussing the future. They notice that they are all going on their own paths: Audrina says she wants to move out of Hollywood, while Lo says she wants to have Scott's babies. Lo says since they are all in their mid-twenties, it's time for them to have their quater-life crisis (thank you, John Mayer. Call me) and decide who they want to be. KCal says the Brody situation is done and she needs to make a change. 

And we hear the bittersweet sound of the theme song...for The. Last. Time.

Sigh.  

Brody, Frankie, and Taylor are golfing (raging) and talking about girlfriends. Brody tells the guys that he's talking to someone else (ahem, AVRIL LAVIGNE), and he wants to be friends with KCal, but doesn't know if they are capable of doing so. 

Lo and Stephanie are out, discussing the workings of Stephanie's new man, Josh. They aren't official, but Lo thinks Stephanie should put herself out there. Lo hasn't decided if she will move in with Scott, because she doesn't want to break her rule. However, Stephanie convinces her to take her own advice and break the rule. 

At KCal's house, Stacie is hanging out and KCal tells her about the Brody situation. Stacie reminds KCal that a "friends with benefits" relationship would never work anyway. KCal says she is still pretty bummed out; she feels like everyone else is changing and she wants to change and be excited about something. KCal tells Stacie she wants to move to Europe since she's never been there and it would force her to find what she wants out of life. 

Stephanie goes to visit Josh and watch him race his motorcycle. She tells him that she likes hanging out with him and they both admit they aren't seeing anyone else. So they decide to be exclusive...and they kiss, and then I want to die. He is gross. Stephanie Pratt has a boyfriend and I don't??? Even if he is disgusting, he's still her boyfriend. 

KCal goes to visit Brody at the pool and tells him that she is moving to Europe. She says she's bored in Hollywood and needs the change. Brody wants to know if he had anything to do with the decision, but KCal says no. His phone is ringing during all of this and it's obvious that it must be AVRIL LAVIGNE calling, but Brody says it's not important. KCal invites him to her going-away party, but he says he refuses to celebrate her going away. 

Audrina brings Stephanie to see her new house that's right on the beach. I'm not going to lie, this house is BAD ASS. Stephanie tells her about the talk she had with Josh and Audrina seems very happy about the new boyfriend. Audrina tells Stephanie that she isn't going to KCal's party, because she wants to get out of the club scene and she doesn't want to see Justin Bobby or RYAN CABRERA. Both of the girls are pretty weirded out that everyone is going their own separate ways, they wonder...what will happen to them???

Lo, Scott, Frankie, and Stacie are all at KCal's going away party. KCal is really concerned that Brody won't show up; if he doesn't, she says, then she'll know she really made the right decision by moving away. But alas, Brody pulls through and arrives at the party ready to rage. There's an awkward Sex and the City-like scene with KCal and the ladies as they debate whether she should go talk to him or not. Of course, she does. Brody says he is going to miss her and asks her not to leave. Although they both get teary-eyed, KCal stands her ground. 

At Scott's house, Lo is unpacking her boxes and has obviously broken her rule and made the decision to move in with him. He tells her he wants to spend the rest of his life with her, because she is perfect and he would marry her right now...and I want to die, once again. 

Back at KCal's, Stacie is helping her pack a few last minute things. KCal's driver arrives, she takes one last look at her house, and walks outside to meet the car. As they are loading up the trunk, Brody shows up, and Stacie says her goodbyes leaving KCal and Brody to themselves. He tells her that he wouldn't have dated someone else if he knew it meant she was going to leave. Although she says that's all she needed to hear, she knows she still has to leave. So they hug and say goodbye and she gets in the car. 

Then, we see moments from the past. We see scenes from Laguna Beach, and The Hills: the moment when KCal and Stephen spent their last night on the beach, when Lauren and Audrina met for the first time, Lo on that horrible date in high school...

Then, it happens.

We see Brody standing there, then the scene begins to rotate around him. The camera pans out, the perfect Hollywood backdrop rolls away, and we see a scene lot, with the car, cameras and a crew. KCal gets out of the car and gives Brody a hug, everyone high fives.

What. The. Fuck?????

Yes, I know, I can't possibly believe the whole show was real. I never did believe it. However, that was what I loved about The Hills. I didn't want to watch a show about people and their real lives—guess what? I live a real live every day and it's pretty effing lame. I want to see people my age living the absolute dream. And that's what The Hills has done for me for the last six years. I've gotten to see romantic shots of a city I love, I've sat VIP in Les Deux, eaten dinner with Jason and Lauren at Ketchup, spent hours sunning at The Roosevelt. The false ending broke my heart a bit; I knew the truth, but I never wanted to wake up from the dream.  

Posted by wittywriter7 at 10:30 PM CDT

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Mood:  vegas lucky

Over the weekend, I finished reading my first Nicholas Sparks' novel—The Last Song. You may recall, that I saw the movie first, which I understand, is not the natural order of the world. 

When I saw the movie, I enjoyed it, however I noticed there had to be several details left out because several of the scenes weren't stitched together quite right.

So I read. Although I sometimes hate admitting it when I love a mainstream romance, I'll go ahead and say it—I loved this book. And how could I tell that it was love and not lust? I couldn't put it down.

The Last Song is a love story, but a tale of love through romance, family, animals, growth, and loss.

Just as in the movie, we meet the main character Ronnie, who is staying with her dad for the summer. She is 17, about to be 18, going through a major phase of teenage angst, topped with a hatred for her father after he left the family.

So there she is, in a new city for the next three months, with her younger brother Jonah. As if her father himself doesn't make her angry enough, his piano makes things worse. Ronnie's father, Steve was a music professor at Julliard—a love they shared together. He was her teach growing up, giving her the leg up on major performances such as Carnegie Hall. But since her father left, Ronnie's hatred for the piano grew, just as it did for her father.

During the summer, Ronnie meets a few new people—some good, some bad, and some very bad. But while learning about their lives, she looks into her own.

She spends her evenings guarding a nest of turtle eggs, which brings her closer to a few people. She learns more about her father, after he makes a drastic move just for her.

She also falls in love, only to be faced with the greatest loss of her life.

At the end of the summer, what will come of Ronnie, her family, the turtles, and her summer love? I won't ruin it for you...this is a book I would recommend. A great summer read! 

Nicholas Sparks is the author of several other books, including Safe Haven, The Lucky One, Dear John, The Choice, At First Sight, True Believer, Three Weeks With My Brother, The Guardian, The Wedding, Nights In Rodanthe, A Bend In The Road, The Rescue, A Walk To Remember, Message In A Bottle, and The Notebook.  

Posted by wittywriter7 at 12:01 AM CDT

Updated: Tuesday, July 13, 2010 8:24 AM CDT

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Mood:  mischievious

In honor of The Hills series finale tomorrow night, I took precious time out of my weekend to pay homage to where it all began—Laguna Beach. So I did the only appropriate thing I could do: I sat and watched season one of Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County. 

Cue theme song:

"Let the rain fall down, and wake my dreams, let it wash away my sanity. 'Cause I wanna feel the thunder, I wanna scream, Let the rain fall down, I'm coming clean, I'm coming clean..."

Thank you, Hilary Duff.

So yes, in case you have forgotten, The Hills wouldn't have happened if the MTV cameras hadn't found one miss Lauren Conrad ("my friends call me LC") and her drama-filled crew, in a little beach town known as Laguna.

I watched this lil special on MTV that said the original idea for the show was a reality show based on 90210. However, no school in Beverly Hills would go for it. So the producers traveled to Laguna Beach where they met hundreds of students before deciding on the core group:

Stephen—Whether he knows it or not, he seems to be the core of most of the drama. He's in the middle of the love triangle with Kristin and LC.

Talan—he's the second choice hookup for all of the Laguna ladies.

Trey—OMG definitely the hottest guy of the show, but goes unnoticed. He's the hippie with the party house who is out to make a youth movement by starting Active Young America.

Morgan—the virgin of the bunch, and also quite the faggot loser.

Christina—the pastor's daughter who wants to be a singer/actress/dancer, even though she really sucks at it.

Lo—unfortunately, this chica made her way onto The Hills, so we've had to put up with her annoying voice for six years.

Alex—Kristin's good friend who really has no place on the show other than that.

Jessica—Dieter's boyfriend, and also a friend of Kristin's. Her role becomes greater in LB season 2, when she dates Jason.

And of course there's LC and Kristin, the lifelong rivals all because of lil old Stephen.

Season one, as you may recall, involved lots of drama. It was senior year for LC, Stephen, Morgan, Christina, Lo, Trey, and even Jenn Bunny. The whole gang was trying to make it one big party, starting things off with the "Black and White Affair." 

LC, Lo, Morgan, and Christina host the event at the Surf & Sands hotel suite, which runs at $700 a night (nearly the cost of my monthly rent). Just sayin...

But before the party goes down, we get to see the makings of a Laguna weekend. Trey hosts a BBQ at his place (or at his parents'), where everyone is welcome. But when Kristin stops by Stephen's work, Surf & Sport, she tells him she won't go to the BBQ if LC is there. Stephen goes to the party, while Kristin paints her toenails with Alex. LC is indeed at the party, giving Stephen the bedroom eyes the entire night...before they end up going home together.

Although Stephen does arrive at the Black and White Affair the next night, he brings Kristin along, which is a complete buzz kill for LC.

In episode two, Christina calls Morgan to tell her she got accepted to her top choice college, SMU. Morgan received her letter from BYU, the only college she applied to, and wants to open it with Christina. When she arrives, they walk to the beach and open the letter. 

REJECTED!

As mean as it sounds, this part of the episode makes me laugh every time. It's obvious she got rejected before she even opens the letter, because it's teeny tiny and we all know that acceptance letters come in large envelops. Loser.

Lo and LC get their makeup done and head out for the night to a coffee shop where Trey is hosting an AYA Open Mic event. On the other side of town, Jessica and Kristin attempt to cook Stephen and Dieter a dinner of bowtie pasta, sauce that tastes like feet, chicken, feta cheese, and an organic heart-shaped cake. The food doesn't go over so well, and Kristin answers her cell phone to chat with Sam—a guy she thinks is sooooo hot. Needless to say, Stephen gets pissed.

In episode three, Sam, Alex, and Kristin go to the car dealership to scope out a new ride for Kristin, even though her dad already told her she isn't getting a new one. However, on the ride home her car breaks down, to which she screams, "See?! My car is dunzo!!"

Later, Trey invites Stephen and LC to Los Angeles for a fashion show. LC, being the fashion guru we all know she is, is pretty excited at first, that is until Stephen starts drooling over all of the models on the runway. At the after party, the models are all over Stephen, sending LC into a jealous rage, and back home to Laguna.

In episode four, Christina has her first adult birthday party with no adults at the wild & crazy Joe's Crab Shack. She invites Morgan and Kristin, but doesn't invite Lo or LC, because she thinks they cause too much drama. For her birthday, Christina finds out she has an audition in New York City with the casting director of RENT, Hairspray, and Wicked. She's on a high horse until her and Morgan run into Lo and LC at the nail salon, where they are confronted about the birthday party.

Christina and Morgan are off to New York City, choosing this as their spring break location, instead of Cabo, like everyone else. We get to see Christina's singing audition, which makes me feel embarrassed for her because she sucks so bad, and obviously doesn't get the part.

Episode five is the lovely trip to Cabo, where drama in the love triangle really heats up. Kristin rips a few shots at the bar and gets on it to dance with her friends. Stephen absolutely hates this and chases after her calling her a slut. Kristin immediately does what she knows is right and makes out with Sam right in front of Stephen. Naturally, he goes to find LC, and she gets the hookup.

What happens in Cabo, stays in Cabo!

Although Kristin and Stephen broke up in Cabo, she invites him to join her in San Diego for a Blink 182 concert in episode six. Oddly enough, they run into Trey, Lo, and LC at the concert too.

Later, everyone is helping Trey put together a fashion show for AYA, featuring unique t-shirts and hats. Stephen and Kristin are the only ones of the bunch to not help out, but they make it to the show to watch, where it appears they are back together.

Episode seven is probably one of my favorites—prom. We get to see the guys ask the girls in cute ways. LC has had her date lined up for years, a guy no one knows. Stephen asks Kristin by posing as her secret admirer. The end of the prom episode is rather sentimental for the core group, as they realize it's their last hurrah before graduation.

In episode eight, everyone but Lo goes on an overnight camping trip. It's rather uneventful, other than Stephen putting on a bear costume one night in order to scare the girls. While Lo is back in Laguna, she goes on a date with a complete tool who answers his cell phone during dinner. I would put this down as one of the worst dates in history.

Graduation comes and goes in episode nine.

Episode ten is when the group begins to part ways for college. Trey hosts his last BBQ at his house the night before he leaves for school in New York. Everyone seems to be a little sad, remembering the times they have shared, while Stephen and Kristin's relationship is the best it's ever been.

The season finale of Laguna Beach involves everyone packing and leaving for college. Stephen and Kristin pack his things, and he says goodbye to his parents. LC invites her girlfriends over to help her pack and she catches a flight to San Francisco...everything is all sad, until Stephen picks her up at the airport and they head off to college together. 

From there, we now know that LC doesn't make it in San Fran. She gets homesick, moves home for a bit, and then travels to Los Angeles to attend FIDM...and so The Hills was born.  

Posted by wittywriter7 at 9:51 AM CDT

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Mood:  energetic

It's been a long time since I've cooked anything, let alone cooked for myself. In fact, my refrigerator is pretty embarrassing, as it only has a 2 liter of lemonade, some sangria, and jelly inside of it. 

A small part of my is afraid to admit that cooking might be a little piece of baggage for me (just a carry-on). But it is also a great source of joy for me; it allows me time to myself, a project to accomplish, and a great meal to eat. So here's to getting back in the game!

I couldn't think of any greater reason to get out my pots and pans, other than the fact that my basil plant outside was ready to be trimmed. And eaten. So I planned one of my favorite meals to cook just so I could use a pile of fresh basil.

Years ago, my favorite restaurant (dare I say of-all-time) closed in Indianapolis. Known as Bertolini's, it was home to delicious pasta, pizza, and "Spaghetti Ice". I've always said if I had one meal left to eat on this earth it would be Bertolini's Calamari Fritti, their crusty bread with the olive and caper sauce, and end it with a huge helping of tiramisu. 

But for my entree? Hands down it would be Bertolini's Capelli d'Angelo al Pomodoro e Basillico.

Oh. My. God.

This dish is served in a large white bowl, full of the thinnest angel hair pasta, which believe me, makes all the difference. The noodles are intertwined with warm chopped tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and whole cloves of garlic, all glistening in a sheen of olive oil.

So amazing. It might be the closest thing to a religious experience I've ever had. And it packed its bags and moved to Vegas. Jesus!!

Anyway, I have always tried to perfect a dish like this at my own home; I come close, but it's never quite the same. However, Wednesday night, I gave it a whirl.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basil (center) growing tall and mighty with Rosemary (left) coming along slowly, and Thyme (right), well taking its sweet-ass time.

 

 

Posted by wittywriter7 at 12:01 AM CDT

Updated: Friday, July 9, 2010 8:12 AM CDT

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