if what I think is happening is happening, it better not be

The Fantastic Mr. Fox was so good! I loved it. The nervous smile cracks me up.

Cardamom and it's many uses...

Lately I'm been so entranced by the smell and taste of cardamom. It's in this lotion I found at Sarah's house. It's in a soap my mom gave me. And now I can taste it, sure enough, in my chai tea.

Cardamom: Traditional Medicine

Green cardamom in South Asia is broadly used to treat infections in teeth and gums, to prevent and treat throat troubles, congestion of the lungs and pulmonary tuberculosis, inflammation of eyelids and also digestive disorders. It also is used to break up kidney stones and gall stones, and was reportedly used as an antidote for both snake and scorpion venom.Amomum is used as a spice and as an ingredient in traditional medicine in systems of the traditional Chinese medicine in China, in Ayurveda in India, Japan, Korea andVietnam.Species in the genus Amomum are also used in traditional Indian medicine. Among other species, varieties and cultivars, Amomum villosum cultivated in China, Laos and Vietnam is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat stomach-aches, constipation, dysentery, and other digestion problems. "Tsaoko" cardamom Amomum tsao-ko is cultivated in Yunnan, China and northwest Vietnam, both for medicinal purposes and as a spice. Increased demand since the 1980s, principally from China, for both Amomum villosum andAmomum tsao-ko has provided a key source of income for poor farmers living at higher altitudes in localized areas of China, Laos and Vietnam, people typically isolated from many other markets. Until recently, Nepal has been the world's largest producer of large cardamom. Guatemala has become the world's largest producer and exporter of cardamom, with an export total of US$137.2 million for 2007.

Don't buy herbs online...

I'll admit, I'm a little susceptible to the occasional pop-up offer. (I thank pop-ups for my phone and my computer.)

So, I ordered a colon cleanse thing the other day, $1.99 and if you like it they charge you $69.99 a month or you cancel -- the usual deal. I get my bottle of stuff, and immediately cancel before they can charge me.

Then I go online to research the ingredients. The number one ingredient is hydroxycitric acid. Research that, and find that hydroxycitric acid has been recalled by the FDA in 2009 for causing liver failure, resulting even in liver TRANSPLANTS. Yikes! Reminder to self, go to a trusted herbalist.

Free Audiobooks Online!

I discovered public domain audio books today! Check out LibriVox.org.

The voices don't always match the nationality of the book; for instance The Daffodil Mystery would be a little more authentic with a British accent, but hey, they're free. That sure beats hunting down library holds.

I love reading, and audiobooks just help me actually get through novels with my tight schedule.

Greek Pita Sandwich

I found this recipe in USA today for a turkey pita.

Mix:

8oz feta regular

1 cup non-fat yogurt

lemon juice

cracked pepper

salt

oregano

mint

Put that nice creamy sauce on a pita with turkey, lettuce, cucumber and fresh red tomato in a fresh whole wheat pita. A few Cape Cod chips on the side.

Oh my, that was such a good lunch. Great way to use the ton of turkey I have leftover from baking last week. I love Greek food, it always tastes so fresh.

I know you're a serious lady

living off a teacup full of cherries...

Today, we slept in; exhaustion hits sometimes and one must listen.

I do thinking work so much better when rested anyways.

I talked to an old friend in New York this afternoon. It's fun to laugh hard at ridiculous stories I'm glad you know I'll understand. And I love that some things are constant with us.

Focus is such a benefit, when we can keep it. I think about Rudy sometimes. Good old Rudy. He didn't have the brains, he didn't have the finances or the benefactors, but he had an unmistakable will to accomplish something. Growing up, I think Rudy made a real impression on me. Such a silly football movie. The more focused you are on something--anything--the more likely you are to succeed at such. Simplistic? Sure. But true. In some ways, (not all, but some), the universe does fall to will.

It's been a year since I've been married now, or nearly such. I think my marriage has helped to bring out the best version of myself, cliche as that may sound. It's great to watch something get better every day.

Every talk about something until it's gone? Sometimes you just talk it out, and repeat yourself in three ways (or six), and it goes away. No response necessary. No fixing necessary. Things dance away in poufs of smoke as if they did not exist. And the laughter erupts. And those are some of my favorite moments. And that's why we should listen.

Sometimes in the process of giving up things, I do forget what I'm gaining. And then there's a moment, now and then, when I connect to someone and it's overwhelmingly satisfying. I'll be teaching someone something and I'll see their face light up with wonder, appreciation, or just understanding, and my excitement is aglow within me. I just want to invest my talents so they create interest, not bury them.

Our goal in Costa Rica, or a similar place, in 1.5 years. Time marches on.

Fill your life, with something else baby.

-Editors, Colours

and it's a lovely thursday afternoon...

I have to get OFF the Unicef email list because they are too distracting. I read about what's going on in one country, then I have to research when this or that conflict started, then it's been 30 minutes, and I'm just depressed about the state of the world.

Well, worked with Ali this morning. Yeppers. Did pretty good. Nina came in for a while to do search work. I'm sick of coffee and espresso drinks. I brewed up a batch of my special ginger lemonade. Boiled the ginger for a couple hours, then added lemon and raw sugar. Yum, now THAT is some tea with a kick.

Been reading about Solomon's wives. Some men just have no appreciation for the good women they have in their lives. He could have focused on appreciating what he did have, but no, had to go and take on who-knows-how many women until he went from being richest, most intelligent king in history to rejected. Reminds me how obedience sure is paramount to success.

I met this really hilarious Thai family the other day, super nice. It's been encouraging me to pull out the 'ol Thai dictionary and brush up. I love the mannerisms of Thai people. They have such distinct "tell it like it is" mannerisms. Very cute.

I'm off to a meeting with a TESOL school. Teaching an adult TESOL class. We'll see how that goes. Mandy told me today a teaching visa in Peru is only $25 a year! That is very cheap. Hmm, makes one reflect. I have always wanted to see Machu Pichu. Someday perhaps.

sarah & marcos got engaged!

sarah_marcos, originally uploaded by iamvioletta.

We all knew something was up, but Marcos managed to keep a good secret.

Last night, supposedly for Mike and Linda's anniversary, we went to a Luau at the Island Pacific resort. (Beautiful setting with lots of bamboo and tropical Asian plants.) Marcos had a Mariachi band appear, Rayo was there--supposedly Marcos "won his photography services in a raffle." Marcos brought out collages of them dancing, and popped the question. Ring was in a mermaid case. A pearl, with diamonds around, and in the center of it. Very chic. Immediately afterwards, out came the champagne.

Congratulations to them!

The cane is not just for looks--he's had soccer injuries of late.

dad's been building bird houses

the only pedicure to get...

If you're going to get a pedicure, you must get it from Anette Dziak.

Here are ten reasons why:

1. She is cheaper than ANYONE. Come on, $25 for a french pedicure. No where else.

2. She gives AMAZING massages with reflexology technique with essential oils.

3. You sit in one little room, overlooking some trees and a porch. Not with 10 Vietnamese men talking to each other. Very relaxing!

4. She makes her own sugar and coconut oil scrubs for massage.

5. It lasted for 1.5 hours of gloriousness -- mostly of foot massage!

6. She used to work at a holistic wellness spa; she has experience in massage. Feet "are her passion and her gift in life" and she is "glad she found her calling" doing foot spas. Slightly hippieish, she is indeed terrific at her job! Reminds my vaguely of artist Auntie Prudence.

7. She gives you a real pair of free flip flops to take home. (And presumably bring back.)

8. She assumes you will fall asleep, and offers you a nice blanket, or to fully recline your chair to "sleep" position.

9. She does not use chemicals that "damage" you supposedly. She hates acrylic nails and all toxic fumes.

10. She hands out free Vitamin E oils to sample. She says if you rub them on your cuticles twice a day your nails become strong and healthy.

11. (bonus) She brews you up a nice cup of tea while you sip during your pedicure.

Natural Manicures & Pedicures

Studio 209

Annette Dziak

209 Country Club Rd.

Lake Mary, FL 32746

watermebe@yahoo.com

352-263-9190

heart ache

I really think this is a great song by Robot Rambunctious. Great job guys!

blik Bamboo wall decals

I like these blik Bamboo wall decals. But I feel lazy buying them, when I could probably do them myself with enough time.

Demeanor

Well, I've been thinking about demeanor today. Kind of hashing over in my head the importance of demeanor. It's a subtle thing, but so very communicative. I always feel as if I'm reigning in my demeanor to "mean" what I want it to.

Saw Wild Things last night. Execution of the movie was beautifully done. I give them an A on that. But the feel of it was kind of sad and honestly, I sat through most of it weeping and worried the kid would smash his head on a rock. I'm thinking The Fantastic Mr. Fox will be more upbeat.

I met this elderly lady this morning (at the fresh hour of 7:20) and she was wearing the most preposterous fox pin on her blouse. It was actually a small fox. Yes, attached to her blouse, staring out at me as I tried to understand her orders. I asked her about it (naturally), and she said it was her mother's. And she has always found it "just so fascinating -- especially when she pets the real fox fur." She then started stoking it.

I felt compelled to tell her about the Wes Anderson movie coming out. She assured me she'd watch for it.

Opportunity Knocks

Sometimes opportunity comes to your door, and you let it in. Why's that? Probably because you're open to it; even hungry for it.

Went to an engagement gathering for Danny & Rach tonight. She looks happy. This has been, most definitely, the year of the wedding.

It will be very interesting to see where everyone in our circles ends up in ten years. Good places, undoubtedly.

So many projects. I want to work on my play I'm writing, but just so much to do! Gotta work tomorrow morning, and Ben and I are going to see Wild Things (finally) tomorrow night. Can't wait. I've heard so many good things. Well, come now, a kid who throws tantrums and has some interesting, albeit dysfunctional, conversations with forest creatures...that captures my attention.

Family that one marries into is always an adventure. During some insomniac moments this week I opened Anna Karenina and started plowing through that mother of a novel. The frank discussion of family dynamics is, at times, slightly engaging; at times overdone. I genuinely like the family I married into, a definite plus I suppose. But adapting and understanding the vibes of other people takes time, regardless.

gazpacho

So Alice has been going on and on about her gazpacho. Today I made it, and it turned out pretty good!

Fresh Stuff:

6 tomatoes

3 cups tomato juice

lemon

garlic

cilantro

chives

salt

pepper

celery, 2 stalks

red pepper

purple onion

cucumber

1/4 c. olive oil

1/4 c. red wine vinegar

tobasco sauce

Blend it up! Serve cold.

Leave a few cucumber pieces to toss in -- and toss on bread crumbs. Great with grilled cheese!

Great episode on Sri Lanka!

What a great episode of A.T. on Sri Lanka...reminds me of all the awesome reasons why I've always wanted to visit. The old, cheap, beautiful places to visit / stay. The British influence and the curries. ;-)

we'll start a brand new colony

I'll be the waterwings that save you if you start drowning
In an open tab when your judgement's on the brink
I'll be the phonograph that plays your favorite
Albums back as your lying there drifting off to sleep...

Hmmm...this week has been pretty good. So many characters in the world. From the old lady sitting in Meagan's chair to the poor, grumpy people who come in snapping for coffee at 6 am or confiding their nervousness on some topic.

My mom gave me an unexpectedly great haircut as I stopped in to grab her paper work. I've been getting up ungodly early, which is finally forcing me to sleep early. Saturday we move! I can't believe I've been in this apartment almost a year. Wow. Time just buzzes by. I'll miss our little space. But on we go. Life moves on.

pretty, simple song...

This She & Him song is simple and fun to mess around playing on guitar.

a fun day

funny pic of us at ava's wedding

us...at Ava's wedding

Avril & Travis

travis speaks, originally uploaded by iamvioletta.

Ava's wedding...my sisters

I love hot food!

That curry lo-mein at China One in Oviedo is just to DIE for. I worked at Barnies today so took the opportunity to grab some. It's just insanely spicy-delicious. Elizabeth used to say "you just can't inhale it fast enough." I've been a fiend for spicy food lately.

Saw Ironman in Leu Gardens this weekend. I love Leu Gardens. It was so beautiful to be in a garden watching a movie. And Ironman is quite good. Maybe my favorite super hero movie.

My mom comments, "Is that girl a Gweneth Paltrow look alike or what! She looks just like Gweneth!"

"It is her mom."

"Oh, good! Because can you image how hard her career would be to live in her shadow looking so similar to her!"

I love my mom.

Marcos had a couple extra ticket to Universal and Islands of Adventure. Yae! I had not been in 12 years. We had such a great time. Ben helped us organize and make sure we used our time to efficiently ride as many great rides as possible in our time span. The waits were only about 10-15 mins which was terrific. Nice to just run around and be kids for the day.

The Man Who Disliked Cats - by P.G. Woodhouse

This is a nice free podcast of great books.

Man Who Disliked Cats

We have been reading some P.G. Woodhouse short stories. They all seem to be of the same theme, but funny: clever, poor, non-muscular guy wants to marry a girl...her mother wants her to marry a macho lion-tamer explorer type. Clever book-worm reads detective novels and figures out a tricky way to win girl. Slightly predictable, but great dialogue. Good opportunity for ridiculous accents, as demonstrated on this podcast.

Return to the Giant Money Pool

Man, I love This American Life. Ira Glass is such a great storyteller.

This show really helped me see how the giant housing-blow-up happened. It's so nutty -- lending people 1/2 a million bucks without checking to see if they had a job.

I never knew the "global pool of money" increased so much a few years ago -- doubling in 6 years, and banks had to find a way to spend it. Twice as much money, and not twice as many investments available.

Another Pilates Quick Core Exercise

This one is cool.

Her voice in this one is hilarious for some reason.

Whole Foods Kale Recipe

This is a great way to make kale and seaweed salad -- super healthy, and soooo yum.

It's hard to find creative ways to eat seaweed something that really taste amazing.

I like this quick 6 minute pilates workout...

Beautiful Wedding Website

I love this website for wedding photography. So clean and beautiful.

Our Mutual Friend

Wow, that was such a great movie! I spread it out over two days -- it streams on Netflix, and is about 5 hours. Nina has been talking about Our Mutual Friend for forever, and I never got into it. But Monday I started it again and was hooked.

The characters are great. The cast is great. It has the Pushing Daisies actress when she was young. It has these "Dickens-esque" dark, scary types.

I think Bleak House is still one of my favorites, but Our Mutual Friend is up there too. Love that Masterpiece Theater.

Colorful Creatures

Hiking in Costa Rica

Getting Tired

Man, I wish I'd had video of Avril filling her pants with rocks from inside the caves in the dark.

Peeing Monkeys

Found these videos from our Costa Rica Trip in 2007. Good times!

This was an awesome hike we did to caves in Nicoya.

red dress in the field

red dress in the field, originally uploaded by iamvioletta.

la belle Nina

nina

nina6, originally uploaded by iamvioletta.

Nina did a little modeling for me in this fantastic red dress she wore for the wedding.

milwaukee building

milwaukee building, originally uploaded by iamvioletta.

Some of the architecture in Milwaukee reminds me of Paris actually.

cat painting at museum

cat painting at museum, originally uploaded by iamvioletta.

Milwaukee Art Museum has some nice paintings. This one was pretty simple, but I love the color combos.

Willis building, formerly Sears Tower, Chicago, IL

Willis building, formerly Sears Tower, Chicago, IL, originally uploaded by iamvioletta.

Ben took this photo of the Willis Tower. He's got a great eye for composition. ;-)

chicago by night

chicago by night, originally uploaded by iamvioletta.

I'd never been to Chicago before. It was a great city -- very diverse.

Though I didn't make it to the aquarium, we did enjoy strolling around and seeing the water, the old bookstores and the University.

avril's wedding

avril, originally uploaded by iamvioletta.

My little sister got married. We had a fun weekend of family and adventure in Wisconsin. It was the perfect "tent on the field" wedding.

Also took a trip to Chicago. Really enjoyed the Oriental Art Institute and the University of Chicago.

Loved Milwaukee. Was pleasantly surprised by how beautiful a city it is.

Miss you Ava!

Hiking with Llamas...

MAN, I want to go camping with llamas...

The most important advice: Don’t lose the llamas. “You do not want to be chasing down a llama in the backcountry,” Mr. Pommier warned.

Free Wi-Fi at Starbucks

For some reason, I had such trouble getting the free wi-fi at Starbucks to work. But all you have to do is keep a $1 balance on one of their Starbucks cards -- and login once a month.

Terror Storm Documentary

I found section 4 for Terror Storm particularly jarring, as well as section 5. All of this documentary is available on YouTube.

Total corruption.

Uruguay...Girl Goes to Vet School Interview

This Amateur Traveler Podcast on Uruguay was really interesting. I really want to go there now!

Sounds like a mix between a European city mixed with South American flavor. The teddy bear festival looks kinda creepy though.

Ben and I listened to the backpacker one on China last night too which was good. The travel news about the lady who bought out Business Class so that her dog could get a seat was hilarious. $32,000 she paid to get her boxer on the plane!!

Convention Again...

Just got a mind-full from convention. I think it will take me at least a year to absorb all that. Awesome stuff.

Met some great new friends too; reminded me it's good to meet new ones at assemblies. I'm glad people took the initiative to come up to me.

It's very encouraging to think about how much we have to look forward to, how much we have to do now, and how much help we have to do it.

The Break Up - Scarlett Johansson & Pete Yorn

Love this video.

Yae, red hair!

This Monkey's Gone to Heaven

Doolittle is such a great album. I've listened to it all Tuesday and I start on it again today...zoning in again. It makes work such joy! I have Wave of Mutilation on my ipod too, but I'm just not quite done with Doolittle.

I got the go-ahead to write a few freelance articles, so Tuesday gets to be devoted to that--which means cramming everything else into Monday and Thursdays for bookkeeping.

It's true, wanna get productive? Put me on a time constraint. Wish I didn't have to be defensive about it though. Ben's right, I've gotten relaxed about it. Nina's such an inspiration to just get RID of the debt though, ASAP. Move on and do other things.

This super retarded couple is cuddling next to me on the sofa at Panera with so much INTENSE eye contact I want to laugh every time I look at them. The girl, a tall Italian beauty (probably 19?) is lapping up his tips on "how to be an amazing actress" from who appears to be her agent from the conversation.

He is an older, sunburned character, with the chiseled features of could-have-been-in-a-boy-band 10-years-ago. Pet, pet, pet. She gets up, pseudo trips, and falls back on him. Giggle.

They came over to charge their phone at my table--no big deal. But every time it rings, the ask me to check who it is. (Um, can you see my headphones?)

"Marcella again!" I announce over to them. The third time this is getting annoying. Come on guys, answer your own dumb cell phone.

Mr. Cheese comes over to explain to me "It's funny, it's actually not even my phone. I'm answering it for someone else." Oh, yeah, that's so funny alright. That's just fascinating. Thanks for sharing.

He plops back on the couch. Okay, the girl is now giggling and straddling the guy. This is PANERA. I feel like they're auditioning for a Latino Daytime soap opera.