Escape from New York - One Year Later

That's right.  I am one bad ass!

As my regular readers may remember: one year ago today, I left New York City after 17 years of big city living to relocate to a small town on the north shore of Massachusetts and I haven't looked back since. A few of my NYC friends placed bets that I wouldn't last a year living in a small town, but I fooled the lot. Pay up, suckers! Not only have I survived, I've flourished! 99% of me is completely content with my new life. The other 1%?? Wwwwweeeeelllll, let's just say that I'm attempting to live with that 1% disappointment. And it's a rather large, bitter pill that I've had to swallow for... oh... 30 years or so. So what's another 30 or 40 years. <shrugs>  I hate the platitude "it is what it is," but in this case, it's an appropriate sentiment.  99% contentment is a heck of a lot better than most people, so I can't complain.

Living in a small town is so much better than the concrete jungle that is New York... or any big city. The rudeness, the impersonal nature and the animalistic behavior that are required for surviving in a large city are exhausting and not nearly as much fun as it might sound.  While the anonymous life of big city living does have its advantages, I would rather have neighbors who know a little bit about my personal business, then go back to feeling like an impersonal cog in a never-ending, dirty machine. Yes, I do get mildly irked when, on the extremely rare occasions, my downstairs neighbor asks me where I'm going or where I've been upon my departure or return home, but that's the price you pay for living in a civilized community.  It's been a long time since I've had my comings and goings monitored by anyone.

In early February of this year, I visited NYC for a long weekend and, within 10 minutes of being back, I was reminded of all the reasons why I don't live there anymore. It was fun to see the handful of friends that I still have left in NYC and, even though I miss those friends very much, I wouldn't move back for any reason, ever.  But I will take the occasional long weekend to visit them, see some good theatre, and check out my favorite restaurants and haunts. And then escape back to the tranquility that is Newburyport.  

What's so great about Newburyport and the north shore?  I'll give you an example of something that I would never have done in NYC no matter how long I lived there.  Today, I took a 15-mile round trip bike ride from my apartment in the center of Newburyport to the Park River National Wildlife Refuge on Plum Island. Even if I had the nerve to get on a bike and ride the streets of NYC, where would I ride to? Nope, I definitely have a better quality of life in Massachusetts. Here's a short and not completely exhaustive list of other great things about this area: my friends (both old and new), the beauty of the area (particularly the waterfront promenade), the annual literary festival, a fantastic library, the close proximity to lakes, beaches, mountains and city life, the annual garden tours, the abundance of performing and visual arts, great shopping and restaurants, friendly people, and an area steeped in history (which I love delving into more and more). Will I stay living in this small town forever? Who knows. But, for now, I adore my new home and cannot imagine living anywhere else... although I still feel the pull from England - calling me to live there. I don't think I'll ever get that chance, but I may just have to keep that hope alive. Until further notice, I call Newburyport home.

Beautiful downtown Newburyport.  Love it!

Music Doesn't Lie - Part 6 (With One More Look At You)

"Music doesn't lie. If there is something to be changed in this world,

then it can only happen through music." – Jimi Hendrix

Whatever happened to the movie musical?  I know that as recently as 2002 we had Chicago (loved it!) and Moulin Rouge! in 2001 (hated it!), but other than that it seems that the movie musical has gone the way of the dodo bird.  At least good movie musicals have. Now, I'm sure most people are saying "thank god!"  But I've grown up watching movie musicals and have always loved the genre and am looking forward to the upcoming release of Les Misérables.  Hugh Jackman!  YAY!  Singin' in the Rain (1952) is hands down one of my all-time favorite movie musicals and is #1 on the list of AFI's top 25 movie musicals. You can't get better than Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor and Debbie Reynolds!  <sigh>  Or how about West Side Story, The Wizard of Oz, The Sound of Music, etc., etc., etc.  Of course when I think of the Queen of the Movie Musicals, I think Barbra Streisand.  (No groaning, please.)

Because I was in a wistful mood over not having seen a movie musical in a dog's age, I started going through my iTunes library to see what movie musicals I had to listen to and came across one of my favorites - A Star is Born (1976).  Now ordinarily I think remakes of movies are usually pretty bad compared to the originals and the 1976 Streisand movie is pretty unwatchable especially when compared to the 1954 Judy Garland version (I don't think I've ever seen the 1937 Janet Gaynor original).  The one notable exception that makes the '76 version worthwhile is the soundtrack.  Okay, sure it's cheesy '70s music but it's Barbra Streisand - whom I love, although I'm well aware not everyone feels that same affinity for Babs. Kris Kristofferson is painfully bad and should never be allowed to sing... EVER!  But that doesn't stop me from loving the soundtrack from this version of A Star is Born, particularly the finale: "With One More Look at You/Watch Closely Now." I just love her commitment!

Lyrics can be found here.  Now, hhhhhhhere's Barbra!

Yoga or Self-Inflicted Torture?

I never considered myself a masochist but after tonight's little foray into the world of yoga, I may have to rethink that position. 

Over the years, I've had plenty of friends who have recommended my taking up yoga as a form of exercise and relaxation.  I have always resisted this suggestion, mostly because I didn't think I have the mindset for it.  And I was right, I don't. Tonight, I joined a couple of friends at a local yoga studio for my first ever yoga class and I can't believe I paid money for this agony.  I haven't yet figured out which is the worse part - the physical or the mental aspect, but I believe (for me) it's the mental. 

After years of dance classes and performing in musical theatre, I'm fairly flexible, so the physical part is not as big a problem as the mental. Some of the poses aren't the easiest, but I imagine that the more you do them, the easier they get. Although my joints have taken quite a beating over the years, so I may never be able to fully commit to the poses. But the turning off of the mind is ... in two words ... IM - POSSIBLE!  (Okay, technically that's one word, but I'm saying it emphatically.)  The final pose of the night is called "corpse pose" and you are suppose to turn off your mind and just lay like a corpse and breathe for ... well, it feels like hours but I'm sure it's probably just 5 minutes.  I couldn't do it.  I actually wrote most of this blog while in the corpse pose because I couldn't stop my mind from thinking about everything.  One of the other ladies said the more you go, the easier it gets. But for the over-thinking and obsessive mind like I have, I think it'll nevah happen.

Unfortunately I have already pre-paid for 10 classes and I really hate to waste money - even if it was only $20.  So I guess I'll be forcing myself to attend 9 more of these little hours of joy (where is that sarcasm font?!?!).  I'm not sure there will be an eleventh class, but I could be wrong.  I've been wrong before.

I wish I looked as good as
Yogi does doing these positions!

The Ultimate Proposal!

There's a video on YouTube that is going viral and for good reason - it's one of the most amazing marriage proposals ... EVER!  I think all the single women who watch this video are going to be hard pressed to accept any marriage proposal that isn't up to these standards. A Portland man managed to get approximately 60 friends and family to help 'pop the question' to his girlfriend in the most creative way possible - lip syncing to Bruno Mars's "Marry You."  You can read the full story here. It's definitely the most amazing proposal I have ever seen - then again, I've seen so very, very few and have never (or will ever) experience one of my own. Consequently, I have to live vicariously through others. I fully admit to weeping through this video and feeling ever so slightly jealous, but I congratulate the lovely couple and wish them the very best for their future.

Watch and see if you can get through it without crying. I dare you!

 

Music Doesn't Lie - Part 5 (Let Them Talk)

"Music doesn't lie. If there is something to be changed in this world,

then it can only happen through music." – Jimi Hendrix

Hugh Laurie is probably one of the few true all round talents, along with Hugh Jackman. Must be something about the name "Hugh." Mr. Laurie has an incredible array of talents which include acting, singing, producing, writing, playing various musical instruments (piano, guitar, drums, harmonica and saxophone), and directing.  He's a brilliant comedic and a dramatic actor, equally. But who knew that this very white, middle-class, Eton and Cambridge educated, British man could sing the blues - a very American/African-American song style! But can we expect less from a man who played the narcissistic, curmudgeon Dr. House so brilliantly for 8 years and fooled the Executive Producer, Bryan Singer during his House audition that he was American?  I think not.

In May of last year, Mr. Laurie's debut album of blues songs entitled Let Them Talk was released and it is well worth the $8. "A glorious celebration of New Orleans blues, Let Them Talk unites Laurie's musical talent with a very personal selection of standards and lost blues classics performed with his band of renowned musicians and some very special guest stars." While this album might not be to everyone's taste and apparently some people hate his voice (gasp!), I thoroughly enjoy listening to these songs. It's apparent while listening to this album that Hugh loves this art form; he is clearly, hopelessly, passionately in love with the blues, and this is his tribute to the genre. Is James Hugh Calum Laurie the epicenter of blues music? Is he the greatest blues piano player that ever drew breath? Is he to be counted among such luminaries as Howlin' Wolf, Blind Lemmon Jefferson, or Lady Day? Oh, don't be silly. Of course not. That's not the point of the album. This is an homage paid to those great artists, and its palpable innocence drips with a certain authenticity straight from the Mississippi delta that has me jonesing for some Jambalaya. I applaud Mr Laurie for his wondrous commitment to this art form.  I will sorely miss my Monday nights spent with Dr. House and his team, but I can always find comfort in his blues songs.

Picking a favorite song from this album was tough, as there are so many great songs. Here is ONE of my favorites, the title song "Let Then Talk."  I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.  And if you enjoyed watching House, you should see Mr. Laurie's earlier work in Blackadder or A Bit of Fry and Laurie.  Comedic genius!

Let Them Talk

Just let them talk,
If they want to?
That don´t bother me.

I´m gonna keep on till the whole wide world knows,
That I really love you, I really love you so.

And let them whisper for they know no-
What´s between you and I

I´am gonna keep on, I´am gonna on loving you?
Till the day that I die?

They´ll try to brake up our romance,
They didn´t stand a chance.

We have the kind of love that so strong,
We´d be together from now on?

They´ll say that gossip comes from the devil´s workshop,
And only true love can make it stop?

I´am gonna keep on, I´am gonna on loving you!
Till the day that I die?

Oh they´ll envy us, of everything that we do.

But I wanna say it´s wonderful -
When you love someone,
and that someone and that someone really loves you,
and that someone yeah that someone really loves you,
and that someone and that someone really loves you-

Yeah-

And that someone yeah that someone really loves you?

Music Doesn't Lie - Part 4 (Hold On)

"Music doesn't lie. If there is something to be changed in this world,

then it can only happen through music." – Jimi Hendrix

I've been listening to a lot of musical theatre soundtracks the past couple of days. I know that there are people out there who hate musical theatre (freaks!), so this posting is not for you. Musical theatre has been a integral part of my life for... well... it seems like forever. I would have loved to have spent my entire performing career doing nothing but musical theatre (on Broadway), but alas it wasn't meant to be. There are numerous Broadway musicals that have special meaning for me on so many different levels, like today's posting. I find that some of the most eloquent songs can be found in musical theatre; songs that teach valuable lessons or echo my own personal sentiments and feelings. Up until 1990, I had never had the pleasure of seeing a Broadway production.  Sure, I had seen lots of stage productions: high school, community, national tours, regional, etc., but hadn't had the opportunity to get to New York City to see a show in one of the Broadway houses.  In 1990, I saw my first Broadway show and, sad to say, it was The Phantom of the Opera.  Blech. What an overproduced piece of dung, although musically the show soars. I don't have many fond memories of my first Broadway show, but my second Broadway show was The Secret Garden in 1991 and what a treasure.

Mandy Patinkin and Robert Westenberg

I specifically wanted to see The Secret Garden because one of my idols, Mandy Patinkin was playing Archibald Crane, the uncle of lead character Mary Lennox.  I am in awe of Mr. Patinkin's talent and was determined to see him on Broadway. I was not disappointed by Mr. Patinkin's performance (nor have been in any subsequent production he's been involved with), but was in awe of the entire cast as well.  So much so that I wrote a "fan" letter to Mr. Patinkin expressing my delight in the show to which I received a lovely reply. Thanks, Mandy! Playing the role of 10-year old Mary Lennox was Daisy Eagan and she was enchanting.  At 11 years old, she was the youngest Tony award winning actress for this show (deservedly so) and already a veteran of the Broadway stage (grr!).  Additionally, I was blown away by Alison Fraser who played the role of the chambermaid, Martha (a role that I would commit homicide to play).  The song, "Hold On" sung by Ms. Fraser moved me deeply and still remains a favorite.  The lyrics are a reminder to everyone that when we have bad days (and we all do), just 'hold on' and remember that those days pass. I've gotten much better at remembering that over the past year.

I had a hard time deciding which musical theatre song to post because there are almost too many memorable musical theatre songs for me.  Here are a few honorable mentions:  "Not a Day Goes By" from Merrily We Roll Along,  "There's a Fine, Fine Line" from Avenue Q, "I'm Not That Girl" from Wicked, "Take That Look Off Your Face" from Song and Dance, and "On My Own" from Les Miz. Yeah, yeah, I know.  Most are gut wrenching ballads.  Sue me.

Without further ado, Alison Fraser singing "Hold On" from The Secret Garden.

Hold On

When you see the storm is coming,
See the lightning part the skies,
It's too late to run-
There's terror in your eyes!
What you do then is remember
This old thing you heard me say:
"It's the storm, not you,
That's bound to blow away."

Hold on,
Hold on to someone standing by.
Hold on.
Don't even ask how long or why!
Child, hold on to what you know is true,
Hold on 'til you get through.
Child, oh child!
Hold on!

When you feel your heart is poundin',
Fear a devil's at your door.
There's no place to hide-
You're frozen to the floor!
What you do then is you force yourself
To wake up, and you say:
"It's this dream, not me,
that's bound to go away."

Hold on,
Hold on, the night will soon be by.
Hold on,
Until there's nothing left to try.
Child, hold on, There's angels on their way!
Hold on and hear them say,
"Child, oh child!"

And it doesn't even matter
If the danger and the doom
Come from up above or down below,
Or just come flying
At you from across the room!

When you see a man who's raging,
And he's jealous and he fears
That you've walked through walls
He's hid behind for years.
What you do then is you tell yourself to wait it out
And say it's this day, not me,
That's bound to go away.

Child, oh hold on.
It's this day, not you,
That's bound to go away!

Music Doesn't Lie - Part 3 (F*ck You (Very Much))

"Music doesn't lie. If there is something to be changed in this world,

then it can only happen through music." – Jimi Hendrix

Just like the hearing of a song can bring you back to a specific time in your life (see Music Doesn't Lie - Part 2 (Blinded by the Light)), so can listening to a particular song remind you a specific person, which can be either a good reminder or a bad one. In this case, it's a good reminder. Today, I was listening to Lily Allen's 2009 album, It's Not Me, It's You and was reminded of one of my favorite persons in the whole world - the former CTO of my last company, John! He is such a fantastic human being. John introduced me to Lily Allen, believing that I would really love her music and he was correct. I do love Lily and her music. By way of introduction, he shared a link to her video, "Fuck You (Very Much)" (video is below). In most companies, this action might be grounds for dismissal, but not in my old company - just business as usual. John spent 6 years commuting between NYC and Australia for the company. Finally, he said "enough" (or rather, his wife did) and he moved back home to Australia permanently about 2 years ago. I miss my friend very much, but I'm sure his family is happy to have him home instead of his constant jetting between NYC and Australia, being away months at a time. Oh, but the frequent flyer miles he must have!

This song rocks! A very catchy tune sung with a sweet voice yet transmitting a powerful message. What's not to love! Yes, it's a bit ... um... risque, but then again so is Lily Allen. It's all part of her charm. And yes, this song is about George W. Bush, which is probably why I like it so much. "At a concert in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Allen stated 'It was originally written about this fucking asshole who used to be the President of the United States of America. His name is George W. Bush.'" Well said, Lily.

In honor of my lovely Aussie friend.  John, this video is for you! I always think of you when I hear this song.  I'm not sure if that's a compliment or not. Miss you!

[Warning: contains strong language - not surprisingly.]  Here's a link to the lyrics. It should be noted that the entire album is rock solid and if you don't have it, consider making a purchase.

It's an England-Australia connection

Music Doesn't Lie - Part 2 (Blinded by the Light)

"Music doesn't lie. If there is something to be changed in this world,

then it can only happen through music." – Jimi Hendrix

Ever hear a song and flash back to a certain moment in your life.  Sure, you have.  Who hasn't?  

Today, as I was meandering through Oldies Marketplace, an indoor/outdoor marketplace in town, playing on the PA was Manfred Mann's Earth Band's cover of Blinded by the Light, which is superior to the Bruce Springsteen original (IMHO). I immediately flashed back to Summer of '77 when that song played almost constantly on the radio. Summer of '77 was my 'summer of adventure.' I was just old enough to not be monitored 24/7 by my mother, therefore my best friend, Terri and I took advantage of that and spent the entire summer coming up with more and more crazy adventures.  For example, trekking all over this mountainous area on our bikes, befriending an Amish girl who was about our age, had the crap scared out of us when a humongous dog chased us for a quarter of a mile, saw a lightening bolt split a tree neatly in half, ate enough wild cherries to make ourselves sick, barely lived through exploring an old run down, nearly condemned barn, and spent a goodly amount of time enjoying Terri's pool. Also, that was the summer that I discovered the Trixie Belden series of books. No one remembers Trixie Belden except a handful of devotees but they were the best books. I got through my formative years enthralled by Trixie's mystery adventures and Trixie (along with the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew) solidified my love of mystery stories which still is in full force today.  Whenever I hear Blinded by the Light, I am immediately transported back to those simpler times when life was just fun and games and books.  There was still so much to look forward to, when the age of 20 seemed "old" and I had my whole life in front of me. What a glorious summer!!  Sing it, boys and thanks for the lasting memories!

To post the lyrics here would take up way too much space for this 7 minute long song.  You can read all the lyrics here.  The lyrics for this song were impossible to figure out on your own. (And no, the lyrics are not "Blinded by the Light, wrapped up like douche.")

Do you have a song that transports you to another time in your life??

Music Doesn't Lie - Part 1 (At Seventeen)

"Music doesn't lie. If there is something to be changed in this world,

then it can only happen through music." – Jimi Hendrix

This is the first blog for an ongoing music themed series of postings.  With the recent deaths of Whitney Houston and Donna Summer, friends have been posting on Facebook how much Whitney's and Donna's music affected my friends' formative years. I can't truly relate because I was never a big Whitney or Donna fan -- out of 100s and 100s of albums, I have 1 Donna Summer and zero Whitney Houston albums. But it got me thinking about which music and musicians have had an important impact on my life. My plan is to randomly post about songs which have influenced me and my life.  There is no rhyme or reason for the postings - just random songs as they occur to me.

These are vinyl records!

I knew from a very early age that music would be an important aspect in my life, when at the age of 5, I was obsessed with learning every lyric from Don McLean's Vincent (Starry, Starry Night). This obsession of learning all the lyrics still holds true today.  And much as I love that song, it is not the first song I will be posting.  In 1975, at the age of 9, I was introduced to the music of folk singer, Janis Ian by my sister with Ian's album, Between the Lines and immediately fell in love with the album.  So much so, that I nearly wore out my sister's record with repeated playing.  (For the youngsters who don't know what a vinyl record is: see the photo on the right or, better yet, ask your parents... erm... grandparent's about them.)  Over 35 years later and I am still a huge fan of Ms. Ian and this album.  "The album's most popular single, At Seventeen, reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Adult Contemporary chart. Ian won the 1975 Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for the song, and performed it on the first episode of Saturday Night Live on October 11 of that year."  This song has made a huge impact on my life.  I won't go so far as to say that it's my mantra, but pretty darn close. In less than 4 minutes, Janis summed up the realities of some women's lives. Beyond that, the lyrics speak for themselves. So without further ado, I give you At Seventeen by Janis Ian.

 "AT SEVENTEEN"

by Janis Ian

I learned the truth at seventeen

That love was meant for beauty queens
And high school girls with clear skinned smiles
Who married young and then retired
The valentines I never knew
The Friday night charades of youth
Were spent on one more beautiful
At seventeen I learned the truth...

And those of us with ravaged faces
Lacking in the social graces
Desperately remained at home
Inventing lovers on the phone
Who called to say "come dance with me"
And murmured vague obscenities
It isn't all it seems at seventeen...

A brown eyed girl in hand me downs
Whose name I never could pronounce
Said: "Pity please the ones who serve
They only get what they deserve"
The rich relationed hometown queen
Marries into what she needs
With a guarantee of company
And haven for the elderly...

So remember those who win the game
Lose the love they sought to gain
In debitures of quality and dubious integrity
Their small-town eyes will gape at you
In dull surprise when payment due
Exceeds accounts received at seventeen...

To those of us who knew the pain
Of valentines that never came
And those whose names were never called
When choosing sides for basketball
It was long ago and far away
the world was younger than today
when dreams were all they gave for free
to ugly duckling girls like me...

We all play the game, and when we dare
We cheat ourselves at solitaire
Inventing lovers on the phone
Repenting other lives unknown
That call and say: "Come on, dance with me"
And murmur vague obscenities
At ugly girls like me, at seventeen...

The Road Not Taken

Drat!  I missed Poetry Month in April.  While I am not the biggest poetry fan, I did want to post my favorite poem. A reflection on taking the road less traveled.  Enjoy!

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I marked the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

                - Robert Frost

I Think I'm in Love With Anderson Cooper!

Okay, maybe that's a bit extreme. I mean after all I don't actually personally know Anderson Cooper and I know that even if I did that he would not give me a so much as a second glance (just like the rest of the world doesn't), but I do think that he is pretty awesome. In the past, I had always admired him as a journalist, but quite frankly had never watched his 360 show -- that is, until recently.  I've started DVR-ing and watching him regularly and really find him to be a voice of reason in an unreasonable time.  Yes, he's got a liberal bias, but that's fine with me. But what really has confirmed his awesomeness is his RidicuList. During the final few minutes of his 360 news program, Anderson presents lighthearted social commentary on some of the most bizarre news items. One night, I sat and watched a bunch of them online back to back.  As they're usually only about two or three minutes in length, it's fairly quick viewing.

Hands down, the best video has got to be "Too Tan Mom," in which Anderson "focuses on the overly-tanned mom amidst accusations she brought her child into a tanning bed."  I have watched it several times and howled with laughter each time! His commentary couldn't be more accurate. This NJ-woman definitely belongs on the RidicuList and yet another reason I have distanced myself from ever acknowledging that I was born or lived in New Jersey. There are several other priceless ones: Anderson skewers Rush Limbaugh (long overdue IMHO), the "gay divorce" of Mike and Ike, and Anderson Cooper slams... well, Anderson Cooper.  If you aren't a fan of Anderson Cooper, you might become one if for no other reason than his RidicuList.  Check it out and tell me if you agree!!

Meanwhile, I will continue my imaginary love affair with the Silver Fox.

Can You Ever Explain the '80s?

Okay, this is just too good not to share with everyone.  Recently I came across a fantastic website, Grantland.  And while I enjoy their eclectic commentary, I have stumbled upon pure genius – a section of the website entitled: Rembert Explains the '80s!  You might ask: "Who is Rembert and why do I care?" Well, Rembert Browne is a 25-year old contributor for Grantland and "[e]very so often, [they'll] e-mail 25-year-old Rembert Browne a video from the 1980s that he hasn't seen. Rembert will write down his thoughts as he's watching it, then [they'll] post those thoughts" on the site. You might only care if you experienced the '80s at all.

Having spent my teens and early 20s living through the '80s, I never questioned some of the more "creative" concepts that were going on at the time.  I just accepted them for what they were: bizarre ideas which occurred during a bad era for clothing, politics, economics, some music, some television, and...  well the list goes on and on in regards to the '80s.  I will say that even today many of the films are some of my favorites! So I do have a soft spot in my heart for that strange decade - even though I spent much of the '80s in a drunken stupor, thanks to Bartles and Jaymes. It's profoundly entertaining to have a fresh take on some of the decade's more ... umm... shall we say... 'interesting' music videos and television shows as reviewed by someone who wasn't born until 1988.  

Rembert does an amazing job of trying to explain the inexplicable, such as Don Johnson's video "Heartbeat" or "Kids Incorporated." Some of my personal favorites are: Rembert Explains the '80s: Rockwell's "Somebody's Watching Me" - a truly awful song and even worse video; Rembert Explains the '80s: Lionel Richie's "Hello" Video - great song, but the video is pretty creepy; and Rembert Tries to Explain the '80s: Too Close for Comfort's Very Special Episode - I never quite got the appeal of that show.  

If you lived through the 80s, you will certainly enjoy this little stroll through time.  If you were born in the late 80s and beyond, well, I am sorry that you missed out on ALF, Ronald Reagan, padded shoulders, boom boxes, leg warmers, white stilettos, lots of pastels, and really big hair.  Ah, those were the days, my friends...

Favorite Healthy Recipes!

I admit it - I'm a foodie!  Always have been, always will be.  But these days I'm a healthier foodie.  As I currently have a lot of time on my hands, I've had the opportunity to experiment with cooking various healthy recipes and would like to share some of my current favorites.  Some of the recipes link to other sites where I found them and some are my own creations, or a combination thereof:

1.  Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts by the Barefoot Contessa: These lovely little cabbages have always been a favorite vegetable when I've eaten out. Who knew that they were so easy to make at home?? The only change I made: I placed the olive oil, salt, pepper and sprouts in a ziploc bag in order to mix them thoroughly before laying them out on the baking sheet. So much easier than mixing them in a bowl.  I also don't use nearly as much salt as she does. I've also been known to add onions and/or garlic when I've had them in supply.  Yummy!

2.  Mashed Butternut Squash:  I had purchased a butternut squash and having never made it before, I checked out dozens of different recipes.  I decided to take some initiative on my own and create a healthier side dish than one loaded with milk and butter.  Cut your squash into 1/2 inch cubes, drizzle with a little olive oil and place on a cookie sheet in the oven (preheated at 400°).  Roast the squash until tender (approximately 30 minutes); turning once to ensure even cooking.  Transfer cooked squash to a mixing bowl and whip with a mixer.  Add cinnamon and butter flavoring (I used Kernel Season's Popcorn Seasoning) to taste.  Feel free to add milk or butter if you prefer, but that will add calories.

3.  Sauteed Kale by Bobby Flay:  Kale is my new favorite vege.  One of the healthiest vegetables available, this is an amazingly easy recipe.  I will say that I do use vegetable stock instead of just water.  It adds a little more zing to the kale.  Also, I have eliminated the vinegar and find that I prefer it without.  If you add some onions to the recipe, it's even better.  Kale is also great for making kale chips.  While kale chips are not exactly kettle chips, they're still pretty yummy and quite healthy.

4.  Quinoa and Turkey Meatball Stuffed Pepper:  I'm a huge fan of quinoa!  Such a healthy little grain-like crop.  One night, I had nothing out for dinner and needed to come up with something on the fly.  I checked my cabinets, fridge and freezer and saw that I had quinoa, some homemade frozen turkey meatballs, shredded cheese and a beautiful red bell pepper.  <light bulb>  Perfect for making a stuffed pepper and an easy no brainer meal. Take the turkey meatball from the freezer and place it in a toaster oven on 375° for approximately 20 minutes to fully defrost and warm up. (Obviously, if you don't have any frozen meatballs, brown some ground meat in a skillet.) While the meatball is defrosting, cook up the quinoa by mixing in a sauce pan a 1/4 cup of the quinoa and 1/2 cup of water, bring to a boil, cover and simmer for approximate 15 minutes until cooked (feel free to add spices if desired). Cut the top off of the bell pepper and remove the seeds, take the warmed meatball, mash it and mix it with the quinoa and spoon the mixture into the pepper. Cover the pepper with some foil and place it into the oven to cook for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and add some low fat shredded cheese to the top of the pepper (I used the Sargento Reduced Fat Sharp Cheddar).  Pop the pepper back into the oven for another 5-10 minutes (uncovered) until the cheese melts.  Voila! 

5.  Pumpkin Spice Cake:  Okay, even though I'm eating healthier, I still need to have my sweet fix.  This is one of my favorites.  An easy two ingredient cake:  Mix a box of spice cake mix with a 15 oz. can of 100% pure pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) and pour into a greased 9x12 dish and bake according to the directions on the box.  Done!  You can also pour batter into muffin pans and bake up some lovely muffins.  Trust me, you will not be disappointed.  I've seen people use different types of cakes to make this dessert (chocolate, white, yellow, etc.), but I like the spice mix. The nice thing about this cake is that you're not adding any eggs or oil, thereby making it healthier. 

6.  Pineapple Angel Food Cake:  A friend actually gave me this recipe awhile ago, and I have seen it posted everywhere. It is probably one of the best and easiest desserts to make.  I made it for my book club recently and it was like I served crack. They couldn't get enough. This is yet another two ingredient recipe:  Mix a box of angel food cake mix and 16 oz. of crushed pineapples in juice and pour into a greased 9x12 dish and bake according to the directions on the box.  Heavenly!! 

Trust me these recipes taste so much better than the chain link fence that tree is noshing on. The next recipe I plan on trying is Roasted Beets.  I love beets when served at a restaurant and hope I can make them just as well at home.  If anyone has healthy recipes that they'd like to share with the rest of the class, please do!  I'm always interested in getting more recipes.

This photo cracks me up!!

The Under 30 Dilemma...

There was a saying back in the 60s: "Don't trust anyone over 30."  I think we can now modify that statement to read: "Don't trust anyone under 30." Today, I decided to treat myself to a nice lunch out at a nearby restaurant.  Unfortunately, I was subjected to sitting next to three women who decided that the entire restaurant needed to know their conversation and therefore I had no option but to overhear their discussions. All three decided to commiserate with each other about their children - who are all in their early 20s. Their complaints were about how these young adults all have a sense of entitlement, which is common amongst the under 30 crowd. But what they failed to acknowledge is their part in creating these over-privileged young adults. They came to a final conclusion: "Well, times have changed."  Ummmmm.  No, I think not.

Parenting (or a lack thereof) has changed.  I really cannot blame the 20-somethings for thinking that the sun shines out of every one of their orifices and that everything should be handed to them on silver platters. After all, that is how they were raised. I blame the parents who have treated their offspring as the greatest gift to mankind. Parents no longer want to be the bad guy so they have created these narcissistic beasts by overly praising their accomplishments and not criticizing them under any circumstances. Now, I am certainly not saying that ALL 20-somethings have these delusions of self grandeur, but, by and large, there is a higher percentage of young adults who have these feelings of entitlement. They have had a greater many things handed to them and think nothing of asking for high end brand names such as Apple, Coach and Gucci. The Gen Y'ers parents have (at least until recently) either had a great disposable income or have put themselves into credit card debt so they can buy little Johnny or little Janey that new toy, gadget, electronic, etc. just because they passed a spelling test.

Here is a real life example from one of my former places of employment of a Gen Y'ers mindset.  There was a very junior assistant who had been out of college all of 6 months and this job was her first full-time position. Less than a month after starting, she started asking how she could climb her way into a senior management position and when will she get stock options. Hmmm. Well, perhaps you should try working longer than it takes lint to form.  This same person also said that it "wasn't her job" when approached to do something by a more senior member of staff.  Sorry, my dear, but as you are the lowest person on the totem pole, it is your job.  <sigh>

Makes me sad for the Gen Y'ers.  They expect everything to be handed to them without actually having to put in the work.  They are in for a very rude awakening that life is not that easy.  I'm hoping that the parents who are raising the Gen Z'ers will do a better job at balancing out expectations and realities with their offspring.  Otherwise, I weep even harder for the future.