I just finished Skinny B*tch which is a book filled with profanity, judgment, and recommendations for lots of vegetables. Something that, honestly, sounds right up my alley. Unfortunately the authors are crazy b*tches to put it gently, and instead of offering sage wisdom and inspiration, it fills the reader with discomfort, graphic images, and a big bucket full of guilt. I’ll just mention, for those of you who might not know this out there but I have been a vegetarian for more than 16 years. I have spent more of my life not eating meat, than eating it and this book made me feel guilty about my eating habits. This book recommends an entirely organic vegan lifestyle and diet without apology and does so in such a preachy way that I felt terribly guilty and uncomfortable. I foolishly allowed myself to be affected by their literature for a few days and for reasons that I no longer understand, I decided to go on a raw vegan fast this week.

What is this ridiculousness, you might ask?

This delicious diet consists of raw vegetables, fruits, and nuts, the occasional glass or mug of tea, and lots and lots of water. I ended my fast today after one-and-three-quarter days after fighting off a still present nauseating headache, and finding myself sniffing at a box of cookies longingly while fearing that someone would enter my cube and catch me in this shameful act. I was all set to keep my momentum for another three-and-one-quarter days when I realized that I had the ingredients at home for a pumpkin lasagna I’ve wanted to make for some time which is neither raw, nor vegan.

It is, on the other hand, delicious and there’s plenty left since I like to cook for an army! I’m off the raw vegan wagon and the headache is even beginning to dissipate – thank God!

Moral of the story:
Goat Cheese and Pumpkin do a body good and are natural headache chaser-awayers!

The longest day of the year has come and gone and now it’s finally summer! Our friends over at Scholastic and Leaky News are also celebrating the holiday and have put together a “Summer on Privet Drive” activity – check it out at http://www.scholastic.com/harrypotter/challenge/summer_at_the_dursleys/

Thanks to everyone who celebrated with us last night and I’m sorry that we couldn’t have the outdoor evening I’d planned – rain gets in the way sometimes. Although, if we are to truly celebrate the bounty of our harvest then rain will be necessary, so rain rain come this way is my new motto… and if the left overs left over in my fridge are an example of anything, it’s bounty.

Anyway, to provide a bountiful harvest of my own, last week I planted an herb garden – basil, mint, sage, and rosemary. After nearly 6 days in my care, they are thriving and have thoroughly enjoyed the daily showers that we’ve been having. I know, I’m surprised too.

I feel very fortunate to be able to harvest my herbs, left overs, friends, and good times as they can all always be found a-plenty at Villa-Bration! Thank you for continually filling my metaphorical cupboard! Happy Solstice and I hope you’re enjoying your bounty, the sun’s golden rays, and summer wherever you are!

So, one month to go!
30 days until I turn 30 – how crazy is that? This year has really flown by and though turning 30 still feels a little scary, I think I’ve almost accepted that I’m 29. It’s about time!

Anyway, here’s an update for where we are with the list….

1) Go to California – done
2) Get chased by a bear and/or mountain lion – done
3) See the biggest tree in the world – done
4) Learn to crochet – done
5) Be bathing suit ready – done… well at least I gave it a whirl!
6) Start over – done
7) Cut my hair short – done
8) Learn another language – done… well, again, at least I gave it a whirl!
9) Let a high school crush know how I feel – Paul Griffin that’s you! – done
10) Start over a little bit more – done
11) Have my own moral of the story – done
12) Write a book – done… working on it!
13) Complete a race – done
14) Quit biting my nails – done – aren’t you proud of me?
15) Write a song – waiting for inspiration from #20! Delicious!
16) Learn how to do a cartwheel – working on it
17) Learn to juggle – working on it
18) Try something new – belly dancing and balloon animal making – working on it
19) Go on a wine tasting tour – planned
20) Celebrate Pirohi Day – planned and I know you’re jealous!
21) Naked margaritas – planned – be there or be hot in the Florida sun!
22) Hike the Grand Canyon – planned
23) Change the world – working on it – really I am!

I still need a few more items to complete the list and I welcome your suggestions. Funny thing though… As I’ve been adding to the list and knocking things off the list, I’ve discovered that I’m a pretty straightforward gal. That’s probably no surprise for most of you reading this, but apparently I don’t have a whole lot of unfinished business waiting for me and I’m not afraid of trying new things. I think that’s why finding and keeping things on the list has been a bit of a challenge but a fun adventure and I have a good feeling that this last month might be even be more of an adventure than the first 11 months! But even if it takes a while longer to figure the last few out, I have a good feeling that I’ll be around a few days after July 19th to find out what happens next!

Get excited – it’s going to be a good month!

I love Lost (especially this season), but, if I had been single when it first aired, I would not have watched it.

Lost is VERY scary and I should not watch it alone. I like to think that the girls are good company for scary programming but they’re not. When I jump around or gasp repeatedly, they huff at me and then get up to go lay somewhere else. That is not the sort of support that I prefer when in my time of need. Anyway, It’s always a little scary but I think maybe somehow a little less frightening when Frank is here. *sigh*

I finally got around to watching the season finale of Lost tonight all by myself (in my first free full evening in many many days) and it was a good one – a cliff hanger, exciting, and informative – but maybe a little too grown up for a pajama clad girl like me!