Quotes

"We come to love not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly."
~ Sam Keen (author)

Completely Random

Thank you, Lord, for giving me the eyes and letting me see he's such an ass.  Why You didn't however, show me 6 years ago is beyond me.
Much love,
J.
/random
#cryptic (but not really)

P.S - Thank you for showing me now what real love is.  I am truly blessed.  You have certainly given more than I ever asked for.

Deep Thinky Thoughts

Isn't it funny; we get what we ask for, but it turns out when we get it, it's not really what we wanted in the first place (or that the conditions aren't ideal or what have you).  It proves that we really don't know what we want and often we get over-zealous with anticipation, impatience and desire.  While there may be a few avenues that make us happy, often we have to pick one (because we're only one person and can't be in 5 places at once; at least, until human cloning is perfected).  We put so much stress on "that one" & worry constantly during the process if it's the right path.  But when we put aside the worry, the stress, the outside noise, the ego, the impatience... and have faith in whatever plan is about to unfold before us, before we know it, we're there *so long* as we remain open to the people and clues that come across our path as guidance.  And we're happy (usually?).

Is that enough waxing philosophical for you today?  Good.

Another Opportunity?

Okay folks, I have an interview tomorrow morning at a prestigious hotel restaurant in town.  Say your prayers!  I'll keep you posted :)

Farmers Market?

In the beginning of October the gentleman (executive chef) who runs the cafeteria adjacent to our kitchen at work is hosting a Farmers Market for the hospital.  One has the option of getting a table ($20 fee, payable to ...something or other; some department or fund).  He suggested I do some baking and get a table and earn a few bucks.  

It's a nice idea and the income (post costs) would go towards what will now be called my Europe Fund.  I'm asking myself a lot of questions; what would I bake?  How can I keep costs low and income high?  Do I have the time and/or energy for this?  How do I decide prices?  Low enough to entice purchase but high enough to generate income.  

What are your thoughts?  What else should I be asking myself?  What would you do?  

I would definitely do some French Baking, and especially some Gluten Free stuff.  I'd rather not bake ahead too much and freeze, as it compromises the taste of the final product, though I might not have a choice.  I'm not going to do pies and stuff like that; they're too common.  Mind you, I might sell slices (or whole?) of something like my Raspberry Almond Clafoutis, Blackberry Butter Cake, Tart au Citron, things like that.  Cookies, maybe, but that might go under the GF category.  

I have to be careful because October will be here before I know it, so I'd have to decide fast.  Don't be afraid to throw any thoughts or ideas my way!  Thanks!

Post Jazz Festival and Nuit Blanche

Well, it's time to wind down after the weekend... and what a fabulous weekend.  MK visited (a very close friend of mine from back home) and it was nice to spend time together as we only get together once or twice a year.  We had all sorts of amazing food and we hit up the Jazz Festival in town and Nuit Blanche (overnight) - where, if you ask me - are some of the best acts; nestled in a corner of the city in some cafe or yoga studio.  I watched some of these musicians and.. they amaze me.  Take Matt Brubeck, for one (son of jazz legend Dave Brubeck).  The link shows his performance at last year's Jazz Fest and I was among the crowd; great quality video showing his improvisation and a very cool, very industrial-looking cello :)  A typical eccentric artist by appearance (black hair, black clothes, black runners with hot pink accents), his hand naturally curls and rests around the neck of the cello and it's always there; almost like it's an extension of who he is.  Except, it's more than that.  It's not an extension, it's literally a part of him.  Not a half; a whole, almost as if they've melded into one being.  This isn't simply a hobby or an interest or a career, this is who he is.  I guess he lived out in San Francisco for some time, but he's living in the Toronto area again?  Anyways, if you're in either city/area and you have the chance to see him, please try to get out.

Another act we caught is Gordon Grdina; played Arabic music with a Turkish guitar (the link is horrible quality but shows you the type of music he does which was very enjoyable in an intimate setting).  I might check for one of his CD's.  It was mostly a solo performance, not the group you see, though there was also a couple guys there with the odd accompaniment of voice and/or percussion.

Anyways.. enough about that.  I'm tired now.  We made it until after 3am last night and were in bed for 04:00, with another busy day.  It's just after 9pm and I'm gonna get ready for bed and maybe relax a bit with a book.

Hope you had as great of a weekend.  The weather has finally changed and it's absolutely perfect.  I will try to get out and enjoy it as much as I can before we have to ... shhh.. hibernate!

Random Verbage

Pulled from various sources on the internetz..

..amen.

Phew

Well, I'm writing sooner than I thought I would.  Isn't it typical, I say I'm taking some time off, then write the next day.  Ah well.  Hi! :)  I guess I haven't written cause I don't know where to start, there's been so much going on.  So... I guess I'll just pick a topic and go from there.

I've been getting back in the kitchen lately, which feels SO good.  I haven't baked much over the summer.  With the heat, it was just too much, y'know?  ..despite having an A/C.  The other day a la French, I made a Blackberry Butter Cake.  It turned out horribly.  I mean, it was edible for the most part, but I forgot a step and.. bleh.  Anyways, it's just another excuse to make it again :)

I've come across a few sites/articles I wanted to share because I thought they had some element in them that I agreed with, identified with or thought should come to light.
HP's We Respect Our iPhones More Than Our Elders (which, doesn't really mention personal devices at all, so much as getting and giving back to seniors).
Hp's 7 Laws of Fearless Living.  I *loved* the points in this.  Good to think about as you consider your current position in life.
CBC's Tropicana Orange Juice lawsuits question 'natural' status.  CZ CS, this ties in to something we were talking about before.  Folks, if it's important to you, know that the o.j on the shelf isn't as pure as you may have thought it to be.  But then, we shouldn't be surprised.  If you can afford to juice, do it.
HP's What's in your God Box?  Hmm... I'm going to let you read this one on your own.
Random, but The Traveler's Lunchbox, The Well-Salted Tart.  I want to make this.  AR, I think you would be happy if I did, so I'll get back to you ;)
Ah!  This was an interesting site; Wheat Belly (linked to About the Author which kind of gives the synopsis of what he's about) which exposes thoughts on wheat and the detriments it's causing to our health.. and depending on your current nutrition beliefs, you may (or may not, but I'm not sure how) agree with.
lifehacker's The Snarky Voice in Your Head is Killing Your Productivity; Here's How to Stop It.  I liked this, too, and have often found myself guilty (so often! eek!) of the negative inner voice and this will cause you to be mindful of curbing your "inner asshole".  Or at least, bring it to your attention and you can decide what you want to do.  (C'mon.. tell me you're not guilty of some of these points.)
This is a blog post on how to Scare Yourself Every Day, if you're into personal challenges or need a kick in the arse for motivation to try something different.  This may or may not be for you.
HP's Tithing In Canada: Churchgoers Divided Over Donating Percentage of Their Income.  An interesting read about tithing rules, practices, beliefs of different denominations.  The statistics are interesting.

Wow!  That was a lot I had saved up, eh?  I'd be interested what you thought of any of them.

The only other thing I have to write about is a new love; a dear friend of mine whom I've known for a few years.  The catch? (..cause there's always one in Jody's life)  He's in Europe.  Which means I have a helluva'n adventure ahead of me if it works out.  I hope it does :)  Think positive, people!  :)

Due to possible impending move, I've been trying to adapt to a more minimalist way of living. Not that I have a lot of stuff or am materialistic, but am second-thinking purchases.  Oh.. ha.. except for this.  Well, it didn't even cost me anything, but I have to show you; with my airmiles I saved up, I got a new Henckels knife set.  It's so pretty.  It's sitting on my counter, constantly whispering every day, "Use me!"

Ooooh.... ahhhh.... teh pretty.. (thanks to AC for photoshop)

I'm applying for a new job and need your positive thoughts for that, too!  It's in a kitchen in a higher-end hotel in the city; I'm really feeling pulled towards it.

That's all for now.  I need to make me some lunch.  Hope the week is treating you well.  I'll be hitting up the Jazz Festival this weekend with a couple friends (including a close friend coming in from out of town) and I can't wait.  My favourite time of year.

I am alive, I promise you.

#personalstuff
#takingabreakfromblogging