Tastebuds Changing

I'm feeling the effects of aging. I know people will roll their eyes at that seeing as I'm still under the 30 mark, but it's true, and I would guess natural.

The most noticeable are simply what I like to eat. Until recently-huge pasta fan. Pour some pasta on me-any meal. I don't hate it now, but if Scott hasn't noticed, it's not made it into one of the weekly meals in a while. Part of me is limiting the carb intake the other part of me is just not satisfied with it. I'm becoming unintentionally picky.

Other items I hated as a kid and welcome in my life now-mustard, olives, mushrooms, salad, and nuts-which is shocking. However, nuts are not permitted in my sweets. Brownies and cookies (I haven't gone off the deep end here) are always better sans nuts. I like a satisfying, chewy bite. No crunch.

I've also felt the effects of my body craving really good quality food-simply fruits and vegetables. My coworker, Leah who brings a salad everyday, is probably crying with joy upon hearing that her finger shaking at me is getting somewhere.

I forgot my lunch yesterday and where I live--there are AMPLE options for lunch. More and more I just don't want a) to spend $10 on a sandwich and b) don't want the sandwich anyway. Generally, I make my lunch-string cheese, apple, carrot sticks, almonds, etc. I'm not trying to eat diet food but it does satisfy me and I don't feel disgusted with myself after. It does require planning and because of the Father's Day parties last weekend my shopping trip was unusual and I did not plan for the week's midday meals, so next week should be better.

The other body changing factor-my skin. It's actually regressing. I've felt like a 13 year old as of late. Not cool.

And lastly, I can never be the wino I once was. Mom and dad, rest assured, your daughter is no lush, but I could enjoy several glasses of wine without feeling the effects. Now? Two glasses and you better sip 'em slowly Erin.

Where's the confetti?

When I paid off my student loan in 2009, I waited for a congratulatory letter in the mail. Something just to even file away saying those magic words: $0 balance.

When I completed payments on my Honda, I did receive the pink slip from my parents, who graciously more than helped me pay for that car, but still no congratulatory letter-not even to them, who really deserved it.

We paid off our honeymoon to Fiji a few months after the wedding and CapitalOne did not have anything in the mail besides my next statement.

Now, Scott's truck is paid off (exclusively by him) and still no letters with confetti or large type proclaiming "Congratulations! No more car payments for you!"

Scott very wisely responded with his rationale-why should there be praise for doing what you are supposed to do? Touche. But this type-A likes the positive reinforcement. I know companies have templates on top of templates of collections letters. I think someone needs to invest in the party letterhead. They have 30 years to work on it because I'll expect it when this house is paid off.

I hate "The Bachelor."

Never had I watched an episode of "The Bachelor" until this week. Never again will I watch an episode in the future. It's not even getting a hyperlink because it deserves zero publicity. Though I do realize I'm writing about it. Thankfully I don't know how my SEO ranks for ABC shows.

OH MY GOD who are these women?

I could just be missing the boat here, but do women love this show because it is a hot mess? Or do they really believe these bachelors are looking for a chance at fame meaningful relationship? Dear me I hope it's not that because what is there to like about a guy who a) gets to be with a dozen moderately attractive to good looking women b) has to find his best side for the camera c) is snogging a dozen different women andtheyknowaboutit!!!

It's madness.

I can't wrap my brain around it. Perhaps everyone just has their own train wreck show. I can't get enough of a Toddlers & Tiaras and for others its that gawd awful Jersey Shore.

The thing about The Bachelor is that I see my contemporaries practically graveling to be chosen in a competition for wife. There is nothing rational about that last sentence which is exactly why I am baffled and watched the show with exclamation marks above my head.

These women are disillusioned if they really believe true love is coming from a television show with an outline, if not a script, and beyond realistic "dates" that are more like showcase showdown prizes. Of course sky diving in Costa Rica after swimming with dolphins in your en suite pool is going to be fun--but it's not realistic. Sorry ladies, once the cameras are off and you have been "proposed" to (which is laughable in itself), it's back to Friday night brews at the dive bar--AND THAT'S OK! But, these women are suddenly accustomed to the posh ABC-funded Hollywood Hills loft, jet setting dates, and a man with a Photoshopped sparkle in his smile.

Perhaps I'm harsh and perhaps I am assuming. Either way, I find nothing remotely redeeming about this show. Clearly women love it and watch it or it wouldn't have been on the past 800 years. However, this is the beauty of a blog, I get to air my grievances with tv programming and they continue to budget for a 10 month wedding for tv's latest enamored "it" couple.

What happened to good old fashioned man meeting at baseball games, church, happy hour, or desk sharing in ASB?

Dear Ina

Dear Ina,

You have been featured in my kitchen a dozen times, especially when it comes to chicken, from the roasted variety to herbed goat cheese. I love how you always have some fabulous friend/family member/celebrity over for one of your own delicacies. I appreciate your directions to always use "good" olive oil, "good" vanilla, and "good" salt and pepper, even though mine are likely from Fresh & Easy, Target, and Trader Joe's, respectively. I find them sufficient and quite tasty.

Anyway, you have a fan (well, duh, lots of them) in me for the entertaining you do weekly and I am making this public declaration to visit you in the Hamptons, visit the Barefood Contessa, and taste cheese and wine from one of those quaint fromage and vino establishments you frequent. Of course the table would be set with one of your amazing hydragea arrangements (which I'd like to discuss with you because I do not have a north-facing wall-what do you recommend? Keep buying!?!?!?!?)

Anyway, I think we could get along swell. I look forward to hearing from you. I'll even sell out my beau's famous steak*. I will be bold and say it may rival your restaurant-style steak. It's to die for, even my best girl said so.

Sincerely,

Erin Haselton, Orange County, CA

*he will not want the recipe on tv. Yep, it's that good. Don't you want an invite?

What's for dinner?

I have had quite the struggle creating a dinner menu as of late. In the two years we've been married, I plan for the week and shop accordingly. It's been increasingly difficult to be creative in generating new ideas, thus turning into the same old same old. Who likes that? Input is appreciated but it's just as hard sometimes for Scott to devise the menu as I.

I've tried the plan-as-you-go method (which goes against all of my type-a ways) and inevitably I went to the store MORE planning only for that night or two days in a row. No bueno.

So, I feel like I am stumbling on an obvious idea, but I think cataloguing each meal that we really enjoy will make it easier to reference that 10 cookbooks or my excessive list on FoodNetwork.com.

This struggle also made me consider how much of our dinner menus are influenced by our parents meals growing up. I can say firmly that chicken divan has NOT graced my lap (no dining table yet.) But we have our fair share of tacos, enchiladas, steak, fish, and sloppy joe's (though a revamped recipe courtesy Pioneer Woman.) This is not special fare by any means, but it made me realize how generic our palates. I think the most exotic addition as of late was quinoa and couscous. The man in my life was not a fan of the latter, at least the way I made (though Kerri made a variety he enjoyed).

I'd be interested to know the sources people turn to for their grocery shopping lists. Mine are primarily food blogs and and recorded FoodNetwork shows, courtesy of Ina and Giada.

Red v. Blue

The good news is my hero Ed Royce won his race. He was probably the most certain vote I cast and one of the most genuine politicians who embodies the role of public servant--a voice of the people (or at least how I see it) and he's honest. Unlike others from the district to the upper right corner-a little to the left-and a right turn at Anaheim-Sanchez. Just saying, and I digress.

The bad news is that I really believe California is going to go further into the crapper with its decisions. Ugh, and we just bought a house. Fiji (or Colorado, Texas) are looking really good right now.

Ultimately, I truly believe politicians may start out at local levels with pure hearts and good intentions. Somewhere along the way the big checks come in, and those checks memos read "strings attached," and thus dirty politics are born.

There is no doubt that politics are polarized and I think, to a degree, cyclical. Four years ago Republicans were pissed at Bush and the Dems benefited. Now, Obama's promises are proving empty and we're seeing a Republican surge. I'm under no illusions that it will last. People will get fed up with something else and the pendulum will swing back to the Democrats. Believe you me I'll enjoy the Republican house while I can, mostly because I live in a blue state.

Politics and religion are two of the most taboo topics of conversation, but on Election Day, I'm throwing caution to the wind. I am a registered Libertarian but still err on the side of Republican, which I think is fairly obvious. This does not mean I support the likes of Sarah Palin-ohhh contraire. I didn't even like W. Obama seems like a nice guy with great charisma, but he's got a sorry thing coming with his health care "plan." Yes, that deserves quotes because I don't even think it's legitimate enough to be considered a course of action.

I realize this is a very opinionated and rather disjointed post, but that's what politics are and I'm pissed that Brown and Boxer won as I sit here watching CNN, Fox, The Daily Show and The Colbert Report. My soapbox is most often taken in private, and on a monumental day of mudslinging, I figure I can throw my two cents into the ring.

Drawing the Line

With the supreme domination of social media these days, I am starting to see my personal life encroached by my work life in the areas that I have reserved for "after 5." Now, obviously, I have a blog that is viewable by anyone, but only if you are seeking it out. And I realize some work colleagues cross the border to friends, which is even more fabulous because these are some awesome people.

I suppose my point is that the area is fuzzy is to where to draw the line from work colleague to best drinking partner (though I am not sure that person really exists, though Kerri probably admirably holds that title because of far too many wine nights spent together.) I don't want people that I see in a professional setting virtually co-mingling on Facebook with my nearest and dearest. Political debates can heat up and Eve doesn't know Joe from Adam. I struggle with randomly going through my FB account and deleting the work people from being friends but than am plagued by the networking factor. I understand how vital it is and what a small world we live in, but is it worth at the end of the day? I don't know. And going through my privacy settings to make each person's access to my info equatable to Fort Knox seems tedious.

Right now, one g&t and one margarita in, people are about to get axed. And don't think I don't like you-bottom line is I like FBook to be kept for people who know the big thing that happened in October. If you don't know, there's my line in the sand.

The Sky is Falling

One of my greatest fears are earthquakes. Growing up and only ever living in Orange County has exposed me to many over the years. Thankfully, there has never been any damage, and the bigger ones have been in the early hours of the day, or on weekends.

Today, Mexicali, Mexico was the epicenter of a 7.2 quake that was felt as far north as Los Angeles, as well as in Arizona and Nevada. It was the first time I've been in a car and felt that rolling, wave-like motion, where I am convinced a crevice is going to open up and we are all going to fall to the center of the earth. Yes, I am a worrier.

I know that I cannot live my life in fear, but these crazy earthquakes around the world really have me developing wrinkles at an early age. I also know that I live in California, where you go through school doing earthquake drills and it's just our geological makeup. The midwest experiences tornadoes, the south hurricanes, the northeast blizzards, and the pacific northwest rains. It is what it is. There is no perfect place to live (though I still don't understand as California sinks into the ocean through earthquakes or debt, more and more people continue to flock here.)

Nobody likes a Chicken Little, as there are more important things to worry about, like do I want to paint my toes a flirty pink or bright berry. But, these Nostradamus types still manage to get to me. I suppose this is an instance where I just can't watch those Discovery Channel shows. Just like I was forbidden to watch Rescue 911 many years ago. I was developing an ulcer at 9.

Blades of Glory

I enjoy watching the Olympics for the reasons of global unity, witnessing the talented athletes in awe, and specifically, men's figure skating.

Now that's a Chad Michael Michael move.

Now, don't get me wrong. I can appreciate the talent these guys have as you will not find me attempting double sow cows and triple lutzes or even spinning for days. However, there was a time of my life where I applied rhinestones to anything I could get my hands on, but that's about all we have in common.

The famous Candadian Pleshenko, or Plinko as I like to think, from The Price is Right. (source)

The figure skating competitions are pure comedy to watch. Scott and I (much to his chagrin) gather 'round the telly and watch these serious guys mentally prepare walking down the arena halls with their ear muff-like head phones, visualizing the routine. You see them stretching out in their J-Lo v-neck costumes that connect to their skates (how do they do that??) and emblazoned in rhinestones. It's an awesomely hot mess.

He is really in the moment. (source)

Now if you happen to be a men's figure skater/dating one/married to one, please don't think I am criticizing, I mean come on, we haven't touched on curling. The routines that are performed truly seem like the same components interspersed with freestyle ice dancing. They start with a triple lutz or some other fancy move (and Scott Hamilton will generally exclaim how amazing it is executed), followed by some wide arm fly-skating past the judges into a second trauma-inducing jump, more skating around freestyle, and ending with a 5 minutes of spinning in the center of rink. It's such a formula-doesn't anyone else (hello, looking at you judges) notice that?

The sheer seriousness and rhinestones are what mostly get me though. I know these men train as much if not more as everyone else at the Olympics. They just get the comedy gold from me.

New Year's Resolutions

As my 25th year draws to a close there are a few things about the way I operate that I want to work to change. They are not necessarily bad, but the other side is more appealing. And I might as well do it before I am receiving 'over the hill' birthday balloons, and still pliable.

No more people pleasing! I am slightly embarrassed to admit that I am a People Pleaser and will do things to make things easier for others but a strain on myself. Or bite off more than I can chew at the expense of my own well being. But mostly, not being honest with others or myself when it's something that might cause conflict. I hate those 'con' words: conflict, confrontation, cons in general-of the prison variety. Anyway, things are changing, now, in 2009, as I realize how much more freedom it allows me. Feels quite liberating actually. I've put it to practice a few times and the outcome is never as bad as I think it will be. And, if it is tough at first, at least I can live with myself the next few hours. It's important to institute this practice in myself, albeit late, so that I can instill the same values in any future children. I never want to be known as a pushover and high time to change now.

I will try my best to finish everything I start. I give up too easily. I heard it from my parents growing up and I hear it from Scott now. It's hard for me to understand that just because I don't get the skills/project/task in the first 10 minutes, does not mean I should give up. Which is why I don't play any instruments, fix computers, or assemble anything. This will change, as again I don't want to be a quitter.

I am going to try my hardest to implement these now, as I don't need a clean slate or day off to do it. The sooner the better, and I can feel the effects of accomplishment all the quicker.

The First 15 Seconds

There can be something about a song that can hook me in the first 15 seconds and I am a fan for life. I could be listening to a CD in my car and anticipate it's arrival and still find myself falling for it as if it was the first time. The surprise airing from the radio is exhilarating and feels like a gift, as corny as that sounds. Seeing as I don't have any musical ability in the form of voice or playing, I really am appreciative of these artists and bands for what they have to offer. Especially on days I really just want to feel good, get amped up, or need it to sit in an hour of traffic on the way home. For example:

Jessie's Girl: If you have ever been to a wedding/bar/place that allows any sort of movement with Kerri and I, you know that this song has a magical effect on us. We practically jump out of wherever we are sitting to bust a move to Mr. Springfield. And the reason for me? Those first few chords of the guitar. Scott actually watched it physically happen one time out eating post-surgery and it torturous as I could not showcase any dance moves for the song, which means the next time I hear it outside my car, there will be time for compensating...

Sweet Home Alabama: Again, it's all about those first few guitar chords that are infamous for me pleading with Scott to two-step with me. Such a feel-good song, and generally loved by most.

Old Time Rock & Roll: It did it for Tom, Heidi, Kobe (only found that out by Googling just now), Taylor, and me. Classic rock song. Enough said. It's that piano at the beginning that always bring me out of my seat and onto the dance floor.

Starlight: I'd be remiss if Muse was not on the list, and this song in particular, with its signature bass beginnings, just puts a smile on my face and visions of a rockstar in my head. Their entire albums can sit on repeat in my car and I never tire of them.

Sweet Child o' Mine: Now this is arguably the most recognizable guitar riff in history. Shall I explain any further?

Not surprisingly, all of these songs were incorporated at our wedding, even Muse. Newer songs are slowly making the list too, but I have to give it a few years so I know that it's not just a top 100 hit of today. It's all about 15 seconds of staying power.

Secret Desires

I secretly desire to be a rock star. And I can't get enough of this 30 second commercial.

Hello December

Welcome December. It's been 12 months since we've seen each other, and yet we meet again. Where on Earth does the time go?

The holidays bring out the best (and worst if you are at the mall in parking lot) in people, and each year I hope that it spreads into January a little further.

If you are thinking about opportunities to give back, consider Project Serve. I can think of no better way than to help our soldiers, of which 30,000 have found out they'll be going back to Afghanistan in the very near future. These are sons, daughters, husbands, wives, sisters, brothers, cousins, and friends to someone. I am blessed to have most of my family in a 30 mile radius, or a quick phone call away. For our families serving, that is not the case, and it's the least I can do help make their family's Christmas a little more magical.

Humanity

I have always known how blessed I am in life, growing up in loving family, having great friends, a safe place to live, enriching activities, and opportunities to grow.

Many of my friends and associates are involved in different causes from cancer fundraising to domestic violence support groups, and service organizations. There is no doubt that I believe in all of these efforts and support them whenever I can. I simply have not found one that has resonated with me in a way that has moved me to actually give beyond a donation--the gift of time, or even grassroots advocacy.

In 2006 and 2007 Scott journeyed to Africa to experience an adventure and time out of the OC bubble with our friend who works for Invisible Children, a San Diego-based nonprofit that works dilligently to educate the west about the war atrocities taking place in Africa, specifically Northern Uganda and surrounding areas. Scott spent 2-3 months there each summer for two years and I know that it changed him as a person, in the most positive of ways. If interested in learning about the history of this deplorable 23-year war, click here.

Last night, we were pleasantly surprised to catch a great documentary on Netflix-"War Dance." The movie struck a chord with Scott, discussing the war, internally displaced person (IDP) camps, and even featured a great friend. The movie showcases a remote village, Potongo, and the children there competing in a music competition in Kampala. Through three featured kids, the documentarians, much like Invisible Children's, captured their stories of survival, struggle, and the most resiliance one can even imagine.

This movie, and Scott's experiences there, really make me ponder how lucky I am to have been born in a location that is safe and free of warfare. The same goes for places in the Middle East and other areas of strife and supression. Religion and theology aside, I do not think anyone has a choice of where they are born. I see the simple needs these people have for a comfortable sleep each night, safe travels, and fearless living.

I understand my feeble blog post isn't going to change anything. However, if someone reads it and possibly watches the movie and sees the dire situation there, passes it along to a friend and so on, perhaps more individuals will see these people, who receives virtually no recognition by the press and government.

Protecting humanity is an issue I will stand up for. Life is never fair, but there are basic needs in life that should be met, no matter the culture or location, and acts of atrocity need to be addressed and the consequences fierce.

We are all human and deserve to live in a neighborhood, if not a world, of peace.