TV Romance

I usually find Jane Austen movies cloying and boring, but I've really been enjoying the new Masterpiece Theater version of Emma. Maybe it's because the other show I've been watching a lot of (yes I'll admit it) is The Bachelor.

Say what you will about Austen's Emma being so much classier than Pilot Jake and his ladies, the shows have a lot in common. Fundamentally, they're both about flirting, matchmaking and breaking hearts. I guess it must be that time of year. . .

Devil's spawn

My inner demon is trying to claw its way out. I've sprouted two enormous red zits - one above each eye brow. They look more like budding horns than acne.

Clearasil is no match for the dark side.

White Saturday

Flying home to Utah on New Year's Eve, I got all touristy snapping photos of the snow-covered mountains. I miss the mountains a lot and snow is pretty rare in Charlotte.

Not today.

The entire city has shut down. I made a trip to the gym that took much longer than it should have because there aren't many plows in Charlotte and even fewer drivers who know how to deal with a couple inches of snow.

It isn't helping that the weather can't make up it's mind - "I'm gonna snow. No rain. Snow. RAIN!" - which means everything is coated in ice.

Addison + Hannah

While my computer was in recovery, my youngest niece turned two so this is a belated post in her honor: HANNAH.

"Hannah" is actually not my nieces name - she's Addison Jane. Hannah is her big sister: a spunky, vivacious five year old.

But "Hannah" is Addi's favorite word; the answer to every question.

What do you want for breakfast? Hannah.

What's my name (Aunt Julie)? Hannah.

Where are we going? Hannah.

Why are you crying? Hannah.

(As a side note, the only other word that's a close second in Addi's vocabulary a nasally sort of Boston-cockney pronunciation of "Yeah" that sounds more like "nyaaah." If she were a cartoon character, it would be her signature phrase.)

Addison is a headstrong, energetic little girl. But I'm beginning to think her defining characteristic is loyalty. Her big sister is always at the top of her priorities. First thing when she wakes up, she comes looking for her. She never beams more than when she's being praised by her big sister (Good job going poop in the toilet, Addison!). Anything Hannah asks of her, Addison will do without question (Come jump of this couch, Addi! Can I have your candy, Addi)

Such single-minded adoration is so sweet and so inspiring. And when she has a baby brother or sister someday, "Addison" will definitely be that little kid's favorite word.

Happy Birthday Addison!

Return

It took much longer to fix my computer than expected. But I'm back now among the web-dwellers and so relieved. Not only can I start blogging again, but I can also catch up on the hours and hours of TV I've missed. The Office, Parks and Recreation, White Collar, The Mentalist, Bones, Mercy, House, American Idol and The Bachelor. Luckily Charlotte is snowed-in so I might just sit here and watch TV all day.

I'll be back soon

I'm aware that it's been several weeks since I last posted here. It's not because I'm lazy. My computer is afflicted with a deadly virus and has been hospitalized this whole time. But the doctors say she's on the mend and should be home soon. Meanwhile I'm posting this from my cell phone which is a huge pain.

I promise to resume regular updates before the week is over!

Un Petit Gateau

I made this cake after hearing about it on the radio. There's cherry jam inside. It turned out just like the picture and was a piece o' cake to make. I hope it tastes delicious, since I'm serving up to some dinner guests tomorrow. If it's anything like the gateau basque I had while in France, it'll be scrumptious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

The snazzy red hand mixer in the back is a Christmas present to myself. After burning out yet another $15 beater on cookie dough, I did some research and splurged for a Kitchenaid brand with some serious horse-power. It was 1/5 the price of a full-size mixer and doesn't take up counter space, which is a plus. So far it works like a charm!

UPDATE: This cake/pie/cookie dessert thing is a HUGE crowd-pleaser and way too easy to deserve all the praise. It's definitely staying in my repertoire!