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PRISCILLA ANONYMOUS

“Life.Love.UPs.DOwns.”

May 26, 2010 New Kickball Game: 2

So, last night was our second kickball game. Despite the fact that I have a sinus infection I still managed to kick some ass! The other teams pitcher was incredible. He was able to pitch it extremely fast while making it bounce slightly. It was intense.

Anyway, the first time around I hit a few fouls trying to discern the best kicking method to combat the crazy man’s (whom I dubbed “Hans”) pitch. Finally, my foot connected with the ball and I was able to hit a double. I was slightly annoyed at myself for then getting tagged out as I made my way to third.

My next (and final) up at bat he pitched a super fast ball which I let go past. Strike one. The second pitch I absolutely refused to let go by, or to kick a foul. I saw a gap in their outfield and struck this perfectly fast non-bouncing pitch out into the outfield to score a home run. I ran my ass off and it was great. I was voted team “MVP”, which honestly made me slightly uncomfortable. I’ve always excelled at sports, but I kind of forgot about my athletic prowess, since putting it on the back burner a few years ago.

I was proud that my team and I played a really great game and are able to have fun despite the competitive nature of the other teams. I think with a few moves in the line up, and developing some new strategies, we will have the potential to win the next one. Despite the fact that we are in the casual league, I find myself getting rather competitive as of late. I can’t help it, since it’s in my nature.

Next game I plan on bringing my game face x10.

ps. I joined a summer soccer league in which I am SOOO excited to start playing! I hope I get a chance to play right wing, although playing sweeper again might be fun too. I’ve even begun looking at some new cleats. Either way, I’ll be outside rekindling my love affair with the sport. Something thats long overdue.

May 24, 2010 Weekend Update

I had a fabulous weekend.

Saturday I went to an NYU School of Continuing and Professional Studies one-day seminar on Moving into Non-Profit and Social Impact Jobs. I met a great deal of amazing like-minded individuals, learned more tips for job searches, got tons of new information and even some great book recommendations. I’m really glad I went. I feel freshly inspired to end global poverty, empower women, bring education, health care and safe food advocacy to domestic institutions, implement sustainable business practices and protect animals. Of course, I can’t tackle all of this alone, but its good to know that there are forums for me to outlet my compassion. And others who are willing to do it with me.

After class I met up some kids from my kick ball team at East River park for a practice session followed by some seriously delicious mexican grubs.

Sunday, Jack and I went to Madras for an all-vegetarian indian buffet which was absolutely delish. Afterwards, we kicked around, stopped at B&N so I could pick up a book, sat in the park, then headed to Madelines for dessert. I could live in that place, it’s so cozy.

Now, I’m sick again which seems to be the routine every few weeks or so. I’m only hoping I feel better by tomorrow for our second kick ball game. I really intended to kick some ass which will be greatly affected by my inability to breathe through my nose. I’m also 99% sure I’m joining a summer soccer league which will be great. I haven’t played in some years and maybe getting back on the field is just what I need.

The chronic sinus infection or whatever it is that I have occurring every few weeks has to stop. It’s making me both physically and emotionally drained. Obviously when sick I get fatigued, like most people, but it’s also making me depressed because I don’t know what is wrong with me. Of course, all of these thoughts of auto-immune diseases are running through my head and obviously I can’t help being a certifiable genius after watching every episode of House ever made. Symptoms are coursing through my mind….anyway, thats enough self-diagnosis.

It’s time to go read and drink some tea.

May 23, 2010 Proof Positive

Jack and I had a little too much fun with my Macbook, Estelle (whom I recently named even though I’ve had her for four years) while laying in bed the other morning.

May 18, 2010 Jiminy Kick-Its: Game One

Last night was the Jiminy Kick-It’s first kickball game! We didn’t win, but we didn’t do too terribly either. With the final score being 15-8 we held up against a tough entourage of competitors, one who looked extremely similar to Dave Matthews and had about the same skills as you would suspect Dave Matthews to have at such a sport. None.

The other team got unnecessarily competitive. Obviously they were  a bunch of men (or should I say boys?) who are insecure trying to prove themselves on the field, or in our case, black top. At one point there was a lengthy and heated argument about “tagging up” in which several profanities were thrown like giant yellow balls at our face (hitting is allowed below the neck). At another point the men on the other team were screaming at one of the girls on their team, basically telling her to shut up because she was dumb and needed to go back to first base. Personally, if an overweight unattractive man wearing a bright orange head band with an awful 1990′s hair cut was screaming at me I would either giggle or punch him back in the face. Dependent on my mood of course. But I certainly wouldn’t just stand there. The women on our team, most of us from soccer backgrounds are highly athletic and competitive…so we get the respect that comes along with being confident women. I felt bad for the girls on the other team. It was clear that they were not enjoying themselves. But, since the rules (rather sexiest rules) require at least four females on the field at any given time, those poor girls are obligated to fulfill the season with the rest of the bright orange douche bag squad.

But, the Jiminy Kick-Its held our own. Our defense is impressive, it’s our kicking we need to work on slightly, with more direct hits than pop-flies. I was happy with myself for 1) showcasing my fast running ability and 2) faking my team and the other team out with an incredibly satisfying bunt. I got to third base before a few other outs were called (what happened next I’m not sure since I was too busy focusing on running and not smashing my face on the blacktop).

Afterwards was also a lot of fun! We headed to Fat Hippo for happy hour which included dollar PBR’s which I obviously passed on given my track record of a messy love affair with that beverage. We then went to the beer garden which had a surprising array of vegetarian german foods. I got the platter with salad, lingonberry jam, brie and a hard roll. Delicious, and the perfect treat after a well played game.

Our next game is next week. After seeing how competitive some of the other teams can be I plan on bringing my game face. Saying, “screw not having health insurance!” if diving on cement is what it takes to catch the ball to give the other team their third out and us the chance to annihilate them with our superior offensive moves, then I’m willing to take that chance. All in the name of fun.

April 28, 2010 Broccoli Zucchini Risotto

When I first decided to take on the challenge of making my first risotto I was a bit apprehensive. A few questions floated in the back of my mind, what is this fancy almost pretentious sounding dish? How is it so delicious? And why does it take so long to make? Being one who has little to no patience I was worried that I would not be able to hold up to the challenge. I enjoy cooking immensely and always have but it was not until recently that I began to expand my culinary palette to involve more creative dishes. While I can make a mean mac and cheese and the best damn vegan cupcakes you’ll ever have, I realized that I needed to venture into other culinary fields.

So now, after several trial runs (one failure and multiple successes) risotto has become a staple in our home. I’ve made it in a variety of ways, utilizing various vegetables laying around in the fridge such as mushroom, zucchini, and broccoli. I keep all of the ingredients on hand so I can make one on the spot, say if a friend drops by. This weeks risotto was inspired by the vegetables we had left over in the refrigerator.

Broccoli Zucchini Risotto

  • 2 quarts vegetable broth
  • 2 TBSPs Olive Oil
  • 3 TBPs butter
  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 medium shallot, chopped
  • 1/2 medium zucchini, sliced than quartered
  • 1/2 cup fresh broccoli, chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups arborio rice
  • Freshly minced parsley
  • Freshly grated parmesan reggiano
  1. First things first. In a medium sauce pan bring the vegetable broth to a boil. It’s important that the broth remains hot, after it comes to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cover.
  2. In a large pot melt 2TBPs olive oil and 1 TBSP butter on medium heat. When the butter begins to foam add the garlic, shallot and onion and stir occasionally until translucent.
  3. Add the zucchini and broccoli and cook until tender to a fork.
  4. Add the arborio rice and stir well until the rice is coated in a thin layer of olive oil. If needed add a slight amount of oil to ensure its coated and will not stick to the bottom of the pan.
  5. Once the rice is well coated begin to add the hot broth a ladle at a time to the rice. Stirring often let the broth to be fully absorbed into the rice before adding another ladle full.
  6. Continue this process about 30-40 minutes until the rice is tender to the teeth.
  7. Reduce heat and add the remaining butter, fresh parsley and cheese.
  8. Stir until thick and creamy.

Serve immediately!

April 26, 2010 Home on the Range

I am currently at my parents place in New Jersey laying in my childhood bed, listening to the spring rain with Al laying next to me all the while pretending I have not developed a minor allergy to cat dander. I miss my cats but I certainly do not miss being covered in their hair. I miss the quiet serenity that this small town possess. Now that it’s spring here everything is so green and lush which is a stark contrast from the brick and gray city, veiled in grime and filth.

It feels good to be home. I never thought I would say those words since I felt like I would be trapped here forever, but knowing that I am living in my own home away from here is a relief.

Jack and I have been having problems as of late. That’s why he headed to Delaware for the weekend and I came home Sunday until Monday. We both need space. The problems have been accumulating for some time. In the beginning of our relationship we simply wanted sex and nothing more. Then we wanted more but it was a delicate situation since we were co-workers. Then at hyperspeed we jumped into a ridiculously stressful but amazing road trip which pushed us each to our limits. And ever since January we’ve been in each others company day in and day out, never once taking a moment for ourselves.

That moment is now. I feel guilty saying that I feel like I can breathe again. The past few days I’ve remembered to live life on my own terms.  That I have a life outside of my boyfriend. That I am someone. An individual. How quickly I was able to forget.

From our daily arguments to our different views on religion even down to our future plans, nothing seems to be compatible and has been taking its toll on our relationship and us as individuals. I don’t even know why we insist on bringing up the future constantly but it seems like we are both uncomfortable in the present based on subsequent uncertainty. The thing that keeps us hanging on is that when its good, its really good. I’ve drawn the conclusion that we are the best and worst relationship each of us has ever had rolled into one. Determining if this is a good or bad thing has been a true testament in patience and love.

I’m glad I was able to sit down and talk to my parents this evening about how I have been feeling. I feel very fortunate for having parents who have stayed married for twenty five years and have raised me in a loving and open environment. I can tell my parents anything and I know that a lot of people do not have this luxury.

We discussed a lot about relationships and the idiosyncrasies that are attached. I was able to vent to someone other than Jack about how lost I have been feeling. It dawned on me that I have been putting a lot of pressure on the relationship and Jack to make me happy. I need to make myself happy. I can’t keep relying on him to support me throughout all facets of life, it isn’t fair to either of us. I also have a tendency to bring those around me down when I am feeling sad. This needs to stop. I don’t know how to let things go and I need to learn.

Little things like his ex-girlfriend emailing him to say hi really get to me. I know he doesn’t want to be with her and I know he has no feelings for her, he’s told me all of this about a million times and yet it still makes me angry. He tells me to let it go. But why can’t she let it go? Aren’t I in the present? See, it’s these kinds of thoughts that I dwell on because I have nothing productive going on in my life. My life has been based on Jack’s schedule. I wake when he wakes, I sleep when he sleeps. But I have my own life god dammit and I can’t blame anybody else but myself for becoming the kind of woman I never wanted to be.

But Jack does not come without faults. He’s very particular about structure, about where things belong and while I posses this attribute to a certain degree I operate best in chaos. I like things just a tad messy. But he wants everything to go his way. And this puts added pressure on me to be someone whom I am not.

This horrible horrible side of me wants to walk away. Wouldn’t it be so much easier? Yes, it would hurt but I could return to being selfish and so could he, a characteristic we both possess which has been put on the back burner since we started dating.

I’ve always had this inner rebellion within me that can deny feelings for anyone or anything that goes against the grain of my thinking. I wish I could do this with Jack and like some sort of sick narcissistic experiment I’d like to see if I can try. But it isn’t fair to him. And despite the unrelenting and undeserving resentment I harbor towards him on occasion because my thoughts seem to skew negative and take over my mind I never want to hurt him.

I know I need to be more open minded. But it’s hard. The way I think sometimes reminds me of a line from Jeanette Winterson’s novel Gut Symmetries,

Now that physics is proving the intelligence of the universe what are we to do about the stupidity of mankind? I include myself. I know that the earth is not flat but my feet are. I know that space is curved but my brain has been condoned by habit to grow in a straight line. What I call light is my own blend of darkness. What I call a view is my hand-peinted trompe – l’oeil. I run after knowledge like a ferret down a ferret hole. My limitations, I call the boundaries of what can be known. I interpret the world by confusing other people’s psychology with my own. I say I am open-minded but what I think is.

So what is a girl to do?

April 23, 2010 Stairs: 1 Priscilla:0

The other day I decided to take the stairs down six flights as a warm-up to my run. Unfortunately,my sneakers have less traction than I assumed they had and when rounding the turn to floor number four I went flying in the air landing on my ass and then my shoulder in a pretty loud and ridiculous tumble. I thought I broke my arm for a minute and in my true “gumby” style fashion I hopped right back up and kept jogging.

All was good and well until that evening when the deepest purple bruise ala A league of Their Own, I’ve ever had seen began to slowly form. I held a bag of frozen raspberries on my butt but that didn’t seem to help too much. Three days later it still looks absurd.

End scene.

April 22, 2010 Earth Day!

Today there are world-wide celebrations to celebrate our home, the Earth. But am I the only one who thinks we should be protecting and taking care of the Earth year round?

While I think it’s great that today is dedicated to informing people of issues that we currently face like global warming, toxins/pollution, the extinction of animals, the deforestation of the rainforest and the obliteration of our oceans marine life, I feel that more of an effort should be made the other days of the year as well.

But. It is also a time to celebrate all of the good that the Earth gives us which we take for granted. Simple things like water and food to the beautiful landscapes found in some of our nation’s national parks, the Earth is a beautiful place which we all should cherish and appreciate.

April 20, 2010 A Ring A Day in 2010

I have always enjoyed interior design, architecture, elaborate color schemes and the finer things in life. Lately my love for such things has turned into a bit of an obsession. I find myself reading blogs for hours about architecture, design and DIY projects.

Recently while reading through Design Milk I came upon an adventurous project called A Ring A Day. Basically that’s exactly what is it. For 365 days a group of Etsy members has decided to take on the ambitious task of creating one ring per day out of any materials they like.

It’s a brillant project and some of the ideas the members have come up with are modestly amazing.

See the full Flickr gallery here.

___________________________________________________________

Lightbulb Ring by MetalRiot, Metal Ring by jewelry maker Colleen Baran

April 19, 2010 Productive

I think today has been my most productive day in quite some time. I finally feel like I’ve got a spring in my step! Now that I can breathe through my nose and my throat doesn’t hurt (as much), I was able to accomplish some projects which I had been putting on the back burner.

Firstly, I was able to finally upgrade my Mac to Snow Leopard. I haven’t updated my computers operating system since I got the damn thing in 2006! I was reluctant to finally do so as I’ve had my poor baby for so long and would be beside myself if anything happened to her. But, it was a wonderful upgrade. My computer is working so much more smoothly and I love the overall look and feel that Snow Leopard has. Since my computer is no longer under Apple Care warranty I was not concerned with violating the Apple User Agreement and upgrading directly from Tiger. Yes, this can be done and it will save you $140 in the process. I must say that I love how getting a free disc from a friend and investing in a $50 2GB ram card has basically created a new computer. Dear Apple, I love you and I always will.

The second and most important project of the day was to finally create a database from scratch using FileMaker Pro 11 for the CATS organization which I currently volunteer at. I was able to find a basic template and then completely change all of the tables, tabs and fields to reflect the information we will need in order to keep better records on the animals which we take in and then foster / adopt out. I love making databases and doing anything that requires me to do some critical and logical thinking. Some people like jigsaw puzzles but I enjoy setting up field relationships.

The third project was to make a home made Spanakopita. I wont go too far into the process and experience as this will be a post for tomorrow.

The fourth project was to go through this here blog and re-categorize all of my previous posts as well as justifying the text. In the groove of cleaning up the look and feel I added on a blog roll which you will see as well as a CharityWater.org web banner. Now I need to (when I get some money) purchase a domain name so that I can host some GoogleAdSense advertisements and start making the monies.

The fifth project was to actually take pictures of the food I am making on a daily or whenenver necessary basis. These will also be posted tomorrow.

My sixth project was to file for unemployment and cross my fingers that it is approved.

My seventh project was to finally install Google Chrome. It’s so fast and awesome, I only wish it had the google search box on the top right like in Safari.

And my last and humble project was to go for a walk. I did and it was lovely.

Phew.

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