I discovered a new-to-me cooking blog, The Pioneer Woman, and used a few of her recipes, including the turkey brine, turkey roast, and the butternut squash puree. I have to say, the turkey this year was one of my best turnouts. Here’s the proof:

The butternut squash puree was absolutely delicious and I think I’ll make it again at Christmas time for my family.

Of course we had dressing, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, gravy (Angela gets all the props on that one), salad, bread, desserts…and more! About 8 people actually ate dinner with me, and then a few others stopped by after their family gatherings. Overall it was a great dinner!

Over the years, I’ve come to the realization/belief that things don’t happen TO people, things happen BECAUSE of people. Good times, bad times, etc., are only defined as such by the people who lived them. Basically, an experience is what you make of it. It sounds like an easy concept, and one to which many people subscribe, but yet I still hear people say all the time, “Why is this happening to me?” or “How could that have happened to you?”. It might just be the way we communicate concern or care, but I think it is destructive.

As an extreme example, my father’s passing isn’t something that happened TO me. My father died an unexpected death and I was his daughter. As his daughter, my life was affected greatly. Did it help shape me? Sure. But, I wouldn’t go as far as to say it “changed” my life. How could I possibly know it changed a life I hadn’t lived yet? It WAS and IS my life. It didn’t happen TO me. I am the woman I am today because of the choices (good and bad) that I’ve made in response to that life event.

In essence, I guess I’m saying that we should take responsibility and/or credit for the things that happen in our lives. Again, it is easier said then done, but even though we live in a world where everyone is interconnected, we are all still our own self. And the way one person processes/rationalizes something is unique to that person. So you cannot expect others to process or rationalize things the same way. I’m talking to myself now, you see. :) Although the above thoughts are ones I strongly believe, I also understand they are just the way _I_ have chosen to interpret this life I’m living. So I must also not judge/criticize others who hold different beliefs.

But now it’s time to get back to work!

And we get to see those friends this weekend cause Kristin, Tom, Angela and I are heading to Atlanta for my audition for FOX’s MasterChef Season 3. I’ve been hosting tasting dinners over the past few weeks and think I have my audition dish ready to whip up for the casting team. You can see pictures on my Kamikaze Chef site: http://www.thekamikazechef.com.  I’m extremely excited about this opportunity (I even have a “Jump the the front of the line” pass) and I can’t wait to get in there. This could be a life changing weekend for me. I’ve been so fortunate to have a great job for 8 years, but I can’t help but think I’ve missed out on a real passion of mine. If this could help turn that passion into a lifestyle, I would just be beside myself. Wish me luck!

Then Sunday I’m going on Brian’s new sailboat! It should be a blast.

Water weekend, here I come!

A lot of it will be based on luck, I know. The casting call will be crazy…probably an open floor with tons of tables where contestants line up and wait for the judges to come around and taste their food. Much like an 8th grade science fair. The judges will be looking at presentation of the dish, taste and personality of the chef. I really think I have a good chance, but it all depends on what they are looking for. Like any audition, the “director” has something specific in mind and even if I think I’m a good fit, I may not be what they have in mind.

But fingers crossed! I’m hosting tasting nights for the next few weeks to prepare and try out different dishes that could withstand a long wait. Keep your eye on www.thekamikazechef.com for pictures and updates!

Found on the internets:

ISTJ – God, help me to begin relaxing about little details tomorrow at 11:41:32 am
ISFJ – Lord, help me to be more laid back, and help me to do it exactly right
INFJ – Lord, help me not be a perfectionist (Did I spell that right?)
INTJ – Lord, keep me open to others’ ideas, wrong though they may be
ISTP – God, help me to consider people’s feelings, even if most of them are hypersensitive
ISFP – Lord, help me to stand up for my rights (if You don’t mind my asking)
INFP – Lord, help me to finish everything I sta
INTP – Lord, help me be less independent, but let me do it my way.
ESTP – God, help me to take responsibility for my own actions, even though they’re usually not my fault
ESFP – God, help me to take things more seriously especially parties and dancing
ENFP – God, help me keep my mind on one thing – Look, a bird – at a time.
ENTP – God, help me follow established procedures today. On second thought, I’ll settle for a few minutes
ESTJ – God, help me to try not to run everything, but if You need some help, just ask.
ESFJ – Lord, give me patience and I mean right now
ENFJ – God, help me to do only what I can and trust You for the rest. Do You mind putting that in writing?
ENTJ – God, help me to slow downandnotrushthroughwhatIdoAmen

It is also a day that highlights the days that are more personal, days that hold individual meaning, individual sadness, individual memory. People who lost loved ones on this day are both burdened and blessed by such significance. They have stories of heroism, innocence and bravery which they can share with anyone, and be understood by everyone.

9 years and 6 days prior to the Sept 11th tragedy, I lost my father. A loss that is shared solely by my brother, my mother, and those very close to our family. The story I hold onto is uniquely mine. An unusual impulse gift of Rollerblades I call “the magic skates” and breakfast at a nearby family restaurant. The last one to hear “I love you” from Scott Egan.  The note card left on the doorbell by the police who had stopped by, trying to deliver the news in person. The phone call to the hospital as my mom stood in shock, composing herself to explain to her 12-year-old girl that her father isn’t alive anymore. Waiting for my brother to come home from camp, and hiding in the house while our pastor explained to a screaming teen that his father had died. Standing in a line at church while people passed to offer their words of love and condolence. Deliveries of lasagna, pasta, salad and more…when all I really wanted was fried chicken.

There are plenty more vivid memories I can’t bring myself to type. Not today. Not when I’m supposed to be sad with the world. 10 years.

Next September 5th will be 20 years without my father.

Last night, around lap 17 I started thinking about what I would make if I decide to audition for Masterchef and before I knew it I was on lap 22. Yes, I am actually considering auditioning for Masterchef. If I make it past the first audition, you can bet I’ll be ramping up my dinner parties and you are all invited. :) I know there are many techniques I need to practice and still some basics I need to master. It’s an exciting thought!

I’ve done physical therapy, altered my workouts, and am currently doing some acupuncture, but my cardio exercise is severely lacking. My doctors have always suggested cycling, but there is something about cycling that makes me quickly run out of breath and pretty much hyperventilate, even though I can jog a few miles with no problem. The other suggestion has been swimming, which I used to do when I was a kid and I’ve always felt like I was “built” for it with pretty broad shoulders and strong upper arms. I just haven’t had a place where I can swim without purchasing a membership.

Well, recently I discovered my work has a program where I can use a nearby pool between the hours of 5-6 M-F! So I started swimming laps last week and I’m loving it. It took a few days to get back in the groove, but having not swam (swum?) for about 15 years, I’d say I’ve picked it back up pretty quickly. I’m doing an average of 20 laps in 30 minutes, about 1000 meters. Nothing to brag about, but surely more than I thought I’d be doing. I just need a way to keep motivated…I’m hoping I’ll begin to see some results so I can use that as motivation. Surely something good must be happening!!