Miss Guided Heart, Miss Play it Smart

Miss If-you-want-to-use-that-line-you-better-not-start.
It's been a Kelly Clarkson kind of day. It seemed like every radio station was playing a (different) Ms. Clarkson song, all the DJs were talking about her recent disagreement with record execs and her canceled tour and her wish to help young girls avoid eating disorders. I've always like Kelly Clarkson, but this was intense (particularly since I drove around town for about 20 minutes today). And now an internet add featuring her is staring up at me.
Odd.

Two items have made their way back into my kitchen cupboard for which I could not be happier or more grateful. The first is vanilla extract. I had been baking without it and attempt to convince/lie to myself that it didn't matter. The second is REAL maple syrup. From Maine. I have always loved the taste of REAL syrup. And, I have to say the the collection of sap while there was still snow on the ground has always been a comforting (and much needed) reminder that spring was around the corner.
These items made it possible for me to have pancakes for dinner which I absolutely love, particularly when I have a bit of a cold (as I do today). As usual, I burned the second cake because I was too busy eating the first, but I loved them anyway. I'm a whole wheat, no floaties, syrup and butter girl when it comes to pancakes, just in case you were wondering.

Tonight the MLS All-Star team (sans David Beckham who has not yet played a game and is therefore not an MLS All-Star) takes on the #1 ranked Scottish Celtics. I've been excited for this game for weeks - mostly because I get to watch it from my brand-spankin'-new couch!
(I haven't been into the boring blogging in months. This could become a habit.)

Blame us 'cause we are who we are

Two weeks ago Tuesday I woke up, prepped and ate a bowl of cereal, dressed, walked to work, sat in an interview and found myself saying (outloud to the 3 other people in the room), "Well, I feel better!" Luckily, my statement fit into the context of what we had been talking about and none of them had any idea that I was keenly and joyously aware of a shift. My confident, witty familiar self had returned and I, indeed, was comfortable in my own skin again!

Can I get an "Amen!"?

It's strange to be generally confident and have that seem to vanish when you're out of your element. It's off-putting to be comfortable in a variety of settings and suddenly find that you're comfortable in none. Yes, I've already done a "lessons learned" post, and in reading that I am in agreement with most of what I said, and shocked by the apparent wonder of its writer.

While I could report on the countless revelations of the past month, I'd prefer to summarize by saying that: 1) Life is, by-in-large, good 2) you are who you are and that is most assuredly better than being anything (or anyone) else and 3) there are few things better than a well written book, a hand-knit sweater or a freshly baked cake.

And that's my philosophy.

By the way, I'm currently on vacation. I've only gone into the office 3 times (and before you say anything, I understand that voluntarily going into the office at 10:30 rather than 9 does not qualify as a vacation) and have managed a short escape from the Hampshire (thereby stopping any further trips into the office). I've started many books, finished none, fully explored a new cookbook, cleaned my home from top to bottom (well, I stopped at the bedroom door, but there is always Thursday) and am awaiting the arrival of new furniture! The excitement never ends!

Oh, and I've watched a fair amount of the OC Seasons 3 and 4. I had forgotten how much I loved that show, particularly Ryan and Sandy. It's been nice to have them back. Indulgent, but nice.