What I’m up to…

Wondering what I’m up to these days? Here’s the lowdown!

What I’m reading: THE STORY OF EDGAR SAWTELLE, by David Wroblewski. So far, I love this book. David writes in whispers, his style is soft and breathless, as if the character of Edgar himself is speaking in your head - which is some kind of genius writing, let me tell you! I’m loving his style! It’s definitely a sensory experience reading this book. Fabulous!

What I’ve just read: THIRTEEN REASONS WHY, by Jay Asher. BRILLIANT book, people! I read it in one sitting. It was poignant, tragic, sad, sardonic, and ultimately…just beautiful…oh, and yes, at the very end, it was even hopeful. What an incredible gift Jay has. I’m bowing to the master….

What I’m writing: Still plugging away at The Curse Of Deadman’s Forest, (Oracles II) which I’m really digging, by the way…except that it’s turning out to be MUCH longer than expected. But, what else is new… :)

What I’m watching: Just saw MILK the other day….good Lord what a fabulous movie! I lurrrved it! Sean Penn…you are extraordinary!!!! And Harvey Milk, wherever you are - I’m so sorry your life was cut so short, but, you really done good here, honey. You really did. :) No to Prop 8!!!!

What I can’t wait to see: DOUBT. Meryl Streep….just….whoa! I think I’m really going to dig that movie. Will keep you all posted, of course.

What I normally would not admit wanting to see: QUANTUM OF SOLACE. Two words, people: Daniel. Craig. (okay…so three more words…hubba, hubba, hubba!)

What I’m shopping for: Monday I wrap up (forgive the pun) the last of my holiday shopping - YAY! Two gifts left to purchase, gift wrap and send off to my beautiful aunts in California and I am finito! Whoop, whoop! (Goodbye pressure! Hello eggnog!)

Where I’m spending the holidays: Home, baby! I live in a neighborhood with about six of my closest girlfriends, so we’re going from house to house eating, drinking, merrymaking….you know….what every family does at the holidays minus the bickering and fighting. :)

What I’m cooking: I’m making appetizers for all the little get-togethers my gal pals and I have planned for the holidays. If you scroll down, you’ll see a recipe for one of my all time favs, Smoked Almond Cheese dip….seriously - it’s da bomb! (But not for the lactose intolerant!) :)

What I’m smelling: So, I happened to catch an episode of Ellen the other day and she was raving about these scented candles from Tocca.com, so on a whim I got a few. I cannot tell you how amazing they are. They’re just soft and elegant and not overpowering at all. In fact, I’ve already gone back and ordered a few more. Oh, but while I’m here talking about them, let me just remind you about saftey - do not do what I did and light the wick then immediately stuff your nose into the candle and take a big whiff. You’ll singe your nose hairs. S’all I’m sayin.

What I want for Christmas: Hmmmm….well…hmmm! Tapping finger to lips….thinking hard….waving away smoke, (smile)… I think I’d like a mixer - you know, to mix dough and cake mix and such. I found some gluten free pizza dough that requires the use of a mixer. I truly miss pizza…and oddly, I miss BLT sandwiches. Yep, I think a mixer would be fabo! (Note to self: send hint to baby brother about mixer….) Other than that….shrug…I’m actually pretty good. Santa gave me a wonderful year this year, (thanks to all of YOU who bought books! Mwwwah!)

What the pups are getting for Christmas: Squeaky toys!!! And maybe a few extra balls for Lilly. She lurves playing fetch!

What’s new in Doc’s vocabulary: So, Birdie’s latest phrase is, “Love you,” said oh, so sweetly. Now, if I respond he says something else - like he’ll make a kissing noise. If I don’t respond, however, he will say, “LOVE you!” a little more forcefully. If I still fail to acknowledge him, he will shriek, “LOVE YOU!!!!” at the highest volume he can manage. Cracks me up every time. ;) Oh, and Doc will also be getting a few new toys for Christmas - we can’t leave him out now can we?

What I have to accomplish in the next week: Like…a bazzillion pages need to be written by next Saturday. A BAZZILLION! And I have to mail out my Christmas cards. Okay….so I also have to WRITE out my Christmas cards. We’ve covered the gift thing above. Groceries….eek…I haven’t been to the store in like a century. Thank God for the Galaxy Cafe and their takeout menu! And, (looking in mirror and gasping!) someone needs to get her brows done….ahem!

Anyhoo, that’s the lowdown, gang! May all of your Christmas wishes also come true and may each of you have a joyous holiday season!!!! Now go jingle some bells - okay? (eyebrow wiggle, wiggle!)

And as promised, here’s the recipe for:
Smoked Almond Cheese Dip: (Total prep time….about 5 minutes.)

1 can (4 oz) smoked almonds, (you can find these in the snack aisle)
1 clove garlic
8 oz feta cheese
4 oz Riccotta cheese
4 oz unsalted butter slightly softened

In a food processor chop almonds finely. Remove and set aside. Next, chop garlic clove finely, then add in feta & ricotta cheeses and butter and process until smooth. Add chopped almonds back into mixture and combine until fully blended. Spoon out onto plate, surround with favorite crackers and voila! You have a snack that people will think you slaved over and will make you OH so popular at any party! Just remember to keep the lampshade wearing to a minimum. :)

Happy holidays!!!