It's That Time of Year

I seem to have come down with a cold.  First Ada went down, then Momo.  Twinny seems to be holding out, but for how much longer I can't say.  Massive amounts of tissues and alka seltzer have been used in combating this monstrosity, but Momo seems to be the only one doing a terrible amount of damage.  Could be the antibiotics she got from the doctor.  


Ah well.  This morning we may or may not be going to the art museum.  I hope we do.  Its a good idea to get out of the germy house and get some exercise.  


I seem to be making slow progress on my to-do list, but progress is progress.  I even got a necklace finished!  But once I finished it I noticed that the ribbon was a bit off for the design.  Twinny suggested using a chain instead, so I think I'll try that.


Something else I noticed... I actually like wearing skirts.  When I went on my interview I wore the only one I have and enjoyed it despite the cold weather.  I seem to have an aversion to things "stereotypically feminine".  I consider myself a feminist, but that shouldn't mean I have to be a tomboy all the time.  Methinks it's time for a change in attitude.

A flower to help the seasonal effective disorder in you.  Even though here there isn't any snow!

Excitement and Nerves

So yesterday was Twinny's birthday.  I think I was more excited than she was... or she was more composed about it, which is weird.  She says she had a good one, so I guess that's all that really matters.  There was dinner and presents and a Spock cake!  She got a lot of art supplies, which is good for both her own creativity and our potential art business.  I look forward to seeing what she paints.  She also got some metaphysical books and Tarot cards (courtesy of me!).  So we should have some interesting conversations regarding such things.


Now on to the nerves.  I have an interview tomorrow.  I've never had one before.  I've never had an actual proper job before either.  Yes.  I am twenty years of age and have never had a job that was official.  I don't think working for a friend of the family for a few days really counts.    I suppose I should be happy that my abundance spell worked.  Now I just have to follow through with the not so comfortable part.  Wish me luck!

A New Year

2012: A year of controversy.  Will the world end?  Will humans be wiped out from existence?  Or is it simply a time of great change?

I hope it's the last one.  But I won't fret terribly.  If we are going to die from some great catastrophe, well, we've had a pretty good run.  I'm going to go about my business and try to better myself as I would any other new year.  So!  Resolution time!  I have fourteen of them this year.  Is that too many, do you think?

1)Finish school

2)Get a job

3)Lose enough weight to fit into my green striped shirt comfortably

4)Start an exercise routine

5)Get my driver's license

6)Start saving for car/business/college

7)Figure out what I truly want to do for a career

8)Purchase bridesmaid dress for sister's wedding

9)Learn how/make banner for this blog

10)Learn new jewelry techniques

11)Use up plastic beads 

12)Learn 12 new recipes before 2013 *BONUS* Extra points if they're healthy

13)Stop drinking pop

14)Blog a day something positive

So?  Thoughts or opinions are welcome and appreciated.  What are your resolutions, if any?

A New Tradition is Born!
Last night was New Years Eve, as you all know.  My family used to go all out for New Years, party poppers and silly string galore.  But as my sisters and I have gotten older, this tradition has slowly but surely come to a halt, much to my displeasure.  But as New Years is a holiday in it's own right I believe it should have a tradition of some kind.  So me being the resident kitchen witch, I decided to not only make something to eat, but use an otherwise wasted food product in our house.

On Yule I attempted to make a Yule log.  It tasted good but was not very pretty.  Part of the recipe I used calls for whipping cream, something our family does not use unless we have a specific recipe.  The Yule log recipe did not use the whole carton though, leaving me with a cup of unused cream.  So I wracked my brain for something I could use it for and voila!  

New Year's Eve Chocolate Mousse
Note: I halved this recipe

12 oz. semisweet chocolate
2 sticks unsalted butter
6 eggs, separated
4 Tbsp white sugar, halved
2 cups cream
1 tsp vanilla extract

Melt the chocolate and unsalted butter in a double boiler. (I just use a saucepan and hold it above the flame.  Worked just fine.)  Stir mixture as it melts and remove from heat and let cool slightly.  Do not let it harden.
Separate eggs.  Add yolks one at a time to chocolate mixture.
Whip egg whites with half of the sugar in a separate bowl until they form soft peaks.
In another bowl, whip cream with remaining sugar and vanilla.  Beat until cream holds it's shape.
Fold cream mixture into chocolate but do not mix completely.
Add egg whites and fold in carefully.  There should be white streaks remaining in the brown of the chocolate.  Serve immediately or cover and chill in the refrigerator.
You can top with chocolate shavings, sprinkles or fruit.  Anything you want, really.