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.  

Nails are Better than Screws!
It's true!  My new bulletin board would not go in with the screws.  Or maybe it's the wall's fault.  Well, it's up now and a constant reminder of what I need to get done.  My New Year's Resolutions are on there... I have 14 of them.  So whenever I leave my room they will be there.  Always watching.


I will also be putting up a nice big sign with the word 'CALM' on there.  That is the word Lady Winter told me in my winter meditation.  If you go to Jamie Ridler Studios blog on my blog list it should still be on the first page.  It's a guided mediation and it really helped me.  It even gave me an idea for a necklace design!


Finally, I figured I would leave you all with this last little tidbit.

 I got that from a list about the phases of the moon.  Most of you know this already, I'm sure.  Why do I think this is relevant?  If you go by the zodiac, May 20- June 20 is a month.  The first new moon is right on May 20th and the second?  June 19th.  My birthday.  I am so totally geeked you have no idea.

Yule Magic Blog Party

So it's finally arrived.  Well... technically the solstice is tomorrow, which is when I'll be celebrating it.  I'm wishing all of you an abundant season, as that is what this time of year is good for.  I'm definitely going to be doing some magic to help get things growing, in terms of finances and relationships.  Just remember: how you think affects how you live.  Instead of reminding yourself of what you don't have, try to look on the positive side.  This helps abundance grow.


The gift I give to all of you is that of serenity.  This time of year can be stressful, what with gifts and family.  So when you feel like you can't take it, take a step back and relax.  Remember that this is the time of giving and receiving, so it's okay to ask for some help or take some time for you. 

Ugh
I have been in such a funk the past few days.  On the magical side of things, I'm trying to find a god (as in masculine) to work with on a more permanent basis.  I have a few I like, but none of them are really resonating with me.  I think that has to do with the lack of father figure gods out there.  Mother goddesses are in abundance, but gods who really embody the father?  Not that I've seen.  They don't even have to be father gods first and foremost.  I've always been drawn to triple goddesses, so gods with many facets in their duties/personalities are welcome.


On the more personal side, this house has been crazy.  Arguments and all that loveliness.  I really don't want to be around people that much and all I want to do is sleep.  Although I have been making surprising progress on my schoolwork and story.  But alas my emotions are all over the place.


If anyone has any suggestions, or just a kind word, I would appreciate what you have to say.