Cheers

www.brunelloshavemorefun.com

So....I am not going to pretend to be someone I am not.  I am not a wine person.  I don't know a thing about wine.  I know I am attracted to pink wines...because, well, they are pink.  However, I "came up" in the era where pink wines were definitely de classe; but a large bottle of pink St. Genevive always did the trick in college.  If, of course, the trick is blissful intoxication; rather than purposeful, respectful epicurean delight.  

When, and if, I am obligated to select a wine I find I am intrigued by the graphic quality of the label, the cleverness of the name, the do-able-ness of the price.  Rarely do I give any thought to what might be lurking "inside" the bottle and how that might delight (or offend) the senses of the recipient.

Never mind the fact that wine often brings on an immediate, blood throbbing head ache.  IF I want to enjoy I have to go on the defensive with either 4 Advil or a migraine medication and IF I am lucky I won't fall victim to the stabbing, nagging feeling in my head.  Most "learned" wine drinkers follow up with, "Well, you just aren't drinking the right types of wine; good, quality wines."  I don't doubt that my budget and lack of knowledge steer me towards head ache enacting wines.  And, I will be the first to admit that I never experienced a head ache in either France or Italy.  That solves it....I will just have to cross the pond when I have a hankering for a good glass of wine.  Sure, there might be something to this whole idea...I just don't know what it is or how to navigate around it.  

Having admitted to my poor, poor taste and understanding of the luxurious appeal and experience of wine I still enjoy knowing about it and sort of, live vicariously, through enthusiasts who I find are usually really rabid about their passion.

Brunellos Have More Fun is exactly the type of blog that allows me enjoy without having to imbibe.  (Although I sure would like to!)  Whitney, the creator of this particular blog, has brought a voice to wine that goes beyond just the experience of a sniff, a swirl, a sip, a nose, a bouquet, etc.  She invites the reader into the world of a wine lover.  She not only offers her knowledge of wine, she shares where "wine" has taken her and how it has shaped her life.  She also gives a peek into what a wine lover might wear, how an outfit can speak volumes about the wine that goes with it, what to serve with "sipper" and how you, too, might become equally as passionate as she is!

I met Whitney years ago.  She was my cousin's room mate in New York, well, Brooklyn to be exact.  I don't know that her love of wine had yet been birthed as they were both working on their respective theatrical careers at the time.  Years later they are both still together, in Los Angeles, and their lives have taken them down very different paths.  I have kept up with Whitney's endeavors (here and there) through Marisa; but I did not realize she had a blog.  If you live in the Los Angeles area and need a person who will tailor your wine curiosities specifically to you....call on this young lady.  

Cheers, Whitney.  Beautiful blog, beautiful work....

Marisa Q

Friends...please take a moment to visit this website.  Turn the TV off, sit with a cup of hot tea and listen to the soulful voice in the music section.  If you "like" what you see...link up to Facebook and "like" 

Marisa Quintanilla-Actress!

www.MarisaQ.com launched today and I could not be more excited!  

I am so proud of you.  You are an inspiration to me.  I have had the honor and privilege of watching you grow into the amazing human being you are today; despite tough, tough odds and obstacles that seemed insurmountable.  Your resolve and determination has often left me speechless and in awe.  You have shown me the true meaning of the relentless pursuit of one's dreams. 

You are beautiful, both inside and out; but most importantly you are strong, independent and tenacious.  Your courage is an inspiration to me!  Keep holding me to the same standard you hold yourself.  We both know I need reminders from time to time!

My prayer has been, and will continue to be, that He lead you down a path for His greater glory and that He continue to allow you to practice your crafts.  May His spirit always guide you towards Him in any endeavor you may pursue.  

Wholly Guacamole

I am lovin' my new guacamole recipe.  It goes a little something like this:

Juice of 2 large limes (3 medium)
Zest of 1/2 lime
Zest of 1/4 orange
2 cloves garlic (chopped)
1-2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt (big pinch)
Pepper

In a lage bowl; whisk the above listed ingredients.

3 tomatoes (seeded)
4 large avocados
2-3 green onions (white and green parts)
Cilantro (as much as your heart desires)

Toss tomatoes, avocado, onions and cilantro in bowl and smash away!

Serve with whatever you fancy....but I highly suggest a Skinny Girl Margarita, a pool and dear friends!

Enjoy.....

Dog Days of Summer

I am feeling extraordinarily defeated today.  How can a 10 lb mass of fur dominate me?  How am I allowing it?  I think I am doing the right things, and yet, I have taken a true beating today.  What is it about my character, my demeanor that is allowing this dog to believe she can dominate any and all situations?

From a behavioral standpoint I realize that any time change is introduced situations become worse; before they become better.  When Clarke was here last night, Mary was an entirely different dog.  He left and she unleashed on me.  She went on a 3-4 minute tirade and I was unable to make any headway despite the tools he gave me.  She did it again this morning.

The cats are setting her off...almost on purpose.  And when they are fighting and I try to diffuse the situation by bringing Mary's excitement level down she inevitably bites my leg in the process.

Today I have been bitten no less than 50 times.  I have had a migraine and the medication has made me very sleepy.  I desperately want to lay down....and then complete some homework; but I can't.  I can't get anything done.  It took me an hour to get out of this house and to the pharmacy (and that was without makeup and hair pulled back).

Maybe I am not cut out for this?  Mary is a high energy dog and I am a low energy person.

There...I feel better having just written it all down.  I just got bit five times; but I finally got the submissive response.  This is a terribly painful process...both literally and figuratively.  I feel like a horrible failure.

PS...This is probably why God does not want me to have children.

And it always will be......

After one too many oaky, smooth glasses of Blanton's on the rocks....I would like to pose a Carrie Bradshaw-like question.....

Are you ever really prepared to hear "the news" you knew you would one day hear?  Are you less prepared when you don't have similar "news" to report?  Are you less of a person for wondering when your break might come?  Does it really have anything to do with anyone other than the most selfish version of yourself?

My new dishwasher is really loud.....

And, by the way, I am not selling my house.

So far....

I arrived at Northwest Vista College over an hour early to orient myself to the campus (it has grown a LOT since my last period of enrollment) and get some of the housekeeping out of the way.

So far:

1) I parked on the other side of the campus!  This uncommonly uncharacteristic of me.  I have a very good handle on maps and a highly tuned inner compass.  Enjoyed the 15 minute walk in 100 degree weather.  Forced myself to look on the bright side....I strolled around the "Lago Vista" and enjoyed the sound of the various fountains.
2) Got my ID.  That was simple.  No stories, no complaints.
3) Registered for a parking decal.  Was asked if I was "Faculty or Student."  Ouch!  (I think.)  Judging from the looks of "the typical student" I will take that one as a compliment.  I won't go into descriptors; but this is a tough crowd...this younger generation.
4) Finally get to Pecan Hall and hear a lady screaming, as she comes down the stairs, "I BOMBED this class last semester."  As I turn the corner you wouldn't believe the textbook she it holding?  Yes, the one, the only $200 dollar Accounting book that is the text my class is using.
5) Professor walks in and says, "Is this French 244?"  I laugh....everyone else looks stone cold blank.
6) A kid walks in decked out in Nike from head to toe...the professor says, "Nike is paying you, right?"  He is funny!
7) He refers to computers as "confusers!"
8) I took a quiz and got a 5 out of 5.  Now all I need is to accumulate 995 more points to ace this sucker. Have I mentioned half the class is taking this a second time...should I be worried?
9) Professor brings up the 1929 Stock Market Crash.....the boy who likes to "shred" his guitar asks, "Was Enron around back then?"  He says, "No....and they aren't around now.  Neither is Arthur Andersen."  Again...blank stares.
10) Despite being the oldest student...by at least a decade...I am the only one who brought a laptop.  The rest of them are just using their phones.  I am more of a relic than I thought.....