I love flying

"Invincible"

Breakfast in First Class

I really love flying and I suppose it's because my Dad was a pilot - first for the Navy and then for a commercial airline, Delta. Flying doesn't scare me. Turbulence is unsettling, for sure. I enjoy sitting in the Exit row and being asked by the flight attendant if I am able and willing to help. I like thinking I'd do my best to help everyone if something happened.

When I fly Delta, I have some privileges, such as a cheaper fare (they charge by the mile) and being able to sit in First Class if there is availability. The cons that go with that are, I am not guaranteed a seat. I always have to fly stand-by. I missed my High School reunion this year because of that. A foolish move. In some cases it is definitely best to purchase a normal ticket.

I also have to dress up. There is a long list of things you cannot wear on the plane because you represent the airline. I can't wear jeans. I was once denied entry on the plane because I was wearing pedal-pushers, and I looked nice too. I was also asked to remove my jean jacket before I got on a plane in Portland. Another time our family was flying together and my little brother wore a coat and tie. He was only about 9 yrs old, got restless and his shirt became untucked. A crewmember came over to ask my Dad to have my brother tuck his shirt in. My Dad got a little mad...at my brother. I wish he would have gotten mad at how ridiculous his airline was.

However the times I do get to sit in FC, I get pretty excited. I look around and wonder if the people around me are super rich, and if so, what do they do for a living? I like getting a hot towel and free cocktails, free movies and extra room. And the food isn't too bad either. When we were little, my brother and I got a little spoiled. We loved the hot fudge sundaes they served to the first class passengers. When our family sat in coach, we were served pecan pie, which looked like it came from a jello mold and we were so jealous when we saw through the curtain - saw the lucky passengers getting their sundaes.

Once when I was in 5th grade we sat near James Brown, rest his wife-beating soul, whose music I love. My Mom pointed out, that is one ugly dude - and she loves his music too. As a sophomore in high school, I sat near Jermaine Jackson, who happened to have a briefcase with his new record album in it. He autographed it and gave it to me. I listen to it all the time. Do you know I'm joking? The big song on that one is "Do What You Do".

My boss tells me JetBlue is pretty awesome to fly on. I hope they expand their routes because they are inexpensive, you get to see movies, and there is more room for the passenger.

Takeoff from BWI on a commuter plane to JFK

Over Colorado on a 7-57

Entering the Bay Area

A Tahoe Christmas

It was one of the best ones ever. Good time with family. Only thing missing was Jay. Bobby really learned how to ski, thanks to Tim and Patrick. Time to pack for Baltimore. Love to everyone.

An especially happy day

We're engaged!

Frost in San Carlos

Below freezing last night. Have some new flannel sheets that rock. Got in a fight on the phone with my guy this evening, but everything is better now. Went to McDonald's after that. Usually go to McDonald's when I'm a little depressed (always order the "Happy" Meal). Still have to wrap all presents. Better do that now. I work well under pressure.

Quirky, Beloved Baltimore

My boyfriend Jay is from Baltimore, MD. He took these photos a couple of years ago when we were there during the holidays. This area of Baltimore is called Hampden and they are known for their over the top, amazing and quirky light displays. Jay is going back home on Thursday and I hope to meet him there on the 27th, if I can get on a plane. I'll be flying stand-by. Cross your fingers for me, will you? Thanks.

Recipe of the Month

SPINACH LASAGNA with MARINARA SAUCE

Serves 8 to 10.

1 pound package wide lasagna noodles
Salt
1 pound ricotta cheese
1 egg
1/2 cup chopped parsley
1/2 cup chopped basil
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon pepper
5 cloves garlic, sliced (or minced garlic in water)
2 tablespoons olive oil
8 cups fresh spinach, washed
1/2 jar julienne sliced sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
Marinara Sauce (about 3 cups or 1 & 1/2 jars)
1/2 pound mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Parmesan cheese (shredded) to taste

Boil water with salt and add lasagna noodles, one at a time, to the boiling water. Mix occasionally to keep them from sticking to each other. Boil for about 8 minutes until al dente. Lay noodles on aluminum foil to cool.

Mix together ricotta, egg, parsley, basil, salt and pepper. Sauté garlic in olive oil for about 3 minutes. Add spinach and sauté for another 3 minutes. Remove from heat and chop spinach. Heat oven to 350.

Place a thin layer of marinara sauce on bottom of lasagna pan. Layer noodles, spinach-ricotta mixture (spread relatively thinly), some sun-dried tomatoes and small amount of marinara sauce. Repeat with 2 or 3 layers ending with layer of noodles and marinara sauce. Top off with mozzarella cheese.

Cook covered with aluminum foil in preheated oven for 35 minutes. Remove foil and cook for 10 more minutes. Cut in squares and pass the parmesan cheese. Serve with warm bread and enjoy!

Disclaimer: When I post a recipe, you can be sure I have cooked it on more than 2 occasions, and that it has been served to others with positive feedback.

An ode to bacon

I sure love bacon. My mom taught me that you can microwave bacon, and that works just fine. I put 4 pieces or so on a dinner plate, with 2 paper towels underneath and 2 on top and cook for about 3 mintues. It depends on how crispy you like your bacon, and how high the temp is on your microwave. The grease gets absorbed in the paper towels.

My friend Lissa introduced me to the most delicous bacon I've ever had. You can find it at Whole Foods. Wellshire Farms - Dry Rubbed Center Cut. It's natural, with no nitrites. Guilt-free bacon eating? Well, almost!

A tree without trimmings is beautiful on its own

Friday Night in HMB

Stormy in Miramar

Jay under a Jeff Clark surfboard

Bob Welsh, John Nemeth, Robbie Bean - Half Moon Bay Brewery

A little more Christmas spirit

Eucalyptus Ave., San Carlos

I have a little more Christmas spirit, and that is because of my beautiful girlfriends. It really started a few weeks ago, when they surprised me on my birthday with brunch and a gorgeous hand-made book with photos and beautiful writings about our friendship. I thought I could die that day, because I was so happy.

This week I had a good chat on the phone with Lil' Mo, Jay's sister in Baltimore, whom I feel like not only is she a relative, but a true girlfriend. I also chatted with Sush in Ft. Collins and I'm sure I'll catch up with Marns in Portland very soon. Happy Birthday Daisy!

I'm super excited about this weekend, where I'll get to go hiking with Jen-dawg, then a family reunion dinner at Mom's. Sunday morning is coffee, a la Sex and the City - with Jess, Clare and Liss who are leaving their babies behind to get some real girl time in. And it's a surprise for Liss, (who doesn't read this blog) and who lives kind of far and doesn't get to hang with girlfriends often enough. I just can't wait. I love and need all of my girlfriends. Now I'm really feeling Christmas spirit.

How I got a little Christmas spirit

Eucalyptus Ave., San Carlos

I'd been feeling a little down lately and my attempt at a 3-day fast came to a halt tonight (my 2nd day). I realized I didn't need a fast, I needed a pastrami sandwich. I confidently made this decision and high-tailed it over to Max's, which is the only place I know that makes a killer Reuben with turkey pastrami.

After eating half of this delicious sandwich and giving the other half to Jay, I went for a cozy walk where there are some amazing lights on display down the street. I can't resist Christmas lights, they have always made me happy. I am content, in a way I haven't felt in several days.