The Universe

Once again, I've managed to say most of what I could say today in my paid writing (well, hopefully one of them -- the new essay project -- will be paid), but I got a random tarot card reading today. I'm not usually one for that, but it seemed like the thing to do at a time when things are a little up in the air, honestly ... with everything.

The result? Well, my big "reveal" happened in the form of the "Universe" or "World" card, which is apparently what I'm all about right now. What does that mean? If I was less skeptical, it would mean I'm about to feel significant peace and taste the sweet fruits of my very hard labor.

The basic positive aspects are below, but found in full on this page, which is the best thing I was really able to find on the subject (at least the closest to being moderately well written):

"Thus, the World card, very aptly, represents a successful conclusion, all aspects accounted for and taken in. Simply put, this card tells the Querent that the end to a long-term project is in sight, and that it will be accompanied by well-earned praise, celebration and success. With Saturn as its ruling planet, this card can also indicate that the Querent, now an expert in their subject, is likely to become a teacher or sought-after lecturer. And, finally, on a more mundane level, the World card indicates travel, not short business trips, but long, fantastic trips. Maybe a lecture tour, book signing, or just a trip around the world. This is a wonderful card of wholeness, perfection, satisfaction and happiness."

Now if this giant, likely West Nile-infested mosquito would leave my apartment and stop biting my inner thighs (yes, it's not pretty), I would be truly satisfied.

busted writing weekend

My writing weekend was somewhat derailed by the HBO I just got, but so be it. I did spend a lot of time on outlines, planning and organizing, and that is actually a much harder part for me than the writing itself.

If anyone knows a kindly old benefactor that could take some of the pressure off finishing this project (or any of my many others), please send him to me directly. I have a resume and proof of chops.

new project

I decided after seeing Sloan Crosley read last night in Brooklyn that I'm embarking on a new essay project. I became a quick fan of hers when my friend Emily loaned me a book she wrote, and I found it mirroring not only my own New York experiences, but also a little bit of my own voice. I guess we really are all narcissists at our core.

I decided, there is no reason I shouldn't be writing constantly and trying to make a real book out of myself. And I need to seize the opportunity now, while I still have a tiny shred of freedom left to attempt to make a living doing what I love, before I am forced to take a hardcore, soul-sucking job. Since I spend most of my writing/noveling time changing names to protect the innocent anyway, I might as well just cut the facade, stop making such an effort and just commit to sharing my own ridiculousness.

So, here I go ... I think.

a little bit of what I don't know can't hurt me

I have decided to adopt a little bit of the "ignorance is bliss" policy to simplify my life. This means I've blocked myself from some of my biggest Internet time wasters. This might be misconstrued by some people as a statement that I am purposely ignoring them or declaring myself something or other that I am not. I'm not delusional -- just distracted. And I also think in this Big Brother World (that we seem to be often denying has become a Big Brother World), we all need to know a little bit less about each other in general. Of course, I will continue to "kind of" say things about myself here, but I'm leaving some of the other things to the professionals. I have quite enough complications, thanks.

Today is a little bit blah, and I'm trying to lay low and work really hard to try to get things lined up for tomorrow. I just can't be bothered with anyone today. Ignorance = bliss, and I probably already said too much.

old habits, new habits

I just have to get into the habit of updating this, no matter what -- even if it's just waxing totally delicious on food I ate or something else. I'm going to try for every day, and hope that means "at least five days per week." It's not that I believe anyone is paying attention. It's just that I need the writing exercise. It's a purely selfish pursuit (because which blog isn't ultimately narcissistic?).

I made my first "official" dinner in a beautifully air conditioned apartment yesterday for Sean and remembered how much I really love to cook. It was a simple production of basil chicken with capers and feta over pasta, started off by my summer Caesar salad, which essentially is only Caesar because it has creamy Caesar dressing on it (the rest is a mixture of mandarin oranges and sunflower seeds). I think and hope it was delicious. There were second and third helpings, so I'd say that's a clue something worked.

Today I have to do the dreaded task of going to the Time Warner Center to pick up a new cable box, since mine decided to suck yesterday. Likely it will be a whole day spent, as going there to do anything is like waiting in a bread line in Russia. I've already cleared my schedule.

in honor of "Luccipalooza" ...

... a quick update!

I woke up bright and early this morning to make a special quiche for what has been deemed "Luccipalooza." Basically, a great friend and I are making themed foods for a brunch to accompany a Sunday movie marathon of bad Susan Lucci-acted made-for-TV movies from the mid 90s. On the docket are Double Edge and French Silk. And what goes with terrible acting? Ham ... and a little bit of cheese. I concocted a quiche comprised of ham, shallots (for a touch of class) and American cheese that smells unreal. She's making a no-bake French Silk pie (for obvious reasons), and there will probably be some other ham products (it would just be nonsense otherwise).

We do this semi often (though I think this is our first official attempt at all-around thematic congruency), and maybe I should start documenting the successes. The food never disappoints! MacGruber is coming soon ...