My gut feeling at 50

I was in the store last week and ran into a friend from my Cargo open mike days.  I was shopping for back to school supplies and holding a Starbucks Vanilla Skinny Latte.  I was wearing a grey t-shirt with  some cute jean shorts, that I THOUGHT , I looked good in .  Not that I was out to "dress to impress", but I did think I was passable, if Mr. Right came into 5 Below.  After talking for a minute or two, he asked me , "if I was on my second", I thought he meant my vanilla skinny latte, so I replied, " no this is my first", and he said, ohh your starting late.  I still thinking he meant coffee, said, well I like latte's more in the afternoon than coffee.  His face changed then looked not at my boobs but my belly.  Then I realized he thought I was pregnant.  Humiliated, I replied, " no Im not having a baby "  So he replies, "well you carry well".  A friend said later, that I should take it as a compliment, that he thinks you look young enough to EVEN HAVE A BABY AT YOUR AGE .

Reminded about my babyless, husbandless life again, I thought gee, maybe I should try to get rid of my current baby, my gut.
I called my friend Danny - who transformed his body from changing how he eats, he came over my house and went through my cabinets.  What to keep, what not .  My friend Randi, lost 35 lbs by being forced to cook so she could help herself and her husband change the way they eat.  I went to Facebook, my now guru of putting life's big questions out into the universe , to which my 1000 or so friends will give me wonderful advice.
Yes Facebook is my new "Dear Abby", or "Hints from Heloise" .
I got some great answers, most pointed to the carb, the evil carb.

My turning point was when I went to the fridge to grab the cheese and Italian bread, INSTEAD , I went to the carrots and hummus . Let me say this,,,  It was not bad !   Maybe cause the carrots were beautiful, grown on some farm that I bought from a " Chris the farmer from the Bachelor" like guy at the green market.  Suddenly the carrots were "hot" I felt myself getting sexier eating carrots , than bread.  I was expecting Chris the farmer any moment to bash down my door, and do me on the cutting board.  Back to reality, Chris was a no show, but by Friday I was feeling lighter.

I watch NY 1 pretty frequently and  for some odd reason I  listen to Shelly Goldberg and the Parenting report .  This particular segment was , healthy breakfast choices, which peaked my interest more.  To hell with the kiddies, is there a healthy breakfast for me ?  She had Cricket Azima from the Creative Kitchen series .  They made these cupcake frittatas , which looked delish.  Plus you could wrap them up for the week and they also satisfied my low carb/easy breakfast issue.  So today I made them but with some of my veggies, and in an oven for 25 mins.
Here is my recipe that I used, a combo of the creative kitchen and me.

12 eggs - fresh from the Amish guy at the green market ( he was not as hunky )
1 potato chopped in small cubes
1 onion chopped
small handful of chopped red bell pepper 
1 yellow squash, chopped
handful of broccoli chopped
1 hunky hot carrot , peeled
salt and pepper
saute veggies, do potato, pepper onion first in olive oil untill tender ( 10 mins )
then add, squash, broccoli ( i had to use frozed broc, so I nuked it first, easier to chop) and  peeled hunky carrot
when fully cooked, let it sit for a moment to cool off
beat twelve eggs
Add veggies mix to eggs
spray muffin tins with non-stick stuff
pour/spoon into muffins - fill 3/4 way
bake 25 mins at 350 degrees check at 20 and then play it by patting it.
It is delish,, next try will be with sweet potato
Cause you know I am eating for two, lol

 Cupcake Frittatas












 



My Hunky Carrots 

 

Spinster travel tips in Paris

I just came back from bringing a group to  Europe and here are some things I was telling people, who seemed to like my advice.

Today it is Paris

Notre Dame
Instead of lighting the candle you gave a donation for, take it with you.  The larger ones, have the Notre Dame printed on it and its only 5 euros a nice gift for someone who is a good Catholic.

My favorite area to walk around is the St. Germain/St.Michel area - Take Metro to St. Michel or Odeon.  My favorite little block to walk is  St. Andres Des Arts - This block has everything, cute stores, hotel ( which is fabulous and cheap) art stores - yes you can buy art in Paris, bars (a good Irish Pub if you need to talk English to someone) , a good falafel place and walk up past the top of the block you will find very good bakeries ( boulangerie), macaroon shop on St Germain, wine store and super market.  Go buy yourself a nice bagette, some cheese, wine and macaroons, then walk over to the Seine ( only two blocks away) or NotreDame and have yourself a French picnic.

Also in that area you will find some good book stores ( the Shakespeare and Co is near there ) a movie theater ( great if the weather is bad ) and all along the Seine are individual vendors selling cute souvenirs from their green carts .  If you have people who like to split up, its a good area cause you can meet either at Notre Dame or the Fountain de St. Michel. 

If you have teens, I hate to tell you this but nothing will make them more happy than shopping in H&M,, yes that is correct.  I could not put my finger around it why you would want to shop in a store that you have here at home.  They say its different, they walk out with a smile, and if you can make a teen happy ,, go to H&M.  If it is raining take the Metro to Chatelet Les Halles- there is a huge underground Mall there.  Give them time limits and be clear where to meet up . Also up stairs around the rue St.Denis, there are also a lot of funky shops the kids will like and a fountain for whoever is tired and just wants to people watch.  The Pompidu is near by, if you need to have some culture after the mall.

Another teen tip, take them to the lock bridge,and buy a lock a head of time. At this point you may want to lock THEM at the bridge,, lol  ( just kidding ) but let them put a lock there and take some nice pics of the Seine.

For those of you who wear glasses, I took my prescription with me.  I was in the area of Monmarte and walked into a cute eye boutique .  The woman put the most fabulous frames on me ever.  She told me to go get a coffee and come back in an hour,, better than lens crafters  .  Mind you , they were expensive ( about $400 ), but I wear glasses every day, and I have had these frames now for 4 years and they are still cool.  For me , instead of buying an expensive scarf that I would wear once a year, I bought glasses , and I love it when people say, "I love your frames, where did you get them?",, and I say, "Paris" 

Quicker access to the Louvre, enter through the Carrousel du Louvre take the Metro to Palais Royal.  You will avoid the longer lines outside at the Pyramid.  Also tip with the Louvre, face the facts its as large as Disney, you will need a good week, to take everything in. So go see Mona, and then pick a few others you want to see- you will get lost but its a great way to work on you map skills.  I always pick up some brochures for friends who speak other languages for a cute souvenir.  The map will give you suggestions, take them.  Say to yourself, you will just have to come back to Paris again and see more of the Louvre another time. 

If you want a great way to end the evening .  Take the Metro to Trocadero , bring a picnic and have it overlooking the Seine.  Beware of the pickpockets and the guys with the Eiffel tower key chains.  Buy some they are cheap, and do not take less than 5 keychains for 1 euro.
Watch the sun go down , and watch the lights go up at the Eiffel tower.  Find out the sunset times.  Then walk over to the Bateux Parisienne and take a 12 Euro ( 6 euro for students ) hour long ride on the Seine.  ( I think 830 -9pm is good ),  the Eiffel tower starts to sparkle at the top of the hour when it gets dark, and the boat times its perfect .  Nice way to end an evening.

As far as food- I am a fan of the picnic- I can not recommend any restaurants.  Lately I am with students and time limits , so sitting down to eat in France is stressful because they take their time, and we never have any.  So pick something up and go eat outside.  There are so many parks, fountains, scenic places to sit.  Bring some plastic knives, a cork screw and plastic cups.  Buy a big bottle of wine , non alcohol , some good bread, cheese , ham ( jambon) and fruit and have a delicious, healthy and cheap meal.  Then after walk to a cafe ( they are all over ) and have a coffee and  French cafe experience.  ( use their bathroom ! )

Also remember if you visit Paris during peak seasons, lines are insane.  So you may be only able to do one museum or attraction a day. My plan is this.
Go EARLY !! Line up BEFORE it opens - ie the D'Orsay
then spend your morning in the museum, go for lunch, go shopping, dinner,
Most places we tried to go around 11am , there were lines up to 3 hours.  

My last tip is this- learn the words
"Parlez vous Anglais" ?
Ask them IN FRENCH  if they speak English, it is polite, remember we are in their country, many people do speak English, but they speak French first.
If they say "yes/oui" , then then continue in English, if they say "Non" say "Merci" and find someone who does, or try and speak French.
People in Paris are a lot like NYers,, they will help you , but they are busy. and not interested in being your best friend.  If they are, beware.  
Also bring a little notebook, if you do not understand the amount and its not digital on the register, then ask
'ecrivez sil vous plait' ( can you write please )
have them write the amount down.

Bienvenue à Paris ( welcome to Paris )

Cougars to Ireland

    Calling all single ladies, let me take you on a tour.
All women over 40 , but not necessarly have to be.
The tour goes across the pond, to Ireland, where magical things happen, and at the very least, fun ! and lots of beautiful  green and great people.
At first I was going to arrange to have hot Irish men for you at every port, but that would be like a madam, and I don't think my mom would approve.
But how about this.
2 weeks of no inhibitions , good drinks, good scenery ( human and earth ), no judgements, no requirements except enjoyment.
I will make the intinerary, set up the hotels, arrange some food, get some transportation to take us back and forth, A few good natives to tell us some good tales, and play some good song. Of course some good shopping, slow mornings, late evenings and refreshed afternoons.
And most of all the best Irish craic you ever had.
and if a hot Irish lad gives you some gab, even better.
Who is in ?

End of the year I don't have

Ok I am just going to say it, say the things I want but don't have.

But first lets look at what I have.
For the last year, I have been looking at all I do have, grateful for what I have, and even more important what I have become.
I have become a good teacher,  who teaches to not judge others, work hard and to be honest. Teaching the love of travel and fighting for what is right and never giving up.  For the DOE,  I have been a good employee , committed 110% to the job, coming to work, teaching the common core and any new lingo, keeping my students safe and learning. 
I have been good to animals, saving the life of a shelter dog and supporting the rescue mission on Staten Island.
I have been a good member of my community, volunteering , helping to clean up , gather donations and distribute supplies and make internet connections.
I have been a good citizen, voting and staying aware, speaking out and participating . 
I have been a good neighbor, being present in what it  needs, being an advocate and speaking out for our block.
I have been contributing to our economy, paying my mortgage, spending and traveling and paying my taxes.
I have been funny and creative , writing blogs, doing standup .  
I have been a good friend and family member, always available when in need.

I have been good to myself, getting regular checkups, not smoking and keeping me sane .
I have been spared, of  random acts of violence, natural disasters, devastating health and loss of mind.

2012 for me has been a great year.

But:
Where is my husband , my child, my hip neighborhood, my cottage by the water, my size 10, my savings account, my comedy career, that great book and my greatness.   Find out in 2013
Happy New Year Everyone

Girls night out !

Being single, I have the advantage of going out whenever I want ,( well really when I can afford it ).  But as you get older, the pool who is available to go out can sometimes be slim.  Most of my friends are married, have kids, moved away  or have busy work schedules.  This week was not that week.  I got to see friends in from Denver, Austin and Ireland.   I got to spend time with my Aunt and Cousin and my Mom.   I got to out out with my besties and  saw an old friend who moved back home  . I got to hang with some new friends and venture  to the city.   The week is not even over yet and I will see some more friends tomorrow and go wish one a happy birthday, go to a pool party for another, and gather with some other friends to celebrate Elvis and a Grotto.  And to end the week, I will see an old friend who moved back home to Ireland.
Last night as my best friend put her arms around me as we danced to the band , the English Beat, I thought how lucky I am to have great girls in my life.
I have to say that I am surrounded by some of the best women in the world.  If I had to choose an army to defend me, these would be the people by my side.  Women don't run from your problems , they confront them, head on.  They listen to you, they tell you the truth and sometimes just tell you what you need to hear. If you need something done, they are there, period.  Sometimes they will even go hunt through garbage if need be.   These women set the example of what good humans should look like and they are also flawed which makes them so much more beautiful.  And of course they are the best time a girlfriend could ever have.


I just want to thank you all .
 Going out, talking, advice, phone calling, tagging, liking, commenting, texting, poolside, event planning, shopping, eating, driving, getting the check , cooking, exercising, cleaning, dog sitting, going to gigs and shows, reading my blogs and just plain showing up .

How would we ever enjoy the mess that we called men, if we did not have the women in our lives to help clean it up.  ( sorry for the domestic metaphor )

Life may not have given me  children and a husband , but BOY  did it give me great girls and friends which make for the  the best Girls nights outs ever.  Put the pocketbooks  down and lets dance !

American Pie

Happy fourth everyone.  Two videos came across my Facebook this morning that I "shared" to my page.  Whitney Houston's the National Anthem and Don McClean's American Pie.
American Pie a classic American song has its roots for me somewhere else, Ireland.  I have a fond memory one night in Cork sitting in Turners Cross Tavern with some wonderful friends and a great love.  It was my last night before I was going back to the US.  Like many nights at Turners Cross , the evening would wind down with the remains of the bar singing with the local musicians.  The Irish call it a "Session"  .  Kinda of a Kareoke without the video system, no teleprompter to feed you the lyrics.  I chose to sing Leaving on  Jet Plane , Uncle Connie sang I left my heart in San Francisco and the rest dedicated American Pie to their American friend bound for the USA the next day.  I was right up there singing loud as can be during the chorus and a scattered few lines " 3 men I admire most , the father son and holy ghost".  But I barely knew any lines from the 8 minute song.   But not the Irish,  they knew the WHOLE SONG , WORD FOR WORD.  Sean stepped in, then Denis, then Eddie and Billy and finally the rest Ritchie, Maeve, Katherine and Mags.  My Irish friends knew more American folk songs than I or my friends back in the USA ever did.  I remember a funny bit Eddie Izzard did about how Americans can get a little hazy in the middle of the American National Anthem, but they looked good and pulled it off.  70% how you look, 20% how you sound, 10% what you say.
Is this true ?  How many classic American tunes can you sing ? So today at the end of the evening, after the fireworks and we are finishing up the last of the beer , sit around the fire, toast a marshmallow and sing some good ole American Tunes.  Make the Irish proud !
Let me start you off....
Long long time ago..//http://youtu.be/Y0Y_XRiJsCI
Eddie Izzard's bit on the National Anthem
http://youtu.be/MwpuJoIvMyA
and in case you want someone to sing along with you,
here is Whitney's version
http://youtu.be/xS-R7SM_-M4

New Bachelorette episode 2

Yesterday, I posted on Facebook how I was happy to get home in time to watch the finale of the Bachelorette.  Someone was upset with that and said torture was better.  The man ( not a Facebook friend ) said I was waisting my life and I should be watching other shows like Pawn stars or Bad Girls Club.  I was waisting my life trying to get bad jokes from a boring TV show.  Tell that to my mother , Mr. !  I think I want to add this guy to the list of men who would be on the Bachelor.  The angry guy, the guy who takes everything way too seriously,,,, for example,,,, what reality shows people watch.  Now mind you many of you think the Bachelor is garbage, fine I grant you that.  But I do not judge what reality show your watching.  I have no interest in Pawn stars , unless the clothes are coming off.   I don't care what reality show you enjoy, if your rushing home to see the new Snooki and Jwow or Mob Wives or Ultimate Pickers.  I don't even care if your the type who does not watch reality shows because you think its trash ( and it is ) and you rather do something else.  Thats the beauty of this land, you can choose to wind down anyway you want.  Me personally  I wind down on Mondays with the Bachelor, and when thats done, Dancing  with the Stars. I love that its something me and my mom both like, gives us something to talk about during the week.   I like that it is Mondays and that I can get my bad TV out of the way, so I can spend the rest of the week listening to what people want me to do.