ich Kalliope

What I Know (((Today)))

I'm a lucky girl.  That I know.  Blessed with a wonderful husband, family and friends who love me no matter what.  I also know that I have been extremely blessed with experiences, opportunities and self-discovery beyond belief.  I know this too... and need to remind myself everyday...

1. Do what you love.

2. Take risks to find your voice.

3. When a door closes, a window really does open.

4. Do more than just one thing.

5. Stand in your own light and believe you deserve the good things that come your way.

6. Enjoy an evening glass of red wine when you can.  It's a magical time.

7. Enjoy the goodness of others and listen to their stories.

8. Return the love that is given to me.  Everyday.

9. Be grateful.

10. Be joyful.

What's It Gonna Take?

 

It didn't take the heartwrenching tragedy of the murder of 20 small children and their 6 teachers to make me hate the US Constitution's 2nd Amendment, but I hope and pray it made more American's hate it. But we are a distracted society, and December 14, 2012 although only 19 days ago, is already last year. 

Our right to bear arms and the evolution of the amendment over time has turned my country into a dangerous land.  As we continue to fight terrorists in far away lands, I feel the terror right here at home.  At the theatre, on the subway, at the mall, at schools.

As my sweet German husband and I discussed again this New Year's Eve that, yes it's against the law in the United States to have an open container of alcohol in public... and no the guy who walked around with an exposed automatic weapon at a political event for President Obama broke no laws, is sadly the state of our country.  Sad isn't it?

We are in desperate and urgent need of intellegence and common sense.  I want to fight this fight.  There seems to be no more important call to action for our times than gun control.  We have overcome ignorance and fear many times in the history of this nation, to do what's right. 

So I'm pointing the finger at myself and asking "so now what are you going to do!?".  The honest answer is I don't quite know.  On November 6, 2012 the cititzens of the US cast their vote against a candidate and a party who were stuck in a time most of us don't even remember, and who paid little attention to facts.  Well, I love facts and here's one that drives me to action: last year in the US, there were 10, 728 people killed by handguns.  In Great Britain, 8.  In Japan, 48.  In Germany, 42.  The list goes on.

The wisdom of crowds can drive action, and I'm in search of ideas.  So what now Kalliope?

Eat + Italy = Eataly

A recent trip to New York City reminded me again of all I miss about Europe!  Where 5th Avenue and Broadway merge at the corner of  22nd, Mario Battali's Eataly stands ready to embrace me in wonderfully fresh, handmade and beautifully presented food, products and experiences I've only enjoyed in London, Paris and Munich. 

Inspiring like La Grand Epicerie Paris which is my must-stop, must-see, must-eat-there, and my beloved Dallmayr in Munich, Eataly is a short jaunt south of home!  Where Eataly goes one step further and encourages me to explore, experiment and be served at a variety of restaurants within it's massive walls.  It doesn't matter what time of day you wander in, there is a treat awaiting. 

I hope this is a trend here on this side of the Atlantic, but it will take some time I'm afraid.  As in politics we are in food... terribly split.

Shampoo Injury

Yep, you got it!  I got hurt at the hair salon yesterday.  After many, many happy blissful years at Grace salon in Portland, Oregon, my gray hair wouldn't wait for me to return there for a touch-up.  That's the way gray hair is.  I had to search for a new salon, in my new city, to take care of my old gray hair. 

So after careful consideration, asking around, yelping, I found one.  But what I forgot to ask about was, how is the shampoo experience???  Honestly, it never entered my mind.  Silly me... I was more concerned with the quality of the haircut, the experience of the stylist, the color products they used, and the overall ambiance of the salon. Big mistake. 

After my color had been properly processed, out came Carmen from the backroom...  as in "Carmen will shampoo you now".  I didn't have a good feeling, but it was only a shampoo.  I followed her to the wash stations.  Then it started, a combination of feeling as if I was in a World Wrestling Federation match while riding Splash Mountain at Disneyworld.  It was brutal.  I prayed it would end quickly, but it didn't.  She actually shampooed, rinsed and REPEATED.  Who does that???  Then came the conditioner and the color set.  Over and over and over again, she batted my head around, in what was marketed as a "signature head massage".  At one point the water really got away from her and she soaked me.  "It's only water" she bellowed.  BELLOWED!

Today I have the battle scars to prove it, and I'm afraid no one will believe me.  Not to mention a new found fear of the shampoo station at what might turn out to be my new salon.  I know I can request not to be with Carmen on my next visit... but I can tell you, Carmen does not forget a face.  I believe she may have ruined the awesome experience of a great salon shampoo for me for a long while!  Never will I close my eyes, lean back and breathe. 

 

Old School

The first day of our roadtrip, as we were ready to set out from Cannon Beach, OR, my sweet husband found his compass and placed it on top of the roof of the car to get us directed.  To confirm where "east" was.  Beautiful isn't it?  Simple compass, fresh raindrops on the car, a good way to start.

A roadtrip is good for the soul.  The hours spent in the car, reflecting and absorbing all that is around you, and letting the miles wash over you is a gift.  Our roadtrip across the USA is well underway.  Tonight we find ourselves in Iowa City, Iowa, making our way from Portland to Boston.  We have a lot of technology with us, trip trackers, Facebook, iPhone, cameras and laptops.  Documenting and sharing with friends and family along the way. 

A couple of days into the journey we realized we didn't have a map.  A real map.  Fold up, fold out, paper map of the USA.  We missed it.  We bought one, and I am highlighting our route as we go along.  Analog.  So in our digitally connected world, sometimes you just want a map... or a compass.  Something that will keep you on track, moving in the right direction, no matter what. 

     

Top Ten Reasons...

   

As pretty much an optimist, I look at the glass half full.  So upon my return from the most fabulous vacation, EVER, and as my longing for and missing of Greece did not diminish... I challenged myself to name the top 10 reasons I'm happy NOT to be in Greece. 

I'm thrilled to report that it was not that difficult, in fact the list easily reached twenty.

10. Show off the recipe for Watermelon + Feta salad I learned from my dear friend.

9. Complain about the Oregon weather.

8. Live in a world of fantasy, swim in a saline pool and pretend it's the Aegean.

7. Choose another beer other than Amstel or Fix for my afternoon Radler (beer + sprite)

6. Don't have to decide which taverna to have dinner, there aren't any.

5. Finally know what it's like to desperately miss a beach.

4. Make the best Greek salad in the neighborhood... hell, SW Portland!

3. Being in the safety of my own home when I heard Bristol and Levi were back together.

2. Smile when I still find sand somewhere.

and the number one reason I'm happy NOT to be in Greece...

1. I can flush TP down the toilet again!

   

Once Upon a Time

It all started in Greece, and it started again in Greece, and so on, and so on, and so on...

Exactly two years ago I had a sabbatical.  That absolutely amazing time, off from work, where for the first time in my life, I officially tried "to find myself"!  I'm a baby-boomer, so finding yourself, was never a legitimate option to press the pause button, and figure it all out. But in 2008, I decided to take a good chunk of my sabbatical in Greece.  Yes, to enjoy the sun, the sea, the wine, tsipouro, feta, olives, read a stack of books, spend time with my dear husband and rest.  Also, to ground myself where it all began, the birthplace of my grandparents, my foundation and stock up on all that came before me.  

A change was coming, and I wanted to be ready. 

Μια φορά κι έναν καιρό ... once upon a time, this Kalliope was planning a change.  After a long awaited, much deserved sabbatical, where she saw blue sea and blue skies in every direction she looked.  She returned to the same job, at the same place, but as any good story goes... she wasn't the same.

It took almost two years, but what started in Greece in 2008, has played itself out, and 2010 was a year of tremendous change.  Finding yourself takes time!  Getting grounded, finding strength and believing in all that came before you as your trusted guide planted the seed.

The summer she stood in the church in Elatos where her yiayia was christened... sat in the square in Agios Andreas that her sweet papou told her about ... read Greek coffee grounds with her yiayia's niece and family... and discovered the street in Gardiki where her papou's family still live and which bears the family name, nothing would be the same when she returned.

We're heading back to Greece again this summer, to the same wonderful place, where I can see blue sea and blue skies in every direction I look.

Feta is all Greek

I realize that with all the problems Greece is facing, and for all the help it needs from it's neighbors in Europe, getting all worked up about feta cheese seems trivial, but there are somethings that even the worst economic crisis shouldn't mask. 

The EU's highest court has ruled, Feta is from Greece, and ONLY Greece.  No more appeals by poser-feta-producing nations ((( Denmark, Germany ))).  Done! 

I can ((( and sometimes do ))) make feta a part of all three daily meals, so I've done my homework and know that there is good Greek feta to be found in the United States.  My current favorite is Kolios, which can be difficult to find, primarily because as soon as my local Middle Eastern grocery store stocks it, it's gone.  People like me hoard feta, we buy in quantities, cause it lasts a long time.  Another one of my favorite brands is Dodoni, which you can buy at Costco.  Gotta love Costco.

And since in the United States, the EU ruling is not recognized, Kalliope needs to spread the word.  Here are some facts to help navigate in our crazy world of too much choice.  Real feta, Greek Feta is made from sheep's milk.  It can have a certain percentage of goat's milk, not more than 30%.  Period.  Done!

For those of you who haven't adopted Feta cheese into your daily diet, I am thinking that it is most likely because you haven't had the real thing.  You have probably had those white cheeses masquerading as feta, that crowd the refrigerator section at many supermarkets. Athenos brand ((( made in Wisconsin ))) comes to mind.. made from cow's milk, it possesses none of the taste or texture of the real thing.  Beware of cows posing as sheep.  That's a "moo" you hear when you open that container of Athenos.  Pay attention.

It's time for breakfast now... toast with feta and a cup of coffee. 

Καλή όρεξη.

I heart Mondays

Fifty-two times a year Monday comes along.  Twenty-four hour chunks of time that for most of my life I welcomed it's arrival like the other six days a week.  With a cup of coffee and a shower...  and with joy, gratefulness and anticipation... ok with a combination of these, depending on... well just depending!  And most often times not with as much joy as Fridays.  Just being honest here.

When the script on Mondays begins to read like this image, it's a sign.  Mondays have always been my internal broadcasting system.  Remember, the Emergency Broadcast System, that was used back in the day? If you were watching TV, or listening to the radio a signal would begin to play and then:

"This is a test. This station is conducting a test of the Emergency Broadcast System. This is only a test... if this had been an actual emergency..."

So when I find myself wanting my Mondays back, or as my dear sister-in-law said to me, when there are too many Mondays in the week, I know it's time to get ready for some hard work.  So as this day approaches a few hours from now, I heart Mondays.  It's a wise old day, a good friend, a trusted adviser.

Julia's Gateau a L'Orange

I became a Julia Child fan again this summer after watching the movie Julie and Julia.  It prompted me to go out and buy a copy of her book Mastering the Art of French Cooking the very next day.  With fall solidly here in the Pacific Northwest, it's time to bring the cooking back indoors.  It will be a few (sevenish) months before we are grilling Greek Taverna style again.  Having Julia's hefty, French cookbook sitting in the kitchen has prompted me to try a few of her recipes. 

This is going to be fun.  You see French cookbooks didn't have any shelf space in the home I grew up in.  Too many ingredients, too fussy, not enough lemon, little oregano, more butter than olive oil.  But you can teach an old dog new tricks, so here I go!! 

With New Year's Eve planned in Paris this year and Julia's book in my kitchen, I maybe become a French-food-o-phile (Greek rooted word) in very short order. 

First up Gateau a L'Orange [Orange Spongecake] [Πορτοκαλί κέικ]!

Here's the recipe from Mastering the Art of French Cooking, just in case the urge hits you too!

9" round cake pan

2/3 cup sugar

4 egg yolks

the grated rind of one orange

1/3 cup strained orange juice

pinch of salt

1 1/4 cups sifted cake flour

4 egg whites

pinch of salt

1 tbsp sugar

 Preheat oven to 350 F. 

Butter and flour the cake pan and measure out the ingredients. Gradually beat the sugar into the egg yolks and continue beating until the mixture thickens and forms a ribbon. Add the grated orange peel, orange juice and salt. Beat for a moment or two until the mixture is light and foamy. Then beat in the flour.

Beat the egg whites and salt together in a separate bowl until soft peaks are formed. Sprinkle on the sugar and beat until stiff peaks are formed. Stir one fourth of the egg whites into the batter, delicately fold the rest. 

Immediately turn into prepared cake pan and run the batter up to the rim all around. Bake in middle position for 30-35 minutes Cake is done when it has puffed and browned and shows a faint line of shrinkage from the edge of the mold.

365 Days Living off the (Beauty) Supply

I'm a cosmetic/skincare product junkie.  I've always loved to try new products, the glitter of the packaging is way too irresistible for me.  And I believe what they're selling.  I've always bought the good stuff too.  And I think it's working.  A friend I hadn't seen in a couple of years, told me I looked like a young kid last evening.  I think the lighting helped, but still!!!

So in this time where a bit of focus and prioritization has more meaning than ever, I'm making a vow, right here, right now.  I am not going to buy any new products for one year, 52 weeks, 365 days.  I'm going to use all the wonderful creams, lotions, polishes, masks, serums that are currently in my possession or that I receive as free samples.  My sweet sister-in-law works at a fabulous Parfumerie in Germany, and if she's reading this, she'll know I could use her help!

A couple of disclaimers here... makeup (foundation) and mascara are the only purchases I'll make over the next year.  Unless the samples are good matches.  Fair?

OK, just writing this is making me nervous.  I LOVE my newly discovered Arcona products which I have a bit of a supply remaining, but not close to a years worth.  But all the photos here, are just a brief inventory of what I have available to me.  I think my dear mom might still be using samples I left back there decades ago!  This is a long time coming.  So wish me luck, and send me your helpful hints and your stories of addiction to beauty products.  They would be most welcome!!

Caution contains iPhone Spoilers

((((( I think I want my Blackberry back ))))) 

My run-of-the-mill, not so great to look at, small screen, ugly fonted, app deprived, gets no oohs and aahs when I pull it out of my bag, old Blackberry is looking better and better to me everyday.  I became the proud, excited owner of the iPhone 3Gs a couple of weeks ago. 

 ((((( I think it was peer pressure ))))) 

And since then, I've been unable to make a phone call, check voicemail, type an email, send an email, type anything or snap a picture that's in focus on the first try.   

((((( Wasn't this thing supposed to be easy-to-use? )))))

It's not just the on-screen keyboard, although that has been a lot more challenging than " you'll get used to it" friends shared prior to my purchase.  Guess what?  I'M NOT GETTING USED TO IT PEOPLE!!

((((( The apps are cool ))))) 

I've successfully downloaded some very cool apps, all FREE, cause I'm not putting another penny into this thing until I'm sure it's staying with me.  Am planning to use the Glowstick tonight at the Crosby, Stills and Nash concert.  I love Shazam, but wonder why when I sing a song into the dang thing it doesn't recognize it.  And I've been told I can carry a tune by some very good friends.  Although come to think of it... they have iPhones.

((((( I'm afraid to say I don't like it ))))) 

I'm not alone in only being in-like with my iPhone.  Although those of us in this camp only feel comfortable sharing our horror stories and disdain in private, behind closed doors, we are growing in numbers. 

((((( My dear friend and I comforted each other on it yesterday ))))) 

So in this summer of health care debate, where a congressman yelled "you lie" to the President of the United States during his speech to congress, why are we afraid to be out with our honest iPhone feelings? 

((((( iPhone lovers, you lie! )))))

This or That

    

DAIRY QUEEN or FROZEN YOGURT

During these challenging times, choice becomes even more important.  Scrutinizing purchases and landing on what one truly needs and yes, still wants, makes what we choose even sweeter, more important.  I for one, don't believe it's about frugality, I think it's about priorities.  Save here, spend there.  But what is clear is it has to have meaning for me. 

Here are some fun and easy choices I'm always interested in knowing about those around me.  How would you decide on these critical choices? 

      

ATLAS SHRUGGED or THE FOUNTAINHEAD

A short year ago, I might have posed this question in the "desert island" scenario.  You know, if you were on a desert island and could only have one book, one food, one this, one that... what would it be?  This question seems to be irrelevant as we are faced with these choices day-to-day. I believe one should face most decisions with this scrutiny, and think that the US consumer who thought their credit card was cash was not approaching their decisions with understanding what they really wanted and needed.  I don't want to cover all with this broad stroke, as there are many exceptions for many good reasons, but in general, decide. 

This or that?

      

CAKE or PIE

  

CHICAGO CUBS or CHICAGO WHITE SOX

   

HOT DOG and HAMBURGER.  Sometimes you just can't choose.

 

Pedal Power

Why can't I get a grown-up bike that looks like these kids bikes? 

Simple, fast, modern form.  Bold, technical, fun graphics.  Amazing color that just pulls you in!  Not just the saturated, alive pink and orange, but the bright, clean whiter than white. 

Might I ride my bike more???  It's a thought!

 

 

Ritual of Excellence

 

In just four short weeks, I have developed a new Saturday morning ritual that I absolutely love.  It's very simple really, but relies on absolute excellence, greatness actually.  No compromises, and no mediocrity.  A lofty order, but one I can commit to with head and heart. 

It includes a great cup of coffee.  Black, so the spoon in the image is for effect only.

An excellent computer, in this case my beloved Apple iBook G4. 

President Barack Obama, and his weekly internet (a.k.a. radio) address, which is truly the new must-see-tv.

So grab a great cup of coffee, your computer and listen to excellence, www.whitehouse.gov

Cruisin' Warnin'

   

  

I'm always aware of random coincidences that become patterns.  You know... those observations that make you go hmmm?  It's definitely a trick of trend tracking, but most times, it just pieces things together to make me realize that something is occurring that is worth registering. 

The latest for me is what I'm calling the attack of the PT Cruiser.  The "gangster" Chrysler.  I don't know enough about the design of the car to understand what the consumer profile was for this car.  Who were they designing for?  But whoever they were designing for, is not happy.

As of late, they have realized their car is an albatross, no vroom, a ridiculous exterior... and they are angry.  At one point last week, I got cutoff by three different PT Cruisers in the short span of 10 miles!!  These are not happy people.  And they're taking it out on the rest of us.  Within the past two weeks, everywhere I look there's a PT Cruiser on the road, doing something PT Cruiser-ish, including trying to pass a Porsche 993 on an incline.  Silly car!

Yes I'm a car snob.  I love well designed, preferably German cars.  I make assumptions about cars and drivers without knowing who they are.  That's why I'm going on the record to say that those people in the "gangster" Chryslers are none too happy with the stereotype and out to prove it wrong. Silly drivers!

An Oxymoronic Wish

I made it through the holidays, yet again, without a proper gravy boat.  I am determined that it will be my last... I'm getting a gravy boat.

You see, I want a contemporary gravy boat.  An oxymoron of the highest proportion.  Right up there with Jumbo Shrimp and Military Intelligence, is Contemporary Gravy Boat.  I say this after spending an embarassingly long time looking for one, primarily online.  Here's what I've found so far, two, and sadly neither of them have made the final cut.  Help!

What an opportunity for a company like Alessi, Bodum, Rosenthal, Villeroy & Boch or iitala.  We lovers of modern, contemporary design like our gravy too. 

From IKEA                                                     Terrence Conran for Royal Doulton

More is Less

I was feeling a bit under the weather this weekend, no major symptoms, just not 100%.  As I was watching some television a commercial for Vicks Custom Care medicines came on.  The caregiver was serving them to a group of sick people off of a sterling silver tray... like a waiter at happy hour.  I think there were five different kinds, cough & cold, congestion, chest cough, dry cough and body aches.  Only one flavor, Berry, that I could find after a bit of searching, Orange, Honey Lemon... can't be too far behind.  Yikes.

Do we really need all of this choice?  Is it necessary to slice our options so thin that it's nearly impossible to make a decision without Google nearby?  Is it safe to say this is an American phenomenon? 

In the book the Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz, the argument is made why more is less.  How even the simplest decisions are made unnecessarily complicated, because of the sheer number of choices we are faced with daily. 

During these most challenging of economic times, I hope we can begin to self-edit, if the demand isn't there, perhaps the manufacturers will get the message.  Here's my list of what we could do with less of. 

Please share your "more is less" list here.

1. Cereals

2. Flavored Water

3. Shampoo

4. Coffees

5. Cold Medicines

Narci-SO Beautiful

One of my absolute favorite fashion designers is Narciso Rodriguez. An amazing designer, most famous for his design of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's ultra-simple, incredibly crafted wedding gown.  Well, most famous until his Spring 2009 dress was worn by our new first lady Michelle Obama on election night. Now he will be most famous for this historic night.  This one will be hard to beat!  No one deserves this stage more than Rodriguez in my humble opinon.

His incredible talent for tailoring, form and color is a perfect match for Michelle.  How refreshing.  Bravo Narciso, more, more, more!!  The real proof of his incredible talent, is how it looks better on the real woman, than on the runway model.  Yes we can!!!

Tag, I'm IT

I've been tagged by fellow Industrial Designer, Bijoux at Keep it Simple.  Bijoux also happens to be Greek, and so it makes me wonder if we are the only two female, Greek Industrial Designers in the world?  The western world?  The Americas?  In any case, it's pretty dang cool!

Sounds simple enough, share 7 facts about yourself on your blog - some random, some weird.  Here goes:

1. I am afraid, deeply afraid of large statues.  Doing a quick image search on flickr, I wanted to add a photo of the Statue of Liberty to this post, but my palms starting sweating, and I got a little shaky even looking at pictures of that giant. 

2. I still get nervous when I see my Greek school teacher, and I haven't been to Greek school since Richard Nixon was president.  Just saw her last Sunday in church, when I was visiting my parents. And you would have thought she was the Statue of Liberty as nervous as I got. 

3. My favorite television show is Dancing with the Stars, and although I have many goals and aspirations, they all pale to my deep, deep desire to be on that show.  The depth of my aspirations spans from dancer (current) to judge (future).  I'm going to put it out here first, my real career goal, is to retire as a judge on Dancing with the Stars. 

4. If I were stranded on a desert island, with only one type of food, it would be potatoes.  Which helps explain always needing to lose ten pounds, but I'm not going to go deeper on that one here!

5. I have always had a fear of having to live in a trailer, and driving a station wagon with wood grain side panels.  It is my sincere belief that this fear was a motivating factor in my work ethic.  Work hard, earn a good living, no trailer, no wood grain.  Simple.  It's worked so far.

6. My brother won a Romper Room drawing contest, "Winnie the Pooh Discovers Chicagoland", with a drawing that I had done.  I entered the contest under his name, cause I was a year too old to officially enter.  Busted!

7. I can eat feta cheese and toast for breakfast every morning and never get bored.  A fresh cup of black coffee, my toast and feta and I am a happy Kalliope. 

Thanks Bijoux.  It was harder than I thought!  So here are the rules...

The rules:

- Link to your tagger and list these rules on your blog.
- Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog - some random, some weird.
- Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blog.
- Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

... and who I'm tagging next!

1. Zara at Autologue
2. Maria at Organically Cooked
3. Emily at Cupcakes and Cashmere
4. Decorina at Decorina and Skylar
5. Hello Gorgeous
6. Rachel at Hue
7. Stavros at Greek Odyssey

Tina and Me

I have found a kindred spirit in the comedienne and actress Tina Fey.  I've always been a fan of hers, but the deep connection I felt towards her after watching the opening skit of last week's SNL for the fifth... ok, sixth time was very strong.  We have so much in common, really.  I think we might be related.  

FOUR THINGS KALLIOPE HAS IN COMMON WITH TINA FEY

1. GREEK-AMERICANS, you thought I was kidding with the related thing huh?  We're both of Greek descent.  Her middle name is Stamatina.  I think I had a great aunt named Stamatina.

2. FUNNY, I'm not fond of the spotlight, although I'm pretty comfortable with a microphone in front of a group, and I've been told I'm pretty funny.  I'm no star, but I can make people laugh.

3. SARAH PALIN, the day after Black Friday when Palin was announced as McCain's running mate, I put my hair up at the start of the flat ironing process, grabbed my not-so-designer glasses and saw an uncanny resemblance to a certain Veep candidate from Alaska.  My husband, and a couple of friends thought that I had a good chance of getting the part of Palin on SNL.  Yes they did... they said it! The fact that I lost the part to Tina, is well-known now in most circles.  And I don't begrudge her success, although my dear friend still says I would have done a better job.  I love her for that!

4. WE LOVE OUR COUNTRY, we really do.  In an interview this past Sunday, after winning three Emmy awards and being praised for her uncanny portrayal of Palin on the SNL season opener, Fey responded with the following:

"I want to be done playing this lady Nov. 5," she said. "So if anybody can help me be done playing this lady Nov. 5, that would be good for me."

I'm here to help Tina!!  I want you to stop playing that lady too.  I hope that on November 5, 2008 that you and I only have THREE THINGS IN COMMON, unless it turns out you're my sister. 

Play Misty for Me...

uhhh... no thanks, not again.

The 2008 Olympics have been incredible thus far, or at least that's what I read and hear.  Being on the west coast of the United States, the already delayed television coverage of the main events doesn't start until 8:00 pm.  And for the first couple of hours it's usually Beach Volleyball, EVERY night so far. 

I've watched a lot of beach volleyball, in an attempt to stay awake to watch the events I'm really interested in seeing.  I have failed every night thus far.  Have missed all but one Michael Phelps phenom swimming, all of the Gymnastics.  You get the picture.

Oh, and it's not all beach volleyball that is broadcast every night, it's USA women's, Misty May-something and her partner what's-her-name.  Night-after-night.

Have they won yet? 

Perhaps I'm in the minority here and Beach Volleyball is the hottest ticket in Beijing.  At one point I had to check my television because I thought I might have landed on the Beach Volleyball channel.  I'm not a fan of the sport yet, but an all BVTV can't be too far behind in these United States.

Financial Grounds

This sabbatical is coming to an end. 

The time off was pretty spectacular from my vantage point, and if I dare say, near perfect (pfth, pfth, pfth!).  It almost felt like my sabbatical was waiting for me to experience it.  I'm pretty sure that most people feel this way about theirs too.  In any case, it was my first, and it didn't disappoint. 

Time to go back to work.  Sigh, smile, sigh again.

Last week, we were enjoying a cup of Greek coffee at Cafe Fragma on Marathon Lake with my dear cousins who live in Athens.  As I finished mine I turned it over onto the saucer, in the hopes that someone at the table knew how to read my future in the coffee grounds.  My husband did the same.  As one of my cousins picked up the cups she began to identify some markings.  Both of our cups had some markings that represent money.  Hmmm.... I asked how much money exactly.  She couldn't tell.  I asked if it was enough to retire on... she didn't know.  I didn't want to pressure her.  

OK, honestly, I'm not ready to retire.  But rest assured that pictures of the coffee cups will be presented at our next meeting with our financial advisor for future planning purposes. 

Roll with it?

From my posts, it's easy to see that I love Greece.  It has been an incredible journey, an incredible experience, and as soon as we can, we will return.  Yes!  Be warned, this post is not going to be pretty, but one that needs to be put out there.  I tried to "roll" with it, but this Greek-American is somewhat more American when it comes to this next subject. 

What's with the toilet paper disposal in Greece?? 

In a country that has bragging rights to so much history and discovery, who had a waste management system in the Minoan Palace at Knossos on the island of Crete in 1900 BC, still cannot handle toilet paper disposal into the toilets!  The piping system is not made to handle paper. The cradle of civilization is unable to handle TP in a civilized manner. 

The country that brought the world the likes of the Parthenon and the Temple of Poseidon, can surely figure out how to make throwing TP down the toilet ok.  Hey perhaps, there are some other countries who figured it out first?  Just a thought.

The conspiracy theorist that I am, led me at first to believe that it's a conspiracy with the manufacturers of TP, as you are required to use so much more to dispose of it properly into the lidded bins provided. But the word on the street, is the pipes are too small, even in new construction areas, even in luxury hotels.  C'mon Greece... the Euro is healthy, invest in some bigger pipes.

Suit up!

 

In the aftermath of the sad passing of NBC news reporter and moderator of "Meet of the Press" Tim Russert, NBC announced yesterday that Tom Brokaw would be coming out of retirement to be the host of the famous program through the US elections of 2008.

I like Tom Brokaw, he was my favorite news anchor when I watched the evening news.  But is this all NBC could find?  Was there no one on the bench ready to suit up?  Were there no women in the cue?  The only viable alternative was to ask Tom to come out of retirement?  Really?

I've seen this play out in other places too.  Big jobs, opportunities abound, and the spots are filled with men that get pulled out of retirement, or given to men who should be in retirement. Hillary being the only viable female candidate, just one, is another example of the lack of bench strength we have built as women.

Where are we?

Bottom line... we've lost our place in line.  Or perhaps have we stepped out of line knowingly.  I believe it's a combination of both, and neither helps the next generation of women and girls.  So as Tom Brokaw moves towards retirement yet again in November, I hope that there's someone from my team ready to suit up.

No this, in that.

                                       

On a recent plane flight, we were "served" the customary snack, this time it was pretzels.  On closer inspection, I noticed that they were cinnamon pretzels. 

I proceeded to put them in the seat pocket in front of me, just in case at some point during the 4-1/2 hour flight I got so hungry that they would be appealing.  When my husband saw me shoving that little bag away, he looked my way, as if to say... "can I have those?"  His had already disappeared.  I asked him if he wanted mine (this is the kind of sacrifice I make for those I love).  He calmly said to me, "they shouldn't put cinnamon on pretzels".   End of story, he's right.

It got me thinking, there are a number of examples in our modern lives of where I truly believe there should be no this... in that.  Primarily an American phenomenon, we like to combine things we like.  We sometimes just can't resist the urge and leave well enough alone. 

Cinnamon on pretzels.  Blueberries in bagels.  Vanilla in coffee.  Red pepper in chocolate.

I think I can build a good solid list of "no this, in that".  It doesn't have to stay in the food realm.  Examples like, Woodgrain on Car Panels, pops to mind!  Any ideas out there? 

My time has come...

...but times have changed!

When I was growing up I used to watch in envy as my parents would get ready to go out with friends.  Back in the day they would get dressed up, and as I am not 100% sure today where they were going, what I do remember is that I wanted to go too.  I used to voice that over and over again, I want to go too.  I want to do that too.  I want to see that too.  My mom would calmly say to me "your time will come". 

In that short response to my desire to experience all right a way, I have to say that she let me know that I too would have the chance to do and see it all.  And I have.  Does this anticipation, patience building, delayed pleasure and separation between the generations still exist?  I think so, I hope so. 

There's one five year old spending his vacation at the same place we are in Mexico, and I wonder what the heck he's going to be looking forward to as he grows up.  His time has come, and how!  He's already taken over the Happy Hour club every evening, yes Happy Hour is open to five year olds.  He was drinking his Diet Coke and Fanta Orange out of the last wine glasses.  We drank our wine from little juice glasses.  OK, not bad, that's how they do it in Greece anyway... we're not in Greece.  He stood up on the buffet table to grab his handful of chips and appetizers.  And screams his way through card games when he's not winning.  I don't think his grandma ever used the "your time will come" on his mom.  They're all here, maybe I'll ask! 

I'm careful when I speak about children and discipline.  But it's a safe bet to say, I would use the "your time will come" on them if I had the chance.

Did somebody say donut?

And pub? 

Imagine my sheer excitement and awe, in the back of a cab, stuck in a bit of New York City rush hour traffic, when I spotted The Donut Pub, located on W 14th at 7th Ave.  Traffic was slow enough for me to snap a quick photo, which I'm considering printing, framing and hanging somewhere important.  Maybe even giving as gifts.

Convergence of so many things I consider to be wonderful. 

First, donut.  Really, there's not much better than a good fresh donut.  The traditional cake-type are my favorite, I'm not a big fan of the airy-melt-in-your-mouth Crispy Cremes.  Although if put in front of me, they'll do in a pinch.

Second, neon lights.  I love neon signs.  The simpler the better, and it doesn't get more simple than this.  They call out to me, and give me a feeling of authenticity.  I trust neon.

Last, a pub.  A small, cozy place to get together with the like-minded.  In this case, donut lovers.  I'm a bit skeptical of what this crowd might look like, gathered in one place, but I'm planning on giving it a try on my next visit!  The online reviews are raving. 

MWF, loves to dance

Readers of this blog know that I love to dance.  Greek dancing.  Tap dancing.  Line dancing.  Ballroom dancing.  Disco (yes disco) dancing.  Dance dancing.  You name it, if I have a chance, I will take the opportunity to learn any kind of dance.  I don't go out dancing, primarily because I just can't stay awake that late.  But you get the picture.

So when I saw the latest class at my fitness club, Cardio Funk, I was excited!  Combine dancing with a good workout, and it's a win-win for me. 

Not so much really...

It was all great, to start.  The music, the energy of the teacher, the overall class participants, it all felt good.  The studio was big, great sound system, huge mirrors, located on the street level with floor to ceiling windows to the outside world on two walls.  You got it, floor to ceiling windows, on street level, on two walls, at a busy corner, with a streetcar stop, and traffic.  Drivers glanced into the windows while waiting at the intersection, streetcar riders stared into the class as they made their way to the stop.  And there I was, pushed into the corner at BOTH windows.  Being the new "kid" in class, the other more respectful, private spots were taken by what I had initially thought was a nice class.  Let the dancing begin!

Under normal dancing circumstances I wouldn't mind being in a window.  I wouldn't have given it a second thought as I would have been enjoying myself and not thinking about who was peering in.  This was different.  My husband said he walked by the class on his way home from work, and wasn't quite sure what I was doing in there.  That's not good.  He's one of my biggest fans, and encouraged me to take the class as he had seen it many times.

As I persevered through the hour, it didn't get better, easier or more fun.  I found myself asking, is this Cardio Funk?  It was definitely a workout from a cardio perspective, but there was no Funk, not in the Chicago way that I know Funk.  To get through the hour I had to give myself something to focus on, and I decided that it felt like I was trying out for the local production of "The Lion King". 

I didn't make the cut.

Uh-huh...

that's what I'm talking about.  It's here, and there's no need for any more confusion or disorganization.  Let the new year begin!

Applause, applause!

     

Over the holidays we have made it a point to see a few of the many movies that are out this time of year.  They have all been good, but two were especially fine.  The Great Debaters and The Kite Runner.  At the end of both of these films the audience applauded. 

I like to applaud when I think something is good.  I will often times be the applause-instigator in a group.  With an added "whoop" or a "yeah" in there for extra energy.  But I can't remember the last time I applauded in the movie theater, or when the audience in general did.  Now I didn't start either of these spontaneous applauses, but boy did I join in.  Now it's got me thinking... what has started this phenomenon?   

Happy New Year!!

Wishing all the best for the new year!  Happiness, health, peace and love.  And all that 2008 holds.  A sabbatical, elections, adventures, good deeds, an Audi S4... elections.  What's on your list? 

Instant Gemuetlichkeit

We moved into a new home about a year ago.  It's a wonderful place.  New construction, a sustainable building, LEED certified Gold.  In many ways it's very innovative, minimizing carbon footprint and decreasing dependency on oil are fundamental to sustainable architecture.  Water and energy conserving features like rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient appliances, eco-roofs and more.  It's smart, modern and comfortable.

Except for a funky looking gas-fireplace, with fake logs, fake glowing cinders, and a fake brick backwall with fake soot.  Yes fake soot! 

Our previous home had a wood-burning fireplace, and it was lovely.  Crackling fire, the smell of the wood, all that.  So I was leery of the new gas fireplace.  Skeptical of flicking a switch, instant "gemuetlichkeit" (cozy, comfortable, warm).  I'm ok with it now.  Looking at the flames, and feeling the warmth radiating, it's authentic gemuetlichkeit.  Not having to tend a fire, and being able to use it more often and easily, sounds pretty lazy, it is.  But I'm happy to have it.

I still find my designer self staring at the fake logs and fake glowing cinders and ask myself why does it have it be this way?  New technologies, new innovations, and modern approaches to everyday living, also need modern interpretations not mimicry.  There's a business opportunity here.

Modern Gemuetlichkeit.

 

Lead it Be, confessions of a lipstick girl

Yesterday, in the news here in the US, there were warnings sent out that some red lipsticks contained detectable levels of lead.  The moment I heard this news I became a bit nervous and agitated for a few reasons. 

1. I am a lipstick girl.  Although my color-trained eye would not classify me as a true red user, in the part of the country I live in... it's pretty dang close!  If all else fails "put a little lipstick on" is my mantra.  I learned this from my mom.

2. 18 months ago, I had heard the news about lead levels in lipstick from a friend of mine in Holland.  Why did the news take so long to get to this country?  Aren't issues like lead in lipstick international enough for global concern?  I should have put a disclaimer onto my blog recommendation for L'Oreal Endless Color, afterall I had switched to MAC lipstick weeks after my entry in April 2006.  MAC was not on the original list my friend from Holland shared with me.

I suppose what bothers me the most...

3. I don't think it's going to make one bit of difference.  I'll take the risk, before these lips go pale

We are NOT the same

For all my constant thoughts and ramblings about EQUALITY, TOLERANCE and INTEGRITY, I realized on a summer's night in August of 2007, in an open field in Troutdale, Oregon that in fact we are NOT all equal.  We are not the same.

Case in point - Stevie Wonder is different!  The genius kind of different.  That transcends generations.  And deserves the respect and the love he certainly heard and felt from his audience, for the most part.

For the most part.

At one point this living legend, invited members of the audience up to help him in an audience interaction.  These LUCKY people were on stage, NEXT to Stevie Wonder, and do you know what they did?  They tried to upstage him.  Seriously, they felt as if this was their "Place in the Sun".  They failed miserably, but what prompts this?  Is it too much reality TV?  Is it American Idol-itis?  What is it?

Yes, we all deserve our place in the sun.  Yes, we are all created equal.  We are NOT the same.

And really... bottom line, IT WAS STEVIE WONDER people!!

Finding a Cure

The other night we were at some friends for a bbq, and had some ice cream for dessert.  This was not any ice cream, it was "Extra Rich Light Vanilla Bean".  Yes, that's right EXTRA, RICH and LIGHT.  It was from Haagen-Dazs, and on the inside of the cover it explained ALL that went into their products.  All I can say is WOW!!  Here's what was written on the inside of the cover,

"We spent ten years with European scientists perfecting our Extra Rich Light ice cream.  To capture all the richness of our classic flavors, we developed a unique blending process that preserves all the taste, but with only half the fat.  Our light ice cream is all natural, with no artificial ingredients or fat substitutes."

TEN YEARS, with EUROPEAN SCIENTISTS to develop ice cream.  I am sure with that kind of dedication a cure for a disease could have been found don't you think?

Then we opened up the "Fat Free Raspberry Sorbet".  Not such a compelling name, but let me again quote was inside this unassuming title...

"We began more than 40 years ago with three flavors, and it took us six years to develop a fourth.  That's the patient and uncompromising approach we've taken to every new product we've crafted ever since".

40 YEARS AGO with THREE FLAVORS, and SIX years to develop a fourth.  OK, so they didn't work with European scientists on this one.  Perhaps an entire cure for something couldn't be found, but maybe something might have been started.  A plan for universal health care in the US perhaps??

Being Prepared

I pride myself in thinking ahead.  Being prepared.  The "what-if queen" is how it's been put.  I'm not a big risk taker, and rarely put myself into situations where emergency measures maybe needed... or at least not that I know of.  For example, being stranded somewhere.  The desert island scenario. 

I don't think I'd be very good on that desert island.  This week my husband and I were on vacation and went on a 3 hour whale watching tour.  We brought two bottles of water, and I had a pack of my all time favorite LifeSavers, 5-flavor, (which by the way they switched the flavors... no more orange, lemon or lime).  Our boat ran out of diesel fuel, and so we were "stranded" for a bit.  Within about 9 minutes, I had eaten ALL my LifeSavers.  At one point, my sweet husband asked, "are you eating those 2 at a time??".  I ALWAYS eat lifesavers (and jellybeans) 2 at a time, but even after 16 years of marriage I still have a secret or two!  All ended well, there was extra fuel onboard, the boat started back up no problem and we returned safely to shore.  Albeit, me with a stomach ache.

A similar thing happened to me when I was 12 years old, and stuck in the elevator of the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Chicago.   I was riding up and down in the elevator, and suddenly the elevator got stuck.  Thank goodness I had a Baby Ruth candy bar.  I pressed the emergency call button, they said help was on it's way!  I sat down in the elevator and took a very small bite of my candy bar, it would have to last.   Then I took another, small bite, then another.  Poof!  Candy bar disappears.  Elevator doors open too.  Total elapsed time, 13 minutes.

A Leading Question

Life is complex.  Twists, turns, expected, unexpected, pleasant, sad, easy, challenging, priorities, preferences.  There are so many components to what defines us.  A friend and I were talking yesterday about what we choose to "lead with".  At times, this seems like it's not really our choice, but after giving this some good thought over the past 24 hours I have decided that most of us have the power to decide what we "lead with". 

Readers of this blog know that I turned fifty this year, but it's not what I choose to lead with.  I prefer to lead with liberal, happy, creative, funny, tolerant, who happens to be fifty.  Lately I've been pushed into "Fifty-year-old Kalliope", and I don't like it one bit.  I realize I don't like it, because I choose not to lead with it.   

Choosing what you lead with rather than having that put upon you, very important. Maintaining it, albeit sometimes difficult, even more important.  

Geraniums don't smell this good

I haven't been posting much about those products that I find that are that special combination of reasonably priced and really good.  It's getting harder to find those items because there are great value products out there more and more.  But Mrs. Meyer's Hand Lotion in the Geranium scent is wonderful. 

Believe me, I know my lotions.  In fact a few people who might be reading this blog will think "oh brother, does she ever"!  This great lotion is only $4.99 for 12.25 oz at drugstore.com, my new favorite website.  Check it out, Mrs. Meyer's products are great, the scented candles  are some of the best I've found.  And I know my candles too!

Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day products are environmentally friendly and you can shop by scent on their website.  I LOVE the Geranium, and just to make sure I went outside and sniffed a geranium I have growing on my stoop, and it didn't smell like Mrs. Meyer's geranium.  In fact it didn't smell at all.  Do Geraniums have a scent?  If not they should consider adopting Mrs. Meyer's version.  Until real geraniums smell this good, I may have to resort to spraying them with some of their room freshener. 

Fragile

                  
In hindsight, if I could, I would wear a sign on my back or forehead in the month or two leading up to my fiftieth birthday that said "handle with care".  Everyone handles things in their own way, and by wanting to wrap myself in the rolls of tape shown above, you're probably getting the picture as to how I'm handling the build up to the big day!

I was on business last week in Amsterdam, and had to buy a few beauty products while there.  The Dutch are known for being pretty direct, and usually I like this characteristic.  But not when buying eye cream and hair conditioner at this particular point in time.

The salesman helping me recommended a eye cream, but made it a point to tell me that "it won't work overnight".  Gee thanks!  Then I asked him if he could recommend a good hair conditioner.  He asked me a question and answered it all in one sentence, he said "is your hair colored, of course it is".  He didn't even pause between question and answer.  Would he have been kinder if I was wearing the sign?

I'm fairly certain his comments would have barely registered with me at another point in time.  3 months ago, or 3 months from now.  But boy did they resonate last week.  So it's time.  I'm going to move into 50 with as much grace, dignity, expensive eye cream and conditioner that it will take!

By the way, both products have kicked in nicely, thanks to my direct Dutch friend.  Dank u vel.