Personal Update

Ok, I'm done playing "Port Royale 2." I made it up to the level beyond Real Admiral. I did not get all the way to Admiral - I just don't remember what the other Admiral rank was. Once I got businesses going in all regions of the Carribean I got bored - thankfully, since I was spending TOO much time on it trying to increase my wealth and reputation in the 17th century. As the publication I work for heads into high gear for the upcoming deadline, it is best that I focus on wealth and reputation in the 21st century. If only I could make 14 million in 3 hours like I did in the game .....

Ok, since I have to prepare for deadline, there have been a few things I have done and enjoyed lately that I will not have time to do in the next few weeks. Cooking is one of them. Well, I should say healthy or balanced cooking - not cereal and Seinfeld for dinner. Once I get tight into my deadline I may once again (and again) surrender to the siren's call of a $5 one topping pizza, 4-7 pm, (pick-up only) from the pizza parlor just a few corners down. I get mushrooms, onions or hot peppers on it and convince myself I'm eating healthy.

I made chocolate pecan pie yesterday!. It's a favorite shared my my boyfriend and myself. I made it for his birthday last year since he does not like cake. Since then, I have made it quite often; not just for him, but also for his co-workers, our families and our friends. It's soooooo SUPER-DUPER easy!!! Especially if you use a graham cracker or other pre-made crust. Even if you don't have a pre-made crust, my mom gave me the EASIEST recipe for a VERY flaky crust. I made a couple last week for a friend's party and two last night. We almost devoured one between ourselves. He took the other one to work. I have a request to make at least three more, so everyone at his job will get an ample slice.

Dance practice - not as much as I'd like to say. If I was due for my first public recital I'd feel pretty guilty about not practicing at least every other day. But I'm just doing this for fun. Yes, I have a conviction to practice and improve for my own sense of fulfilment - but I can not let an activity I took up to releive stress become an additional stressor in my life because I am too harsh judging my progress. Even if I never get good enough to perform, I am still thrilled to enter into the world of this beautiful ancient art form.