Nineteen Pieces of Klou

I had been promising to share myself a long time ago, you know, in writing. Recently, Bob shared some information about himself and challenged me and others to do the same, thereby putting some much needed fire under me. This will be an ongoing project, and each time I'll give it a little spin. This time, I have provided my own response to each of Bob's subject matters, and added some of my own. Without further ado, here are 19 elements of me.


What a way to start this off...

1. I have a dirty mouth. A few of you know about the Lenten Cuss Jar. Rather appropriately, I cannot stand to hear people use foul language in public, to hear people curse in front of children, or worse yet, at their children. That goes right through me, and it's a vicious cycle not easily broken. I love the challenge of making my point under heated circumstances without using a naughty word.

2. I respect the religious choices of others, and don’t care for it when people are critical of other people’s choices. Keep that to yourself and mind your business.

3. Every time I tell a lie, it backfires on me. Example: After Katrina, stressed, lonely, overworked and underappreciated, I matter-of-factly told my doctor I felt like killing my insurance claim adjuster and several people in my office. Yep, I said those words. I knew I would never do that, but he didn’t. I wasn’t concerned about the possible repercussions for the statement, either. It was the second lowest point in my life. Unlike the very lowest point in my life, I didn't have the protection of being in shock. Everything worked my nerves. I was burned out and hostile. After he determined I was no harm to myself (that seemed to be all he cared about - love him for that), my doctor prescribed an antidepressant. After reading the side effects, I decided that wine would suffice in seeing me through this dark period (it’s carried me far beyond that). When I returned for a follow up, I couldn't bring myself to tell him I wasn't taking the medication after all that drama, so I lied. When asked, I told him that on a scale of 1-10, I was a six, where I had previously been a two. He immediately said I should be a nine or ten, upped the dosage and scheduled a follow-up, which would include blood work. I was sure to be found out then. This type of thing always happens when I lie, and I do my best to avoid it.

(I never went back for the blood work. He's still my doctor, a very good one, and is himself a little crazy, which I find endearing).

4. High school was probably one of the most painful times of my life. While there were some good times, laughs and memories, there was also a great deal of pain, misery, frustration, rejection, and never feeling like I belonged anywhere. There is not a thing you can offer me to make me relive one day of my high school years, but it no longer makes me sad to look back on it. Why? 'Cause I'm all grown up and happy now, bitches!

5. You want me to come to your defense very quickly? I'm talking, ready to fight any and everybody messing with you? Let me even think you're the underdog. I will slay a dragon for you.

6. At one time in my life, I was a voracious reader. Not so much anymore. I still read, but not like a mad woman. I’d like to say it’s due to having less free time, which is true, but if I lay off social media I’d be reading twice as many books, at least.

7. I don't care for people who don't (or won't) think critically. It's okay not to have an opinion about everything, but I have little tolerance for those who have no opinion about anything, or for those with a herd mentality.

8. Okay, Bob, I have to disagree with you on this one. My relationship with cats is complicated and I will write about it later. I don't think cats are dumb animals, but dogs are smarter, and I have seen exceptions on both counts. I do love kittens. Once they lose their innocence and become cats, not so much. I have a few scars I can show you, put there by my beloved Toby, while I was petting him, mind you. He now resides with my son. I still don't dislike cats, but dogs give generous, unconditional love, and the extra maintenance is worth it. I am a dog person.

9. I have never witnessed the death of anyone. I imagine it to be emotional, very sad, and depending on the circumstances, possessing elements of beauty. I would be scared to die right now, but I hope when that time comes I’ll go into it gracefully.

10. I am a fantastic shower singer, and actually carry a decent tune. One of my childhood fantasies comes to life during this time and has remained unchanged for decades: I am a singing superstar in a slinky, sequined dress that compliments my caramel skin beautifully (yes, I thought this way as a child), sparkles coming from my fingers, my shoes, my earlobes, and in my perfectly coiffed hair. My top singing fantasies vacillate between this one and the one where I'm Chaka Khan. As a matter of fact, I was Chaka Khan just this morning, but I digress. In my fantasies, so outstanding is my voice it causes the audience to look up at me in awe, with pure loving adoration, and I love them right back.

11. I am true foodie. I love good food like I could love the right man, and no, I will not further this sentiment here. I love to cook and dare to say if I cooked for you, whoever you are, you would want little more than to be my bitch. As I write this, I’m laughing but I’m quite serious. I also appreciate good food made by others. Wine, chocolate, colorful salads, the sweet, the tangy, the savory, healthy, fresh, natural foods, I love it all, and I love some of the bad stuff, too, though not like I used to.

12. I can't say I hate nuns, but I generally dislike them. After 13 years of Catholic schools run by some of the most evil ones on this planet, just seeing a nun’s habit causes me to scowl. Even now, sometimes I’ll have a flashback when I pass one on the street, and think to myself how lucky she is I don't carry around some hot lye to fling in her unsuspecting, whiskered face. Are there good nuns? I am sure there are, and the Blessed Mother Theresa stands alone, but I promise you, I have never personally known a nun who wasn't at least a little evil.

13. I was an extremely sensitive, shy, soft hearted child, especially when it came to animals. I cried for days after seeing The Yearling. I was devastated after seeing Old Yeller. They still hold a soft spot for me, and if I think something bad is going to happen to an animal in a movie, I won’t watch it.

14. The older I get, the less I care what people think of me. I'm real from the very beginning, and quite fabulous. If you don't recognize that, it's more than okay.

15. I am not photogenic, and have numerous complaints about my appearance, even though I'm cute. (Well I am!) That being said, there are certain elements I love about myself, won't embellish on this either.

16. I love cheesy, sappy movies during Christmas; completely out of character for me.

17. I am a very complex person. I'm a girly girl who thinks like a man about some things. Fiercely loyal, sensitive, sarcastic and sardonic. I can be generous with a total stranger, but there are some things about which I am unapologetically selfish. As sweet as I am, I can also be the meanest, coldest woman alive if you wrong me or anyone I care about. I would have no compunction turning my back on you if you betray me. I'm pretty cool natured, yet feisty as hell. Most of the time I feel like I can do anything and I have the world on a string, but there are times when I feel quite the opposite. Fortunately, those moments are few and far between.

18. I have such respect and admiration for intense, romantic, devoted love. It is sacred to me. I have not yet met the love of my life and I’ve come to accept that I may not. The older I get the less I’m willing to share important elements of my life, especially my time. Of course, for the right one I’d think differently. I’ll know he’s the right one because our love will be exponential, spilling onto everyone around us, for that’s how he and I shall roll.

19. I absolutely love funny people because baaaaby, I am one funny chica. Ask someone who knows me, or just stick around.

Well, there you have it. I just shared 19 pieces of me. Why nineteen? It's my favorite number, but I guess this disclosure makes it 20 pieces. Isn't that just like me?

Random Thoughts

My roses are growing beautifully. Well, twenty of the twenty-two, that is. Besides some fertilizer last week, and cutting on Good Friday, I haven't really done anything. I can't wait until I really get in there next week. They were beautiful last year, and I'm thinking this year will be even better. I'll have to take pictures.

I am being pulled in many different directions and it seems everything has suffered. I know I can do it all and do it well. It's just a matter of better organization.

Mr. and Mrs. Jovial had a terrible experience recently, due to their precious children having a traumatic experience while mom and dad were out of town. They never leave their kids, and this happens. I feel so bad for them, but I am also grateful, as they are, that their babies are okay. We are all thankful to God for that. I first found out about the incident from a MyS.pac.e bulletin posted by the oldest child.

I have been talking to someone with whom I have very little in common. We are clicking like you wouldn't believe. Story of my life.

I'm very happy I have family coming to visit. I hope the visit is enjoyable comfortable, relaxing, reflective, and everything else she wants it to be.

My car is acting funny.

My new bedroom is more beautiful than I anticipated, and I anticipated it to be beautiful. I am quite pleased.

I have a writing gig! Can't wait to get started.

Sometimes, your family will kick you in the ass worse than a stranger with ill intentions. Sometimes, you have to save yourself from your own family. That makes me sad, but not for one minute will I let it slow me down.

I have begun working out again. Pray for me.

FEMA sent me a letter saying they were removing all the trailers in Orleans Parish as of May 1. According to this letter, I cannot appeal this decision. I laughed at that for about a minute.

I saw a bottle of wine at the supermarket last week and decided to check it out. It's called Gewurztraminer. I enjoyed it thoroughly, with Thai food. I will be purchasing again.

I got the wood floor refinished in the very last room that needed it upstairs - the guest room. It is beautiful, and more shiny than the rest of the floors.

I am currently pleased with my legs. This is something I never say. Now that I'm working out again, they will go back to being the legs I don't like, but they'll be toned, healthy, and take me where I need to go as they always have.

I often think of Idris Elba in an impure manner. Ditto for Chiwetel Ejiofor, with some extra. There's just something about that African-English combo that turns out some beautiful people. Mm-mm-mmm!

Now, I need a glass of water.

I would say I need new people, but I fit right in just where I am:

I called a relative on Good Friday. She told me she watched The Ten Commandments earlier that day. I commented that she did that every Easter and it was a good tradition. There was a loooong pause. She then commented that the Hebrew slaves were very fine.

I found myself agreeing with her. Hey, I already asked you to pray.

Our group is having lunch at one of my favorite restaurants today in commemoration of Administrative Worker's Day.

One of our secretaries received a beautiful heather plant from her boss. I went to sniff it. Something went up my nose and hit the back of my throat. I started coughing and sneezing. Secretary nearly killed herself laughing. I may cut her when my respiratory passages are clear and I can think about it without laughing. This is the stuff that happens to me all the time.

I will be doing the "pieces of me" thing soon, with a little twist I stole from Mark.

I don't understand the desperate behavior of some women. Do you need a man so badly you'll take anything? This is what makes ugly men who don't have much on the ball act like their you-know-what doesn't stink. That burns me up. It makes me want to crush the berries of such "men". Think of your worth, ladies. If you're not treating yourself like a queen, he won't either.

Me? Sometimes I'm a queen, sometimes a princess. More often than not, I am a goddess.

Later,

Two Wines I Like...

Bogle's Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Syrah, both from 2006. In addition to being good wines, they're moderately priced at around $10.00 a bottle. Win-win! Talk to me - Have you tried this wine? Tell me about the wines you like.

Wine Tasting for Beginners - The Glass

A good wine glass is designed to direct the wine to the part of your mouth where its flavors will be most appreciated, thus giving you full benefit of that particular wine.

The bowl of a wine glass is slightly narrower at its opening than at the bottom. This design intensifies the aromas rising toward the nose and mouth. All good wine glasses are designed this way. Due to their complex flavors and aromas, red wine glasses have a larger opening and a larger bowl, allowing the wine to receive more air and better oxidation, and the space for the taster to really get his/her nose in there to detect, and perhaps determine the source of its aromas.

In all types of wine glasses, the bowl has to be large enough for swirling, allowing for oxidation and a good release of the wine's aromas. Many people bypass swirling, including yours truly, but it is a very important part of the tasting. Basically, it releases all the good stuff, and don't we all want the good stuff?


Here's what I have learned so far:

For Red Wines:

A Burgundy glass (shown above) is for a light, full bodied wine such as a Pinot Noir. It is not as tall as a Bordeaux glass, but the bowl is larger, which directs the wine to the tip of the tongue, an area that appreciates the more delicate flavors of wine.

A Bordeaux glass is taller than a Burgundy, with a slightly smaller bowl, designed for full bodied, heavier red wines such as a Cabernets. The shape of this of the glass allows the wine to go to the back of the mouth, where its flavors would be most appreciated.

For White Wines:

A white wine glass bowl will straight and u-shaped, allowing the release of aromas without greatly disturbing the temperature.

For young whites, the best glass has a slightly larger opening, directing the wine to the parts of the tongue where sweetness is best detected, the sides and tip.

For more mature whites, the glass will be straighter and taller, which directs the wine to the back and sides of the tongue to where the stronger flavors will be most appreciated.

A sparkling wine/Champagne glass (or flute) will be pretty straight and narrow for carbonation retention and to enhance the flavor.

Dessert wine glasses are typically smaller to direct the wine to the back of the mouth so the sweetness doesn't overwhelm. Also, dessert wines usually contain more alcohol, so the smaller glass is ideal.

Wine Glass Material

In order for an accurate wine evaluation, a thin, smooth and clear glass is what you want. This type of glass allows you to see the color and feel the texture of your wine. Obviously, crystal would be a good choice as well. Blown glass is also nice and thin. Thick glass makes for awkward sipping.

Obviously, purchasing wine glasses for your personal use is one thing, but for hosting events such as a wine tasting, having the right amount and right type of wine glasses could prove to be quite expensive. I'm going to do some investigating, but off the top of my head, I'm thinking Tuesday Morning, one of my favorite places. Right after Katrina, while I was still pretending my life hadn't been turned upside down, I purchased four wine glasses from a Tuesday Morning in Baton Rouge. I loved those glasses. Later, when reality set in, those glasses would prove to be one of my best and most reliable friends. I am so serious. They may have been Bordeaux glasses. All I know is, they felt really good in my hand, and the glass was thin, which I liked, but I'm digressing, aren't I? I'll expand on that period of my life at a later date. Another place may be World Market. I believe in quality and value, and I'm a pretty good bargain hunter, so know this - I will be researching this matter and letting you know what I find.

Has this been helpful to you? I have certainly learned a few things. Remember, I know little about the wine tasting process, so if anyone who reads this has helpful suggestions, they are very welcomed.

Wine Tasting for Beginners

As you may know, a group of friends and I are having a wine tasting next month. As previously mentioned, I know very little about the art of a proper wine tasting. I am doing my research and will know whatever it is you're supposed to know as a beginning wine taster. I do know that wine is supposed to 'breathe' for a time before it is tasted, in order to receive the fullness of the aroma and flavor. I saw this wine aerator on the Today Show, and may give it a try. The one shown above is by Vinturi.

Have you tried a wine aerator? If you have, what do you think? If you haven't, would you try it?

Wine Tasting for Beginners

The Importance of Breathing

Wines, specifically red wines, develop certain characteristics during the aging process: Bouquet, which is the smell; and taste. The older the wine, the lesser the need for breathing, or oxidation (adding oxygen in exchange for electrons). Wine actually goes through a very slow oxidation process in the bottle. So, the younger the wine, the more breathing it requires. A very young wine needs to breathe for several hours before consumption, while an older wine needs perhaps one hour. In fact, if a very old wine breathes too long it can lose some of its important characteristics. In some instances, breathing alone will not be enough, and the wine has to be decanted, or poured into a different recepticle. The act of decanting wine (usually only necessary in very young wines) aerates the wine and releases aromas and flavors.

Wine Tasting for Beginners

I know very little about wine, except that I like what I like. So, some friends (who know as much as I do) and I have decided to educate ourselves. Our first wine tasting is set for next month. I'm looking forward to learning about this.

Here's what I've learned thus far:

There are three types of wine tastings:

General Tasting - There are no limitations on the wines that you involve. You may choose to limit the wines to a particular part of the world, or grape variety, or price range, or whatever criteria you select.

Horizontal Tasting - A Horizontal Tasting involves wines from the same vintage. You decide the vintage and any other limitations on the wines involved, such as grape variety, but, the wines will all be from a single vintage. A horizontal tasting is a good way to see which winery was most successful within a given year.

Vertical Tasting - A vertical tasting involves wines from different vintages but all the wines will come from the same winery. If the winery produces more than one type of wine, you would select a single wine from that winery and taste multiple vintages of that wine.

Information courtesy of http://www.cellarnotes.net/.