Spin Cycle/Monday List: 10 Things That Make Me Happy

1. My creams. My friend Belinda, who I have always said was the most beautiful woman I've ever seen in real life, started me on Annemarie Borlind many years ago. It is not cheap. But the joy it gives my face is totally worth it. This stuff is amazing - rich and nourishing. Mmmm. I've gone through particularly broke periods of time when I've switched to an inferior cream, and I can actually see the difference on my skin. I would rather give up buying new clothes and coffee than give up my creams. Well, maybe not coffee. Crazy good.

2. My neti pot. I know. The thought of pouring hot salt water through one of your nostrils and watching everything in your head drain out the other side seems disgusting. Okay...it is disgusting. Really. But everybody with sinus issues who starts using one quickly develops an almost religious attachment to theirs. I like to get in the shower and steam for a little while, then neti pot myself while still in the shower. It's like a spa for my head.

 
3. My iPhone. I lusted for it for years, but it was definitely worth the wait. I love it. Deeply. It's everything I wished for. I'm app mad. I carry it around with me all the time, clutching it to my heart. I'd have sex with it if I could. Wait...it vibrates when it rings...I COULD have sex with it! Okay, that was creepy. Sorry.

4. Sci-Fi Fridays. I still can't bring myself to call the Sci-Fi Channel "Syfy", the ridiculous name they've recently "rebranded" themselves with. "Syfy" my ass. But regardless of what they want to call themselves, it's where I am every Friday night. Which, I admit, is pathetic. And sharing this with you all is definitely letting my freak flag fly. But, what can I say? I'm a geek. When I was a kid I had every episode of Star Trek memorized. Especially the "Spock in love" episodes, oh yeah. I was convinced that if I were to meet Mr. Spock, I would certainly be able to get him to forget all that logic stuff and fall madly in love with me. If I lived in the future. In outer space. And wasn't 11. I got hooked on the SciFi Channel back when Battlestar Galactica (the new one, not the silly '70's show with Lorne Greene) was on. Battlestar is one of the best shows in the history of television, which I realize is a pretty bold statement. But true. Now there's this new BSG sequel, Caprica. And there's always something fun - Stargate Universe, Doctor Who, Sanctuary. These weirdo sci-fi shows tend to be pretty intelligent, and well-written. And I find them comforting and exciting at the same time. Kind of the tv equivalent of a hot toddy.

5. Tim Gunn. I want Tim Gunn to be my friend. I already put him on my Fantasy Dinner Party guest list. I have always felt particularly joyful and cared for when in the company of smart, witty, elegant gay men. And luckily, partly because of the career I have chosen, I have a number of dear friends who fit the bill. Plus I feel that Tim would enjoy dressing me. Throughout my life I've had a string of gay friends who want to dress me, I'm not sure why. Maybe it's that I'm very tall and leggy. Anyway, if it was Tim I would LET HIM. And I bet he could get me a nice discount on clothes from Michael Kors. 

6. Suburban Matron. I'm sure this will embarrass her, but reading what Becky has to say over at Suburban Matron always makes me feel happy. For one thing, she hysterically funny and insightful, and has a brilliant way of seeing both the ironic and the touching in simple things. But also, I have come to love all her "characters" and feel that I know them all well, which is a tribute to her ability to tell a story. From her family to her kids to her crazy neighbors, I'm always eager to hear their latest adventures. 

8. Venti Nonfat Caramel Macchiatos from Starbucks. I know, I know. Starbucks is "the man", the giant corporation that has taken over our world. But when I'm feeling puny (a Texanism for "not good"), nothing gives me the little pick-me-up I need like a giant paper cup filled with three shots of espresso, vanilla syrup, steamed milk and a butt-load of caramel. Mmmmm.

9. My iron skillet.  For years, my Grandmama's iron skillet sat in the bottom of my skillet drawer. And I mean years and years. I moved it from apartment to apartment to house, and NEVER used it. I think I must have felt daunted by the whole "seasoning" thing. Then one day, I got a wild hair, dug the thing out and Googled "how to season an iron skillet". Easy as pie. I now use the thing for EVERYTHING. I mean, I use it every single day. I honestly don't know what I'd do without it. It cooks so much more evenly than any other skillet I've ever used. And it is actually really easy to clean. Love, love it.

10. My choir. I know that I talk about the church choir I sing in all the time, but I just can't leave it off this list. It brings me joy for so many reasons. a) The people - the coolest and most eclectic and spiritual group of people I've ever been a part of (not what you think of when you hear "church choir". b) The music - we sing really good music. Mostly "good" music, if you know what I mean. I kind of hate all that "Jesus Goes Broadway" kind of poppish music that most churches have. We sing the classic hymns and great composers, as well as the occasional spiritual. There is an amazing, powerful thrill that comes with singing beautiful music with beautiful people. Singing powerful music sends chills up my spine. I can be having a terrible, terrible, overwhelming day, then walk into a rehearsal, really wishing I didn't have to be there,wishing that I was curled up at home with a big glass of wine, then the music starts and my spirit is truly lifted. Music really does have amazing power to heal and inspire.

Look at me, I'm a two-ring circus! I'm not only throwing this into the Spin Cycle at Sprite's Keeper, but also into the Monday Lists at Abdpbt.

Comments

[abdpbt]

I am intrigued by these creams of which you speak! And naturally, I agree on the iPhone, Tim Gunn, and Suburban Matron.

[Becky]

I am all aglow to be on a list with Tim Gunn and grandma's skillet! You are a doll (that's a little Texas too). I get a lot of pleasure from this here blog too.

And okay, I might just might try the neti pot.

XOXO
b

[Amy]

I just got a neti pot from my mother in law and you have inspired me to try it out!

I am a total Sci Fi geek too! I used to read all the Star Trek novels as well as watch the show. (I can admit this via the anonymity of the internets.)

And SubMat--while I am certainly biased as her sister, it's one of my faves too.

Fun list!

[Jan]

I drive Beloved crazy - I can name the *title* of a classic Star Trek episode within 15 seconds of the opening scene (the one before the credits) and he won't watch Wrath of Khan with me at all, because I spend the entire film reciting all the lines. And, heaven help me, I love Next Generation just as much.

I started watching Dr. Who just as Tom Baker was ending up his tenure around 1981; I've caught a few episodes of the new show and loved it, but again, Beloved thought I was nuts for watching the marathon they were showing on BBC America one Saturday.

We won't even go into my devotion to my cast iron cookware.

And you've talked me into the neti pot; I've been thinking about getting one for months, and you're not the first person I've come across that loves theirs.

[Michele Renee]

Creams?! When I first "met" you you were talkin about those frownies!!!!
I agree that Sub Matron writes wonderfully. And so do you!
I enjoy Project Runway and watching Tim Gunn. The boys watch it with me (i have no privacy). My 9 yr old needs to get into drama. he acts out every commercial and Tim Gunn's voice and sayings.

[Lisa]

You use your neti pot IN the shower? Genius! Seriously.

[Stacy (the Random Cool Chick)]

I have sinus issues and my aunt has been bugging me for quite some time to get a neti pot. Since you make it cool, I suppose I'll get one! ;)

I can't bring myself to calling the Sci-Fi channel "SyFy" either. It just seems so wrong!

I used to use my iron skillet all the time - now it's been tucked away for way too long. I'm getting that sucker back out to use it! :)

[Ungirdled Passion]

My husband is a faithful neti pot user. It does give you the feeling you've gotten all the yuck out!

[lynn hornsby]

iron skillet--have from college and use a lot also; need to re-season it. lots of sinus stuff lately and best friend also swears by neti pot; maybe I will try it, as I really like the shower idea. and yes SyFy seems like you should say "cee-fee"

[Sprite's Keeper]

I bought John a neti pot but he's still intimidated by the box itself. That must be the reason he hasn't opened it yet..
I love your Number 3. Best laugh I've had all day!
And sorry about missing your comment on Monday. I've given myself a guilt trip about it already, but feel free to add some! It's inherent in my family so there's plenty of room! You're linked!

[Sarah at themommylogues]

I just got an ipod touch yesterday - I'm ready to download every app they've got. What are some of your favorites?