Xavierism

Menu Plan Monday for June 29th Week

*Menu Plan Monday thanks to Orgjunkie.com. So many bloggers participate in this affair. Plan your menu for the week and browse Laura's site. Check out all those that participate and get wonderful ideas for all upcoming meals of the week. If interested, feel free to join in the fun. Let Laura know I sent you. Below is my Dinner Menu for the week:

*Monday: Pasta & Zucchini *Recipe found on Finding Joy In My Kitchen blog.

*Tuesday: Ground turkey in Curry sauce with rice & broccoli.

*Wednesday: 13 Bean Soup made in Crock pot.

*Thursday: Special evening...dinner out with friends. I will be making a Chocolate Coffee Zucchini cake. I'll be shure to take pics!

*Friday: This is 4th of July! I believe we're having friends over for BBQ & pool fun. 

Time to work on today's blog post.

Have a great week!

*****CHEERS!****

Menu Plan Monday for June 22nd Week

Having Coffee At Pool side Earlier This Evening.

I know I'm late in posting for Menu Plan Monday...please forgive me. No excuse so I'm not even about to try and offer one. Since I've lost ten pounds through better eating habits and exercise, I am doing my best to cook and eat most of our own meals. Not only do I save money by doing this, I know exactly what the nutritional values are for each meal. 

*Menu Plan Monday thanks to Orgjunkie.com. So many bloggers participate in this affair. Plan your menu for the week and browse Laura's site. Check out all those that participate and get wonderful ideas for all upcoming meals of the week. Below is my Dinner Menu for the week:

*Monday: Since it was a hot one today, we kept it simple and had rotisserie chicken sandwiches and garden salads. Simple yet delicious!

*Tuesday: Ground Turkey & pasta in a light pesto sauce.

*Wednesday: Chicken With Grilled Peaches & Arugula.

*Thursday: Grilled Salmon with Cucumber & Celery Salad

*Friday: Ground Chicken Chili This is a fave recipe. You'll love this chili!

I've collected so many wonderful recipes from other bloggers as well. I hope to include many in next week's menu. Hope Monday was kind to each of you.

*****CHEERS!*****

Current Music: Tina Arena's Live Version of My Heart Will Go On
Current Mood: Sleepy & Blessed

Menu Plan Monday for June 8th Week

Recently Planted Bangkok Red Bougainvilleas in Our Yard.

Thanks to Laura at www.Orgjunkie.com, I have a reason to blog on Mondays. She has a huge following of people that share their week's menu planning. Thanks to over 280 bloggers that participate, I now have a variety of personal and new recipes to incorporate this week. I am doing my best to cook more at home rather than eat out. Yes, I love eating out but I want my times out at great restaurants to be special rather than taken for granted. So this idea would be ideal for Rodan and myself.

For now, I would like to post a simple weekly dinner menu so I have something in place to share. Here goes:

*Monday: Chicken wings & Salad

*Tuesday: Zucchini Tart & Veggies

*Wednesday: 13 Bean Chili made in Crock Pot. This is a favourite. It's not a recipe just something that I make often. I will keep log while I add so that I can share recipe.

*Thursday: Leftovers & Salad

*Friday: I plan to make a recipe from a follower on Menu Plan Monday. I'll keep you posted.

Okay, time to get back to work. Hope each of you has a great week!

*****CHEERS!*****

Current Music: Missy Higgins' Sugarcane
Current Mood: Hungry

Quiet Storm

Today's Lunch: Zucchini Tart and Mango & Curry Chicken.

***Random Play
*Celia Chavez: Sailor's Daughter
*Will Young: Let It Go
*Texas: Red Book
*Jaymay: Autumn Fallin'
*Nichole Nordeman: The Best of Nichole Nordeman
*Morley: Seen

It's been a quiet day. Too quiet. I woke up and the Cockatoos have been giving us the silent treatment. They've been so good. Today's been nice. I worked from home...nice. I made Lunch and cleaned the house.

Sometimes it's about enjoying the quiet moments. I let so much go today. I just wanted to be part of this Quiet Storm.

*****CHEERS!*****

Current Music: Diana Winter's Just A Little
Current Mood: Chilled & Quiet

Music To My Ears

***Random Play
*Morley: Seen
*Sarah MacLachlan: The Best of Sarah MacLachlan
*Corrinne May: Beautiful Seed
*Diana Winter: Escapizm
*Laura Marie: Drawn
*Patsy Moore: The Most Private Confessions of Saint Clair

I'm finally feeling better after being down with a nasty cold for the past few days. No fun. Nothing like a cold to remind one's self that one is indeed human. I was on multitasking record pace when I realized I had to slow down. It was good to actually calm down and concentrate on me. I am most proud of myself for running four miles with ease this evening. I decided to skip an evening out with friends and enjoy private time with myself.

These past few weeks have taught me a great deal about business and personal relationships. I've learned a great deal from two life coaches. I've had to analyze certain matters that I've tossed aside. I love these two life coaches. It's like having therapists for one's business life and career. Once I decided to open myself to possibilities, I felt naked & exposed. The personal criticism comes rushing through and at times I'm overwhelmed by the smallest things. Funny how I can feel the added layers of thick skin. It's helped with how I face and deal with business decisions as well as business and personal relationships.  

Thank You. A Simple Thank you goes a long way. It's a shame that so many do not feel compelled to say, "Thank You". I do my best to say Thank you to those that deserve those words. I wanted certain people to know exactly how thankful I am...so I mailed out simple cards with a few words those special few.

As for the music promotions and bookings, things are great. I am working with various talented & gifted musicians: Coles Whalen, Sarah Slaton, Michael Mattingly, KaiserCartel, Guyton Maurice, Josh Damigo, Anamieke, Nate Everingham, Mike Ferraro, Richard Maxwell, Tiff Jimber, Amber Norgaard, Dave Yaden, Shaun Barrowes, Shelley Barratt, and Just Off Turner. I will definitely be sharing details about each musician's upcoming gigs and promo spots.

Coles Whalen toured through Phoenix with her Bass player, Kim O'Hara and Sarah Slaton. Kim put a video blog of their West coast travels so I thought I'd share with you. Coles Whalen...remember the name & voice! I look forward to her return in April. 

Time to change...I feel stinky from my run. Hope each of you has a great weekend!

*****CHEERS!*****

Current Music: Morley's Possible
Current Mood: Calm

Short & Sweet

Clockwise: Stephanie, Toni, Mark, Kat, and Myself.

***Random Play
*Jaymay: Autumn Fallin'
*Nichole Nordeman: Woven & Spun
*Justin Young: All Attached
*Diana Winter: Escapizm
*Tracey Thorn: Out Of The Woods
*Dave Yaden: Bear Me Up

I was reading over old blog entries from 1998. I can't believe I was reading words and emotions from ten years ago. I could remember actually writing many of those entries. So many names of friends throughout those journal entries are still in my life. I'd be lost without my close circle of friends.

I have been looking forward to this week for many reasons. I'm thankful for the weekend. I enjoyed sharing time with Kat, one of my best and oldest friends. This past Monday afternoon, I decided to invite a few friends over for dinner. It turned out to be a great dinner party. We served a Pork roast, turkey balls, and a tasty Zucchini tart. For dessert, I made a Spiced Plum Gingerbread Cake. Conversation flowed like a rich wine. New friendships were made.

The house was painted. A new G3 Baracuda Pool Cleaner is doing it's job in the pool. It no longer looks like a swamp. Morning coffee with the birds by the pool will be enjoyable again.

The month of October has been rough. This month marks the anniversary of Buelita's death and Father's first Birthday since he passed away. I surrounded myself with love. I've wrapped myself around my faith. I'm more than okay. I'm truly blessed. Time for a slice of Spiced Plum Gingerbread cake.

*****CHEERS!*****

Current Music: Tracey Thorn's Raise The Roof
Current Mood: Contemplative and Loved

Pool Time!

  I love my Barber, Michael! He knows exactly how to cut my hair. The scalp massage is by far the best part of the experience.

I have a new recipe I want to try for dinner so I'm excited about that. It'll be perfect after my gym workout. If I love the recipe, I'll be shure to share with you.

Every late afternoon and evening hours seem to be perfect for chilling in the pool.

Pool time! Gonna chill for a bit before I head out to the gym.

*CHEERS*

Current Music: KLF's Justified & Ancient featuring Tammy Wynette
Current Mood: Chilled

Happy Hour Countdown...

Coles Whalen @ Inza Coffee House on Friday, May 4th, 7:30pm.

***Random Play
*Nadine Zahr: Underneath The Everyday
*Allison Sattinger: VOX
*Morley: Days Like These
*Lou Rhodes: Beloved One
*Skye: Mind How You Go
*Rosie Thomas: These Friends of Mine

It's finally Friday. I've been praying for this day since last Sunday afternoon. I knew that if I could get through this week, I'd be okay. One client is sheer negativity. I look forward to the one event we have planned so that I can be rid of the lasso of chaos. From day one, it's been hell dealing with this individual.

Things are going well. The house projects continue. The birds, Omar, Kylie, and Baby Ella are happy. I've been doing well with my weight maintenance program. I haven't gained any added weight. If any thing, I've gained a bit of muscle thanks to the gym sessions. I love the results but getting to the gym is my problem. I forget that it's time at the gym that has helped me gain the results that I see & feel. I am actually looking forward to a good work out session this afternoon.

So many things happening this weekend. Today is First Friday! I'll be out and about this evening.  I booked  a total of 14 musicians/bands throughout the city tonight. If you live in Phoenix, I highly recommend that you support local bars, art galleries, pubs, bistros, and local singer/songwriters/bands for First Friday. Enjoy the weekend!

*****CHEERS!*****

Current Music: NADINE ZAHR's Wait
Current Mode: Busy, Happy, Relaxed, & Rejuventated

167

With friends at VinciTorio's

***Random Play
*Annie Lennox: Medusa
*The Weight: Home
*Amanda Kaletsky: Between You & Me
*Allison Sattinger: VOX
*Five for Fighting: Two Lights
*Judith Owen: Here

Blog of the Day: Tailrank. Tailrank basically tracks updated news in the blogosphere. According to the site, they find the hottest stories by tracking conversations between blogs. I was thrilled to see that one of my posts was tracked on the site. Since then, I've enjoyed the site and it's official blog.

***I have just confirmed Charlotte Martin for an April 5th guest spot on KPNX's Arizona Midday Show. If you're a local, TIVO this musical diva. The show airs at 11am on weekdays. Don't miss it! Char is opening for Veruca Salt at The Clubhouse that same evening. This will be one awesome show you won't want to miss. Be there!*** 

I thought I posted a blog about the weekend. I did just that in my own perfect little world that exist not far from Never never land.

I had a great weekend.  Sunday afternoon, we headed over to Laura's to celebrate a special occasion. The band, Hung Dynasty, officially performed it's 50th gig! Laura, the bass player of the band, hosted the party and all the members of the band & a few friends were present. I did make a Chocolate Coffee Zucchini cake. If anyone would like the recipe, email me and I'll be happy to send it your way. Afterwards, we stopped in at one of our favourite Italian restaurants in the valley, VinciTorio's. We stopped in to see & chat with Laura, Ginger & Mario, the owners, along with our favourite waitress, Karina. Karina happens to be an up & coming model from the Phoenix area. It was nice to stop in for a quick dessert & catch up with our friends.       

I've been extremely busy with work. Clients are keeping me busy along with many projects that I'm working on...it's all good. I love early mornings. I love the smell of coffee early in the mornings. It always reminded me of my childhood days when I spend the nights over at Buelita's. The smell of coffee would be the first aroma one could smell throughout the house. Then the smell of breakfast would follow. Once I would be more alert, then I'd recognize the music from a Spanish station. The mornings at Buelita's were always the same. This morning, I found myself reliving those memories while making client calls and returning emails. Mornings were so much fun without the responsibilities of every day life.

Since I blog often about Jann Arden's Journal and my weight training/loss, it seems that those that type in "Jann Arden weight loss" on any search engine, you'll find this blog, Xavierism, near the top of list. Reason that I mention this is that since Jann Arden lost 60 pounds, many of her fans have clicked into blog and have read about my weight battles. I have received many emails of support and encouragement. Many simply wrote to state that they're going through the exact same thing. I read through many personal stories about the struggles of weight. There were times when I felt as though I wanted to give up or simply stop short of my goal because all I could think about was a "quick fix" binge. Thanks to personal friends, blog friends, and many of Jann's fans, I am proud to say that I have finally reached my goal. I have lost 63 pounds. I now weigh 167 pounds.

Through out this whole experience since last August, I concentrated on myself. I didn't concentrate on numbers, calories, and what were the best foods to eat but instead I focused on eating good foods. Foods that would sustain my body. I now eat 6 to 7 small meals a day. Because of weight training, I feel muscles I never knew I had. I feel my body changing. I never knew that this could happen to me. I look forward to my sessions at the gym & my runs. I feel as though I have the energy & drive to use my body. I now look forward to the mornings and am excited about dressing up for meetings & social events. I can remember feeling so low about my self image. I've experienced the highs & lows and I hope to remember how I'm feeling at this moment. I know that I must continue this lifestyle. I can't switch it off. Physically, emotionally, and spiritually I've never been in a better place. I'm so thankful for taking back my own life. I look forward to sharing with each of you my joys & struggles as I continue to maintain this healthy lifestyle and keep the weight off.

I'm smilin' with joy. I'm proud of my accomplishments. I look forward to completing my first half marathon. Life is good. Life is damn good!

*****CHEERS!*****

Current Music: ANNIE LENNOX's Waiting In Vain
Current Mood: Blessed, Thankful, Pleased, & Rejuvenated

Hollywood, Nadine Zahr, Music, & Thoughts

With The Ultimate Musical Diva, Nadine Zahr.

***Random Play
*Amy Roberts: It Is
*Arden Kaywin: Quarter  Life Crisis
*Jamie Cullum: Catching Tales
*Nadine Zahr: Underneath The Everyday
*Allison Sattinger: VOX
*Skye: Mind How You Go

Every now and then I enjoy taking a close look at my Sitemeter. I like knowing about my readers. I have a Canadian reader that checks in often just to see if I post pictures of the birds.  Geez, since they don't actually read the words, guess they're not a reader. Anyway, I'm thankful that I do have a reader or two. When I moved my blog to this little space, I didn't know what to expect. I must admit that I love the freedom of no friends lists. I don't have to worry about the gossip and drama that's involved with such blogs sites. So thank you to those of you that comment, send emails, or messages via MySpace. Thanks to those that don't comment. Overall, I enjoy this happy spot. Music moves me and if any of the music that I showcase in my blog moves you, then I'm soulfully moved. Simple as that.   

Last weekend's Spa Boutique for a Cure which took place at The Bel Age Hotel in West Hollywood was a success! Congratulations to Kristy, jewelry designer and business owner of  My Little Pretty. Every one that attended enjoyed the pampered treatments and shopped  for a great cause. Thanks to a raffle, Rodan won a movie poster, The Dukes of Hazzard: The Beginning, and had his picture taken with the star of the film, April Scott. She was gracious to sign the poster as well. That alone made Rodan's day.       

Live music was provided by amazing female singer/songwriters; Nadine Zahr, Jennifer Vazquez, Genevieve, Whitney Steele, Candice Aragon, Amy Roberts, C. Ashleigh Caldwell, and Coles Whalen. All happen to be part of my favourite musical divas. Although I must admit that I was excited to see Nadine Zahr. Nadine is unique. She is a true female singer/songwriter & artist. Nadine took the stage and those in attendance were captivated by her voice & presence. Afterwards, it was great chatting with her. As I told Nadine, "There are my musical divas...but there's only one Nadine Zahr."  Nadine is therapy for my ears, spirit, & soul.

It was such a shame that the event had to come to a close. I was getting used to popping in for a full body & neck massages. I was sooo relaxed once the event was over. So again, congrats to Kristy! I look forward to helping out in any way I can for next year's event.

After the event, we took a little nap. Then it was time to head out to Genghis Cohen and support Dave Yaden and Coles Whalen. Both were incredible. What I love most about GC is that patrons are able to order food in the music room. So we enjoyed great music & food. Great combo!

So many wonderful things happening as far as music projects. First of all, there will be a benefit for Sing 4 Life Breast Cancer on March 29th at Picazzo's of Scottsdale (The Promenade location on Frank Lloyd Wright). Picazzo's will donate a percentage of dinner sold that evening to this great organization. Music will be provided by Melissa Polinar, Dave Yaden, and local favourite, Mary Hoffman.
 
Music event on May 11th. I am working on a fabulous musical gig for this evening. I hope to have all the details included in my next post.

Upcoming musical guests for KPNX's Arizona Midday Show:
*March 15th: Motel Arizona
*March 26th: Chris Ayer
*March 28th: Melissa Polinar
*March 29th: Dave Yaden
*April 2nd: Michael Mattingly
*April 5th: Charlotte Martin
*April 9th:Whitney Steele
*April 10th: The Dorsets
*April 12th: Ben Roberts
*April 27th: Amy Roberts
*May 7th: Raina Rose
*May 29th: Becky Johnson

I am always thrilled to help singer/songwriters land a spot on The Arizona Midday Show. For many, it's their first time on television. So if you're a local, please tune in or Tivo Channel 12 @ 11am on the days listed and check out incredible artists from around the valley and elsewhere.

As of today, I am down to 168 pounds. I'm only one pound from my goal weight.  I'm so excited. I feel as though the weight loss has grounded me in so many ways. I have learned about obedience, continued drive, the will to feel better, and wanting to live the best life possible. It's spring time here in Phoenix. The orange blossoms are smelling sweet & I feel more alive that I have in a long time. I look forward to being out and enjoying spring & summer fun.

Older I get, the more I realize that certain things aren't really important. I welcome wisdom. I treasure the present moments. Life is good. Time to get ready for a good work out.   

*****CHEERS!*****

CURRENT MUSIC: NADINE ZAHR's Wait
CURRENT MOOD: Peaceful, Happy, & Thirsty