i am (not) an entertainer

Have you ever noticed that everyone who remodels their house on  HGTV describes themself as an "entertainer".  These "entertainers" spend mounds of money on remodeling their homes so they can invite people over and "entertain" them (all the while spending more money).  I decided long ago that everyone can't be an entertainer, it is mathematically impossible.  In order to keep the universe in order, I have decided to be one of the "entertained".  I am a delightful guest and will always offer to bring a scrumptious dish.  (I completely understand the responsibility that comes with my position.)  This lifestyle choice is carried through at work and the design of my work space.  I am pretty chatty and can get a conversation going that I can't wrap up when I need to.  I start to think about the work that I need to do but I don't want to be rude to my work friends and cut them off. Then the A.D.D. kicks in and I can't listen to what is being said and I can't fully concentrate on planning what work I should do.  I am sure I look like a skittish squirrel when all this is going on.

I have a couple of self imposed regulations that somewhat help with controlling my social based distractions.  First, my office space is the size of a postage stamp and if I was surrounded by barbed wire, it would also be in violation of the Geneva Convention.  Don't get me wrong, I love my little bento box office. I have the best view, out of my entire office, from the window that is right next to my desk.  My desk is also hidden around a corner, so (in theory) nobody can sneak up behind me and see confidential information on my computer or desk top.  I also don't have a real seating area for guests, even the floor space is limited and uncomfortable.  With that said,  people still stop by and aren't so slick with their nosy behavior.

These retractable bands make a friendly, clear boundary and are under $20.  There are about eight different designs, with varying messages that can be chosen from, but they also offer customizable bands. "Thanks for Stopping By - Try Again Later" "Shh.....Make a Quick U-Turn and It Will Be Like This Never Happened" and "Cross This Line and It Will Hurt You More Than It Will Hurt Me" are all possibilities.  They might be a smidge harsh and I might just have to stick with the smiley zipper faced "Don't Disturb" band. (I can also use a combination of sayings, the band cartridges are interchangeable.)

just a spoonful of sugar

Today is the 45th anniversary of the theatrical release of Mary Poppins. I liked Mary Poppins although I never quite understood why she didn't smack those horrible children with her umbrella once in a while. I loved the chalk drawings in the park, wished for the magical cleaning power that could make the items in my room put themselves away and even though I don't like musicals I liked the singing. Really wasn't "a spoonful of sugar" a great song and bit of advice?

great balls of fire (or at least near it)

I went to my friend's 4th of July bbq yesterday and it was fun, as always. There were all sorts of goodies, delicious artichoke dip, triple fudge brownies, mini cheesecakes and other mind numbing creations.

At my own gatherings and the speed at which people scarf down food, I think, finger foods are the way to go. Bite sized food is easy to eat when talking to people, cuts down on wasted food, is easy to serve and prepare ahead of time. If I can bbq bite sized treats it's even better, I can keep the mess outside.

(link to meatball griller)

Magical Mozzarella Meatball Recipe
(adapted from a "normal" meatball recipe)
(link to original recipe)

• 1 small (6-ounce) onion, grated
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus 1/4 cup
• 2/3 cup grated Parmesan plus 1/4 cup
• 1/3 cup Italian-style bread crumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning
• 8 ounces ground beef
• 8 ounces ground veal
• 2 ounces smoked mozzarella cheese, cut into 16 (1/2-inch) cubes

Directions:
In a large bowl, combine the onion, 1/2 cup parsley, 2/3 cup Parmesan, bread crumbs, egg, ketchup, garlic, red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Add the beef and veal. Using your hands, combine all ingredients gently but thoroughly. Shape the meat mixture into 16 (1 1/2-inch-diameter) meatballs, then make a hole in the center of each meatball and place a cube of mozzarella inside. Reform the meatball so that the mozzarella is completely covered with the meat mixture. Place in griller and grill until done.